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18 Days Contrasts of Australia & New Zealand Tour Package
Duration: 18 Days / 17 Nights
Priced From: $3,975 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Apr - Jul, Sep - Dec, Jan - Mar
Modern Sydney and Melbourne are juxtaposed with Maori culture and traditions. The frosty peaks of the Southern Alps and Franz Josef Glacier are a cool contrast to tropical Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 & 2 - Depart USA
We fly over the international date line on our way to Auckland, New Zealand.
Day 3 - Arrive Auckland (2 nights)
On arrival in Auckland, you are transferred to your hotel, with a guaranteed early check-in. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore Auckland or relax at your hotel. This evening, we enjoy a Welcome Drink and dinner with our Tour Director. (Dinner)
Hotel: Stamford Plaza
Day 4 - Auckland sightseeing & at leisure
A morning cruise on Waitemata Harbour is followed by a sightseeing tour including views from the top of Mount Eden and the War Memorial. Later we stop at the Viaduct Harbour, home to the 2000 America’s Cup. Here we enjoy some free time before returning to the hotel. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 5 - Auckland – Rotorua
Today we travel into the Waikato region and visit the incredible Waitomo Glow Worm Grotto on a guided boat tour. Then continue on to Rotorua where we visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to view New Zealand’s biggest geyser, bubbling mud pools and thermal springs. Finally we enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi Highlight Dinner and concert this evening. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Hotel: Millennium Hotel
Day 6 - Rotorua – Christchurch
Our sightseeing includes a visit to beautiful Rainbow Springs and the entertaining Agrodome Sheep Show. See sheep shearing and a sheep dog demonstration. Then in the afternoon we take our flight to Christchurch on the South Island (flights to depart after 12 noon). (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Novotel Christchurch
Day 7 - TranzAlpine – Franz Josef
We board the TranzAlpine train with stunning scenery on our journey over the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. Travel along the coastal road to Franz Josef. At Franz Josef Glacier you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy a short walk to view the glacier and perhaps take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Day 8 - Franz Josef – Queenstown (2 nights)
This morning we enjoy a coastal drive with views of the mighty Tasman Sea. Climb over the Haast Pass winding through Mount Aspiring National Park. Then our journey passes Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea and heads along the Kawarau River through Kawarau Gorge. Finally we visit the historic village of Arrowtown before we arrive at Queenstown, where we spend the next two nights. (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Millennium Hotel
Day 9 - Milford Sound
We drive through the Homer Tunnel stopping at the Chasm, before reaching Milford Sound. Enjoy a spectacular cruise and Highlight Lunch with Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above. Later we return to Queenstown for the night. (Buffet breakfast / highlight lunch)
Day 10 - Mount Cook – Christchurch
Today our journey takes us past Mount Cook National Park, a world heritage site and home to New Zealand’s highest mountain. Next we visit Lake Tekapo, stopping at the Church of the Good Shepherd. We drive over the colorful, patchwork Canterbury Plains to Christchurch and enjoy a tour of the city. This evening enjoy local hospitality with a delicious ‘Be My Guest’ dinner with wine in a kiwi home. (Buffet breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)
Hotel: Novotel Christchurch
Day 11 - Christchurch – Melbourne (2 nights)
This morning we will board our flight to Melbourne, Australia. On our arrival we are transferred to the hotel. This evening time is your own to do as you please. (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Crowne Plaza
Day 12 - Melbourne sightseeing & at leisure
Our morning sightseeing tour shows us the Royal Botanic Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, the Shrine of Remembrance, Parliament House and much more. We drive over Westgate Bridge for panoramic views over Port Phillip Bay. After enjoy time at leisure to perhaps explore further or relax back at the hotel. (Buffet breakfast).
Day 13 - Melbourne – Cairns (2 nights)
We board our flight to Queensland and the beautiful city of Cairns. This afternoon spend time at the Cairns Wildlife Dome where you’ll encounter Australian animals. (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Hilton Hotel
Day 14 - Great Barrier Reef
Join a high speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy an informative reef education presentation. See coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and 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 15 - 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. (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: The Grace Hotel
Day 16 - 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 afternoon you will have the chance to learn about Australia’s national gemstone - the opal. 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 17 - 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 18 - Sydney – USA
Time to bid farewell as we transfer you to the airport for your flight home. (Buffet breakfast)
Highlights:
Auckland
Waitomo
Rotorua
TranzApline
Franz Josef
Milford Sound
Mount Cook
Lake Tekapo
Melbourne
Great Barrier Reef
Sydney
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3/11
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