Journey to the South Pacific

Explore the vast wonders of Austrailia - from the tropical paradise of the Great Barrier Reef to the sophistication of Sydney; and both islands of New Zealand! Throw a boomerang and play the didgeridoo at Tjapukai Cultural Center. Meet Australia's wildlife up close at Koala Park. Stay at the foot of the massive Mt. Cook on New Zealand's wild South Island. Cruise the breathtaking fjords of Milford Sound. Celebrate Maori culture and traditions at a traditional Hangi dinner in Rotorua.

Details

Tour Operator
Collette Vacations
Offer
Offer valid through 8/31/2008
Duration
22 Days
DayDestinationDescription
Day 1-2Depart From Home Depart from Home : Today you board your Qantas flight and begin the adventure of a lifetime to Australia and New Zealand, two countries known for their friendly and welcoming nature. Crossing the International Dateline, you lose a full day.
Day 3Cairns Cairns (Northern Beaches), Australia - Tour Begins : Your tour begins today in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, renowned for tropical rainforests, warm weather, friendly people and beautiful beaches. Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner with your new mates.Today dinner is included.
Day 4Great Barrier Reef Great Barrier Reef : Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting exploration of the Great Barrier Reef. 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 rainforest, relax on the beaches, or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. Optional scuba diving, snorkeling and an outer reef tour* are also available. You can do as much or as little as you like to explore the magnificent coral gardens of the reef.Today breakfast and lunch are included.
Day 5Sydney Cairns - Sydney : Learn about the unique history and lifestyle of the Aboriginal people during a visit to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Center. It is believed the Aboriginal people first arrived on the continent more than 30,000 years ago and their rich culture has been passed down generations through stories, dances, music and art. See an Aboriginal dance show, 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 you fly to the bustling city of Sydney, where the evening is yours to explore.Today breakfast is included.
Day 6Sydney Sydney : This morning you will see Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Paddington on a sightseeing tour of Sydney. You will also feel the power of one of the world's most acoustically perfect architectural designs, the Sydney Opera House. In the evening you'll enjoy a dinner cruise on beautiful Sydney Harbour during which you will be treated to spectacular views of Sydney's greatest icons - the Harbour Bridge and world-famous Opera House. Following the cruise, you return to the Opera House to enjoy a captivating and unforgettable performance!Today dinner is included.
Day 7Sydney Sydney : Today you visit one of Australia's greatest wildlife parks. Not only will you see koalas in their natural habitat, but you might also have the unique opportunity to pose for a photo with one of these adorable creatures while exploring this well-known sanctuary for Australia's wildlife. You will also have the chance to feed the kangaroos and pet a wombat. Later, enjoy an educational presentation on opals - learn how raw opals are processed from the dark mine shafts to artistic creations found in your favorite jewelry store. This evening, enjoy the friendly city at your leisure or join us for an optional tour.Today breakfast is included.
Day 8Canberra Sydney - Blue Mountains - Canberra : Journey this morning into the majestic Blue Mountains which reside just outside Sydney. Revel in the beauty of this World Heritage Site as you visit the famous Three Sister rock formation and Govett's Leap. Continue on to Australia's capital city, Canberra. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic city tour with a visit to Canberra's War Memorial. The evening is yours to explore the city's shopping district and great eateries.Today breakfast is included.
Day 9Melbourne Canberra - Melbourne : This morning you visit the National Museum of Australia which interactively celebrates the land, nation and people of the country. Then, depart across southern Victoria. Travel past the snowy mountains and through the countryside, taking in the winelands and quaint villages. Arrive this evening in Melbourne - Australia's most stylish city.Today breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 10Melbourne Melbourne : Today you embark on a tour of Melbourne featuring Fitzroy Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and the Parliament House. Later, travel to Phillip Island, a nature reserve and home of the world's largest colony of Little Penguins. The Little Penguin is protected on Phillip Island and a staff of rangers works diligently to study and protect them. A highlight is sure to be the adorable Little Penguin Parade during which hundreds of lovable birds waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their burrows in the dunes. You will also visit the interpretation center where you will learn about the life of the Little Penguins and their significance to the area. Dinner is included on Phillip Island.Today breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 11Queenstown Melbourne - Christchurch, NZ - Queenstown : You leave Australia behind and travel to New Zealand, arriving in the picturesque resort village of Queenstown. Become acquainted with your surroundings during a spectacular dinner at the Skyline Restaurant, which overlooks the appropriately named "Remarkable Mountains."Today breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 12Queenstown Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown : Today you will travel through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley via the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on the spectacular fjord of Milford Sound, experiencing breathtaking vistas at every turn. Following your cruise you will return to Queenstown. You may opt to return via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of the Southern Alps.Today breakfast and lunch are included.
