This suggested independent vacation package is Fully Flexible-you can depart any day you like. An ideal way to experience the sights and sounds of both countries, with your choice of hotels and endless options to add extra sightseeing experiences. We have selected the most popular places to stay and the key to this 18 day vacation is we can tailor it for you, depending on how you like to spend your time on vacation.

Highlights

Melbourne city sightseeing

Tramcar dinner, Melbourne

Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Melbourne

Great Barrier Reef cruise

Sydney city sights tour

Blue Mountains 4WD Eco Tour, Sydney

Milford Sound cruise and scenic flight

Mt Cook National Park

Christchurch city sightseeing

Maori Hangi (feast) and cultural performance

Rotorua city sightseeing

Pride of Auckland dinner cruise

Price Includes

Transfers Airport-Hotel

Your choice of standard, first class or deluxe centrally located hotels in key locations

Sightseeing as per itinerary

8 meals: 4 lunches (L) and 4 dinners (D)

Day 1: Arrive Melbourne, Australia

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure to enjoy fabulous alfresco eateries, jump on a tram, wander the bustling city lanes, or perhaps shopping. Overnight: Melbourne, Ibis Melbourne (standard), Novotel Melbourne on Collins (first class) Langham Hotel (deluxe) for 3 nights

Day 2: Melbourne City Sights & Tramcar Dinner

Depart this morning on a discovery of the city sights. Start with Melbourne's lush parklands, elegant heritage and contemporary architecture. Highlights include the Yarra River, Captain Cook's Cottage, Queen Victoria Market, Fitzroy Gardens and Albert Park, home to the Formula One Grand Prix. Visit the historic Shrine of Remembrance and stroll along Southbank's waterfront precinct. Return to your hotel mid-afternoon. This evening a treat is in store! Dine aboard a magnificently restored 1927 tramcar as it trundles the streets of Melbourne (hotel transfers not included). (D)

Day 3: Phillip Island Penguins Tour

This luxury small group tour begins around 1:00pm and travels through exclusive Melbourne suburbs to the Mornington Peninsula for stunning views over Port Phillip Bay. Head east to Phillip Island, the "wildlife island." Here, Penguins come ashore at dusk from their ocean feeding grounds. It is a unique experience as the penguin colony enters the beach in groups and "walk and talk" loudly as they work their way into the dunes where their burrow nests are situated. Boardwalks give you a great view of the penguins in the dune area. Return to Melbourne, arriving late evening. (D)

Day 4: Melbourne-Cairns

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cairns (flight not included). You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or wandering the various shops on Cairns' Esplanade. Overnight: Cairns, Cairns Colonial Club (standard), Novotel Oasis (first class) or Shangri-La, The Marina (deluxe) for 3 nights

Day 5: Great Barrier Reef Cruise

This morning board a cruise to the famous Great Barrier Reef on a wave-piercing catamaran. Travel to the outer reef for a day you wont forget! Choose from a number of ways to explore the reef; semi-submersible boat ride, swim, snorkel or relax on the floating pontoon moored at Agincourt Reef. A delicious lunch is included and you also have the option of diving or taking a helicopter ride (additional expense) for spectacular aerial views of the reef. (L)

Day 6: Cairns at Leisure

Today is at leisure. There is a variety of activities available we can suggest and book for you (optional, additional expense). We highly recommend a day to Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest, or take the scenic rail journey to Kuranda and travel on the Skyrail over the rainforest or combining Kuranda with Hartleys Crocodile Adventure to discover many native Australia animals-including crocodiles.

Day 7: Cairns-Sydney

Today you will be transferred to Cairns airport where you will connect with your onward flight to cosmopolitan Sydney (flight not included). The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore this remarkable city. Overnight: Sydney, Menzies Sydney (standard), The Grace Hotel (first class) or Sydney Harbor Marriott (deluxe) for 3 nights

Day 8: Sydney Sightseeing

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and explore Sydney. See the Opera House, Botanic Gardens and Conservatorium of Music. Travel to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for a view of the city and harbor. Continue through Darling Harbor, home to shops and restaurants, before heading for Kings Cross. Travel through the exclusive suburbs of Double Bay and Rose Bay, then on to The Gap for spectacular ocean views. Arrive at Bondi Beach where you will see the famous Bondi Lifesavers. Enjoy a short stop here, then continue back to Sydney via trendy Paddington.

