Explore fascinating Australia and New Zealand during this captivating Regional Discovery vacation. Begin in Cairns with an excursion to the Great Barrier Reef and dinner at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Fly to Melbourne to see Fitzroy Gardens and the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. On to Sydney for a tour of the Opera House and for a demonstration at the famous Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club. Then, travel to Christchurch, New Zealand’s famed “Garden City.” Enjoy spectacular views on the way to Queenstown, where a visit to Fiordland National Park and a cruise on breathtaking Milford Sound are the perfect conclusion to your unforgettable vacation!

Days 1-2 Fly to Australia

(Fri. & Sat.) Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line.

Day 3 Arrival in Cairns, Australia

(Sun.) G’day and welcome to Australia! Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special WELCOME DINNER at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 4 Cairns. Great Barrier Reef Cruise

(Mon.) Board a fast catamaran for a CRUISE to Green Island, one of the many tropical islands on Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef. Here you can choose to snorkel, take a GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOUR, or walk through the island’s cool rainforest. This afternoon, your Tour Director can assist you with a variety of optional activities, including crocodile spotting. Tonight, dinner will be held at TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL PARK—an interactive and entertaining portrayal of the culture, dance, and folklore of this indigenous tribe. (B,D)

Day 5 Cairns–Melbourne

(Tue.) Morning at leisure in this tropical paradise. For a truly amazing rainforest experience, consider our optional trip to Kuranda via the old scenic rail route. See magnificent scenery, lush rainforests, and twisting waterfalls from the comfort of a restored, historic mountain train. Later today, fly to Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city. (B)

Day 6 Melbourne

(Wed.) Today’s tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful FITZROY GARDENS and then drive past the lush Royal Botanical Gardens. You’ll soon discover the differing architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. Also stop at one of the country’s leading OPAL COMPANIES to discover how the beautiful gems are mined. For a unique dining experience, join an optional outing on board a historic tramcar restaurant as it winds its way through the streets of Melbourne. Later this afternoon, visit a local WILDLIFE PARK to see koalas and kangaroos. Then, continue on to Phillip Island to see the world-famous PENGUIN PARADE from an exclusive viewing platform. (B,D)

Day 7 Melbourne–Sydney

(Thu.) Fly to Sydney, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Your sightseeing this afternoon includes a visit to the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE and its amazing interior and theaters, as well as a great photo stop at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, located in the city’s BOTANICAL GARDENS and offering sweeping views of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Feel like a local while touring the world-famous BONDI SURF BATHERS’ LIFE SAVING CLUB and enjoy a lifesaving demonstration! Today’s highlight is a special dinner at a waterfront restaurant with fantastic views of Sydney. (B,D)

Day 8 Sydney

(Fri.) A full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps join one of our optional excursions, including an adventure to the Blue Mountains for a wilderness experience or an excursion to the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge! (B)

Day 9 Sydney

(Sat.) Another day at leisure for your own discoveries. The choice is yours and your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you make the most of this exciting city. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous sunset DINNER CRUISE on one of Sydney’s most prestigious cruise ships. (B,D)

Day 10 Sydney–Christchurch, New Zealand

(Sun.) Haere Mai—welcome to New Zealand! The remainder of the day is at leisure in this internationally famed “Garden City.” (B)

Day 11 Christchurch

(Mon.) Enjoy sightseeing with a drive up the winding Summit Road for views of Lyttleton Harbour, then past Christchurch’s old stone buildings, the charming Avon River, and acres of green parks. (B)

Day 12 Christchurch–Queenstown

(Tue.) Today, enjoy fantastic views as you journey through the snowcapped peaks, waterfalls, and rugged mountain scenery of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Later, arrive in Queenstown, nicknamed the “Adventure Capital of the World.” (B)

Day 13 Queenstown. Cruise on Milford Sound

(Wed.) More beautiful scenery today as you travel into FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK through the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has the elite status of belonging to UNESCO’s World Heritage Parks. CRUISE on the fiord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. (B,L)

Day 14 Queenstown

(Thu.) A full day at leisure for your own discovery. Consider an optional visit to a local vineyard and sample some of the prize vintages or maybe a thrilling jetboat ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you plan your day to explore, shop, and enjoy optional activities. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a FAREWELL DINNER at Walter Peak, including a cruise aboard a vintage steamship on stunning Lake Wakatipu. (B,D)

Day 15 Homebound Flight

(Fri.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

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INCLUDED FEATURES

CAIRNS: Aboriginal dinner and show; Great Barrier Reef cruise with choice of activities; Welcome Dinner
MELBOURNE: Sightseeing tour; visit Fitzroy Gardens, an opal company, and wildife park; witness the Penguin Parade
SYDNEY: Sightseeing tour; visit the Opera House, botanical gardens, and Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club; dinner cruise
CHRISTCHURCH: Sightseeing tour
QUEENSTOWN: Visit Fiordland National Park and cruise on Milford Sound; Farewell Dinner
ALL INTRA-TOUR FLIGHTS

INSIDE VISITS

Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

MEALS

American breakfast daily (B); 1 lunch (L); and 6 dinners (D), including a Welcome Dinner in Cairns, a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour, and a special Farewell Dinner in Queenstown.

SUPERIOR HOTELS

CAIRNS Pacific International (F), MELBOURNE Novotel on Collins (SF), SYDNEY The Menzies Sydney (SF), CHRISTCHURCH Rydges Christchurch (SF), QUEENSTOWN Rydges Lakeland Resort (F)