THE COMPLETE SOUTH PACIFIC
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Depart from Home
Today you board your Qantas flight and begin the adventure
of a lifetime to Australia and New Zealand. Crossing the
International Dateline, you lose a full day.
Day 2: Cairns (Northern Beaches), Australia - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef,
the northern beaches of Queensland. Tonight, enjoy a special
welcome dinner with your new mates.
Palm Cove Hotel
Day 3: Great Barrier Reef
Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting tour of the Great
Barrier Reef - the most biologically diverse ecosystem in the
world. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore
the reef in many ways. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride*, take a
stroll in the rain forest, relax on the beaches, or just watch
the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more
adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving,
snorkeling and an outer reef tour* are also available. Palm Cove
Hotel
Day 4: Cairns
This morning you board the Skyrail Rain Forest Cableway for an
unforgettable ride above the rain forest canopy. There are two
stops where you may get off the cableway and experience the
forest floor from specially designed boardwalks. The amazing
diversity of plants, animals and birds will astound you. Return
to Palm Cove for an evening at leisure to enjoy your tropical
surroundings. Palm Cove Hotel
Day 5: Cairns - Ayers Rock
Board your flight to Ayers Rock, located in the heart of the
Australian Outback, where you will tour the base of “the Rock”
and marvel at its changing hues during sunset.
Sails in the Desert
Day 6: Ayers Rock - Alice Springs
Tour the sandstone domes of the Olgas before departing for Alice
Springs, located in the heart of the Australian Outback. A
sightseeing tour of the area includes the Old Telegraph Station
and Anzac Hill. Gain insight into the educational system in the
Outback with a visit to the School of the Air - you may even see
a class in session! Tonight, enjoy dining and entertainment
during a traditional dinner in the bush. You’ll experience
Outback hospitality and entertainment under the Southern
Hemisphere's stars. Crowne Plaza Alice Springs
Day 7: Alice Springs - Darwin - Kakadu National Park
Begin your day with a Dreamtime Tour. Experience the culture of
the Australian Aborigines and learn about their ancient culture,
folklore, customs and the concept of Dreamtime. You will have
the opportunity to taste some of their traditional Aboriginal
food. Later, board your flight to the northern tip of Australia
and the city of Darwin. You then drive into the heart of Kakadu
National Park. Holiday Inn Gagudju Crocodile
Day 8: Kakadu National Park
Today you experience the beauty and culture of Australia’s “Top
End.” Kakadu National Park is home to wallaroos and wallabies,
monitors and lizards, birds of every imaginable color, and
crocodiles. See ancient Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock
and enjoy an audio-visual show at the Visitors Centre. During
your afternoon Yellow Waters cruise you may see crocodiles as
they bask in the sun, as well as waterfowl such as jabiru,
egrets, herons and eagles. Holiday Inn Gagudju Crocodile
Day 9: Kakadu National Park - Darwin - Melbourne
Fly to the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne. Enjoy a city
tour which includes Fitzroy Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance
and Parliament House. The Swanston Hotel Melbourne, Grand
Mercure
Day 10: Melbourne
Your morning is at leisure to explore Melbourne on your own. You
may visit the elegant parks and gardens in this friendly city,
take a ride on a streetcar, or enjoy lunch at an outdoor café in
the quaint Italian neighborhood of Carlton. This afternoon you
will visit Phillip Island, a renowned nature reserve and home of
the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins. The Little
Penguin is protected on Phillip Island and rangers diligently
study them. View the Little Penguin Parade as hundreds of them
waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their burrows in
the dunes. You will also visit the interpretation center where
you will learn about the life of the Little Penguins and their
significance to the area. Dinner is included at a favorite
Phillip Island restaurant. The Swanston Hotel Melbourne, Grand
Mercure
Day 11: Melbourne - Hobart
A flight to Hobart, Tasmania brings you to Australia's second
oldest city. The rugged and pristine beauty of Tasmania provides
the backdrop to your 2-night stay here.
Wrest Point Casino Hotel
Day 12: Hobart
Take a guided tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site, the
best-preserved example of Australia’s penal colonies. Dating
back to 1833, the site features a large number of stabilized
ruins and restored buildings. Visit the interpretive center for
a glimpse into the lives of the convicts. Later, witness the
spectacular coastal rock formations known as Tasman Arch,
Devil’s Kitchen and the Blow Hole. This afternoon you will get
to see the Tasmanian Devil! Learn about this great creature and
their plight for survival and the great efforts to save them
from extinction. Wrest Point Casino Hotel
Day 13: Hobart - Sydney
Return to mainland Australia today and arrive in the bustling
city of Sydney.
