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Sample
Itinerary - Australia & New Zealand
 Day
1: FLY LOS ANGELES TO AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
This
evening depart Los Angeles for your flight to Auckland,
New Zealand.
Day 2:
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 (LONGITUDE), and separates the calendar
date. Traveling east across the line, takes the traveler
back one day; traveling west, takes the traveler forward
one day. Without the date line, calendar confusion would
result for the traveler.
Day 3:
(D) TRANSFER AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO HOTEL
At
Auckland Airport you will be met by your driver, who
will transfer you to your accommodation by private
vehicle.
NEW
ZEALAND: Kia Ora....When you visit New Zealand, you will
hear frequently these lyrical words of welcome. In a
country gifted with great natural beauty, it is as if
nature has also graced the inhabitants with open-hearted
warmth and hospitality. You will find New Zealanders
more than happy to share with you an accessible,
amazingly diverse, magical country.
Accommodation: 2 nights LANGHAM HOTEL AUCKLAND -
SUPERIOR ROOM Situated in the heart of New Zealand's
largest city, Langham Hotel Auckland has 411 rooms, 10
meeting venues including the largest pillar-less hotel
ballroom, 3 restaurants, 2 bars and sun-drenched Health
Club. The air-conditioned rooms have all the amenities
of a five star hotel including telephone, television,
in-room videos, mini-bar, fridge and tea & coffee making
facilities. Just minutes walk from the hotel is
Auckland's commercial centre, waterfront shopping,
nightlife and the beautiful Domain - an extensive oasis
of parks & gardens. Our complimentary city shuttle loops
around town day & night - making IMAX, the biggest
screen experience, the American Express New Zealand Cup
Village, Sky Tower or fashionable High Street retail
accessible from the Hotel reception.
PRIDE OF
AUCKLAND AFTERNOON SAIL It is not until you have
experienced the thrill and adventure of sailing that you
appreciate why this challenging sport captivates so many
New Zealanders. Sit back and enjoy the experience or
take the wheel and help our crew trim the sails. We sail
every day regardless of the weather - the more it blows,
the greater the fun. Tea/Coffee & freshly bakes muffins
are provided. Wind proof jackets are also provided for
the cooler months or if there is a possibility of a rain
shower. Trip duration is approximately 90 minutes. Free
entry to the Maritime Museum included.
WELCOME
DINNER A three course welcome dinner is included for you
this evening at your hotel.
Day 4:
(B) HALF DAY AUCKLAND CITY SIGHTS TOUR
Enjoy a
relaxing coach tour of Auckland today. Auckland is known
as the 'city of sails', which you will appreciate after
passing by the harbour and America's Cup Village. Your
tour will take you to Mount Eden for 360 degree,
panoramic views of the city (great photo opportunity).
Visit the War Memorial Museum with its tremendous
display of Maori artifacts and culture. The pride of
place goes to a magnificent 25- metre long War Canoe.
Finally you will drive the beautiful Tamaki Drive,
giving you an close up look at some of the million
dollar homes that are situated around Auckland Harbour.
To end your unique tour of the city, you will drive back
through the beautiful suburb of Parnell. Here you will
have time to take a walk and shop at the many boutiques
along the way. At the completion of your tour you will
be transferred back to your accommodation.
REMAINDER
OF AFTERNOON AT LEISURE
Day 5:
(B, D) TRANSFER HOTEL TO AUCKLAND AIRPORT
Please
wait in the lobby of your hotel and you will be
transferred to Auckland Airport private vehicle.
FLY
AUCKLAND TO QUEENSTOWN
TRANSFER
QUEENSTOWN AIRPORT TO HOTEL You will be met in the
baggage claim area by your driver who will transfer you
to your Accommodation by private vehicle.
QUEENSTOWN: This is a region a contrasts - sunny,
high-country basins, marvelous lakes, glorious
mountains, sweeping bays and deeply etched fiords. Here,
amid spectacular scenery, you will find some of New
Zealand's most famous natural attractions and
fascinating wildlife, along with the thrills of a
lifetime. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu at the
foot of The Remarkables range, Queenstown is a
year-round alpine resort where you can be wildly active
or simply relax and unwind. The town is compact enough
to get around on foot. With more than a 100 restaurants,
plenty of entertainment, and shopping as good as
anywhere in the country, Queenstown is a truly a
world-class holiday destination.
Accommodation: 3 nights MILLENIUM QUEENSTOWN - STANDARD
ROOM Queenstown - New Zealand's most amazing
recreational paradise is nestled on the shores of
picturesque Lake Wakatipu with the superb backdrop of
The Remarkables Mountain range.
