A Down Under Adventure – from $6,999

Latest Deals! > A Down Under Adventure – from $6,999

Day 1-2: Overnight Flight
Board your Qantas flight and cross the International Dateline en route, skipping a day ahead.

Day 3: Auckland, New Zealand – Tour Begins
Arrive in one of the world’s best-kept secrets, New Zealand. Begin in Auckland, the “City of Sails,” consistently rated one of the best places in the world to live. Experience the vibrant cultures from many Pacific islands that come together here. This evening, meet your fellow travelers during a welcome reception and dinner.
Stay: Amora Hotel Auckland

Day 4:Auckland – Matamata – Farm Stays
Come to know the best of Auckland as we set out on a panoramic city tour featuring the America’s Cup Village, the War Memorial, vibrant Queen Street, the Auckland Harbour Bridge and spectacular views from the harbourside. Head to Matamata in the agricultural heartland of the North Island. This idyllic landscape inspired the producers of The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films and is sure to inspire you when you tour Hobbiton, the only outdoor filming location still in existence. Make yourself at home this evening when a New Zealand family welcomes you to stay on their farm* 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.
Stay: Home stay New Zealand Farm

Day 5: Rotorua
Find yourself amid the dramatic geothermal landscape of Rotorua where we explore the local culture. With over one-third of its population boasting Maori roots, this city is known as the Maori capital of New Zealand. Take the controls of your own “RailCruiser” as you undertake Rotorua’s ultimate rail experience. This heritage rail line takes you through the native landscape and reveals beautiful lake views. Next, meet skilled carvers who work with pounamu, New Zealand greenstone, at a local jade factory. Visit Te Puia, New Zealand’s premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience, and see how age-old customs are passed down at the National Carving School and National Weaving School where tribal youth learn traditional skills. Tonight, experience an authentic Hangi dinner celebration where you learn about the warm-hearted Maoris and their lives before and since European colonists arrived in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Enjoy an immersive experience featuring traditional entertainment such as the poi dance and the famous “Haka” war challenge.
Stay: Regent Of Rotorua Hotel

Day 6: Rotorua – Wellington
Begin your day with a breakfast cruise on the waters of Lake Rotorua. Then, travel through the majestic countryside of the North Island. Arrive in Wellington, nestled between the sparkling harbour and rolling hills. Savor Wellington’s unique cosmopolitan feel as we experience this small capital city.
Stay: Rydges Wellington

Day 7: Wellington
Join a sightseeing tour of Wellington that includes the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament, historic St. Paul’s Church and the Government Building. Visit Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, the national museum of New Zealand. While at the museum, learn firsthand about the early interactions between Maoris and colonial settlers. Take the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the city.
Stay: Rydges Wellington

Day 8: Wellington – Picton – Christchurch
Board a ferry and sail across Cook Strait, “the most beautiful ferry ride in the world.” From the port of Picton, we travel across New Zealand’s South Island to Christchurch, the “Garden City.” Stroll the magnificent gardens or learn its more recent history at the Quake City Exhibition at the Re:Start Mall.
Stay: Rydges Latimer Hotelr

Day 9: Christchurch – Mt. Cook Region
Travel over the rugged countryside to New Zealand’s most famous national park, Mt. Cook. Gaze up at formidable Mt. Cook, pinnacle of the Southern Alps. Take a nature walk, choose an optional glacier flightseeing** tour or simply meditate on the beauty of the Southern Alps.
Stay: Mackenzie Country Hotel

Day 10: Mt. Cook Region – Queenstown
Traverse the rugged Lindis Pass en route to Queenstown. Visit Akarua Vineyard to see why the Central Otago region is becoming famous for its wines. Next, arrive in Queenstown, one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns. Dine at the Skyline Restaurant with spectacular views of Queenstown, the Remarkable Mountains and Lake Wakatipu.
Stay: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 11: Queenstown – Milford Sound – Queenstown
Travel through the Hollyford Valley to world-famous Milford Sound. Cruise this dramatic fjord. You may choose to return to Queenstown via a short optional flight** for spectacular views or return by coach.
Stay: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 12: Queenstown
Your day is at leisure to relax or explore Queenstown independently. Perhaps you will opt to take “A Journey Through Middle Earth,” a tour of the South Island’s Tolkienesque landscape, and see the cinematic backdrop that brought The Lord of the Rings to life on the big screen.
Stay: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 13: Queenstown – Melbourne, Australia
Continue on your adventure to Australia, the island continent. We fly into the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the world of opals, Australia’s national gemstone. See how raw opals are tranformed into beautiful jewelry at the National Opal Centre. Tonight, dine on the historic Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Trams are an essential part of Melbourne’s colorful atmosphere.
Stay: Batmans Hill On Collins

