FROM THE OUTBACK TO THE GLACIERS
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Depart from Home
Today you will board your overnight flight for your trip to
Australia and New Zealand. Crossing the International Dateline,
you lose a full day.
Day 2: Arrive Melbourne, Australia - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the beautiful Victorian city of
Melbourne, set around the shores of Port Phillip Bay and
boasting a lively and cosmopolitan pulse. The Swanston Hotel
Melbourne, Grand Mercure
Day 3: Melbourne
Today’s tour of Melbourne features Fitzroy Gardens, valued for
their historic, architectural, and horticultural significance.
Later, you may like to participate in an optional tour that
travels to Phillip Island, stopping en route at the Koala
Conservatory where you will meet with a ranger to learn about
the efforts to protect the koalas. During your visit, you’ll
walk along a series of boardwalks to view the koalas in their
natural habitat. Continuing along the coastline, you'll come
upon the fascinating home of the world’s largest colony of
Little Penguins. See hundreds of these lovable birds waddling
out from the sea as they cross the beach to their burrows in the
dunes during the Little Penguin Parade. On this option 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 on Phillip Island when you purchase
this option.
The Swanston Hotel Melbourne, Grand Mercure
Day 4: Melbourne - Alice Springs
You fly to Alice Springs, located in the heart of Central
Australia and the Outback. A sightseeing tour includes the Old
Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill, with its excellent view of
Alice Springs and the surrounding area. 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! A special
experience is in store for you this afternoon as you will have
the opportunity to meet the young Aboriginal group, Drum Atweme.
Supported by the Collette Foundation, Drum Atweme is a musical
group comprised of at-risk youth from the local community.
Tonight, enjoy a memorable dinner in the bush complete with
entertainment under the stars. Crowne Plaza Alice Springs
Day 5: Alice Springs
Discover the culture of the Aboriginal people this morning
during the ‘Dreamtime Tour’. Your specialist guide, along with
members of the Walpiri tribe, will tell you their stories of
creation and show you the every day activities of the
Aboriginals. You will meet these people at their camp and watch
as various dreamtime stories are depicted in paintings. Tonight
you may choose to “Take a Camel to Dinner” (optional) during
which you’ll enjoy a camel ride through the Outback to your
dinner.
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs
Day 6: Alice Springs - Ayers Rock
Today you drive to Ayers Rock in the heart of the Australian
Outback. This huge monolith and the sandstone domes of the Olgas
were created through the process of upheaval and erosion. You
will tour the Olgas and the base of “the Rock,” learning about
their significance to the Aboriginal culture. As the sun sets,
enjoy a champagne toast and watch as Ayers Rock magically
changes color. Desert Gardens
Day 7: Ayers Rock - Cairns
Leaving behind Australia’s Outback, today you are off to Cairns,
the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. One of the world's most
spectacular natural attractions, the reef was established as a
marine park in 1975 and is a collective haven for thousands of
species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds. In 1981 the
United Nations designated the Great Barrier Reef a World
Heritage Site. Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Day 8: Great Barrier Reef
Board a high-speed catamaran for an exciting excursion on the
Great Barrier Reef. From your base on Green Island, you are able
to explore the reef in many ways. Enjoy a trip on a glass bottom
boat* where beautifully colored fish swim beneath in their
natural habitat. Choose a stroll on the walking trail to take in
the rain forest and the beaches, or watch the fish and sea
turtles swim past from the pier. You may also visit the
underwater observatory. For a more adventurous encounter with
the reef, optional scuba diving, snorkeling and an outer reef
tour are also available.
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Day 9: Cairns - Sydney
Explore the rain forest canopy this morning on an optional
skyrail tour; make a few stops on the ascent to experience the
beauty of this World Heritage Site. Depart for the exciting city
of Sydney this afternoon. The evening is yours to independently
explore one of the world’s friendliest cities. All Seasons
Premier Menzies Hotel
Day 10: Sydney
Today is a full day exploring the fun-loving city of Sydney.