Day 13Queenstown Queenstown : Your day is at leisure. You may choose from several options to enhance your vacation. Shop in the charming village, relax and visit with new friends, or enjoy an optional "Safari of the Rings" tour that takes you deep into the majestic landscape of the Lord of the Rings movies.Today breakfast is included.
Day 14Mt. Cook Queenstown - Mt. Cook : Traverse the spectacular countryside to New Zealand's most famous national park, Mt. Cook. En route, enjoy a stop at a local fruit stand to gain an inside look at the produce of New Zealand. Mt. Cook is one of the most impressive mountains in the world. 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.Today breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 15Christchurch Mt. Cook - Christchurch : Today you will journey through the rolling Canterbury hillside en route to Christchurch. Located on the Avon River, this charming city is considered "the most English city outside of England."Today breakfast is included.
Day 16Christchurch Christchurch : A sightseeing tour highlights magnificent gardens, the Neo-Gothic Cathedral and the downtown park district. The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure. This evening you are invited to dine and make friends with a New Zealand family in their home. This is sure to be an unforgettable evening during which you will learn about the customs of the "Kiwi's" and enjoy a home cooked meal.Today breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 17Wellington Christchurch - Picton - Wellington : Travel up the winding eastern coast to Picton where you will board the famous Interislander Ferry for one of the most scenic trips the world has to offer. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you cruise through the Marlborough Sounds and cross the Cook Strait, arriving this evening in the capital city of Wellington. Nestled between a sparkling harbour and the rolling hills of the North Island, Wellington was first settled by Polynesians in the 10th century.Today breakfast is included.
Day 18Wellington Wellington : Today you will enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of Wellington viewing the Beehive, New Zealand's Parliament, historic St. Paul's Church, and the government building, the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Following the tour, you will visit the national museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongawera Museum.Today breakfast is included.
Day 19Napier Wellington - Napier : Journey into the region of Hawke's Bay today, arriving in the city of Napier. Rebuilt in the 1930s after a devastating earthquake, Napier boasts some of the greatest art deco architecture in the world. Enjoy an art deco tour of this great city upon arrival. This evening, a fantastic winery visit and dinner will help you to discover the flavors of the region.Today breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 20Rotorua Napier - Rotorua : Rotorua, known as the geothermal wonderland and cultural capital of New Zealand, is your destination today. The evening is yours to explore this great city.Today breakfast is included.
Day 21Rotorua Rotorua : This morning visit Te Puia, New Zealand's premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. You'll be truly amazed by the landscape of erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and other geothermal wonders! Here, the Maori keep their customs alive by teaching the tribal youth the skills of traditional carving, weaving and dancing. Take part in an interactive demonstration on the art of weaving and the importance of the Maori dress. You will also view the Kiwi bird and learn what New Zealanders are doing to try to remove the Kiwi from the endangered species list. Next, a visit to the Agrodome will give you insight into how wool, one of New Zealand's premier products, is produced. You will see a sheep shearing demonstration here. This afternoon, visit a jade factory to see how the raw product is transformed into a fabulous gemstone. This evening you will receive a traditional Maori welcome at a Hangi meal followed by a traditional performance of songs, dances and other cultural festivities.Today breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 22Auckland Rotorua - Auckland - Tour Ends : Drive to Auckland where your tour ends.Today breakfast is included.
Dates/Pricing
DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
September 10, 2008Quote
September 17, 2008Quote
September 24, 2008Quote
October 08, 2008Quote
November 05, 2008Quote
January 07, 2009Quote
February 18, 2009Quote
March 11, 2009Quote
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Dining
Total meals - 29
Breakfasts - 18
Lunches - 2
Dinners - 9
Disclaimer
Base Rates Per Person
Air rates are based from the following airport: Los Angeles Intl Airport

Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on double occupancy and include fuel surcharges and internal flights, these rates are subject to change. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Taxes and fees are additional, for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices above.

*All special offers are valid on non-group and new bookings only. Special offers can not be combined with any other offer, except AARP discounts.

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