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Highlights of Australia and New Zealand 2013

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Queenstown, New ZealandFranz Josef GlacierNew Zealand MilfordGreat Barrier ReefMelbourneSydney Harbour, New South WalesUluru, Northern Territory
Queenstown, New Zealand
Franz Josef Glacier
New Zealand Milford
Great Barrier Reef
Melbourne
Sydney Harbour, New South Wales
Uluru, Northern Territory
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Guest Experiences

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Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1

    ARRIVE MELBOURNE (3 NIGHTS)

    On arrival at Melbourne Airport you are transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4pm). This evening meet your Travel Director and traveling companions for a Welcome Reception.

    Hotel: Crowne Plaza (MD)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 2

    MELBOURNE SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME

    See the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and more on a sightseeing tour. Later, enjoy time free.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 3

    MELBOURNE FREE TIME

    A free day to enjoy this cosmopolitan city. Perhaps take an excursion to see the Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 4

    MELBOURNE - ALICE SPRINGS

    Transfer to the airport for your flight to Alice Springs. On arrival visit the School of the Air, which provides an educational service for children living in remote areas. Later, you’ll join the Heaslip family for an afternoon tea at Bond Springs Station. Hear about their life working on their 585 square mile cattle grazing property.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Chifley Alice Springs Resort (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 5

    ALICE SPRINGS - ULURU (AYERS ROCK) (2 NIGHTS)

    Before departing Alice Springs you’ll visit the Telegraph Station and Royal Flying Doctor Service. Hear from a Local Expert how this marvelous facility operates to provide a mantle of safety to the people of the Outback. This evening enjoy a complimentary glass of wine while watching the spectacular sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock).


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

    Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel (SF)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 6

    KATA TJUTA (THE OLGAS)

    View sunrise at Uluru (Ayers Rock). Tour the caves at the base of Uluru and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Later, you’ll travel through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Take a walk through Walpa Gorge and gaze down the central valley of Kata Tjuta. Finally, experience a spectacular sunset with complimentary sparkling wine at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 7

    ULURU (AYERS ROCK) – CAIRNS (3 NIGHTS)

    You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the vacation resort of Cairns.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

    Hotel: Hilton (D)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 8

    GREAT BARRIER REEF

    Board a high speed catamaran for the most unforgettable day on the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy an informative reef education presentation by a Local Expert. See the fascinating coral formations and other exotic marine life from the underwater observatory and the semi-submersible craft. After a Highlight Lunch, there’s time to relax, snorkel some more or scuba dive (own expense).


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)

  • Day 9

    CAIRNS FREE TIME

    Enjoy a free day to do as you choose. Perhaps take an excursion on the Skyrail Cableway to Kuranda or visit the Daintree National Park.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 10

    CAIRNS - SYDNEY (3 NIGHTS)

    Spend time at the Cairns Wildlife Dome, where you’ll encounter unique Australian animals. We will transfer you to the airport to board your flight to Sydney, where you have free time this evening.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

    Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour (MD)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 11

    SYDNEY SIGHTSEEING

    See stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline on a sightseeing tour, before you join a tour of the Opera House with a Local Expert. Re-board your coach and travel to Bondi Beach for a Be My Guest lunch at an Aussie institution, the Returned Servicemen’s Club, with its views over the Pacific Ocean. Return to the city for a cruise on the glistening harbor. You will then have the opportunity to learn about Australia’s national gemstone - the opal.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest lunch)

  • Day 12

    SYDNEY FREE TIME

    Enjoy a full free day in exciting Sydney. Spend your last evening in Sydney together along with your Travel Director at a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant by the water.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

  • Day 13

    SYDNEY - AUCKLAND (2 NIGHTS)

    You will be transferred to the airport to board your morning flight to Auckland, New Zealand. On arrival you will transfer to your hotel. This evening meet your Travel Director for dinner at the top of the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, Auckland’s Skytower at Orbit, a revolving restaurant with 360 degree views of the city.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: SKYCITY Grand Hotel (D)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 14

    AUCKLAND SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

    A morning cruise on Waitemata Harbour is followed by a sightseeing tour including Bastion Point, the War Memorial and Viaduct Harbour, home to the 2000 America’s Cup.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 15

    AUCKLAND - ROTORUA

    Travel into the Waikato region to visit the incredible Waitomo Glow Worm Grotto for a boat tour with a Local Guide. Then continue to Rotorua where you’ll visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve, where you’ll be accompanied by a Local Guide. Finally, enjoy a Be My Guest traditional Maori Hangi dinner accompanied by local wine, and a concert at the Tamaki Family Marae.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest Dinner)

    Hotel: Millennium Hotel (MD)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 16

    ROTORUA - CHRISTCHURCH

    You will be transferred to the airport to fly to Christchurch. On arrival board your coach for a tour to see how the city is slowly being rebuilt as a consequence of the devastating earthquake of February 2011.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

