DOWN UNDER DISCOVERY 19 DAYS FROM $5,419 US Details below or
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Australia and New Zealand—two countries with breathtaking and unique scenery, as well as stimulating and vibrant cities. On this tour, you’ll have an opportunity to see Australia’s and New Zealand’s scenic highlights and most popular cities, including Auckland, Queenstown, Melbourne, Cairns, and Sydney.
Words simply cannot describe the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, with its clear, tropical water and explosion of colors. You’ll get to see it in person! Similarly, photos do not adequately depict the magnificence and amazing size of Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia’s Outback. You must stand before it to get a true perspective of its size and to see the changing colors of the rock at sunset. On this tour, you’ll have the opportunity and you’ll learn about Uluru’s spiritual importance to the Aboriginal people. In New Zealand, more breathtaking scenery awaits you at Fiordland National Park, where you’ll cruise on the fiord and witness the extraordinary scenic beauty and sheer cliffs.
On this tour, you’ll also experience the sophisticated, yet laid-back, cities. In Melbourne, soak up the city’s atmosphere and discover its boutiques, cafés, and world-class dining. Or perhaps take a trip to sample some of the award-winning wines in the Yarra Valley. In Cairns, participate in an optional excursion, or explore on your own and taste locally grown bananas, paw-paws, mangos, and pineapples. Sydney offers a spectacular harbor, the world-famous Opera House, fabulous shopping, cosmopolitan cuisine, and lively nightlife. For a unique thrill, perhaps you can climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Known for adventure, Queenstown is a marvelous city set in the magnificent landscapes of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
From the sun-scorched desert of the Outback to the tropical Great Barrier Reef and from the smaller destinations in New Zealand to the cosmopolitan cities in Australia, this vacation is sure to leave you with lots of stories and memories to share.
Day 1 Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand Haere Mai—welcome to New Zealand! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. This afternoon, enjoy sightseeing that includes a visit to the SKY TOWER, the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand. Here you will ascend to the observation deck for sweeping views of the “City of Sails,” situated on an isthmus between two magnificent harbors. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a special welcome dinner. (Dinner)
Day 2 Auckland–Waitomo–Rotorua
Leave Auckland and travel through the green pastoral region of Waikato to the famous WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES. Experience a guided tour through the limestone chambers and passages of the cavern. Take a silent boat trip through Glowworm Grotto as you glide quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. In the afternoon, continue over the Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua. Enjoy a traditional HANGI DINNER this evening followed by an authentic MAORI CONCERT. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 3 Rotorua
This morning, start with a visit to the AGRODOME to learn more about one of the country’s major industries—sheep! Continue on to RAINBOW SPRINGS to view native bush and wildlife, including a walk through the kiwi bird enclosure. Last stop is TE PUIA, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area with New Zealand’s largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may wish to board a floatplane for flightseeing of this beautiful area, join a New Zealand family for dinner in their home, or indulge yourself in the relaxing hot springs, sumptuous spa treatments, and massage therapies at the Polynesian Spa. (Breakfast)
Day 4 Rotorua–Queenstown
A flight takes you to Queenstown on the South Island, home base for discovering every type of adventure sport imaginable. See the sights of this popular resort town, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps. (Breakfast)
Day 5 Queenstown. Cruise on Milford Sound
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 been honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. CRUISE on the fjord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 6 Queenstown
A full day at leisure for your own discoveries. 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, enjoy breathtaking scenery in every direction as you CRUISE Lake Wakatipu on board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. On arrival at Walter Peak you will be served dinner at Colonel’s Homestead. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 7 Queenstown–Mount Cook
Motor north to magnificent MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK, named after New Zealand’s highest peak. Stop at the SIR EDMUND HILLARY ALPINE CENTER for unique insight into the history and culture of this region. Weather permitting, you may choose an optional ski-plane flight that actually lands on the 18-mile-long Tasman Glacier—or a thrilling helicopter ride. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 8 Mount Cook–Christchurch–Melbourne, Australia
This morning, travel to Christchurch to board your flight across the Tasman Sea to Melbourne, Australia. (Breakfast)
Day 9 Melbourne
G’day and welcome to Australia! Today’s sightseeing includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful FITZROY GARDENS, then drive past the lush Royal Botanic Gardens. You’ll soon discover the different architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. We also stop at one of the country’s leading OPAL COMPANIES to discover how the beautiful gems are mined. Then, enjoy a unique lunch experience on board a HISTORIC TRAMCAR RESTAURANT as it winds its way through the streets of Melbourne. Tonight’s optional excursion to see the world-famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island is highly recommended. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 10 Melbourne
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this multicultural and cosmopolitan city. Dine at a local restaurant and immerse yourself in Melbourne’s passionate food and wine scene or walk along Chapel and Brunswick Streets, famous for great shopping. Take a trip outside of town to sample award-winning wines in the Yarra Valley or drive along the spectacular Great Ocean Road to see the “Twelve Apostles.” (Breakfast)
