|
Day 0
Depart from Home
Today you board your Qantas flight and begin the adventure of a lifetime to Australia and New Zealand. Crossing the International Dateline, you skip a day ahead.
|
|
Day 1
Cairns, Australia - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef in tropical north Queensland. Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner with your new mates.
|
|
Day 2
Great Barrier Reef
Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting tour of the Great Barrier Reef - the most biologically diverse ecosystem in the world. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef in many ways. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride*, take a stroll in the rainforest, relax on the beaches, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving and an outer reef tour* are also available.
|
|
Day 3
Cairns
This morning you board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for an unforgettable ride above the rainforest canopy. There are two stops where you may get off the cableway and experience the forest floor from specially designed boardwalks. The amazing diversity of plants, animals and birds will astound you. Your evening is at leisure to enjoy your tropical surroundings.
|
|
Day 4
Cairns - Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Fly to the heart of the Outback, arriving at Uluru, what the Aborigines refer to Ayers Rock as. Tour the sandstone domes of the Olgas and the area around the base of “The Rock.” Later, witness a stunning sunset as the Rock’s hues change dramatically with the setting sun.
|
|
Day 5
Uluru - Alice Springs
This morning you depart for Alice Springs to experience life in the heart of the Aussie Outback. A sightseeing tour of the area includes the Old Telegraph Station, where you learn how people communicated in this remote destination in the 1800’s. Gain insight into the educational system in the Outback with a visit to the School of the Air; you may even see a class in session! A special experience is in store for you this afternoon as you will have the opportunity to meet the young Aboriginal group, Drum Atweme**. Supported by the Collette Foundation, Drum Atweme is a musical group comprised of at-risk youth from the local community. Tonight, enjoy dining and entertainment during a traditional dinner in the bush. You’ll experience Outback hospitality and entertainment under the Southern Hemisphere's stars.
|
|
Day 6
Alice Springs - Darwin - Kakadu National Park
Begin your day with a Dreamtime Tour. Experience the culture of the Australian Aborigines and learn about their ancient culture, folklore, customs and the concept of Dreamtime. You will have the opportunity to taste some of their traditional Aboriginal food. Later, board your flight to the northern tip of Australia and the city of Darwin. Then, drive into the heart of Kakadu National Park.
|
|
Day 7
Kakadu National Park
Today, experience the beauty and culture of Australia’s “Top End.” Kakadu National Park is home to wallaroos and wallabies, monitors and lizards, birds of every imaginable colour, and crocodiles. See ancient Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock, some dating back over 10,000 years. During your afternoon Yellow Waters cruise be on the lookout for crocodiles as they bask in the sun, as well as waterfowl such as jabiru, egrets, herons and eagles.
|
|
Day 8
Kakadu National Park - Darwin - Melbourne
Fly to the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne.
|
|
Day 9
Melbourne
This morning enjoy a city tour which includes Fitzroy Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and Parliament House. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore Melbourne independently. You may visit the elegant parks and gardens in this friendly city, take a ride on a streetcar or enjoy lunch at an outdoor café in the quaint Italian neighbourhood of Carlton. This afternoon visit Phillip Island, a renowned nature reserve and home of the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins. The Little Penguin is protected on Phillip Island and rangers diligently study them. View the Little Penguin Parade as hundreds of them waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their burrows in the dunes. You will also visit the interpretation centre to learn about the life of the Little Penguins and their significance to the area.
|
|
Day 10
Melbourne - Hobart
A flight to Hobart, Tasmania brings you to Australia's second oldest city. The rugged and pristine beauty of Tasmania provides the backdrop to your 2-night stay.
|
|
Day 11
Hobart
This morning you will meet the Tasmanian Devil! Learn about this unique marsupial, its plight for survival, and the great efforts in place to save it from extinction. Later, take a guided tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site, the best-preserved example of Australia’s penal colonies. Dating back to 1833, the site features a large number of stabilized ruins and restored buildings. While at Port Arthur, you’ll get a glimpse into the lives of the convicts. Later, witness the spectacular coastal rock formations known as Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and the Blow Hole.
|
|
Day 12
Hobart - Sydney
Return to mainland Australia today and arrive in the bustling city of Sydney.