Millennium Hotel Queenstown is just minutes from a
variety of excellent shopping options. Adventure
bookings can be arranged for any local or regional,
scenic or active leisure experience. All rooms feature
air conditioning, television, refrigerator, mini-bar,
tea/coffee making facilities, telephone, iron and 24
hour room service.
DINNER &
MAORI PERFORMANCE AT THE SKYLINE RESTAURANT Ride the
Gondola up to Coronet Peak to the Skyline Restaurant.
The Gondola gives breath-taking views across the city of
Queenstown, the glacial Wakatipu Lake, and with the
Remarkables Moutain Range as a backdrop. Upon arrival
enjoy a traditional Maori performance called a Kiwi Haka.
Journey through the mythical legends, step into the
world of Maori and feel the spirit of our proud history
celebrated in traditional song & dance. Experience the
fearsome haka and the stunning poi display a unique live
show performed by Queenstown's leading Kapa Haka group.
Come share our stories, our traditions, our culture!
After the performance enjoy a buffet dinner before
returning back to your hotel.
Day 6:
(B, L) MILFORD SOUND CRUISE
You will
be picked up from your hotel early this morning for your
visit to Fiordland National Park, one of the largest in
the world. You will travel to Milford by motorcoach,
traveling around the lake and across the Southland
countryside to Te Anau and into the Fiordland National
Park. The scenery is stunning with high mountains and
deep valleys carved out by ice glaciers. There are clear
rushing mountian streams and waterfalls set amid
magnificent rainforests with huge trees hundreds of
years old. At Milford you join a shared cruise down the
Fiord past Mitre Peak to the open sea. Seals and
dolphins are often seen. A buffet lunch is included on
board. After the cruise your motorcoach will take you
back to Queenstown, or you can arrange an optional
return by light aircraft which will afford you a totally
different view over this untamed region.
Day 7:
(B) TIME AT LEISURE TO ENJOY QUEENSTOWN
Today you
have a full day to enjoy the beauty and excitment of
Queenstown. There are many activities available to you,
from the exhilarating jetboating, white water rafting,
bungy jumping tours, to the more sedate TSS Earnslaw
cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak. In town you
can visit museums and see art and craft displays, or do
some shopping.
Day 8:
(B, D) TRANSFER HOTEL TO QUEENSTOWN AIRPORT
Please
wait in the Lobby of your Hotel and you will be
transferred to Queenstown Airport by private vehicle.
FLY
QUEENSTOWN TO CHRISTCHURCH
TRANSFER
CHRISTCHURCH AIRPORT TO HOTEL Please make your way to
the meeting area and you will be transferred to your
hotel by private vehicle.
CHRISTCHURCH: The city of Christchurch was founded in
1850 as a model church settlement. The romantic spirit
of its founders who dreamed of creating an English town
is still alive in this beautiful city's tree-lined Avon
River, its acres of well maintained parks and garden's
and its Victorian Gothic buildings. Christchurch is New
Zealand's "Garden City".
Accommodation : 2 nights CROWNE PLAZA CHRISTCHURCH -
STANDARD ROOM Located in the heart of Christchurch - in
picturesque Cathedral Square, the Millenium Christchurch
offers sophistication, style and excellence to all
visitors. Only a step away is the central business
District & a variety of shopping, while key attractions
such as the Casino & glorious Hagley Park are a short
stroll. All rooms feature air conditioning, television,
refrigerator, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities,
safes, iron and ironing board and 24 hour room service.
CHRISTCHURCH CITY SIGHTS TOUR Christchurch is New
Zealand's 'Garden City'. Tours tour will cover the
central city highlights, including: Cathedral Square,
Victoria Square, and the Avon River. Also see the Town
Hall, the floral clock, Law Courts, Botanical Gardens,
Arts Centre, Worcester Boulevard, and the Bridge of
Remembrance. As part of your tour today you will visit
the International Antarctic Center. Considered one of
New Zealand's leading attractions, it gives you a feel
for modern Antarctic life through sophisticated
sound-and-light shows, a spine-tingling audiovisual
presentation, and interactive exhibits.
DINNER AT
MONA VALE HOMESTEAD Dinner will be included this evening
at historic Mona Vale. The 3 course meal will be
accompanied with New Zealand wines and soft drinks. Mona
Vale is one of Christchurch's foremost historic
homesteads. Situated amidst five and a half hectares of
lawn and gardens it is a very special, fully licensed
restaurant and function venue.
The
Homestead, with its picture-book river bank setting
reflects the old English character for which
Christchurch is widely renowned. Just minutes from the
city centre, the turn of the century architecture along
with expansive and elegant gardens entice visitors from
near and far, to experience Mona Vale which has a
special beauty whatever the season.
