The Complete South Pacific
The Complete South Pacific
$11,474.00
From $11,474* pp | 25 Days • 38 Meals *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy.
Dream Big. Explore the Outback in Australia and discover Mt. Cook in New Zealand on this grand tour of the South Pacific.
- Learn about the education of the children in the Outback during a visit to the School of the Air.
- Cruise the waters of Kakadu National Park where you are sure to see the fearsome saltwater crocodile and plentiful bird life.
- See a Tasmanian Devil during a visit to the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park and learn about the efforts to save these great creatures.
- Visit Te Puia, the premier geothermal experience in New Zealand’s Maori cultural capital, Rotorua.
Do It All Down Under
Meet a koala, enjoy a bush dinner in the Outback, cruise the pristine waters of Milford Sound – do it all on The Complete South Pacific, an unforgettable 27-day journey through Australia and New Zealand. Toast Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunset with champagne. Spend two nights on the Australian island state of Tasmania and visit the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Centre. See the Penguins of Phillip Island commute home. Explore the waters of Kakadu National Park, home of the fearsome saltwater crocodile. Discover the colourful world of the Great Barrier Reef. Marvel at New Zealand’s majestic fjord, Milford Sound. Spend two nights in Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland. Enjoy a home stay and dinner with a New Zealand family. Throughout your adventure explore Aboriginal and Maori traditions.
Itinerary
Day 1. Cairns, Australia – Tour Begins
Your tour opens in Cairns – the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions and a World Heritage site – the Great Barrier Reef. Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds.
Dinner 
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Pacific International Cairns
The most biologically diverse ecosystem in the world awaits as you board a sailing catamaran for an exhilarating Great Barrier Reef excursion. Explore the spectacular reef along Michaelmas Cay. The choice is yours: during the excursion you can choose to explore the shores of this small sand island on the outer reef; or, perhaps you would prefer snorkelling to see the vibrant sea life up close. Back on board, a marine biologist will have an informative presentation and you will even enjoy a fish feeding presentation.
Breakfast & Lunch 
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Pacific International Cairns
Day 3. Cairns
Board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for an unforgettable morning ride over the rainforest canopy. Embrace the opportunity to explore the forest floor up close with access to specially designed boardwalks. Your evening is at leisure to enjoy your tropical surroundings.
Breakfast High 29 Low 22 Pacific International Cairns
Day 4. Cairns – Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Fly to Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock) in the heart of the Australian Outback. Tour the sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta and the beautiful area surrounding the base of “The Rock.” Later, witness a stunning sunset over a glass of champagne as the Rock’s hues change dramatically with the setting sun.
Breakfast High 26 Low 12 Sails In The Desert
A short flight over the “Red Centre” brings you to Alice Springs. Learn how people once communicated in the remote Outback during a sightseeing tour that includes a stop at the Old Telegraph Station, dating back to the 1800’s. Visit School of the Air to find out more about the educational system of the Outback. There’s a chance of witnessing a class in session! Become locally invested this afternoon as you 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, continue your cultural immersion with a memorable bush dinner set against the backdrop of this unique desert environment.
Breakfast & Dinner High 28 Low 13 Doubletree By Hilton Alice Springs
Day 6. Alice Springs – Darwin – Kakadu National Park
Access the history and culture of the Aboriginal people during a “Dreamtime Tour” where your specialist guide shares stories of creation and everyday Aboriginal life. You’ll even taste native cuisine. Later, board your flight to the city of Darwin on the northern edge of Australia and drive into the heart of Kakadu National Park.
Breakfast & Dinner Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Day 7. Kakadu National Park
Today, enjoy the natural beauty of the “Top End.” Kakadu National Park is home to wallaroos and wallabies, monitors and lizards, crocodiles and birds of every imaginable variety. Witness artwork dating back thousands of years as you view Nourlangie Rock. During your afternoon cruise, be on the lookout for crocodiles as they bask in the sun, as well as waterfowl such as jabiru, egrets, herons and eagles.
Breakfast & Dinner Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Day 8. Kakadu National Park – Darwin – Melbourne
Transfer to Darwin for your flight to the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne.
Breakfast High 20 Low 11 The Swanston Hotel Grand Mercure
Day 9. Melbourne
Enjoy a city tour featuring Fitzroy Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and bustling Victoria Markets. Take some time at leisure to explore Melbourne independently. Later, travel to Phillip Island, a renowned nature reserve and home of the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins. Protected and studied by rangers, hundreds of them waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their burrows in the dunes. At the interpretation centre, you have a chance to learn about the lives of the Little Penguins and their significance to the region before enjoying access to the exclusive Penguins Plus viewing area.
Breakfast High 20 Low 11 The Swanston Hotel Grand Mercure
Day 10. Melbourne – Hobart
A flight to Hobart, Tasmania brings you to Australia’s second-oldest city. The rugged and pristine beauty of the island of Tasmania provides the backdrop to your two-night stay.
Breakfast & Dinner High 18 Low 8 Grand Chancellor Hobart
Day 11. Hobart
This morning brace yourself as you meet the Tasmanian Devil at the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Center! Learn about this unique marsupial, its fight for survival, and the efforts in place to save it from extinction. Later, take a guided tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site, the best-preserved example of Australia’s original penal colonies and home to stabilized ruins and restored buildings dating back to 1833. En route, witness the spectacular coastal rock formations known as Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and the Blow Hole.
Breakfast High 18 Low 8 Grand Chancellor Hobart
Day 12. Hobart – Sydney
Return to mainland Australia today and arrive in the bustling city of Sydney. Enjoy a tour of Sydney, birthplace of modern-day Australia. Highlights include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Paddington. Marvel at one of the world’s most fascinating architectural wonders during a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. This evening’s dinner choice is yours as you choose from a variety of local restaurants along bustling Darling Harbour.
