See what life is like “Down Under” on this incredible journey through Australia and New Zealand. Discover the wonders of Aboriginal culture. Experience Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Cruise Lake Wakatipu and enjoy a lakeside BBQ. Cruise Milford Sound and Sydney Harbour. From the tropical splendour of Australia's Great Barrier Reef to the ethereal beauty of New Zealand's glacial fjords, enjoy the best of the South Pacific.
TRAVEL DATE | PRICE | TYPE |
---|---|---|
March 15, 2024 | from $6,009 CAD | Per Person |
March 22, 2024 | from $6,009 CAD | Per Person |
DAY | DATE | PLACE |
---|---|---|
1 | Fri Mar 15 | Christchurch |
2 | Sat Mar 16 | Christchurch |
3 | Sun Mar 17 | Queenstown |
4 | Mon Mar 18 | Queenstown |
5 | Tue Mar 19 | Queenstown |
6 | Wed Mar 20 | Queenstown |
7 | Thu Mar 21 | Cairns |
8 | Fri Mar 22 | Cairns |
9 | Sat Mar 23 | Cairns |
10 | Sun Mar 24 | Cairns to Sydney |
11 | Mon Mar 25 | Sydney |
12 | Tue Mar 26 | Sydney |
13 | Wed Mar 27 | Sydney |
Cross the International Dateline, skipping a day ahead, and begin your adventure of a lifetime.
Day 1 – Christchurch
Arrive in the historic city of Christchurch. Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see firsthand how the city known as “the Garden City” is recreating itself. Meet your fellow travellers during a welcome dinner and start your South Pacific journey off on the right foot.
Day 2 – Christchurch
Start your morning with a city tour of Christchurch. Then, pay a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. A leader in the conservation of New Zealand species, Willowbank offers the chance to view New Zealand’s “Big 5” – the Kiwi, the Kea, the Tuatara, the Kaka, and the Takahe – up close and personal. Learn about the local indigenous culture of the Maori, with a paddle on the Avon River in a traditional canoe or ‘waka’.
Day 3 – Queenstown
Depart Christchurch and make your way south to Queenstown. Known as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” Queenstown is nestled against a picturesque bay and snowcapped mountains. Arrive in Queenstown in the afternoon and have time to explore independently before dinner.
Day 4 – Queenstown
Cruise Lake Wakatipu on board the TSS Earnslaw, an iconic coal-fired steamship and head to Walter Peak High Country Farm, an operating sheep farm. En route, see Walter Peak, Cecil Peak, and The Remarkables mountain range. During your visit, you’ll get a tour of the farm and have the opportunity to see the sheep dogs in action during a herding demonstration. Enjoy a BBQ lunch before cruising back. This evening is yours to explore the town.
Day 5 – Queenstown
Enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley as you travel through an ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. Cruise the Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on the South Island. Following your cruise, you may choose to return to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
Day 6 – Queenstown
A free day offers a variety of optional activities to enhance your tour. Shop or people-watch in the village; partake in an optional tour taking you through the majestic Queenstown countryside showcasing many of the locations where blockbuster movies have been filmed. Later, it’s your choice! Go bird watching at the Kiwi Birdlife Park -OR- take a gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for stunning panoramic views of the area. Gather for a “farewell to New Zealand” dinner.
Day 7 – Cairns
Fly to Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions and a World Heritage site – the Great Barrier Reef. Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds.
Day 8 – Cairns
ome to know the history of Australia’s original inhabitants at the Rainforestation Nature Park where an Indigenous Pamagirri guide will show you through some of their oldest customs and traditions. Then, visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to see crocodiles on a nature cruise. Head through rainforests on boardwalks to see animals such as birds, reptiles, and wallabies. Visit with a koala and chat with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these furry creatures. End your visit at Hartley’s with a dinner of local favorites.
Day 9 – Cairns
Board a high-speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the reef from your base on Green Island. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride, stroll the island’s walking trails, relax on the beach, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, an optional outer reef tour is also available.
Day 10 – Cairns to Sydney
The morning is yours. Enjoy your last few hours in Cairns by relaxing and taking in the tropical atmosphere and surrounding neighbourhood. Then, fly to the bustling city of Sydney. After settling into your hotel, head out to dinner in the ‘harbor city’.
Day 11 – Sydney
See where English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney, featuring Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Darlinghurst. Take an expert-led tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Then, have the chance to join a special presentation at the National Opal Collection.
Day 12 – Sydney
Embrace the exciting city of Sydney during a day of independent exploration. Tonight, say farewell to Australia while on a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the scenic vistas of the harbour, showcasing Sydney’s magnificent skyline, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge.
Day 13 – Sydney
Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful adventure.
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