|
|
Day 13
Sydney
Start the day with a city tour of Sydney, where modern-day Australia was born. Highlights include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Paddington. Discover one of the world’s greatest architectural achievements as you take a guided tour through the Sydney Opera House. Dinner is included at the 360 Restaurant, a fantastic revolving restaurant atop the famous Sydney Tower, offering stunning views of the city below.
|
|
Day 15
Sydney - Queenstown, New Zealand
Travel to New Zealand, arriving in the gorgeous town of Queenstown. Dinner is included at the Skyline Restaurant overlooking Queenstown, the Remarkable Mountains and Lake Wakatipu.
|
|
Day 16
Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Journey through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley via the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise of Milford Sound fjord. Following your cruise, you return to Queenstown. You may choose to return via a short optional flight, weather permitting, for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
|
|
Day 17
Queenstown
Enjoy a day at leisure in this charming village. You may choose an option of a thrilling jet boat ride on the scenic Shotover River, or “A Journey through Middle Earth,” where you traverse the Tolkienesque countryside and see where portions of the Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed.
|
|
Day 18
Queenstown - Mt. Cook National Park
Travelling through New Zealand’s picturesque countryside, you will learn about the 19th century gold rush when you stop in Arrowtown. Later today you will arrive at Mt. Cook National Park where you may take nature walks or, if weather permits, enjoy an optional flightseeing tour to the top of the rugged mountain range.
|
|
Day 19
Mt. Cook - Christchurch
A drive through the Southern Alps, which line the western side of New Zealand's South Island, brings you to the beautiful English city of Christchurch. Located on the Avon River, Christchurch is considered to be “the most English city outside of England.” Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour along the Avon River and view magnificent gardens and the downtown park district.
|
|
Day 20
Christchurch
Today is yours to explore the historic city of Christchurch at your leisure. This afternoon you may choose to take an optional tour to Christchurch’s Botanical Gardens and then head to the International Antarctic Centre, the gateway for expeditions to Antarctica. Tonight, experience the elegance of Canterbury as you dine on the grounds of the region's first home and learn the history of the first family to settle in Christchurch.
|
|
Day 21
Hanmer Springs - Wellington
Travelling north along the coast you'll pass scenic river valleys and vineyards. Arriving in Picton, you will ferry to the North Island on one of the most scenic trips the world has to offer. Cruising through the Marlborough Sounds and across the Cook Strait, your final destination is Wellington, the harbour capital of New Zealand.
|
|
Day 22
Wellington
According to Maori legend, Wellington Harbour was founded in the 10th century by the Polynesian navigator Kupe and first named Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui - or "head of Maui's fish." A tour of this city showcases the Beehive Parliamentary buildings and views from atop Mt. Victoria. Later, experience Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, New Zealand's national museum. The museum has won worldwide acclaim for its innovative and diverse range of artwork and exhibitions which relay the captivating stories of the indigenous people.
|
|
Day 23
Wellington - Rotorua
Depart for the centre of Maori culture - the city of Rotorua. Here you’ll see a unique landscape of bubbling and steaming geothermal springs. Tonight you will enjoy a home stay*** and dinner with a New Zealand family. This is a great way to meet the Kiwis and perhaps form lifelong friendships.
|
|
Day 24
Rotorua
This morning visit Te Puia, New Zealand's premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. You'll be truly amazed by the landscape of erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and other geothermal wonders. Here, the Maori keep their culture alive by teaching the tribal youth traditional carving and weaving. Before leaving you will view the national bird—the Kiwi. A visit to the Agrodome will give you insight into how wool, one of New Zealand’s premier products, is processed. You will also view a special sheep shearing demonstration. Later this afternoon, meet jade carvers and discover how it is transformed into beautiful jewellery. This evening visit a traditional Maori village and learn about ancient Maori life. Tour the Tamaki village and interact with its inhabitants to get a firsthand feel for a day in the life of a native Maori. Then, experience a taste of Maori entertainment during a number of tribal dances including the Haka, or war dance. After the performance, a spectacular farewell Hangi feast awaits you.
|
|
Day 25
Rotorua - Auckland
Travel through the majestic countryside of the North Island, arriving in New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, "The City of Sails." The remainder of your day is at leisure for independent exploration. Join your tour manager this evening for a toast to a fabulous vacation.
|
|
Day 26
Auckland - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Auckland.
|