Day 9: Blue Mountains Luxury 4WD Eco Tour

Your friendly and knowledgeable guide will pick you up in a luxury touring vehicle. Travel through the historical Rocks area. Experience the magnificent World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. Lunch at a unique rainforest hut and continue on to the Three Sisters. This afternoon, seek out the kangaroos that roam the area. On your return to Sydney, pass by the Olympics 2000 site en route to your hotel. (L)

Day 10: Sydney-Queenstown

Transfer to Sydney airport for your flight to Queenstown, New Zealand (flight not included). On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Queenstown is a beautiful year-round alpine resort, set on a stunning lake and surrounded by mountains-perfect for adventurers or leisure seekers alike. Overnight: Queenstown, Mercure Resort, (standard), Peppers Beacon (first class) or Hotel St Moritz (deluxe) for 3 nights

Day 11: Queenstown at Leisure

Today is your time to enjoy this charming town. Quality shopping can be found in Queenstown, where you can find the perfect gift for those back home. Or, we can recommend activities in the area from an exhilarating jetboat ride, a scenic flight and alpine picnic or wine tasting (sightseeing optional, additional expense).

Day 12: Milford Sound Cruise & Scenic Flight

Travel along the edge of Lake Wakatipu, beneath the rugged Remarkables, to Te Anau before entering the Fiordland National Park. Stop at the Mirror Lakes before passing through the Hollyford Valley and the Homer Tunnel, then descend down to Milford Sound. Enjoy an unforgettable Cruise on the majestic Milford Sound followed by a spectacular flight back to Queenstown (subject to weather conditions). (L)

Day 13: Queenstown-Mt Cook-Christchurch

Travel to Mt Cook National Park, which boasts New Zealand's highest peak. Continue on to Christchurch via beautiful Lake Tekapo and the tiny "Church of the Good Shepherd." Overnight: Christchurch, Copthorne Hotel Durham Street (standard), Heritage Christchurch (first class) or The George (deluxe) 2 nights

Day 14: Christchurch City Sightseeing

This morning, meet your guide for an informative tour through the "Garden City." With modern architecture and historic buildings reminiscent of its colonial heritage, Christchurch is also set against a backdrop of beautiful parks, gardens and rivers. Highlights of this tour include Cathedral Square and the Canterbury Museum, morning tea at Mona Vale, and a drive up to the Port Hills for scenic views across the city. The rest of your day is at leisure.

Day 15: Christchurch-Rotorua- Maori "Hangi" (Feast) & Concert

Transfer to Christchurch airport for your flight to Rotorua (flight not included). You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. From the moment you enter Rotorua, you know you are somewhere quite different. Minutes from the city center, geysers of steaming water roar from the ground and the occasional scent of sulphur wafts through the air-a remarkable wonder of New Zealand. This evening you are welcomed into the world of the Maori people. Experience the pre- European lifestyle and customs of Maori ancestors as you enter the Maori Village. Tribal songs and dance performances are a highlight. Enjoy a night of traditional culture and entertainment while feasting on foods cooked in an earthen oven. Overnight: Rotorua, Ibis Rotorua (standard), Novotel Lakeside (first class) or Millennium Hotel (deluxe) for 2 nights (D) Penguins, Phillip Island (Day 3) Maori carving, Te Puia Rotorua (Day 16) Geothermal Rotorua (Day 16)

Day 16: Rotorua Sightseeing

This morning depart early to a landscape of erupting geysers, hot thermal springs and bubbling mud pools at Te Puia Thermal Village. Travel to a showcase of New Zealand's flora and fauna including a kiwi bird, and an authentic farm tour and shearing demonstration. Then enjoy the spectacular views from the gondola. Return to your hotel around 2:30pm. (L)

Day 17: Rotorua-Auckland, Dinner Cruise

Fly to Auckland (flight not included) where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Tonight features a unique combination of sailing and dining aboard the Pride of Auckland. Dine on fresh seafood in a calm and magnificent harbor setting. After dinner, the sails go up for an exhilarating sailing experience. Optional, if you choose, you can travel to Auckland by coach and stop at the Waitomo or Ruakuri Caves, arriving into Auckland in the evening. Overnight: Auckland, Copthorne Harbor City (standard), SkyCity Hotel (first class) or The Langham (deluxe) (D)

Day 18: Depart Auckland

Tour concludes with your transfer to Auckland airport.

Departs: Daily