Day 14: Sydney
A city tour of Sydney, where modern-day Australia was born,
highlights Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the
Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable
suburb of Paddington. Discover one of the world’s greatest
architectural achievements as you take a guided tour through the
Sydney Opera House. Dinner is included at one of Sydney's
revolving restaurants which offers spectacular views of the
city. All Seasons Premier Menzies Hotel
Day 15: Sydney
See koalas in their natural habitat when you visit Koala Park,
opened in 1930 by founder Noel Burnet. Perhaps you'll feed the
kangaroos or pet a wombat while exploring this well-known
sanctuary for Australia's wildlife. Next, enjoy a unique
opportunity to learn first-hand about opals during a special
presentation at the National Opal Collection, one of Australia’s
top jewelry companies. An amazing evening begins with a sail on
Sydney Harbour's glistening waters during a dinner cruise
offering spectacular views of Sydney’s greatest icons - the
Harbour Bridge and world-famous Opera House. Following the
cruise visit the world-famous Opera House, acclaimed for both
its architecture and acoustics, to enjoy a performance! All
Seasons Premier Menzies Hotel
Day 16: Sydney - Queenstown, New Zealand
Travel to New Zealand, arriving in the gorgeous town of
Queenstown.
Day 17: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Journey through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the
Hollyford Valley via the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Enjoy a
cruise of Milford Sound fjord. Following your cruise, you return
to Queenstown. You may choose to return via a short optional
flight, weather permitting, for spectacular views of New
Zealand’s Southern Alps.
Day 18: Queenstown
A leisurely day in this charming village offers several options
to enhance your vacation. An optional thrilling jet boat ride on
the Shotover River, or the ‘Safari of the Rings’ adventure into
the spectacular Tolkian landscape, are two favorite ways to
spend time here. Dinner is included at the Skyline Restaurant
overlooking Queenstown, the Remarkable Mountains, and Lake
Wakatipu. Mercure Resort Queenstown
Day 19: Queenstown - Mt. Cook National Park
Traveling through New Zealand’s picturesque countryside you will
learn about the 19th century gold rush when you stop in
Arrowtown. Later today you will arrive at Mt. Cook National Park
where you may take nature walks or, if weather permits, enjoy an
optional flightseeing tour to the top of the rugged mountain
range. Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook
Day 20: Mt. Cook - Christchurch
A drive through the Southern Alps, which line the western side
of New Zealand's South Island, brings you to the beautiful
English city of Christchurch. Located on the Avon River,
Christchurch is considered to be “the most English city outside
of England.” Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour along the
Avon River and view magnificent gardens, the Neo-Gothic
Cathedral, and the downtown park district. Chateau
on the Park
Day 21: Christchurch
Today is yours to explore the historic city of Christchurch at
your leisure. This afternoon you may choose to take an optional
tour to the International Antarctic Centre, the gateway for
expeditions to Antarctica. Tonight, experience the elegance of
Canterbury as you dine in a restored mansion and learn the
history of the first family to settle in Christchurch. Chateau
on the Park
Day 22: Christchurch - Wellington
Traveling north along the coast you'll pass scenic river valleys
and vineyards. Arriving in Picton, you will ferry to the North
Island on one of the most scenic trips the world has to offer.
Cruising through the Marlborough Sounds and across the Cook
Strait, your final destination is Wellington, the harbour
capital of New Zealand.
Duxton Hotel Wellington
Day 23: Wellington
According to Maori legend, Wellington Harbour was founded in the
10th century by the Polynesian navigator Kupe and first named Te
Upoko o te Ika a Maui - or "head of Maui's fish." A tour of this
city showcases the Beehive Parliamentary buildings and views
from atop Mt. Victoria. Later, experience Te Papa Tongarewa
Museum, New Zealand's national museum which has won worldwide
acclaim for its innovative, exciting and diverse range of
artwork and exhibitions which relay the captivating stories of
the indigenous people. Duxton Hotel Wellington
Day 24: Wellington - Rotorua
Depart for the center of Maori culture - the city of Rotorua.
Here you’ll see a unique landscape of bubbling and steaming
geothermal springs. Tonight you will enjoy a home stay** and
dinner with a New Zealand family. This is a great way to meet
the Kiwis and perhaps form lifelong friendships. Home Stay Hotel
Day 25: Rotorua
This morning visit Te Puia, New Zealand's premier Maori cultural
and geothermal experience. You'll be truly amazed by the
landscape of erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and other
geothermal wonders. Here, the Maori keep their culture alive by
teaching the tribal youth traditional carving, weaving and
dancing. Learn about this unique culture as you partake in a
demonstration about the importance of the Maori dress and the
weaving process. Before leaving you will get to view the
national bird - the Kiwi. A visit to the Agrodome will give you
insight into how wool, one of New Zealand’s premier products, is
processed. You will also view a special sheep shearing
demonstration. Later this afternoon, meet jade carvers and
discover how jade is transformed to make beautiful jewelry. This
evening you receive a traditional Maori welcome at a Hangi meal
followed by a traditional performance of songs, dances and other
festivities. Rydges Rotorua
Day 26: Rotorua - Auckland - Tour Ends
Travel through the majestic countryside of the North Island,
arriving in New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, "The City of
Sails." Your tour ends in Auckland.
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