Incredible adventures await you on this New Zealand and Australia tour. Float through the Waitomo caves in New Zealand and visit the farm from the set of Lord of the Rings. Enjoy the beauty of Fjordland National Park, Milford Sound, Waimungu Volcanic Valley and Queenstown. In Australia visit Melbourne, Port Douglas, the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney.
17 Days • fr. $7,658
Kia Ora—welcome to New Zealand! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. Please schedule flights to arrive by 4:30 pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing.
SKYCITY HOTEL
This morning, enjoy an orientation tour of Auckland, the “City of Sails.” See bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and the historic Parnell Village.
Breakfast, Lunch
Then, take a ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island, where we’ll visit a winery for a tour, tasting, and lunch.
The remainder of the day is yours to explore more of Auckland.
Breakfast, Lunch
SKYCITY HOTEL
This morning, depart Auckland and travel through the green pastoral region of Waikato to the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Experience a guided tour through the limestone chambers and passages of the cavern. Take a silent boat trip through Glowworm Grotto as you glide quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling.
Next, stop at a picturesque farm near Matamata that was transformed into the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. During your visit, see the hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and other structures built for the movies.
Continue on to Rotorua for a 2-night stay.
Breakfast
MILLENNIUM HOTEL ROTORUA
This morning, visit Te Puia, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area with New Zealand’s largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces. Next visit Rainbow Springs to view native bush and wildlife including the shy Kiwi bird. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hangi Dinner, followed by an authentic Maori Cultural Performance.
Breakfast, Dinner
MILLENNIUM HOTEL ROTORUA
Fly to Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Tonight, take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak. Take in the spectacular mountain views and the lights of Queenstown below as you dine in the Skyline Restaurant.
Breakfast, Dinner
COPTHORNE HOTEL & RESORT QUEENSTOWN LAKEFRONT
Today, travel into Fjordland National Park through the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has been honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. cruise on the fiord, with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths.
Overnight in Queenstown.
Breakfast, Lunch
COPTHORNE HOTEL & RESORT QUEENSTOWN LAKEFRONT
A full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Consider an optional visit to a local vineyard and sample some of the prize vintages—or maybe take a thrilling jetboat ride on the Dart River. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you plan your day to explore, shop, and enjoy optional activities.
Breakfast
COPTHORNE HOTEL & RESORT QUEENSTOWN LAKEFRONT
This morning, board your flight across the Tasman Sea to Melbourne. Overnight in Melbourne
Breakfast
NOVOTEL MELBOURNE ON COLLINS
Today’s sightseeing tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful Fitzroy Gardens, then drive past the lush Royal Botanic Gardens. You’ll soon discover the different architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. Next, enjoy a unique lunch experience on board the historic Colonial Tramcar Restaurant as it winds its way through the streets of Melbourne. Tonight’s optional excursion to see the world-famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island is highly recommended.
Breakfast, Lunch
NOVOTEL MELBOURNE ON COLLINS
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this multicultural and cosmopolitan city. Dine at a local restaurant and immerse yourself in Melbourne’s passionate food and wine scene or walk along Chapel and Brunswick Streets, famous for great shopping. Take a trip out of town to sample award-winning wines in the Yarra Valley or drive along the spectacular Great Ocean Road to see the “Twelve Apostles.”
Breakfast
NOVOTEL MELBOURNE ON COLLINS
Today, fly to Cairns, the “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.”
Continue to Port Douglas, a beachside town surrounded by rainforest and the Coral Sea. Enjoy a 3-night stay in this tropical paradise. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant.
Breakfast, Dinner
QT PORT DOUGLAS HOTEL
Today, prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran and cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of color and brilliance. Choose to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist.
Overnight in Port Douglas.
Breakfast, Lunch
QT PORT DOUGLAS HOTEL
A full day at leisure. You may wish to take a trip into the Daintree Forest, the world’s oldest living rainforest and to beautiful Cape Tribulation. Other activities include hiking, relaxing by your resort’s pool, or window shopping at the unique boutiques and art galleries in downtown Port Douglas, where you are sure to find a favorite souvenir.
Breakfast
QT PORT DOUGLAS HOTEL
This morning, enjoy a special visit to the Hartley's Crocodile Adventures for your chance to meet Australia’s native animals.
Afterward, fly to Sydney, the largest city in Australia.
Breakfast
SWISSOTEL SYDNEY
Explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Visit the Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a guided tour of its interior and theaters. Travel to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s Botanic Gardens for a great photo opportunity and sweeping views of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Visit world-famous Manly Beach with time to explore the shops or perhaps go for a stroll on the beach. Afterward, take a ferry back to Sydney Harbour and enjoy some of the city’s best views. Make sure to have your camera ready!
Breakfast
SWISSOTEL SYDNEY
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join our optional excursions to the Blue Mountains or to the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge! Your Tour Director will help you make the most of this exciting city.
Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner at a waterfront restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour.
Breakfast, Dinner
SWISSOTEL SYDNEY
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast
All rates listed are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change without notice. Your land package pricing will be confirmed and guaranteed once your deposit is received and applied to the booking, except where price increases may result from increases in government taxes or fees. Room configurations are subject to availability. Guests added to your party after the booking are priced at the prevailing rate at the time they are added.