Day 1 Fly USA to Auckland

Please note international air from the USA has not been included in the package price.

Day 2 You cross the International Date Line

The International Date Line is an imaginary line on the earth’s surface that approximately coincides with the 180th meridian line (LONGITUDE), and separates the calendar date. Traveling east across the line takes the traveler back one day, traveling west takes the traveler forward.

Day 3 Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand

On arrival into Auckland, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Auckland, 'City of Sails', located between two stunning harbors, enjoys a mild year-round climate Auckland is the country's most visited region and largest urban area, offering exciting activities and great shopping.

The City lies across an 11km wide volcanic isthmus separating two harbors. The Waitemata to the east opens into the Hauraki Gulf, and to the Pacific Ocean. The Manukau Harbour to the west offers many estuaries and surf beaches and opens to the Tasman Sea.

Day 4 Tour - Auckland to Rotorua Via Waitomo Caves

Depart Auckland on board the Great Sights motor coach for your ride south to Hamilton.    

Travel through the rich Waikato area, famous for its dairy farms, kiwi fruit orchards, thoroughbred horses.....and the Waitomo Caves!  You will enter subterranean limestone caverns to view the Glow Worm Grotto. Surely one of the wonders of the world.  Then you'll continue over the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua.

Day 5 Tour – Rotorua half day city tour

See the highlights of Rotorua - this tour shows you the best of Rotorua's natural and man-made attractions.  Your half day tour includes a visit to Rainbow Springs and Rainbow Farm for a sheep show and working sheep dog demonstrations.  Continue to Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve to see bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers and intricate Maori wood carvings.

Tour - Rotorua Hangi dinner & concert

This Twilight Cultural Tour offers transport to and from a Marae by coach.  Tonight is a spiritual experience you will never forget with Marae protocol, entertainment, Maori culture and feasting.

En route to the Marae, the guide explains the protocol to take place.  The group on board is prepared for the wero (challenge) and welcome to the Marae. Upon entering the exquisitely carved meeting house, you will hongi (greet - pressing of noses) with your host.  The tradition means you are a friend and may consider yourself one of the family. Now sit back and enjoy the culture of the Maori people.  See the fierce Haka (war dance), twirling of poi balls, stick games and other entertainment.

From here we move to the Hangi pit to see the traditional Maori method of food preparation before heading into the dining room for a Hangi (feast). After the feast, you are transferred back to your Rotorua accommodation by coach.

Day 6 Fly Rotorua to Queenstown (Via Christchurch)

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Queenstown.  On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Nestled beside the deep blue waters of Lake Wakatipu, at the foot of the Remarkables Mountain Range, Queenstown is a year round resort, where you can be as active as you want, or just leisurely enjoy the magnificent scenery.

Day 7 Tour - Milford Sound full day tour

An early start as you leave your hotel and coach through some of the most beautiful countryside in New Zealand.  On arrival at Milford Sound, board the vessel for a leisurely cruise along the sound to the Tasman Sea.  The vessel stops at various points and plenty of time is available to view waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and seals.  You may even see dolphins frolic alongside the boat.  A buffet lunch is included during the cruise.

Arrive back at the wharf around 1.45pm and re-board the coach for the return ride to Queenstown - arriving around 7pm.

Day 8 Tour - Dart River jetboating

Transfer from Queenstown by coach to Glenorchy and the mouth of the Dart River.  Here we board the 18 foot specially prepared jet boat and thread our way through a maze of channels between river flats in only inches of water.  Snow capped mountains surround you as you view the World Heritage Grandeur, and waterfalls cascade into the lush bush clad valleys - a magical, untouched place.

Your driver/guide shares his knowledge and explains all about the area, then pulls into a bank so that you may explore the area by foot. This optional 30-45 minute guided walk takes you into the native forests at an area called Paradise in the spectacular Rees Valley.  You will then be collected by the 4 x 4 coach to take you back to Glenorchy, before transferring back to Queenstown.  Trip duration is 6 hours.          