Day 9:
(B) AKAROA FULL DAY TOUR
On this
amazing tour, you will visit the extinct volcanoes of
Banks Peninsula and view the beautiful harbours & green
farmland. We make photo stops at scenic places and
morning & afternoon tea is included. We will also stop
for a cheese tasting at the Barry's Bay Cheese Factory.
Once at
Akaroa, there is time to stroll through the village and
along the waterfront, taking in the quaint french charm
which is unique to Akaroa. Akaroa was originally settled
by French colonists in 1840 then taken over by the Brits
as a whaling settlement. Some French street names, and
many (about 40) of the original wooden buildings from
about 1870 are still there. They have all been well
maintained and still in use. The museum is worth
visiting as are the many arts and crafts shops. Lunch is
at your own expense today while in Akaroa. Return to
Christchurch late this afternoon.
Day 10:
(B) MORNING AT LEISURE
Enjoy
your last morning in New Zealand.
TRANSFER
HOTEL TO CHRISTCHURCH AIRPORT Please wait in the
reception area of your hotel to meet your driver and you
will be transferred to Christchurch Airport by private
vehicle.
FLY
CHRISTCHURCH TO MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
TRANSFER
MELBOURNE AIRPORT TO HOTEL Please make your way to the
Baggage Claim area where you will be met and transferred
to your hotel by private vehicle.
MELBOURNE: The capital of Victoria and Australia's
second largest metropolis is known around the world for
the Melbourne Cup horserace - but offers much more - a
city of style, of Victorian architecture, of trams, of
fashion, food, theaters, art galleries, and leafy
gardens. Known as the Arts and Cultural capital of
Australia and also for its restaurants, great dining-out
spots include St Kilda, South Yarra, and Lygon Street in
Carlton for the best Italian cuisine; Brunswick Street,
Fitzroy, for its off beat cafe culture; and Southgate
where you can dine overlooking the Yarra River.
Accommodation : 3 nights LANGHAM HOTEL, MELBOURNE -
CLASSIC ROOM Sister property to London's famous Langham
Hotel, this 5 star deluxe hotel has Melbourne's most
enviable location on the banks of the famous Yarra River
with an established reputation as one of Australia's
finest hotels. Today, Southgate is one of the cities
most exclusive areas and it is here that the Langham
Hotel Melbourne is situated amid a variety of al fresco
cafes, lively restaurants, bars and boutiques, yet still
a short stroll from the much acclaimed Federation
Square, the Arts Centre and the Botanical Gardens.
Inside, the hotel has been designed as a Victorian
mansion, which is instantly evident from its grand
marble staircase, cascading fountains and magnificent
chandeliers. The classically designed guestrooms are
elegant and spacious and all boast marble bathrooms with
separate shower unit and bathtub, along with all the
conveniences and luxuries associated with a hotel of
this calibre. Award winning Melba Brasserie offers one
of the best and most delicious breakfasts in the city
with its extensive buffet and is definitely worth
enjoying to take advantage of the views over the Yarra
to the famous Flinders Street. The recently opened
'Chuan' spa truly offers the ultimate in pampering also,
with extensive treatment rooms specialising in a variety
of local & Chinese therapies, aromatherapy steam rooms,
conservatory covered pool, whirlpool and extensive
gymnasium.
Day 11:
(B, D) WALKING TOUR - ARCADES, LANES & HIDDEN PLACES
Let a
Melbournian show you the real sights and atmosphere of
the city. Explore and talk about some of Melbourne's
hidden treasures, visually and taste wise. See the
locals at work creating all sorts of wonderful objects.
Stroll though the oldest arcade to see and taste the
old-fashioned technique of lolly (candy) making. Crafts,
antiques and fashions are all hidden away in arcades and
lanes with names like Degraves, Flinders and The Block
Arcade. Here we will speak to the owners, curators and
those in the know!
A
Melbournian can show you the private faces of this
vibrant city and tell a little of its colourful history.
The tour will include a delicious morning tea at one of
Melbourne's stylish cafes, situated in one of the lanes.
Relax and feel at home in Melbourne!
Remainder
of the afternoon is at your leisure.
COLONIAL
TRAM CAR DINNER Please note that the departure location
for this tour is a short stroll from your hotel (approx.
10 minutes) so transfers have not been included.
Tonight, dine in style aboard the unique Colonial
Tramcar Restaurant. Enjoy fine Australian cuisine and
wines as you travel around the city aboard this
specially renovated Tramcar. The tracks take you all
over the Melbourne area past the city centre and into
the more exclusive suburbs Melbourne is known for.