Day 11 Melbourne–Alice Springs
Today we fly to the Outback. Here, visit the ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE and the SCHOOL OF THE AIR to appreciate how medical and education services are provided to those living in remote regions. Then, on to Anzac Hill, a tribute to the war heroes of Australia and New Zealand. You will also visit the historic OLD TELEGRAPH STATION to discover the history of how early settlers developed communications. This evening, enjoy a truly unique Aussie experience—an OUTBACK BARBECUE that features a meal of typical campfire fare, fascinating tales of the Outback, and Aboriginal folklore. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 12 Alice Springs–Ayers Rock
Today, experience an ABORIGINAL DREAMTIME TOUR and learn more about this important native culture from your Local Guide. Later, fly to the “Center of Australia.” Travel to a popular lookout to enjoy views of the magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological splendor of some 30 brilliant monoliths. There is time to take photos before returning to “Sunset Strip” for a drink and the changing colors of the rock. (Breakfast)
Day 13 Ayers Rock–Cairns
Your Outback adventure continues this morning. For an unforgettable experience, you may choose to rise early for an optional camel ride to watch the sunrise at Uluru (Ayers Rock). Then, enjoy a TOUR around the base of Uluru, learning of its significance in Aboriginal “Dreamtime” mythology. For an even more amazing view of Uluru, perhaps take an optional aircraft ride. Later, fly to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. (Breakfast)
Day 14 Cairns. Great Barrier Reef Excursion
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, join a unique dinner event at TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL PARK for an interactive, entertaining portrayal of the culture, dance, and folklore of this indigenous tribe. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 15 Cairns
A full day at leisure in this tropical paradise. For a truly amazing experience, consider our optional trip to Kuranda via the old scenic rail route. See magnificent scenery from the comfort of a restored, historic mountain train. For the return journey you may choose to take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, or you may choose to spend the day in the magical Daintree Rainforest, thought to be the planet’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest. (Breakfast)
Day 16 Cairns–Sydney
This morning, enjoy a special visit to CAIRNS TROPICAL ZOO for your chance to meet Australia’s native animals. You’ll also enjoy breakfast in the park, a talk by a wildlife keeper, and will have the opportunity to have your picture taken with a koala! Later, fly to Sydney, Australia’s largest city. (Breakfast)
Day 17 Sydney
Explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Visit the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a guided tour of its interior and theaters. Travel to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s BOTANICAL GARDENS for a great photo opportunity and sweeping views of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Tour the world-famous BONDI SURF BATHERS’ LIFE SAVING CLUB and enjoy a lifesaving demonstration! See some of the city’s suburbs and the historic Rocks area, home to Sydney’s original convicts. For a truly memorable experience, enjoy lunch as you CRUISE on Sydney Harbour. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 18 Sydney
Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps join our optional excursion to the Blue Mountains for a wilderness experience or to Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge! Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you make the most of this exciting city. This evening your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at a waterfront restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 19 Sydney
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
INCLUDED FEATURES
Auckland
Sightseeing tour; visit the Sky Tower; welcome dinner
Waitomo
Visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Rotorua
Enjoy a Maori cultural performance and Hangi dinner; visit Te Puia, the Agrodome, and Rainbow Springs
Queenstown
Visit Fiordland National Park and cruise on Milford Sound; cruise Lake Wakatipu with dinner at Walter Peak
Mount Cook
Sightseeing in Mount Cook National Park; visit Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center
Melbourne
Sightseeing tour; visit Fitzroy Gardens and an opal company; tramcar lunch
Alice Springs
Sightseeing tour; visit the Old Telegraph Station, the School of Air, the Royal Flying Doctor Service; Outback barbecue; Aboriginal Dreamtime Tour
Ayers Rock
Sightseeing tour around the base of the rock; a sunset toast
Cairns
Great Barrier Reef cruise with choice of activities; Aboriginal show and dinner; Cairns Tropical Zoo
Sydney
Sightseeing tour; Sydney Harbour lunch cruise; the Opera House, botanical gardens, and Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club; farewell dinner
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
MEALS
American breakfast daily, 3 lunches, and 7 dinners including a welcome dinner in Auckland, a traditional Hangi dinner in Rotorua, an Outback barbecue in Alice Springs, and a special farewell dinner at a waterfront restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour
SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class
AUCKLAND SKYCITY Hotel (SF), ROTORUA Novotel Rotorua Lakeside (SF), QUEENSTOWN Rydges Lakeland Resort (F), MOUNT COOK The Hermitage (MF), MELBOURNE The Swanston Hotel, Grand Mercure (MF), ALICE SPRINGS Lasseters Hotel (F), AYERS ROCK Desert Gardens Hotel (F), CAIRNS Pacific International (F), SYDNEY The Menzies Sydney (SF)
Optional Excursions
Important Note:
the following list of optional excursions are examples only for this vacation as they are the excursions that are being offered for this vacation in the current travel year. These optional excursions might or might not be offered next year, as well as new optional excursions might be offered. Information about what optional excursions will be offered for your vacation will be available later this year into next year. If no example excursions are listed, please check back later.
Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency.
CITY: Ayers Rock
Camel To Sunrise
Ride your camel through the sand dunes before enjoying a local breakfast watching sunrise on Uluru.
Approximate value: AUD $119 per person
Ayers Rock and Olgas by Helicopter (30 Min)
By Helicopter, your bird's eye view will take in Uluru and the magnificent red desert, all the way to the striking rock formations of Kata Tjuta.
Approximate value: AUD $250 per person
CITY: Cairns
Explore the Outer Great Barrier Reef
The complete reef and island experience awaits with this exciting cruise.
Approximate value: AUD $148 per person
Crocodile Explorer
Calm Water Cruise and Crocodile Farm Tour
Approximate value: AUD $62 per person
Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Return
Take a trip to Kuranda via the old scenic rail and return on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
Approximate value: AUD $127 per person
Daintree wanderer - Bloomfield & Cape Tribulation Explorer
Travel to the World Heritage listed Cape Tribulation where you'll cruise the Daintree River viewing the wildlife of the rainforest.
Approximate value: AUD $193 per person
CITY: Melbourne
The Penguin Parade with Viewing Platform
Witness the nightly ritual of the little penguins as they emerge from the waves and run along the beach to their burrows in the sand dunes.
Approximate value: AUD $163 per person
Great Ocean Road Adventure
One of the world's greatest coastal drives is not to be missed during your visit to Melbourne.
Approximate value: AUD $158 per person
CITY: Mount Cook
Helicopter Flightseeing (30 Min)
Enjoy a trilling helicopter flight and an amazing alpine landing.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person
CITY: Queenstown
Queenstown Wine Trail - Summer Sampler
Take time to relax on a fun and friendly tour at two vineyards in the Wakatipu Wine region.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person
Wilderness Safari
Adventure awaits as you take a thrilling jet boat journey along the Dart River, a walk through an ancient native beech forest, and a 4WD journey viewing scenery made famous in "The Lord of the Rings" movies.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person
Safari of the Scenes
Visit many of the areas that provided the spectacular backdrops to much of the action in Peter Jackson's "The Fellowship of the Ring".
Approximate value: NZD $165 per person
CITY: Rotorua
Dinner With A New Zealand Family
Experience New Zealand's 'kiwi hospitality' and enjoy a traditional 3-course NZ meal accompanied by a glass of beer or wine.
Approximate value: NZD $80 per person
Rotorua Duck Tour by Land and Water
Discover Rotorua on a unique 90 minute sightseeing adventure onboard our WWII amphibious vehicle able to travel on land and water!
Approximate value: Please check back later per person
Mt. Tarawera Volcano Floatplane (30 min)
Mt. Tarawera erupted in 1886 creating an 8km long volcanic rift along its summit the magnitude of which is only fully appreciated when viewed from above.
Approximate value: NZD $195 per person
CITY: Sydney
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
The Bridge Climb is the ultimate Sydney experience.
Approximate value: AUD $220 per person
Blue Mountains Explorer
For wilderness and wildlife, the magnificent world heritage listed Blue Mountains is a must see for any visitor to Sydney, and all just 90 minutes from the centre of the city.
Approximate value: AUD $188 per person
See Sydney from above with dinner
Enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the city, the harbor and the Sydney Opera House over dinner at Sydney's highest revolving restaurant.
Approximate value: AUD $75 per person
The Rocks Pub Tour
Get a taste of Sydney's history, in one of its most interesting and vivacious precinct. Try the local brew and visit some of the city's most atmospheric pubs on this tour through the Rocks' winding lanes and cobblestone alleys.
Approximate value: AUD $44 per person
DEPARTURE DATES January - May
September - December
PRICES From approx $5,419 US
per person double occupancy
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information please complete the INQUIRY FORM
Australia and New Zealand—two countries with breathtaking and unique scenery, as well as stimulating and vibrant cities. On this tour, you’ll have an opportunity to see Australia’s and New Zealand’s scenic highlights and most popular cities, including Auckland, Queenstown, Melbourne, Cairns, and Sydney.
