Contrasts of Australia & New Zealand
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 our arrival, we are met and transferred to our 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 with our Tour Director. (Dinner)
Day 4 - Auckland sightseeing & at leisure A morning visit to Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter 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. Enjoy a mouth-watering barbecue lunch, then continue on to Rotorua where we visit Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve to view New Zealand's biggest geyser, bubbling mud pools and thermal springs. Finally, we enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi dinner and concert this evening. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch) (Highlight Dinner)
Day 6 - Rotorua - Christchurch Our morning sightseeing includes a visit to beautiful Paradise Valley Springs and the Agrodome's entertaining Sheep Show. See sheep shearing and a sheep dog demonstration. Then in the afternoon we take our flight to Christchurch on the South Island*. (Buffet Breakfast)
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)
Day 8 - Franz Josef - Queenstown (2nights) 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 Wanata, Lake Hawea and heads along the Kawarau River through Kawarau Gorge. Finally we visit the historic Arrowtown, before reaching Queentown, where we spend the next two nights. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 9 - Milford Sound An early start to Fiordland. We drive through the Homer Tunnel stopping at the Chasm before reaching Milford Sound. Here we enjoy a spectacular cruise including 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 to view the Church of Good Shepherd. We drive over the Canterbury plains to Christchurch and enjoy a tour of the city. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 11 - Christchurch - Melbourne (2nights) 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 your please.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 12 - Melbourne sightseeing & at leisure Our morning sightseeing tour shows us the Royal Botonic 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. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 13 - Melbourne - Cairns (2 nights) Later this morning we board our flight to Queensland and the beautiful city of Cairns. The rest of the day is free. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 14 - Great Barrier Reef Mid-morning we join the Great Adventures catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy an informative reef education presentation. See a myriad of corals and tropical fish seen from the underwater observatory and the semi-submersible craft. There is the opportunity to go snorkelling and view this natural living wonder uo close (equipment provided). Enjoy an included buffet lunch before we return to Cairns. (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)
Day 15 - Cairns - Sydney (3nights) 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)
Day 16 - Sydney sightseeing & at leisure Our morning sightseeing tour includes views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and 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 delicious lunch on board. Enjoy intersting commentary plus spectacular sights as we cruise by Sydney's prestigious suburbs. After, there's time at leisure perhaps to explore further. (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)
Day 17 - Syndey 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 bid farewell as we transfer you to the airport. (Buffet Breakfast)
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