Day 9 Coach transfer from Queenstown to Christchurch

Join Great Sights tour coach on an exceptional journey from Queenstown to Mount Cook via the Lindis Pass and then down the Southern Alps to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch.  Lunch is included en route. Service departs 7.30am from most hotels, arriving Christchurch 6.00pm

Christchurch is the South Island's largest city, beautifully encapsulates the best of what New Zealand has to offer. This is a vibrant city of exciting festivals, art galleries, theaters and great shopping. Award-winning attractions are available within the city and the surrounding countryside. Find out what variety really means; explore our unspoiled corner of the globe, where wilderness, adventure and sophisticated urban living can be found in perfect balance.

Day 10 Tour - Christchurch half day city tour

Depart the city at 9.00am by Great Sights coach to visit the Cathedral Square and Canterbury Museum before stopping at Mona Vale for morning tea by the Avon River. Pass the University of Canterbury and continue to the top of the Port Hills for magnificent views of New Zealand's garden city.

Day 11 Fly Christchurch to Melbourne

You will be transferred to the airport by shared shuttle for your flight to Melbourne, Australia.

On arrival into Melbourne you will need to clear customs and make your way through the main arrivals hall from where you will either catch a taxi into the city or be transferred to your accommodation.

At first glance, Melbourne may resemble any other modern city with its skyline full of concrete & glass. However, if you look a little closer, you'll find the real Melbourne, a city of unique charm.

There are the clanging trams (street cars), swanky boutiques, friendly taxi drivers, Australian Rules Football, fickle weather and 'BYO's', by the hundred (restaurants to which you bring your own liquor or wine). Add to this, Melbourne's traditional virtues of tree lined boulevards, glorious parks, elegant buildings & imposing Victorian Banks & Churches, and of course the giant Melbourne Cricket Ground and you'll have some idea of the city.

Melbourne has become a polyglot society with a huge diversity of cultures, Italian, Greek, East European, Middle Eastern & Asian. This diversity is reflected in the food styles, the lifestyle, & even the language spoken in the street.

Day 12 Tour - Phillip Island Little Penguin tour

See Port Phillip Bay and pass through bayside suburbs of Brighton and Frankston on the way to Phillip Island.  Visit the koala sanctuary, and enjoy the coastal views of Seal Rock & the Nobbies.  Witness the nightly ritual of the famous Penguin Parade – at dusk, the little penguins make their way up the beach and into the sand dunes to their nests.  Please note that photography of any kind (including video) is not allowed at the penguin parade.  A stop is made for dinner (own expense), returning to Melbourne around 11pm

Day 13 Fly Melbourne to Uluru (Ayers Rock)

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the heart of Australia’s outback – Uluru.

Ayers Rock Resort is made up of six properties offering a wide range of accommodation from luxury hotel to the campground. Superb restaurants, shops, art galleries, swimming pools and beautiful gardens making it a true oasis in the middle of the desert.

Tour - Kata Tjuta and Dunes

Leaving from your hotel mid-afternoon, the Discovery Ecotours guide will explain the nature of the desert and its development.  A short walk to the dune lookout puts one in touch with the environment and lets you delight in the spectacular panoramic view of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) - a very sacred place to the Aboriginal people.

Arriving at Walpa (Olga) Gorge, walk into this mystic place, to hear how it has evolved over millions of years. The scale of the walls and the wind far above, add a sense of mystery here. The sky deepens and the great domes of Kata Tjuta (Olgas) flush red as the tour retires to the sunset viewing area to celebrate the fantastic color changes wrought by sunset with complimentary champagne. Sit back and absorb the desert solitude or relax and chat to your guide about Australia’s red centre. The spectacle fades as you return to Yulara beneath a sky of brilliant stars.            

This afternoon tour is around 4 hour’s duration.

Day 14 Tour - Spirit of Uluru (Ayers Rock)

This is a vehicle based tour around Uluru (Ayers Rock), providing the opportunity to witness the spectacular sunrise and absorb Uluru's natural history and deep significance to the Anangu people.  Short walks will bring you close to this wonderful and powerful place, viewing rock art, waterholes and appreciating the unique flora and fauna of Uluru.

There is time to amble, to absorb images and to gain an insight into Uluru's remarkable presence. The final step is to the Uluru and Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. This is a small group tour (max 18) with Discovery Ecotours. Light breakfast included.

Tour - Sounds of Silence

Tonight is an outback dining experience to remember, with Desert Oaks framing the view, the sounds of the didgeridoo, the taste of outback cuisine, the 'sounds of silence' and the Milky Way.