    Hotel: Sudima Hotel (MD)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 17

    TRANZALPINE - FRANZ JOSEF

    Journey through the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train. At Hokitika visit a local greenstone (jade) factory, a Local Specialty. Continue to Franz Josef Glacier.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (MF)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 18

    FRANZ JOSEF - QUEENSTOWN (3 NIGHTS)

    Drive over the Haast Pass, past Thunder Creek Falls, Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. Enjoy the tastes of delicious stone fruit at Cromwell, the stone fruit capital, a Local Specialty. Next visit the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown before arriving in adventure-capital Queenstown.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

    Hotel: Millennium Hotel (MD)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 19

    MILFORD SOUND

    An early start for Milford Sound. Drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau then through the rainforest of Fiordland National Park. Travel through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to abundant photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lake, Cleddau Valley and the Chasm, en route to Milford Sound to board your cruise including a Highlight Lunch.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)

  • Day 20

    QUEENSTOWN FREE TIME

    A full day to explore Queenstown, your way. Go wild with a jet boat ride or white water rafting or take it easy on a wine or garden tour.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 21

    MOUNT COOK - CHRISTCHURCH

    Travel past Mount Cook National Park. Next visit Lake Tekapo stopping at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Join us at Morelea Farm, a typical working sheep farm. You are welcomed into the home of your hosts Angie and Stan to enjoy a Be My Guest lunch in their 600 acre garden and gain an insight into the day to day operation of farm life. Travel over the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Join your Travel Director this evening for a Farewell Dinner.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest lunch / Farewell Dinner)

    Hotel: Sudima Hotel (MD)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 22

    DEPART CHRISTCHURCH

    This morning time to bid farewell as we transfer you to Christchurch Airport to connect with your flight home (flights anytime).


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

What's Included

Insider Experiences

  • Be My Guest Visit Bondi Beach for lunch at an Aussie institution.
  • Be My Guest Enjoy a Maori Hangi dinner at the Tamaki Family Marae in Rotorua.
  • Be My Guest Gain an insight into New Zealand country life with lunch on a working farm.
  • Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director.
  • Local Specialty Watch skilled artisans carving greenstone (jade) in Hokitka.
  • Local Specialty Taste the sumptuous stone fruit at Mrs. Jones’ Orchard at Cromwell.
  • Local Expert Learn how the Royal Flying Doctor Service provides a 'mantle of safety' to the people of the outback, discover the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and journey through the Sydney Opera House with Local Experts.
  • Local Guide A qualified Local Guide at the geothermal valley at Te Puia and at Waitomo Caves

Sightseeing Highlights

  • MelbourneSee the Royal Botanic Gardens, St. Paul's Cathedral and Parliament House.
  • Alice SpringsVisit the Telegraph Station, Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air.
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock)Experience sunset and sunrise at Uluru (Ayers Rock).
  • Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)View the 36 domes of red conglomerate rock at sunset.
  • Great Barrier ReefGet up close to the colorful coral and tropical fish.
  • CairnsRelax over two free days in this tropical city.
  • SydneyView the Opera House and Harbour Bridge on a harbor cruise.
  • AucklandCruise on Waitemata Harbour.
  • RotoruaVisit the Agrodome Sheep Show and Rainbow Springs and Te Puia Thermal Reserve.
  • TranzAlpine TrainJourney through the spectacular Southern Alps.
  • Franz JosefView the magnificent Glacier.
  • Milford SoundCruise on this natural wonder.

Dining

  • 21 hot buffet breakfasts

  • 4 lunches including:

  • 1 Highlight Lunch ont he Great Barrier Reef and 1 on Milford Sound

  • 1 Be My Guest lunch in Sydney and 1 in Canterbury.

  • Welcome Reception and dinner with your Travel Director in Melbourne.

  • Afternoon tea in Alice Springs.

  • 6 evening meals including:

  • 3 two or three-course dinners

  • Be My Guest dinner with local wine in Rotorua.

  • 1 Farewell Dinner in Sydney at end of Australia trip and 1 in Christchurch.

Travel Highlights

  • You will be traveling on an independent basis and will join scheduled day tours with a qualified Local Driver Guide in Sydney, Melbourne, Kangaroo Island, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock and Cairns.
  • Airport transfers are provided as indicated in the itinerary.
  • First Class hotel accommodation, which includes twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
  • All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
  • Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a restroom onboard.
  • A stylish wallet, travel documents, keepsake booklet and map.

Airport Transfers

  • For full details on transfers, please click here.
Disclaimer
  • These prices are LAND-ONLY and are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
  • All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
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Hotel Class Key
  • SF= Superior First Class, F = First Class, MF = Moderate First Class, ST = Superior Tourist, D = Deluxe and MD = Moderate Deluxe.
  • Hotels are subject to change.
Notes
  • * For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
  • ^Twin-share option not available for trips to South America., Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey.

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