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Day 1
ARRIVE AUCKLAND (3 NIGHTS)
On arrival in Auckland, you are transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4pm). This evening meet your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception at your hotel and 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.
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
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. Spend some free time exploring on your own or relaxing at your hotel.
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Day 3
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 to view New Zealand’s biggest geyser, bubbling mud pools and thermal springs. This evening, enjoy a Be My Guest traditional Maori Hangi dinner accompanied by local wine, and a concert at the Tamaki Family Marae.
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 4
ROTORUA – CHRISTCHURCH
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight 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.
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
CHRISTCHURCH – TRANZALPINE – FRANZ JOSEF
Board the TranzAlpine train in Christchurch for your journey over the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. At Hokitika you’ll visit a New Zealand greenstone (jade) factory, a Local Specialty. Travel along the coastal road to Franz Josef Glacier for a short walk to view the glacier and perhaps take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting).
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
FRANZ JOSEF – QUEENSTOWN (3 NIGHTS)
Enjoy a coastal drive with views of the Tasman Sea. Climb over the Haast Pass winding through Mount Aspiring National Park. Then your journey takes you past Lakes Wanaka and Hawea and heads along the Kawarau River through the Kawarau Gorge. Finally you will visit the historic village of Arrowtown on the Arrow River, previously one of the world’s richest rivers, before arriving in Queenstown.
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 7
MILFORD SOUND
Journey over the Devil’s Staircase along the shore of Lake Wakatipu to
Te Anau. You’ll drive through the Homer Tunnel before reaching Milford
Sound. Enjoy a Highlight Lunch and cruise with Mitre Peak and
Bowen Falls high above you. Later, return to Queenstown.
Day 8
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.
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Day 9
QUEENSTOWN – CHRISTCHURCH
You may wish to take an optional scenic flight over Mt. Cook (weather
permitting). Later in the day continue on to see Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo,
where you stop to view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Join us for a
visit to Morelea Farm, where you are welcomed into the home of your
hosts Angie and Stan Taylor to enjoy a Be My Guest lunch in their 600
acre garden. Travel over the colorful Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
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 10
CHRISTCHURCH – MELBOURNE (2 NIGHTS)
This morning you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight to
Melbourne, Australia. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore
this cosmopolitan city.
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
MELBOURNE SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
See the Royal Botanic Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, Parliament House
and much more on a sightseeing tour. Afterwards enjoy time on your own
to perhaps explore further or relax back at the hotel.
Day 12
MELBOURNE – CAIRNS (2 NIGHTS)
Board your flight to Cairns. On arrival visit Rainforestation Nature Park
for lunch. Experience indigenous culture and Australian native wildlife in
a World Heritage listed rainforest setting. Visit the Wildlife Park to see
Australian animals including kangaroos, koalas and crocodiles.
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 13
GREAT BARRIER REEF
Board a high speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef.
See coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and semisubmersible
craft. There is the opportunity to go snorkeling and view this
natural living wonder up close (equipment provided). Enjoy a Highlight
Lunch then return to Cairns in the late afternoon.
Day 14
CAIRNS – SYDNEY (3 NIGHTS)
You will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney.
The rest of the day is free for your to relax in this exciting city.
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 15
SYDNEY SIGHTSEEING
This morning enjoy a tour of the Sydney Opera House with a
Local Expert. Later, board your coach to see the Royal Botanic Gardens,
Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, Watson’s Bay and the Gap. Your destination is
famous Bondi Beach for an iconic Australian experience. You’ll be greeted
by a local surf lifesaver before a Be My Guest lunch at an Aussie institution,
the Returned Servicemen’s Club, with its views over the Pacific Ocean.
Your host will take you on an exclusive tour through Australia’s oldest
surf lifesaving club to learn about the history of Bondi and surf lifesaving.
Return to the city for a cruise on the beautiful harbor and then you will have
the opportunity to learn about Australia’s national gemstone - the opal.
Day 16
SYDNEY FREE TIME
Spend the day relaxing or shopping for souvenirs. Celebrate this evening
at a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant by the water with your Travel
Director and new-found friends.
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Day 17
DEPART SYDNEY
Time to bid farewell as we transfer you to Sydney Airport for your flight
home (flights anytime).