Begin with a tour that includes sights such as 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 most fascinating architectural sites as you take
a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on
Sydney Harbour. You will then visit one of Australia's best
wildlife parks where you can feed the kangaroos, pet a wombat
and have a photo taken with one of the local koalas! Later,
enjoy a fascinating opal presentation and learn how raw opals
are transformed from the dark mine shafts to beautiful artistic
creations. All Seasons Premier Menzies Hotel
Day 11: Sydney
Your discovery of Sydney continues today with time to pursue
your own interests. Stroll through the city streets, visit the
historic Rocks District, or simply relax. Your Tour Manager will
be on hand to offer suggestions. This evening’s experience is
unforgettable as you dine while cruising the harbour, enjoying
views of the city’s great icons - the Harbour Bridge and the
Sydney Opera House. Following dinner, return to the Opera House
to enjoy a spectacular performance! All Seasons Premier Menzies
Hotel
Day 12: Sydney - Christchurch, New Zealand
Today you board your flight to begin your exploration of New
Zealand. You arrive in Christchurch, a beautiful English city
located on the Avon River. Christchurch is considered “the most
English city outside of England.” A sightseeing tour highlights
the city’s magnificent gardens, elegant park district and the
historic Neo-Gothic Cathedral. A special treat is in store for
you tonight as you dine with a New Zealand family in their home.
Meet and talk firsthand with a friendly Kiwi family who are
delighted to share their culture, traditions and home with you.
Chateau on the Park
Day 13: Christchurch - Franz Josef Glacier Region
Traveling across New Zealand’s spectacular Southern Alps, you
will marvel at the snowcapped peaks and beautiful river gorges
as you wind your way past waterfalls and rugged mountain
scenery. You may take a train ride (optional) aboard the Tranz-Alpine
Express for a scenic trip through the Southern Alps. You’ll end
your day in the Franz Josef Glacier Region which offers
travellers a rare opportunity to experience a dynamic glacial
landscape, in a temperate environment. Franz Josef Hotel
Day 14: Franz Josef - Queenstown
This morning you may choose to view the jagged snow-covered
mountaintops by taking an optional flightseeing tour (weather
permitting) over New Zealand’s beautiful glacier region. Board
your coach and journey to Queenstown. An amazing landscape
unfolds before your eyes as you pass through the rain forest,
surrounded by the Southern Alps and twisting coastline,
revealing New Zealand's most stunning scenery. Cross green
glacial lakes, view thundering waterfalls and enjoy dramatic
changes in scenery. After crossing the Haast Pass you arrive in
Queenstown, one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns, nestled beside
the mysterious Lake Wakatipu in the Southern Lakes district.
Enjoy a tasting and tour at one of New Zealand's famous wineries
before continuing to dinner at the Skyline Restaurant where you
will enjoy spectacular views overlooking Queenstown, the
Remarkable Mountains, and Lake Wakatipu. After dinner you will
have the option to take in a Maori cultural performance.
Day 15: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Travel through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the
Hollyford Valley via the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound, where
you will enjoy a fascinating cruise. You may choose to return to
Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for
spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
Day 16: Queenstown
Enjoy your day at leisure. Queenstown offers limitless
diversions set amidst breathtaking Alpine scenery. Shop in the
charming village of Queenstown or enjoy an optional and
exhilarating jet boat ride on the Shotover River. Novotel
Gardens
Day 17: Queenstown - Mt. Cook
Enjoy a visit to Arrowtown, a boomtown during the 1800’s gold
rush. Stop at a local fruit stand to experience some of the
delicious produce that grows in the Central Otago region.
Crossing the Kawarau River, you see Lindis Pass before arriving
in New Zealand’s most famous national park, Mt. Cook. There will
be time to enjoy the Alpine paradise of Mt. Cook – a larger than
life experience. You may choose to take a nature walk, enjoy an
optional glacier flightseeing tour (weather permitting), or
simply meditate on the beauty of the Southern Alps. Hermitage
Hotel Mount Cook
Day 18: Mt. Cook - Christchurch
This morning, drive through magnificent landscapes as you return
to Christchurch. Visit a working farm where you will view a
demonstration by a skilled New Zealand “strong eye” sheep
herding dog, followed by a sheep shearing demonstration. Learn
how this New Zealand farm family has survived the changing
times. Tonight, step back in time and experience the true
elegance of Canterbury as you dine at a restored mansion and
learn about the history of the first settlers of Christchurch.
Chateau on the Park
Day 19: Christchurch - Tour Ends
This morning, time permitting, you may choose an optional
excursion to the International Antarctica Centre, the gateway
for all U.S. expeditions to the Antarctic. Your tour ends today
in Christchurch.
Back to Collette Vacations - Menu
Page