Day 14: Melbourne
This morning enjoy a city tour featuring Fitzroy Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and bustling Victoria Market. Take a free afternoon to discover all that Melbourne has to offer. You may participate in an optional tour that travels to Phillip Island, a renowned nature reserve and home of the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins.
Stay: Batmans Hill On Collins

Day 15: Melbourne – Adelaide – Barossa Valley
Fly to Adelaide, capital of South Australia. Enjoy a panoramic tour of this historic city before heading north into the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s most famous wine regions. Tonight, enjoy the beauty of Barossa during a scenic dinner overlooking the gorgeous vineyards.
Stay: Novotel Barossa Valley Resort

Day 16: Barossa Valley
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Barossa Valley. Visit Langmeil Winery, one of the area’s oldest, to learn about the history and geography of the region. Jacob’s Creek Winery welcomes you for a food & wine Master Class and lunch. This afternoon, discover the secret of Australia’s fortified wines as you tour historic Seppeltsfield. The barrels here contain ports from every year as far back as 1878. Wine connoisseur or not, sit back and relax while Australian wine experts introduce you to these delicious products.
Stay: Novotel Barossa Valley Resort

Day 17: Barossa Valley – Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Fly into the heart of the Outback and arrive at iconic Uluru, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tonight an unforgettable experience awaits. At the world-famous Sounds of Silence dinner you will sip champagne while watching the sun set over Uluru. Enjoy a delicious buffet featuring Australian “bush tucker,” or native foods. Listen to the sound of the didgeridoo and watch native Aboriginal dances. Gaze at the broad sweep of the Southern stars as a guide points out the features of the night sky.
Stay: Sails In The Desert

Day 18: Uluru – Cairns – Palm Cove
In the cool of the morning, set out for a tour of “the Rock.” Explore the sandstone domes of the Olgas. Learn how geologic forces created these masterpieces and get a sense of their Aboriginal spiritual significance. Next, soar above the Red Centre as you fly to tropical Cairns. Finally, we arrive at our beachside resort in the secluded village of Palm Cove.
Stay: The Reef House

Day 19: The Great Barrier Reef
Head for one of the world’s natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef. Set sail with a select few on the exclusive luxury sailing catamaran Wavedancer. Moor at the Low Isles and allow the natural beauty to surround you. Enjoy a guided walking or snorkel tour with a marine biologist, check out marine life from a glass-bottom boat, or just relax under a palm-thatched umbrella on this peaceful coral cay. Indulge in a tropical buffet lunch on board.
Stay: The Reef House

Day 20: Daintree Rainforest – Mossman Gorge – Palm Cove
This morning relax and enjoy the facilities of your resort. Later, journey north to the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Cruise the Daintree River to search for fearsome saltwater crocodiles. At beautiful Mossman Gorge, members of the Kuku Yalanji tribe, the original Aboriginal people of the area, introduce you to their traditional lifestyle. Walk with them through their ancestral lands and learn their ancient ways. Savor a dinner prepared using a traditional camp oven-style of cooking.
Stay: The Reef House

Day 21: Palm Cove – Cairns – Sydney
Return to Cairns and fly to energetic Sydney, Australia’s largest city, where the original British colonists first settled in 1788.
Stay: Parkroyal Darling Harbor

Day 22: Sydney
Set out on a tour of Sydney which highlights the lively Kings Cross district, Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the historic Rocks neighborhood and the Botanic Gardens. Discover the perfectly designed UNESCO World Heritage Sydney Opera House during a guided tour. Then, we will head to world-famous Bondi Beach for a surfing lesson. Don’t worry…you don’t have to get wet as we explore the rigorous training lifeguards must go through and figure out how to stay up on a board. This afternoon, discover the “Gourmet Icons” of this multicultural city on a special foodie tour. Taste beers in an authentic pub; visit a family-owned Italian deli; enjoy handmade gelato; and indulge in a great Australian specialty, meat pies, at the landmark “Harry’s Café de Wheels.”
Stay: Parkroyal Darling Harbor

Day 23: Sydney
Today is yours to explore Sydney on your own. See what the city has to offer in the way of shopping, history, or culinary adventures. Immerse yourself in this cosmopolitan melting pot. Your tour manager will be on hand to make suggestions. Later, take a farewell dinner cruise on 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. Trade stories about your trip with your new friends and celebrate your Down Under adventure.
Stay: Parkroyal Darling Harbor

Day 24: Sydney – Tour Ends
Your memorable exploration of the South Pacific ends today as you depart for home.