21 Days Australia & New Zealand Tour Package
Duration: 21 Days / 20 Nights
Priced From: $8,790 pp dbl. occ.
Date: Jan - Dec
Highlights
- Encounter the best-known highlights of the great Downunder – Australia & New Zealand
- Explore famed Rotorua’s thermal pools on New Zealand’s North Island, and Mt. Cook on South Island.
- Experience northern Australia’s Daintree Rainforest & the world’s most renowned coral reef - Great Barrier Reef
- Revel in sunsets and sunrises at the amazing aboriginal Ayers Rock.
- Take in Sydney’s sights from the unmistakable opera house to the historic Rocks area.
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart USA
Begin your extraordinary adventure with your international flight.
Day 2: En Route
Day 3: Arrive Auckland, New Zealand
Arrive in Auckland, the City of Sails, and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Choice of Hotels
Day4: Auckland / Waitomo / Rotorua
Leave Auckland and travel south through the fertile Waikato region to Waitomo. A guided tour explores the noted Waitomo Glowworm Caves through an underground boat ride to view millions of glow worms on the cavern roof. Then drive through the forested Mamaku Ranges to reach the “Thermal City of Rotorua.” This evening, enjoy an authentic Maori Hangi (feast) and concert. Choice of Hotels (B,D)
Day 5: Rotorua
This morning, tour fascinating Te Puia Thermal Reserve’s boiling mud pools and roaring geysers. Glimpse some of New Zealand’s bird life, trout and other wildlife before you visit a working farm to see sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking and an introduction to the variety of sheep that contribute to the country’s reputation for fine wool products. The afternoon is free. Choice of Hotels (B,D)
Day 6: Rotorua / Taupo / Rotorua
Travel to Lake Taupo for the day. A huge volcanic eruption around 1,000 AD formed the lakebed’s crater. Along the way, visit Waiotapu thermal area and Lady Knox Geyser as well as Huka Falls, largest waterfall on Waikato River, and other panoramic scenery from Taupo lookout. Enjoy some free time to wander the town. Later, on your return to Rotorua, take in the thunderous rapids of Aratiatia Dam and Wairakei Geothermal Valley. Visit one the world’s largest man-made forests of Radiata Pine, a fast growing tree that can reach maturity in about 28 years. Choice of Hotels (B)
Day 7: Rotorua / Queenstown
Fly to Queenstown, in the southern portion of South Island. Choice of Hotels (B)
Day 8: Queenstown
Travel through stunning scenery as you follow a remote arm of Lake Wakitipu to the small settlement of Glenorchy. The area around Glenorchy is known simply as ‘Paradise,’ It was the backdrop for much of the filming the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Enjoy a leisurely jet-boat ride on Dart River as it delves deep into the World Heritage protected Mt. Aspiring National Park. Glacier-carved peaks and ancient forests only enhance the grandeur of this remote and stunningly beautiful area. Queenstown on completion. Choice of Hotels (B)
Day 9: Queenstown
Today is yours to explore the optional attractions Queenstown offers from bungee jumping to whitewater rafting to gondola rides. Choice of Hotels (B)
Day 10: Queenstown / Mt Cook / Christchurch
Travel through the Central Otago region to the small town of Twizel. Continue north along Lake Pukaki to reach New Zealand’s highest mountain – Mt Cook. At 12,316 feet, Maori call the mountain ‘Aorangi,’ the cloud piercer. Relax or explore this unique location. Drive back to Twizel, then on to “Church of the Good Shepherd’ at Lake Tekapo. The small stone and oak chapel, built in 1935, overlooks the rugged landscape that includes large, blue Lake Tekapo. Travel across Canterbury Plains to scenic Christchurch. Choice of Hotels (B,D)
Day 11: Christchurch / Melbourne, Australia
Today, leave New Zealand for Australia. Arrive in Melbourne early this morning, where you'r representative welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel by private deluxe sedan/limo. This evening, you have the opportunity for a unique dining experience. Enjoy a delightful five-course meal as the converted air-conditioned 1927 tram cruises the scenic streets of Melbourne. Make your way back to your hotel at your leisure. Choice of Hotels (B,D)
Day 12: Melbourne
Later today, walk to Parliament House, within minutes of your hotel, to meet your guide for a morning walking tour of the historic areas and interesting city sights. Conclude your tour at Rialto Tower, Melbourne’s most recognized landmark., where an observation deck presents outstanding views. Choice of Hotels (B)
Day 13: Melbourne / Yarra Valley / Melbourne -
