 17 Day Australia & New Zealand Explorer
Independent Touring
Travelers who are looking for a group tour to both Australia and New Zealand, yet with the flexibility to choose your preferred standard of accommodation as well as some extra time to explore at your own leisure, will really enjoy this vacation. All of your driver/guides are local experts with a vast knowledge of the regions they call home.
Highlights
Sydney city sights & harbor cruise The Blue Mountains & Wildlife Park Alice Springs town tour Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) Uluru (Ayers Rock) Great Barrier Reef Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park Auckland Waitomo Caves Maori Hangi (feast) & concert in Rotorua Milford Sound cruise Free day in Queenstown Franz Josef Glacier The TranzAlpine Train & Christchurch
Price Includes
Sightseeing (as specified) Buffet lunch on the Great Barrier Reef Sydney Harbor & Milford Sound lunch cruises Barbecue dinner following sunset at the Olgas Traditional Hangi (feast) in Rotorua Choice of standard, superior or first class hotels Expert Driver/Guides 22 meals: 16 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D)
Note: Itinerary effective 1 Apr 2009.
For tours departing before this date, refer to our 2008 brochure.
Day 1: Arrive Sydney, Australia
On arrival at Sydney airport you will be transferred to your hotel (flights any time, airfare not included). The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Sydney, Metro Hotel on Pitt (standard), Four Points by Sheraton, Darling Harbor (superior) or Sofitel Wentworth (first class) for 3 nights
Day 2: Sydney City Sights & Cruise
This morning, tour Sydney and see the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs. Macquarie's Chair and Kings Cross. Visit famous Bondi Beach before a Sydney Harbor luncheon cruise. Enjoy spectacular views of the city skyline this afternoon and Manly surf beach before returning to the city. (B,L)
Day 3: Blue Mountains
Visit a wildlife park that is home to koalas, kangaroos and wombats, before continuing to the spectacular Blue Mountains. Stop at the Skyway and Scenic Railway. Enjoy views of the Three Sisters from Echo Point. Pass Homebush Bay, site of the 2000 Olympic Games, on return to Sydney. (B)
Day 4: Sydney-Alice Springs
This morning you will be transferred to Sydney airport for your flight to Alice Springs (flights to arrive prior to 1:00pm, airfare not included). On arrival in Alice Springs you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon enjoy a tour of the Old Telegraph Station, Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air, Alice Springs Reptile Center and views from Anzac Hill. Overnight: Alice Springs, Aurora Alice Springs (standard), Crowne Plaza (superior) or Alice Springs Resort, River Gum Rooms (first class) (B)
Day 5: Alice Springs-Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Depart early for Ayers Rock Resort, stopping at a camel farm for an optional ride (own expense). This afternoon journey to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and walk to the Valley of the Winds Lookout. This evening view sunset over the Olgas, followed by a delicious barbecue dinner and stargazing talk. Overnight: Ayers Rock Resort, Outback Pioneer Hotel (standard), Desert Gardens Hotel (superior) or Sails in the Desert Hotel (first class) for 2 nights (B,D)
Day 6: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Rise early to view Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise. There is the opportunity to climb to the summit for spectacular views of the Red Center (optional). Tour the caves at the base of Ayers Rock and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Center. This evening enjoy a complimentary glass of wine while you watch the subtle color changes as the sun sets at Ayers Rock. (B)
Day 7: Uluru (Ayers Rock)-Cairns
You will be transferred to Ayers Rock airport for your flight to Cairns (flights anytime, airfare not included). On arrival at Cairns airport you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Cairns, Rydges Esplanade (standard), Novotel Oasis Resort (superior) or Sebel Cairns (first class) for 3 nights (B)
Day 8: Great Barrier Reef
Cruise on a high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel along the reef and view the colorful fish and coral gardens. Snorkeling gear is included (extra charge for scuba). A marine biologist will provide an informative presentation on this natural living wonder. You will also enjoy a tropical buffet lunch on-board the pontoon today. (B,L)
Day 9: Kuranda, Skyrail, Tjapukai
Join the famous Kuranda Railway for a breathtaking journey to the village of Kuranda. There is time to explore the Kuranda Markets, before the return journey to the lowlands over the rainforest on the Skyrail Cableway. Visit the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and learn about this ancient culture through theaters, dance demonstrations and stage shows. This afternoon transfer to your hotel. (B)
Day 10: Cairns-Auckland
This morning you'll be transferred to Cairns airport for your flight to New Zealand (flights anytime, airfare not included). You'll be met on arrival at Auckland airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Auckland. Overnight: Auckland, Scenic Circle Airedale (standard), City Life Hotel (superior) or SkyCity Grand Hotel (first class) (B)
Day 11: Auckland-Rotorua
Travel south to Rotorua via the province of Waikato. After a barbecue lunch, travel on to the fascinating Waitomo Caves for a guided tour of the famous Glow Worm grotto, featuring an underground boat ride. Continue on to Rotorua. This evening enjoy a unique Maori "Hangi" and concert on a local marae. Overnight: Rotorua, Kingsgate Hotel (standard), Park Heritage (superior) or Millennium Hotel (first class) (B,L,D)
Day 12: Rotorua-Queenstown
This morning visit the wildlife at Rainbow Springs, enjoy a sheep-shearing demonstration at the Agrodome Sheep Show and see the thermal activity the region is renowned for at Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Early afternoon you will be transferred to the Rotorua airport for your flight to Queenstown (flights to depart after 1:00pm, airfare not included). On arrival in Queenstown you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight: Queenstown, Kingsgate Hotel Terraces (standard), Rydges Lakeland (superior) or Millennium Hotel (first class) for 3 nights (B)
Day 13: Milford Sound Cruise
Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park. Join your Milford Sound cruise for an unforgettable experience and explore the wonder of this majestic fiord. Return to Queenstown by coach, or enjoy an optional scenic flight (flight, own expense, conditions permitting). (B,L)
Day 14: Queenstown at Leisure
Today is at leisure. Perhaps take a jetboat ride or go white-water rafting. Or, for a more sedate adventure you may choose to take the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak. There are many options available. (B)
Day 15: Queenstown-Franz Josef
Travel north today via Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Enjoy the rugged West Coast scenery through the Haast Pass and continue on to the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. You may have the opportunity to take an optional scenic flight (flight, own expense, conditions permitting) to enjoy the stunning scenery this region has to offer. Overnight: Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (standard and superior) or Te Weheka Inn (first class) (B) Enjoy sunset at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) (Day 5) TranzAlpine Train (Day 16) Bondi Beach, Sydney (Day 2)
Day 16: TranzAlpine-Christchurch
Travel to Greymouth and board the TranzAlpine Train. See spectacular scenery as you traverse the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains. Arrive Christchurch early evening. Overnight: Christchurch, The Elms Hotel (standard), Rydges Hotel (superior) or Heritage Hotel (first class) (B)
Day 17: Depart Christchurch
After breakfast, transfer to Christchurch airport to connect with your onward flight (airfare not included). (B)
Departs Daily
|
