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16 Days Australia and New Zealand Panorama Tour Package
Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights
Priced From: $3,450 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Mar, Sep - Dec
An introduction to the marvels of Australia and New Zealand that includes views of the Franz Josef Glacier, an enthralling Maori cultural experience with dinner, Glow Worm Grotto, the rainforest of Kuranda, and cruises along the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney Harbour.
Tour Itinerary
Days 1 & 2 Depart USA
We fly over the international date line on our way to Christchurch, New Zealand.
Day 3 - Arrive Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your hotel. After check-in, there’s time at leisure to explore the city, famous for its gardens and for being the most English city outside of England. Perhaps visit Hagley Park, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Cathedral or the Botanic Gardens. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Drink and dinner with your Tour Director and traveling companions. (Dinner)
Hotel: Novotel Christchurch
Day 4 - TranzAlpine – Punakaiki
We start our day with the spectacular train journey on the TranzAlpine from Christchurch over the Alps to Arthur’s Pass. Later, we’ll see the West Coast rainforest then experience the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes on arrival in Punakaiki, where we’ll spend the night at our resort right on the waterfront. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Punakaiki Resort
Day 5 - Punakaiki – Franz Josef
This morning we visit a New Zealand native greenstone (jade) factory for a jewelry demonstration at Hokitika. Later we arrive at Franz Josef Glacier, the world’s most accessible glacier. See it from the air on an optional scenic flight (weather permitting) or take a glacier hike! (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Day 6 - Franz Josef – Queenstown
Get your camera ready as we take in the Haast Pass, Thunder Creek Falls, a small rainforest bush walk and a trio of lakes - Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. We’ll enjoy the tastes of sumptuous stone fruit at Cromwell - the stone fruit capital. Next we visit historic gold mining Arrowtown on the Arrow River, previously one of the world’s richest rivers. We fi nish our day with an orientation tour of Queenstown. Tonight you have the option to dine at the Skyline Restaurant at Bob’s Peak via the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest gondola! The Kiwi Haka Maori Show will top off a great night out – if you so choose. (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Millennium Hotel
Day 7 - Queenstown – Rotorua (2 nights)
Depart Queenstown this morning and fly to Rotorua. Meet your new Tour Director and fellow travelers this afternoon. The Realm of Täne, followed by a Hangi Highlight Dinner and concert is our evening cultural experience. Take an extraordinary journey through Maori culture, mythology and the story of our creation. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Hotel: Millennium Hotel
Day 8 - Rotorua
We’ll start the day with sparkling wine and breakfast while cruising aboard the Lakeland Queen on Lake Rotorua. Next is the Agrodome Sheep Show for a sample of farm life. See the art of sheep shearing, sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking, bottle-feeding of lambs and an exciting sheep auction. Later we visit Te Puia for an insight into Maori culture and a guided tour of its geothermal reserve. This afternoon you will have time at leisure. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 9 - Rotorua – Auckland
Traveling through the Waikato region to the Waitomo Caves, we tour the Glow Worm Grotto and walk the limestone caves. We travel along the Waikato River to Auckland. Our city tour takes in Mt. Eden, Bastian Point, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Harbour Bridge and more. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Stamford Plaza
Day 10 - Auckland – Cairns (3 nights)
We board our flight to Australia and the beautiful city of Cairns. On arrival at Cairns Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Hilton Hotel
Day 11 - Kuranda
Today board the famous Kuranda Railway at Freshwater Station. Enjoy a breathtaking trip on one of the world’s most scenic operational rail journeys. On arrival in Kuranda, there is free time to take a stroll through the famous Kuranda Markets. Return to the lowlands by the Skyrail Cableway which takes you above the canopy of the tropical rainforest of Barron Gorge National Park. Visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and learn about this ancient culture through theatre, stage shows and demonstrations, before we transfer you back to your hotel where you will meet your Tour Director. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 12 - Great Barrier Reef
Mid-morning we join a high speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy an informative reef education presentation. See a myriad of coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and the semi-submersible craft. There is the opportunity to go snorkeling and view this natural living wonder up close (equipment provided). Enjoy a Highlight Lunch before we return to Cairns. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight lunch)
Day 13 - Cairns – Sydney (3 nights)
It’s a late morning flight to Sydney arriving in the afternoon. On our arrival we transfer to the hotel, where the remainder of your day is at leisure, maybe go out and explore this exciting city. Perhaps take a stroll to nearby Darling Harbour or wander down to the historic Rocks district at Circular Quay for a panoramic view of the Sydney Opera House. (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: The Grace Hotel
Day 14 - Sydney sightseeing & at leisure
Our morning sightseeing tour includes views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House from Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. We then join a guided tour of the Opera House, a famous Australian icon. Later, we’ll enjoy a luxury cruise on Sydney Harbour which includes a Highlight Lunch on board. Enjoy interesting commentary plus spectacular sights as we cruise by Sydney’s prestigious suburbs. This evening we will travel to the south head of Sydney Harbour where we will enjoy a ‘Be My Guest’ dinner at the historic Watsons Bay Hotel, operated by the famous Doyle family.(Buffet breakfast / Highlight lunch / Be My Guest dinner)
Day 15 - Sydney at leisure
A full day at leisure in this exciting city. Why not take an excursion to the famous Blue Mountains and see some of Australia’s native wildlife at Featherdale Wildlife Park? Or perhaps take an interesting trip to Canberra, Australia’s capital. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 16 - Sydney – USA
Time to bid farewell as we transfer you to the airport for your flight home. (Buffet breakfast)
Highlights:
Christchurch
Franz Josef
Queenstown
Rotorua
Waitomo Caves
Auckland
Cairns
Kuranda
Great Barrier Reef
Sydney
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12/10
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