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Price Per person double occupancy
| Dates |
|---|
| Saturday & Thursday Departures |
| Request a quote or call 800-322-0788 for more information. |
Price Includes: Services of a professional tour director. All hotels with private bath. Hotel tax, service charges and tips for baggage handling. 13 american breakfasts, 2 lunches and 7 dinners. Private and air conditioned motorcoach while touring. Travel bag and documents.
Not included: Airfare from departure city. Air taxes and trip cancellation insurance.
Note: Passport and Visa are needed for entry.
Deposit Required: $300 per person will reserve your place. A $100 service fee will be charged for cancellation at any time in addition to our normal payment and cancellation policy.
Day 1
Board your transpacific flight.
Day 2 & 3: Arrive In Auckland, New Zealand
Cross the International Date Line and arrive on the morning of Day 3. Welcome to New Zealand. After arrival in Auckland, check into your hotel. Rooms are ready for early check-in so that you can freshen up and rest. Meet your traveling companions this evening at a special welcome dinner hosted by your tour director.
Day 4: Auckland
Today embark on a sightseeing tour, which takes in the panorama of the city and its surrounding harbors from the summit of Mount Eden, an extinct volcano. The main highlight is a visit to Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World. Take a unique journey through an underwater complex with an abundance of ocean life. The rest of the afternoon and evening are at leisure.
Day 5: Auckland-Waitomo-Rotorua
This morning, drive through the pastoral region of Waikato en route to the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and their limestone formations. The cavern is studded with thousands of shining glowworms, whose lights are reflected in the still surface of the underground river. Continue over the Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua. On arrival experience Te Whakarewarewa, Rotorua's most prominent thermal area, with New Zealand's largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces. Enjoy a traditional hangi dinner this evening, followed by a Maori concert.
Day 6: Rotorua-Queenstown
This morning visit the Agrodome to learn about one of the country's major industries--sheep! Then stop at Rainbow Springs where you can view kiwis. A mid-day flight brings you to the South Island's popular resort area of Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. This evening take a gondola ride up to Bob's Peak for dinner at the scenic Skyline Restaurant.
Day 7: Queenstown
A full day at leisure and an opportunity to visit Milford Sound. Consider a full-day optional tour within the World Heritage Fiordland National Park--one of the most spectacular sights in New Zealand. Your tour director can help with other suggestions.
Day 8: Queenstown-Christchurch
A free morning to explore, shop, or take a thrilling jetboat ride before your short flight to Christchurch. Sightseeing here starts with a drive up the winding Summit Road for views of Lyttelton Harbour, then past the city's old stone buildings, the charming Avon River, and acres of green parklands.
Day 9: Christchurch-Melbourne, Australia
This morning is at leisure. Later today fly across the Tasman Sea to Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city.
Day 10: Melbourne
Today's sightseeing tour focuses on the city's landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance. Visit Cook's Historic Cottage in the Fitzroy Gardens, and then drive past the Royal Botanical Gardens. Other sights include the Victorian Arts Centre and the Queen Victoria Markets. The afternoon is at leisure. You may wish to enjoy lunch on the Vintage Colonial Tramcar, as it winds its way through the streets of Melbourne. Afterwards consider the optional excursion to witness the famous penguin parade.
Day 11: Melbourne-Cairns
Morning flight north to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. As the rest of the day is at leisure, consider our optional trip to Kuranda via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Also available: the optional tour to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park--a fascinating portrayal of Aboriginal culture and folklore. This evening your tour director hosts dinner.
Day 12: Cairns. Barrier Reef Excursion
Today one of the world's natural wonders. After a scenic drive along spectacular coastline, reach the resort town of Port Douglas. Board a fast catamaran, and head to the outer edge of Australia's famous Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy coral viewing from the Underwater Observatory cruise among the coral gardens in a modern Sub-Sea Viewer. Snorkeling gear is available, and an informative talk by a marine biologist enhances your reef experience.
Day 13: Cairns-Sydney
A mid-day flight south takes you to Sydney, Australia's largest city.
Day 14: Sydney
Morning sightseeing of the capital of New South Wales. Via Sydney's commercial center head for the Domain and Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, from where you enjoy a view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Proceed to Kings Cross, the city's nightlife district, and through exclusive suburbs to famous Bondi Beach. See trendy Paddington, the ultra-modern Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay, and the historic Rocks area on your way to the Opera House for a guided tour. Later return to Circular Quay and end your sightseeing with a luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 15: Sydney
A day at leisure for independent activities. Perhaps join an excursion with a relaxing cruise to a historic homestead (one of the earliest trading posts dating back to 1867) on the Hawkesbury River, with a fabulous lunch served on the broad verandah. This evening your tour director hosts a festive farewell dinner at a popular waterfront restaurant.
Day 16
Your homebound flight arrives the same day.
