South Pacific Wonders
$4,039.00
From $4,039* pp | 13-16 Days • 19 -23 Meals *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy.
From the tropical splendour of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to the ethereal beauty of New Zealand’s glacial fjords, enjoy the best of two amazing countries.
- Take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour.
- Visit a Canterbury farmyard to observe a sheep shearing demonstration and learn how this New Zealand family farm works.
- Capture the amazing scenery of the New Zealand fjords on a cruise of Milford Sound.
Dream Big Down Under
Explore two great countries of the Southern Hemisphere—Australia and New Zealand. From the tropical splendour of the Great Barrier Reef on Australia’s northeast coast, to the ethereal beauty of glacial fjords on New Zealand’s South Island, this 15-day journey to the lands “Down Under” brings you the best of both countries at an enjoyable pace. Cruise Sydney Harbour and Milford Sound. Meet Australia’s wildlife up-close. Discover the wonders of Aboriginal culture. Indulge in regional flavours at a wine tasting and experience Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.
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 
High 28 Low 18 
Pacific International Cairns
Board a sailing catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. This is an immense series of 2,800 coral reefs which are home to amazingly diverse marine life. 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 
High 28 Low 18 
Pacific International Cairns
Day 3. Cairns
Come to know the history of Australia’s original inhabitants at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre. See the traditional dances, learn how to play a didgeridoo or even throw a boomerang. Browse the renowned art gallery and visit the interpretation centre which houses a collection of interesting artefacts.
Breakfast High 28 Low 18 Pacific International Cairns
Day 4. Cairns – Sydney
Your morning is at leisure. Make your own adventure or simply relax and take in the tropical atmosphere. Later today, fly to the bustling city of Sydney.
Breakfast High 20 Low 10 Menzies Hotel
This morning, see where the original English colonists first settled in 1788 during a city tour of Sydney. Highlights of your tour include 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 sights as you take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Next, learn how raw opals mined from the depths of the Earth are transformed into beautiful works of art at the National Opal Centre. The evening is free to explore Sydney at your leisure. The opportunities are endless!
Breakfast High 20 Low 10 Menzies Hotel
Day 6. Sydney
Take hold of the exciting city of Sydney during a day of independent exploration. Your Tour Manager will be on hand to offer suggestions. Tonight, experience the best of Sydney. 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 20 Low 10 Menzies Hotel
Day 7. Sydney – Christchurch, New Zealand
Today you leave Australia behind and fly to the historic city of Christchurch, New Zealand. Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see firsthand how the city known as “the Garden City” is recreating itself. Make yourself right at home this evening when a New Zealand family welcomes you into their home for dinner! This is sure to be an unforgettable evening during which you will make new friends, learn about the customs of the “Kiwis,” and enjoy a home-cooked meal.
Breakfast & Dinner High 13 Low 5 Rydges Latimer Hotel
Day 8. Christchurch
Today, enjoy some leisure time to explore Christchurch on your own. You may wish to visit the International Antarctic Centre to learn about the 7th continent, or simply relax and enjoy what The Garden City has to offer.
Breakfast High 13 Low 5 Rydges Latimer Hotel
Day 9. Christchurch – Mt. Cook Region – Queenstown
Traverse the spectacular countryside to New Zealand’s most famous national park, Mount Cook. Mt. Cook is one of the most impressive mountains in the world. On your way, visit a Canterbury farmyard for a fantastic opportunity to learn how a New Zealand family farm operates. You may even catch a sheep shearing demonstration. Continue to Queenstown and enjoy a stop at a local fruit stand to gain an inside look at the produce of New Zealand.
Breakfast & Dinner High 13 Low 3 Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Day 10. Queenstown – Milford Sound – Queenstown
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 will 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 5 Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Day 11. Queenstown
Today Queenstown offers up several options to enhance your tour. Shop or people-watch in the village; enjoy an optional and exhilarating jet boat ride on the Shotover River; or 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 5 Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Day 12. Queenstown – Arrowtown – Queenstown
Enjoy a leisurely touring day as you set off for the beautiful turn-of-the-century Gold Rush settlement of Arrowtown. Take time to explore independently and stroll its quaint, historic streets. Next, explore the Central Otago region where many of New Zealand’s best wines are grown and produced. During a stop at a local winery, visit their storage cave for a tasting of some of their famous wines.
Breakfast & Dinner High 16 Low 5 Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Day 13. Queenstown – Tour Ends
After breakfast your tour comes to an end, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful adventure.
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 2 hours ahead of Australian Eastern Standard Time.
- The highest elevation on tour is 2,500 feet above sea level.
- The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar and in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar.
- Australia and New Zealand use 230 Volts. Both are Type I plugs.
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