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South Pacific Wonders

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$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.
icons_food  Dinner   icons_therma  High 28 Low 18   icons_hotel  Pacific International Cairns

 

Day 2. Great Barrier Reef

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.

icons_food  Breakfast & Lunch   icons_therma  High  28  Low  18   icons_hotel  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.

icons_food  Breakfast   icons_therma  High  28  Low  18   icons_hotel  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.

icons_food  Breakfast  icons_therma  High  20  Low  10   icons_hotel  Menzies Hotel

 

Day 5. Sydney

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!

icons_food  Breakfast  icons_therma  High  20  Low  10   icons_hotel  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.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner   icons_therma  High  20  Low  10  icons_hotel  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.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner   icons_therma High  13  Low  5   icons_hotel  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.

icons_food  Breakfast   icons_therma  High  13  Low  5   icons_hotel  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.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner   icons_therma  High  13  Low  3   icons_hotel  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.

icons_food  Breakfast & Lunch   icons_therma  High 16 Low  5   icons_hotel  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.

icons_food  Breakfast  icons_therma  High 16  Low  5   icons_hotel  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.

icons_food  Breakfast & Dinner  icons_therma  High 16  Low  5   icons_hotel  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.

icons_food  Breakfast

INCLUSIONS

small tick-red-icon Accommodation

small tick-red-icon Meals as per itinerary

small tick-red-icon Tour guide

small tick-red-icon Activities as stated

Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.

EXCLUSIONS

small x red icon  Flights

small x red icon  Meals not indicated on the itinerary

small x red icon Drinks

small x red icon  Optional activities

small x red icon Visas

small x red icon  Comprehensive travel insurance

small x red icon  Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service

small x red icon  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 2016.

Mar 3  – Mar 13.                $3,079

Mar 10  – Mar 20.              $2,829

Mar 17 – Mar 27.               $2,829

April 2016.

Apr 7 – Apr 17.                   $2,949

Apr 14 – Apr 24.                 $2,949

Apr 21 – May 1.                  $2,949

June 2016.

Jun 6 – Jun 26.                    $3,979

Jun 20 – Jul 1.                      $3,979

July 2016.

Jul 18 – Jul 29.                      $3,979

August 2016. 

Aug 8 – Aug 19.                   $4,299

Aug 15 – Aug 26.                 $4,299

September 2016. 

Sep 5 – Sep 16.                    $3,979

Sep 12 – Sep 23.                  $3,979

Sep 26 – Oct 7.                     $3,979

October 2016.

Oct 10 – Oct 21.                   $3,979

November 2016.

Nov 7 – Nov 18.                    $3,469

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

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