Following breakfast, you set on a full-day excursion to the Yarra Valley and its vineyards. Yarra Valley is noted for its cool climate wines. Local specialties include sparkling wines, fruity whites, deep-purple peppery shiraz, and delicate pinot noir. Today, tour some of the wineries and enjoy a variety of tastings. Return to your hotel in Melbourne this evening. Choice of Hotels (B,L)
Day 14: Melbourne / Cairns / Daintree Rainforest
Following breakfast, you fly Cairns in the state of Queensland. Your local representative escorts you to Silky Oaks Lodge, nestled on the edge of Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest north of Cairns. The lodge is a luxurious wilderness resort. that overlooks an idyllic lagoon. Daintree Rainforest is the oldest living rainforest on earth. Silky Oaks Lodge(B,L)
Day 15: Daintree Rainforest
Today, you are free to discover the striking surroundings. The lodge offers optional excursions led by on-site naturalists. You may elect to experience the award-winning Healing Waters Spa facilities. Or, perhaps, spend the day with a good book in a hammock on your balcony, taking in the sights and sounds of this historic rainforest. Silky Oaks Lodge (B,D)
Day 16: Daintree Rainforest / Great Barrier Reef / Cairns
This morning, you are transferred to the port for a cruise to the outer portion of the Great Barrier Reef to one of the most spectacular sections of the 1,242-mile Great Barrier Reef. With maximum underwater visibility, experience the seascapes of breathtaking beauty with deep, sunlit valleys and coral walls. Choose to snorkel or watch the marine world from the Subsea Explorer. The observatory is part of a floating platform, which also has a swimming enclosure. You are transferred to your hotel in Cairns. Choice of Hotels (B,L)
Day 17: Cairns / Ayers Rock
Following breakfast, you fly to legendary Ayers Rock in Australia’s desert heart. You have time to relax at your hotel in Yulara before you travel out to see the serenely beautiful Olgas Mountains and the red dunes. The desert holds a special drama that invites you to get in touch with your environment. A short walk to a lookout rewards you with spectacular panoramic views the Olgas, known as Kata Tjuta, a sacred place to the Aboriginal people. Venture into Olga Gorge, a mystic place where you learn how it has evolved over millions of years. The scale of the walls and the wind far above, add an almost supernatural feeling to the experience. Watch the clear blue sky deepen and the great domes of the Olgas flush red as sunset approaches. Relax and chat with your guide about Australia's red center. The spectacle fades as you return to Yulara beneath a sky of brilliant stars. Choice of Hotels (B,D)
Day 18: Ayers Rock
Explore Ayers Rock in depth, its history and legends, with two morning and two afternoon fully guided tours. These tours are flexible and geared to take advantage of the moment. A botanical walk traverses desert landscapes, dunes, spinifex country, mulga woodlands and desert oak communities. Investigate native habitats, bush food and medicine in a hands-on sensory experience of the surroundings. A sunset tour takes you into the World Heritage site of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to learn about worldwide cultural relationships with spirituality, life, land and their relationships to modern life. Visit the Cultural Centre where Aboriginal people express their law and traditions through story, art, craft, song and interpretive displays. Go to the Dune House to enjoy the desert sunset and spectacular southern night skies while enjoying drinks and canapés. Choice of Hotels (B,D)
Day 19: Ayers Rock / Sydney
This morning, transfer to the airport for your onward fight to Sydney. After you have settled in to your hotel, the balance of the day is free for you to explore Sydney Choice of Hotels (B)
Day 20: Sydney
This morning, you walk to a meeting point in The Rocks, where you set out on a walking tour of the oldest quarter of Sydney. Historic Sydney and its early convict settlements come alive in the neighborhoods of The Rocks. Hear about the rascals, rats, rogues. Explore some of Sydney's earliest buildings, shops old and new, pubs, hotels, and homes of the well-to-do and quaint cottages of the working class. Narrow alleyways, cobbled lanes, sandstone steps and beautiful churches combine to weave a rich tapestry of life in the past and present. After your walking tour, make your way down the street to Circular Quay to board your Magistic Luncheon Cruise, a relaxing trip around Sydney Harbour. Your cruise ends at Circular Quay. Make your way along the boardwalk to the Opera House, where you join a tour of this eccentric icon. After your tour, you are on you own to continue your personal exploration of the city. Choice of Hotels (B,L)
Day 21: Sydney / Depart
This morning, bid farewell to Australia as you board your flight back to USA. (B)
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12/08
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