Depart from your hotel around 45 minutes prior to sunset (reconfirm tour with your hotel for accurate time).  Journey into the desert and see the brilliant outback sunset over Kata Tjuta (The Olga’s).  Enjoy a three course meal prepared before we dim the lanterns and listen to the sounds of the great outback.  Look up to see the brilliant southern skies, the Milky Way gleaming amongst stars and constellations.

Group size is limited to a maximum of 50 in order to preserve the fragile outdoor sites.  Excursion includes transfers, pre-dinner drinks (local beer, wine & soft drinks), canapés, BBQ Buffet, Dessert, tea, coffee & port. 

Day 15 Fly Ayers Rock to Cairns

Make your way to the airport for your flight north to Cairns. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Cairns is the gateway to Tropical Far North Queensland, a region of contrasts and surprises.  It is home to the Great Barrier Reef, palm-fringed isolated beaches, Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands, World Heritage listed rainforests and the sun burnt outback. This dynamic area serves as a diverse hub for many attractions and activities of the Tropical North. Apart from the major tourism attractions of the Reef & Rainforest, there are many adventure sports such as white water rafting and bungy jumping, as well as other activities such as golf and trail riding.

Day 16 Tour - Great Barrier Reef day cruise

This morning, transfer to the wharf for your full day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef.  You will have four hours at the reef site, to explore what makes the Great Barrier Reef one of the wonders of the world.  The day trip has been designed with the water enthusiast or novice alike - snorkel gear and instruction is provided for all guests, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible vessel, just one meter underwater.   Introductory and certified dives are run in conjunction with snorkeling day trips at an additional cost, and guided snorkel trips with a marine biologist are also available for a nominal fee. A tempting hot and cold buffet lunch is included, as well as morning and afternoon tea on board.

Day 17 At Leisure, Cairns

The major centre in Tropical North Queensland is Cairns, a popular gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The city is fringed by lush rainforests and, to the north and south, are miles of white sandy beaches and turquoise oceans teeming with marine life.

Day 18 Fly Cairns to Sydney

Transfer to Cairns airport for your flight to Sydney.  Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

Sydney - Australia's premier city is the oldest settlement in Australia, the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country's capital in everything but name. Built on the shores of the stunning Port Jackson, you would have to die and go to heaven before you see a more spectacular setting for a city. It's a vital, self-regarding metropolis, exuding both a devil-may-care urbanity and a slavish obsession with global fads.  The Sydney area was the ancestral home of the Daruk tribe, whose territory extended from Botany Bay to Pittwater.

There are some 2000 Aboriginal rock engraving sites in the Sydney area, and many of Sydney's suburbs have Aboriginal names. The city of Sydney began life as a penal colony in 1788 and for the next 60 years received the unwanted, persecuted and criminal elements of British society. Despite its brutal beginnings, the city's mixture of pragmatic egalitarianism and plain indifference has transformed it into a thriving multicultural society. Sydney now attracts the majority of Australia's immigrants and the city's predominantly Anglo-Irish heritage has been revitalized by large influxes of Italian, Lebanese, Turkish, Greek, Chinese and Vietnamese.                        

Day 19 Tour - Blue Mountains full day tour

On today’s Blue Mountains excursion, we stop at a Wildlife Park, where you have the opportunity to have your photo taken with a koala, and to see Australian animals and reptiles, such as crocodiles, kangaroos, goannas and possums.  At the Blue Mountains National Park, enjoy a stroll through the bush, a visit to historic Katoomba, and time an optional ride on the world's steepest railway, the Skyway Cable Car or the Sceniscender Cable Car (rides at own expense).

 

See scenic echo point, and learn about the 'blue haze' effect, giving the region its name.  There are excellent photo opportunities of the Three Sisters rock formation, and spectacular views of Jamison and Megalong valleys, with a return to the city via Sydney's Olympic Site.   Lunch is included today.

Day 20 At leisure, Sydney

At your leisure to explore Sydney. Most of the major attractions of the city are within easy walking distance of your accommodation - Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, Centrepoint Tower, Circular Quay, The Rocks etc.

Day 21 Fly Sydney to USA (Via Auckland)

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the USA.