Breakfast & Dinner High 23 Low 14 Menzies Hotel
Enjoy a day of leisure as you discover the wonders of Sydney by using your free time to pursue your own interests. Stroll through the city streets, visit the historic Rocks area, or simply relax.
Breakfast High 23 Low 14 Menzies Hotel
Day 14. Sydney
This morning you visit Koala Park for an up close and personal opportunity to learn about the different types of wildlife native to the land down under. You’ll walk amongst wallabies, indigenous birds, kangaroos, dingoes and other creatures. Experience the koala habitat where you can take your picture with a koala! Next, enjoy a unique experience as you learn first-hand about opals during a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. As you say your farewell to Australia, chat with new friends and take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the scenic vistas the harbour has to offer including Sydney’s magnificent skyline and iconic attractions: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
Breakfast & Dinner High 23 Low 14 Menzies Hotel
Day 15. Sydney – Queenstown, New Zealand
Leave Australia behind and fly to one of the world’s best-kept secrets – New Zealand! Arrive in gorgeous Queenstown.
Breakfast & Dinner High 16 Low 6 Heritage Queenstown Hotel
En route to Milford Sound, enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley. You’ll travel through ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. During a cruise of the breathtakingly beautiful Milford Sound, you’ll see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on the South Island. With rock faces that rise nearly 4,000 feet on either side, the scenery will take your breath away. 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.
Breakfast & Lunch High 16 Low 6 Heritage Queenstown Hotel
Day 17. Queenstown
Queenstown offers limitless diversions set amidst breathtaking Alpine scenery. Shop in the charming village centre or enjoy an optional and exhilarating jet boat ride on the Shotover River. Or, perhaps you will join the optional “Journey through Middle Earth” tour which takes you through the majestic Remarkable Mountains and the breathtaking Queenstown countryside showcasing many of the spots where the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed.
Breakfast High 16 Low 6 Heritage Queenstown Hotel
Day 18. Queenstown – Arrowtown – Mt. Cook National Park
Begin your day with a visit to the beautiful turn-of-the-century gold rush settlement of Arrowtown. Next, follow the Kawarau River and cross 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.
Breakfast & Dinner High 16 Low 8 The Hermitage
Day 19. Mt. Cook – Christchurch
This morning, travel to the historic city of Christchurch. Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see first-hand how the city known as “the Garden City” is recreating itself. Enjoy some free time to explore. Stroll the city’s magnificent gardens or learn its more recent history at the Quake City exhibition at the Re:Start Mall.
Breakfast High 17 Low 8 Rydges Latimer Hotel
Day 20. Christchurch – Picton – Wellington
On your journey to Picton, admire the coastal views, scenic river valleys and vineyards. From there, sail across Cook Strait to experience what has been called “the most beautiful ferry ride in the world.” Your final destination is Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.
Breakfast & Dinner High 16 Low 12 Novotel Wellington
Day 21. Wellington
During your panoramic sightseeing tour of Wellington, view the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament; historic St. Paul’s Church; and the Old Government Building – the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Following the tour, visit the National Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongawera, a fascinating centre dedicated to art, history and the Maori culture.
Breakfast High 16 Low 12 Novotel Wellington
Day 22. Wellington – Rotorua
Depart for the dramatic geothermal landscape of Rotorua. With over one-third of its population boasting Maori roots, this city is known as the Maori capital of New Zealand. Make yourself right at home this evening when a New Zealand family welcomes you into their home for the night!** This is sure to be an unforgettable experience as you make new friends, learn about the customs of the “Kiwis,” and enjoy a home-cooked meal.
Breakfast & Dinner High 15 Low 4 Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Day 23. Rotorua
This morning, visit Te Puia – New Zealand’s premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. Witness how the Maori keep their culture alive by teaching the tribal youth traditional carving and weaving. Enjoy the chance to view the Kiwi bird and learn what is being done in an effort to remove this marvellous creature from the endangered species list. Next, meet the skilled carvers who work with pounamu, New Zealand greenstone, at a local jade factory. Then, visit the Agrodome where you will see a sheep shearing demonstration and learn about the importance of agriculture to the nation.
Breakfast High 15 Low 4 Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Day 24. Rotorua – Auckland
Travel through the majestic countryside of the North Island, arriving in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, “The City of Sails.” A panoramic city tour features the America’s Cup Village, the War Memorial, vibrant Queen Street, the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and spectacular views from the harbour side. Join your fellow travellers this evening at a local restaurant for a farewell dinner where you will toast the end of a wonderful trip!
Breakfast & Dinner High 17 Low 12 Mercure Auckland
Day 25. Auckland – Tour Ends
After breakfast your tour comes to an end in Auckland and we say goodbye.
Breakfast
INCLUSIONS
Accommodation
Meals as per itinerary
Tour guide
Activities as stated
Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.
EXCLUSIONS
Flights
Meals not indicated on the itinerary
Drinks
Optional activities
Visas
Comprehensive travel insurance
Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service
Tips and gratuities
- New Zealand is 16 hours ahead; Cairns is 14 hours ahead; Melbourne and Sydney are 15 hours ahead; Alice Springs/Ayers Rock are 14.5 hours ahead of EST.
- The highest point on this tour is 2,500 feet above sea level.
- The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar, and in New Zealand, it is the New Zealand Dollar.
- Australia and New Zealand use 230 Volts. Both are Type I plugs.
- Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.
This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets.
March 2017.
Mar 13 – Mar 24. $3,469
Mar 27 – Apr 7. $3,599
April 2017.
Apr 3 – Apr 14. $3,729
Apr 24 – May 5. $3,729
