Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
Priced From: $2,145 pp dbl. occ. 
Dates: Jan - Mar /09 

Day 1 Fly USA to Queenstown (Via Auckland or Christchurch)

Please note international air from the USA has not been included in the package price.

Day 2 You cross the International Date Line

The International Date Line is an imaginary line on the earth’s surface that approximately coincides with the 180th meridian line (LONGITUDE), and separates the calendar date. Traveling east across the line takes the traveler back one day, traveling west takes the traveler forward.

Day 3 Arrive Queenstown

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Located in Central Otago in a lakeside bay, Queenstown is New Zealand's premier alpine resort. Rich in history and abundance of recreations and a breathtaking natural beauty that lends each season its own distinct complexion, Queenstown has long been the inspiration for artists and nature-lovers from all over the world eager to capture its dramatic beauty.

Nestled beside the deep blue waters of Lake Wakatipu, at the foot of the Remarkables Mountain Range, Queenstown is a year round resort, where you can be as active as you want, or just leisurely enjoy the magnificent scenery.

Day 4 Tour - Milford Sound full day tour

An early start as you leave your hotel and coach through some of the most beautiful countryside in New Zealand.  On arrival at Milford Sound, board the vessel for a leisurely cruise along the sound to the Tasman Sea.  The vessel stops at various points and plenty of time is available to view waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and seals.  You may even see dolphins frolic alongside the boat.  A buffet lunch is included during the cruise.

Day 5 At leisure, Queenstown

At your leisure to explore the adventure capital of New Zealand. Set between the towering Remarkable Ranges and the bottomless Lake Wakitipu, Queenstown has it all - bungee jumping, jetboating, rafting, amazing scenic helicopter flights. You may wish to visit Milford or Doubtful Sound or the old gold mining town of Arrowtown.

Day 6 Tour - Coach from Queenstown to Christchurch (Via Mount Cook)

Experience an exceptional journey from Queenstown to Mount Cook via the Lindis Pass and then down the Southern Alps to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch.  Lunch is included en route.

Christchurch, the city of parks and gardens, trees and beauty, is also buzzing with street life. Wine bars, street cafes and exciting entertainments give the central city vitality unique to New Zealand.  Christchurch is said to be the most English city outside England. The downtown district focuses on Cathedral Square, where you'll find buskers, speakers and the eccentric Wizard of Christchurch (who is classified as a living work of art). You can sedately cruise the Avon River by punt, on its meandering course through town, under many bridges and past historic landmarks, or do your own thing by canoe. Vintage car, horse and carriage, hot air ballooning and guided walking tours. These are just a few ways to explore the Garden City.

Day 7 At leisure, Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city on New Zealand's South Island and is known as New Zealand's "Garden City". Don’t miss the Botanic Gardens located along the banks of the placid River Avon in the middle of Hagley Park. This is just a short walk from downtown. While in that area, you should also visit the McDougal Art Gallery and Museum. For a romantic interlude, try punting on the Avon. The centerpiece of the city is Cathedral Square and the beautiful Christchurch Cathedral. Time permitting you should also visit the Christchurch Antarctic Museum, located near the airport. This is probably the most comprehensive collection of information & exhibits in the world on Antarctica. Christchurch could be summed up as a little piece of England planted between the blue South Pacific and the snowcapped Southern Alps.

Day 8 Fly Christchurch to Cairns (Via Sydney)

On arrival to Cairns, you will be transferred to your hotel.

The major centre in Tropical North Queensland is Cairns, a popular gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The city is fringed by lush rainforests and, to the north and south, are miles of white sandy beaches and turquoise oceans teeming with marine life.

Day 9 Tour - Great Barrier Reef day tour

This morning, transfer to the wharf for your full day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef.  You will have four hours at the reef site, to explore what makes the Great Barrier Reef one of the wonders of the world.  The day trip has been designed with the water enthusiast or novice alike - snorkel gear and instruction is provided for all guests, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible vessel, just one meter underwater.   Introductory and certified dives are run in conjunction with snorkeling day trips at an additional cost, and guided snorkel trips with a marine biologist are also available for a nominal fee. A tempting hot and cold buffet lunch is included, as well as morning and afternoon tea on board.

Day 10 At leisure, Cairns

Cairns is the gateway to Tropical Far North Queensland, a region of contrasts and surprises.  It is home to the Great Barrier Reef, palm-fringed isolated beaches, Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands, World Heritage listed rainforests and the sun burnt outback. This dynamic area serves as a diverse hub for many attractions and activities of the Tropical North. Apart from the major tourism attractions of the Reef & Rainforest, there are many adventure sports such as white water rafting and bungee jumping, as well as other activities such as golf and trail riding.

Day 11 Fly Cairns to Sydney

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel.

Sydney - Australia's premier city is the oldest settlement in Australia, the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country's capital in everything but name. Built on the shores of the stunning Port Jackson, you would have to die and go to heaven before you see a more spectacular setting for a city. It's a vital, self-regarding metropolis, exuding both a devil-may-care urbanity and a slavish obsession with global fads.  The Sydney area was the ancestral home of the Daruk tribe, whose territory extended from Botany Bay to Pittwater.

There are some 2000 Aboriginal rock engraving sites in the Sydney area, and many of Sydney's suburbs have Aboriginal names. The city of Sydney began life as a penal colony in 1788 and for the next 60 years received the unwanted, persecuted and criminal elements of British society. Despite its brutal beginnings, the city's mixture of pragmatic egalitarianism and plain indifference has transformed it into a thriving multicultural society. Sydney now attracts the majority of Australia's immigrants and the city's predominantly Anglo-Irish heritage has been revitalized by large influxes of Italian, Lebanese, Turkish, Greek, Chinese and Vietnamese.

Day 12 Tour - Sydney half day city tour

Travel over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, stopping at Milson's Point for a great photo opportunity of the Sydney Opera House.  Visit Middle Harbour before a stop is made at Manly beach with time for afternoon tea (own expense).  Travel Sydney's northern coast line and see beautiful white sandy beaches.

Day 13 At leisure, Sydney

At your leisure to explore Sydney. Most of the major attractions of the city are within easy walking distance of your accommodation - Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, Centrepoint Tower, Circular Quay, The Rocks etc.

Day 14 Fly Sydney to USA (Via Auckland)

You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

Hotels

Christchurch

• Cotswold Motor Inn
• Copthorne Central
• The George

• Scenic Circle A-Line Hotel
• Grand Mercure Hotel St. Moritz
• Sofitel Queenstown

• Travelodge Sydney
• Holiday Inn Darling Harbour
• Sheraton on the Park

• Cairns Colonial Club
• Pacific International
• Sebel Reef House & Spa

3/09