Australia & New Zealand Tour from $3,299

Uncategorized > Australia & New Zealand Tour from $3,299

dream big down under – australia & new zealand

Explore these two great countries of the Southern Hemisphere—Australia and New Zealand! From the tropical splendor of the Great Barrier Reef on Australia’s northern coast, to the breath taking beauty of glacial fjords on New Zealand’s South Island, – this 14 day journey brings you the best of these countries at an enjoyable pace. Cruise Sydney Harbour and Milford Sound. Meet Australia’s wildlife-up close. Discover the wonders of Aboriginal culture.

Day 1: Arrive Cairns, Australia
Your tour begins today in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Don’t forget to look up at the Southern Hemisphere’s stars this evening after you join your mates for a welcome dinner. Dinner is included.

Day 2: Cairns
Today visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Center. You’ll see traditional Aboriginal dances, learn about the Aboriginal lifestyle, and even throw a boomerang or play a didgeridoo, a traditional instrument. Browse the renowned art gallery and visit the interpretation center, which houses a collection of interesting artifacts. This afternoon a great experience awaits as you search for crocodiles in their natural habitat during a visit to Hartley’s Croc Farm! Boardwalks take you on a path of adventure through rainforests and woodlands to see animals such as wild birds, reptiles and wallabies. While visiting you also have the chance to meet some of the local koalas and have a private talk with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these cuddly creatures. Then, enjoy an exciting cruise in the lagoon looking for crocodiles before enjoying a delicious Aussie barbecue. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 3: Great Barrier Reef
Board a high speed 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. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef in many ways. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride*, a stroll on the walking trail to take in the rain forest, relax on the beaches, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving and an outer reef tour are also available. Whichever way you choose, you’ll see some of the world’s most fascinating marine and plant life. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 4: Cairns-Sydney
Your morning is at leisure for independent exploration. Later today, fly to the bustling city of Sydney.  Breakfast included. Stay Three Nights: Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour

Day 5: Sydney
This morning enjoy a city tour of Sydney where the English explorer James Cook first dropped anchor in 1770. Highlights of your tour include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens and the fashionable suburb of Paddington. Then, discover one of the world’s most fascinating architectural wonders during a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Next, enjoy a unique opportunity to learn first-hand how raw opals are transformed from the dark mine shafts to beautiful works of art. This evening is free to explore Sydney at your leisure. Maybe try one of Sydney’s eclectic restaurants!

Day 6: Sydney
Enjoy a leisurely day to explore Sydney your way. 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. The cruise takes in the beauty of Sydney’s skyline and passes by Australia’s two most famous icons: the renowned Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 7: Sydney-Christchurch
You leave Australia behind and fly to New Zealand and the historic city of Christchurch. Upon arrival enjoy a short sightseeing tour of “the most English city outside of England.” Highlights include magnificent gardens and the elegant park district where you learn why Christchurch is referred to as the “Garden City.” Breakfast and dinner included. Stay Three Nights: Novotel Cathedral Square.

Day 8: Christchurch
This morning visit a Canterbury farmyard where you’ll enjoy a sheep shearing demonstration and see the herding of the farm’s animals! It’s a great opportunity to learn how a New Zealand family farm operates. This afternoon you are free to explore Christchurch independently before a truly special evening. Tonight, dine on the grounds of the region’s first home – once the homestead of the first family to settle in Christchurch. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 9: Christchurch
Today, enjoy a day of exploration on your own in beautiful Christchurch. This English city – the charming international gateway to New Zealand’s South Island – boasts countless cafes and boutiques. Stroll its cobblestone streets and enjoy the many sights that “the Garden City” has to offer. 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 “Kiwi’s” and enjoy a home-cooked meal. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 10: Christchurch – Mt. Cook Region – Queenstown
Traverse the spectacular countryside to New Zealand’s most famous national park, Mt. Cook. Mt. Cook is one of the most impressive mountains in the world with its jagged contours and nearly vertical slopes. You may choose to view the massive glaciers and extensive snow-covered mountain top terrain on an optional glacier flightseeing tour (weather permitting), or perhaps enjoy the park during a nature walk. Continue to Queenstown and enjoy a stop at a local fruit stand to gain an inside look at the produce of New Zealand. Breakfast included.
Stay Four Nights: Mercure Resort Queenstown.

Day 11: Queenstown
With the multitude of activities to do in Queenstown, enjoy a day on your own. You may want to take a walk along Lake Wakatipu or sit at a café and sip a latté while looking out on the lake.

Day 12: Queenstown – Milford Sound – Queenstown
En route to Milford Sound, enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley. You’ll travel through 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 and lunch included.

Day 13: Queenstown
A leisurely day in Queenstown offers several options to enhance your vacation. Shop or people watch in the village or perhaps take 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. This evening, take in the city of Queenstown from above and soak in the breathtaking views during a gondola ride to dinner at the Skyline Restaurant overlooking Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the mountains. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 14: Queenstown – End Tour
Today after checking out of your hotel and breakfast, the tour concludes.
Breakfast is included.

Pricing & Departures

Prices are per person based on double occupancy; subject to availability.

Or, call 1.800.788.0829 to speak with one of our travel experts.

Notes:

• Land only package, airfare can be added easily
• Prices in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
• We have limited space on this package and it is subject to availability and prior sale.
• All package prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted
• Prices reflect cash discount.
• Due to constantly changing policies to baggage restrictions, please check with your airline directly for latest updates and restrictions.
• Information, including prices are subject to change without notice
• Restrictions and change and/or cancel penalties apply.
• UBI-600-307-872-WA