Itinerary effective 20 May 2012. Tours prior follow a different itinerary. Please inquire for details.
Day 1.
Los Angeles. Board one of our selected evening flights to Auckland, New Zealand.
Day 2.
In Flight. Today, you’ll fly across the international dateline.
Day 3.
Arrive Auckland. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. An early check-in has been arranged before an afternoon tour of Auckland. This beautiful city sprawls over a narrow isthmus between the sparkling waters of the Waitemata and Manukau harbors. Enjoy a fascinating visit to Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World before joining your fellow travelers at a special Welcome Dinner at your hotel this evening.
Stay: Auckland, Crowne Plaza Hotel. FD
Day 4.
Rotorua, Maori Hangi Feast. This morning you will journey to the Waitomo Caves for a tour of the limestone caverns and glow worm grotto. Then continue to Rotorua, a beautiful region rich in Maori heritage. At your hotel tonight, you will enjoy a hangi feast and Maori cultural performance of song and dance.
Two Night Stay: Millennium Rotorua. B, FD
Day 5.
Rotorua, Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Visit the Agrodome to learn about the sheep farming industry then, head to Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see the power of geothermal energy first-hand. Watch as geysers erupt, mud pools bubble and steam hisses.
A Country Homestay option is also available tonight. BD
Day 6.
Rotorua, Fly to Christchurch, Methven. Today, fly to Christchurch. Pass through this historic city and scenic countryside en route to Methven, where you’ll stay overnight.
Stay: Methven, Brinkley Resort. BD
Day 7.
Southern Alps, Franz Josef. This morning after breakfast, board the TranzAlpine train for one of the top rail journeys in the world. Travel through the spectacular Southern Alps before disembarking to continue across rugged coastal terrain to Franz Josef, the gem of New Zealand’s West Coast glaciers.
Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier. BD
Day 8.
Franz Josef, Queenstown, Dine Around Dinner. Journey over Haast Pass and along the shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea to Queenstown. Tonight, you may choose to cruise on the vintage steamboat TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for dinner. Or select from a range of other fantastic restaurants on our Dine Around Dinner.
Three Night Stay: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront, in lakeview rooms. B, FD
Day 9.
Milford Sound Cruise. Considered one of the most scenic alpine drives, absorb the majesty of Fiordland National Park on the journey to Milford Sound. On arrival, enjoy a cruise along the full length of the sound, passing beneath cliffs, tumbling waterfalls and towering mountains. Return to Queenstown by coach, or perhaps take an optional scenic flight back (own expense).
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Day 10.
Queenstown at Leisure. Spend the day at your leisure. Relax at your hotel, shop in town or take the time to enjoy some sightseeing or activities on offer (own expense).
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Day 11.
Fly to Sydney, Australia. Your morning is at leisure, before heading to the airport to board your afternoon trans- Tasman flight to Sydney. On arrival, check in to your hotel in the heart of this entrancing harbor city, before enjoying dinner and a glass of wine.
Three Night Stay: Sydney, Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney. B, FD
Day 12.
Sydney Sights, Sydney Harbour Cruise, Opera House Guided Tour. This morning after breakfast, you’ll visit the magnificent Sydney Opera House for a guided tour. This is one of the world’s architectural masterpieces and put Sydney on the map over 50 years ago. Then board a cruise on Sydney Harbour, viewing the iconic harbor bridge and opera house from a different perspective. Enjoy a delicious lunch during your cruise, surrounded by the many sights of the famous harbor. This afternoon, discover Hyde Park and the famous Bondi Beach on a city tour.
B, FL
Day 13.
Sydney at Leisure. Enjoy this vibrant city at your own pace today. Perhaps take an optional sightseeing tour to the famous wine region of the Hunter Valley, or visit the Blue Mountains, a region of craggy mountains, deep wooded valleys, rock formations and towering eucalypts (both at own expense).
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Day 14.
Sydney, Fly to Cairns. Fly to Cairns today. On arrival, check in to your hotel before the rest of the day is at your leisure to explore this tropical city. Perhaps go shopping, explore the city’s markets, or spend a relaxing afternoon soaking up the tropical ambience by the pool or at the beach.
Three Night Stay: The Sebel Cairns Hotel, in deluxe waterview rooms. B, FD
Day 15.
Great Barrier Reef Cruise. Cruise out to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef today. Board your catamaran cruise out to Moore Reef and view the colorful coral and diverse range of marine life through the glass bottom of your boat. While out on the reef you have the option to go for a snorkel or a swim. Afterwards, visit your boat’s underwater observatory before enjoying a delicious tropical lunch of local specialties.
B, FL
Day 16.
Skyrail, Kuranda, Wildlife, Cairns. This morning take a guided tour of Cairns before a ride on the scenic Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over lush rain forest to Kuranda. On arrival in Kuranda, visit a wildlife park and learn about native Australian animals. Perhaps even have your photograph taken with a koala (own expense). After seeing a performance by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers, take in the stunning scenery as you travel back through the rain forest to Cairns.
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Day 17.
Cairns, Fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock), Uluru Base Tour, Sounds of Silence Dinner. This morning, board a flight to Uluru from Cairns. Join your coach and head into Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for a tour of Uluru’s base. Your guide will show you ancient caves and traditional Aboriginal rock art. Walk to Mutitjulu waterhole and hear Aboriginal stories and legends. See Aboriginal artists at work at the Maruku Arts and Crafts Gallery. Tonight, you will be treated to the unforgettable Sounds of Silence dinner, where you’ll dine under the stars with vistas of Uluru. Feast on a barbeque buffet of authentic Australian delicacies, including barramundi, kangaroo and crocodile. Later, go star gazing with an expert guide.
Stay: Ayers Rock Resort, Desert Gardens Hotel. B, FD
Day 18.
Kata Tjuta (Olgas), Alice Springs. Today, after breakfast head out to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park again. Here, visit the stunning Kata Tjuta, a cluster of 36 unique domes, and learn about this sacred place from a local guide. You’ll walk through the domes to the majestic Walpa (Olga) Gorge, a tranquil place of much significance to local Aboriginal people. Later, re-board your coach and travel to Alice Springs.
Stay: Alice Springs, Crowne Plaza Hotel. B
Day 19.
Alice Springs, Fly to Melbourne, Tramcar Dinner. On a tour of Alice Springs, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base and Anzac Hill. Following this, board a flight for Melbourne, where on arrival you’ll take a brief sightseeing tour. Tonight, indulge in a unique meal aboard the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant.
Two Night Stay: Melbourne, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. B, FD
Day 20.
Melbourne at Leisure. Today spend the day at leisure in Melbourne. There are many optional activities available, such as a journey along the Great Ocean Road or a tour to Phillip Island to see the famous penguin parade. Or perhaps you would prefer to explore Melbourne at your own pace. You could visit the Queen Victoria Market, go shopping in the city or maybe stroll through one of the many parks or gardens (all at own expense).
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Day 21.
Depart Melbourne. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Los Angeles.
B Itinerary effective 20 May 2012. Tours prior follow a different itinerary. Please inquire for details.
* Price is land only based on Qantas as the international carrier. Fare will differ for other airlines. Price is in USD. Price includes domestic air taxes of approximately US$130, including September 11th Security Fee. See
Pricing & Booking tab for more information and Canadian pricing, if applicable.