Itinerary:
Day #1 1 and
Day #2 Depart from Home - Begin the adventure of a lifetime when you board your Qantas flight. Crossing the International Dateline en route, you skip a day ahead.
Day #3 Sydney, Australia - Tour Begins - Arrive in the cosmopolitan city of Sydney, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, situated along the shores of its beautiful, natural harbor. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers - or “mates” as they say in Australia - for a special welcome dinner.
Day #4 Sydney - A tour of Sydney highlights the lively Kings Cross district, graceful Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the historic Rocks neighborhood and the Botanic Gardens. Discover one of the world’s most perfectly designed buildings during a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage site and “masterpiece of 20th century architecture.” A behind-the-scenes look at the world of opals – Australia’s national gemstone - shows how raw opals are transformed into beautiful jewelry.
Day #5 Sydney - Today is yours to explore one of the world’s most magnificent cities independently. This evening, a special dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour offers unforgettable views of Sydney’s spectacular landmarks - the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Then, experience the Opera House’s acclaimed acoustics firsthand at a memorable performance.
Day #6 Sydney - Hervey Bay - Fraser Island - Depart for the largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island. This World Heritage island is the only place in the world where tall rainforests are found growing on sand dunes. Enjoy the islands exceptional beaches, colored sand cliffs and freshwater lakes. This evening enjoy dinner at your spectacular resort!
Day #7 Fraser Island - Your exploration of Fraser Island continues on a ranger guided 4WD tour. Experience the islands’ ever-changing landscapes, drive along Seventy-Five Mile Beach’s famous highway, and see the Maheno shipwreck.
Day #8 Fraser Island - Hervey Bay - The Sunlander Train - Travel to Cairns on a delightful overnight journey. The ideal way to traverse Queensland's incredible eastern coastline is aboard the Sunlander, Australia’s longest running rail journey, with cozy surroundings and sensational scenery.
Day #9 The Sunlander Train - Cairns - Discover postcard-perfect vistas in incredible Cairns - gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The remainder of the day is yours to independently explore this great area!
Day #10 Great Barrier Reef - Board a high-speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the outer Great Barrier Reef, where the magic of this natural wonder surrounds you. Snorkel or stay dry while checking out the marine life from the semi-submersible!
Day #11 Cairns - Immerse yourself at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Center. See traditional dances, learn about the Aboriginal lifestyle at the interpretation center, browse the art gallery, throw a boomerang or play a didgeridoo, a traditional instrument. This afternoon, search for crocodiles in their natural habitat during a visit to Hartley's Croc Farm! Have an eco adventure on the lagoon cruise, meet some koalas and enjoy a delicious Aussie barbecue.
Day #12 Cairns - Ayers Rock - Fly into the heart of the Outback to the iconic monolith Ayers Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the Aboriginal name, Uluru. Explore the sandstone domes of the Olgas, learn how geologic forces created these masterpieces and their spiritual significance to the Aboriginal people. Experience the magic of Ayers Rock at sunset, when it’s quietly gorgeous hues change before your eyes, and enjoy a champagne toast.
Day #13 Ayers Rock - Adelaide - Today fly to Adelaide, capital of South Australia, for an afternoon sightseeing tour that provides a brief overview of places of interest, like the city’s botanic gardens.
Day #14 Adelaide - Enjoy a free day to independently explore Adelaide. Perhaps you will choose a day trip to Kangaroo Island or to the Barossa Valley Wine Region.
Day #15 Adelaide - Christchurch, New Zealand - It’s on to New Zealand and the beautiful city of Christchurch, located on the Avon River.
Day #16 Christchurch - Enjoy a morning at leisure. An afternoon sightseeing tour highlights the city’s magnificent gardens, its cathedral, and the downtown park district. Enjoy a delicious 4-course dinner in a beautifully restored tram car as it travels around Christchurch.
Day #17 Christchurch - Mt. Cook Region - Queenstown - Traverse the rugged countryside to New Zealand’s most famous national park, Mt. Cook, where you may take a nature walk or choose an optional glacier flightseeing tour*. En route to Queenstown, stop at a local fruit stand for a colorful look at the varied produce of New Zealand. Arrive in Queenstown and dine at the Skyline Restaurant for spectacular views of Queenstown, the Remarkable Mountains and Lake Wakatipu.
Day #18 Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown - Travel through the grandeur of the Hollyford Valley to world-famous Milford Sound. Enjoy a relaxing cruise in this dramatic fjord. Choose to return to Queenstown via a short optional flight* for spectacular views or return by coach.
Day #19 Queenstown - Your day is at leisure to explore Queenstown independently.
Day #20 Queenstown - Franz Josef - Journey through New Zealand’s diverse and amazing landscape – from primeval rainforests and twisting coastline to the Southern Alps and glacial lakes. Arrive in the breathtaking Franz Josef Glacier Region this evening.
Day #21 Franz Josef - Nelson - This morning an optional flightseeing* tour of the jagged glacier region is offered. Continue your journey into the heart of New Zealand’s South Island. Mother Nature puts on a show during your visit to the Pancake Rocks, where the sea bursts though vertical blowholes in heavily eroded limestone during high tides.
Day #22 Nelson - Abel Tasman - Nelson - Travel to Abel Tasman for a relaxed and scenic cruise along the coast of Abel Tasman National Park, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful parks.
Day #23 Nelson - Picton - Wellington - En route to Picton, a pretty waterfront town on New Zealand’s South Island, stop to tour one of Nelson’s vineyards and taste a variety of wines that bring the flavor of this town to life! From Picton, relax on a picturesque three hour ferry ride to the capital city of Wellington, nestled between a sparkling harbor and the rolling hills of the North Island.
Day #24 Wellington - Napier - A sightseeing tour of Wellington includes the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament; historic St. Paul’s Church; and the Government Building. Visit the national museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongawera Museum, heralded for its innovative range of art and exhibitions. Head north into Hawke's Bay, arriving in the Art Deco city of Napier.
Day #25 Napier - Enjoy an Art Deco tour which highlights this unique architectural style that reached its heyday from 1920 to 1940. Tonight, indulge in the region’s magnificent flavors at a fantastic winery visit and dinner.
Day #26 Napier - Tongariro National Park - Depart for Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest national park and a World Heritage area. A number of Maori religious sites are located within the park where Chateau Tongariro sits nestled in the shadow of three active volcanoes, at the foot of the sacred Mount Ruapehu. This evening, bask in the glow of chandeliers and the clink of wine glasses during an elegant Pacific-Rim dining experience in the Chateau’s signature restaurant.
Day #27 Tongariro National Park - Auckland - Tour Ends - Drive to Auckland where your tour ends.