Day 12:
(B, L) 9:30am: SAVANNAH WALKABOUT TOUR
A one day
cultural and nature tour where you may see and learn
about native animals and plants both in the famous
open-range grasslands of Serendip Sanctuary on the
Western Plains and in the bushlands of Brisbane Ranges
National Park. We search for kangaroos, koalas, birdlife
and discover a rich Aboriginal heritage. Departing from
your city hotel, we travel the short distance to the
western plains of Victoria - one of the largest volcanic
plains on earth. Open grasslands stretch in all
directions with the occasional extinct volcano or
ancient mountain range rising steeply out of the plain.
There is a distinctly 'Australian' feel about the
region. Our first stop is Serendip Sanctuary, an open
range reservation for rare and endangered indigenous
wildlife of the Western Plains. Run by the National
Parks Service, Serendip plays a pivotal role in the
conservation of some of Australia's rarest birds,
including the Bustard, Brolga and Cape Barren Goose.
Seek out
the large free-range mobs of our tallest kangaroo, the
Eastern-grey and family groups of the world's second
largest bird, the Emu. We have a bush lunch before
traveling to the Brisbane Ranges National Park, to walk
a wide Savannah of grass, bush and wetlands searching
for kangaroos and koalas. The park has a large
population of wild Koalas and we very rarely miss out on
sighting a number of these delightful creatures, we also
visit places of importance to the Aboriginal people of
the region.
Day 13:
(B) TRANSFER HOTEL TO MELBOURNE AIRPORT
Please
wait in the main reception area of your Hotel and you
will be transferred to Melbourne Airport by private
vehicle.
FLY
MELBOURNE TO CAIRNS
TRANSFER
CAIRNS AIRPORT TO PORT DOUGLAS HOTEL Please make your
way to the Baggage Claim area and you will be met and
transfered to your Hotel.
PORT
DOUGLAS: The moment you step off the plane in Cairns,
you're greeted by moist, perfumed air that hints of palm
trees, beaches and exotic flowers. Port Douglas is a
sleepy tropical town about an 1 ½ north of Cairns.
Accommodation : 3 nights RADISSON TREETOPS RESORT -
DELUXE KING ROOM Radisson Treetops Resort is an elegant
four star hotel set amongst lush trees and close to Four
Mile Beach in Port Douglas, where the Beach Club offers
an exciting range of water activities such as sailing,
windsurfing and surf skiing. Your airconditioned room
offers tea & Coffee making facilities, minibar, iron,
hairdyer and voltage adaptors. Reception can assist with
currency exchange and the tour desk will offer a wealth
of local knowledge to help plan your activities during
your stay. There are superb dining facilities, including
Treetops Restaurant, the outback Bar & Grill and The
Wharf.
Day 14:
(B, L, D) QUICKSILVER OUTER REEF CRUISE
You will
board the Quicksilver this morning for a fabulous full
day tour out to the Agincourt Reef, part of the
spectacular Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Agincourt
is the most southerly link in the chain of ribbon- like
outer reefs on the extreme edge of continental
Australia. Here you will view some of the most beautiful
reef life in Australia.
Your
luxury, air-conditioned 30m Quicksilver cruises at 27
knots, reaching Agincourt in just 90 minutes. Once
there, you have the opportunity to snorkel, swim or
scuba dive (extra expense) among the reef. You may also
view the reef from glass- bottom boats &
semi-submersible subs - a fantastic experience. A
smorgasbord luncheon is served on board. Return to Port
Douglas mid- afternoon.
A UNIQUE
AUSTRALIAN EVENING This evening you will transfer to a
local restaurant/bar in Port Douglas called the Iron Bar
where a local character by the name of Clancey will
entertain you with the North Queensland tradition of
Cane Toad Cup! Cane Toads are an species introduced to
Australia to help control other pests present in the
Sugar Cane fields. However since the Cane Toads do not
have any natural preditors in Australia, their
population quickly skyrocketed. Cane Toad Cups are an
event where you will have the opportunity to 'pick out
your steed' and perhaps place a bet, much the same as
you would for a horse race. Great fun and completely
harmless for the Cane Toads. A very casual evening this
evening - and very unique.
Day 15:
(B, L) KURANDA & SKYRAIL TOUR
You will
be picked up from your accommodation and transferred to
Cairns Railway Station where you meet your host & run
through the days' schedule. Once aboard the train, sit
back to enjoy the scenic journey through tunnels and
past waterfalls to Kuranda. On arrival, you are taken to
the Butterfly Sanctuary (optional extra cost), followed
by some leisure time to explore the village & markets
before meeting up again with your hostess at the Skyrail
terminal. Marvel at spectacular views as you glide
silently above the rainforest canopy. There are two
stations enroute where you may alight and enjoy a walk
through the rainforest to spectacular lookouts.
Skyrail
ends at Caravonica Lakes where we enjoy a buffet lunch
at the Boomerang Restaurant. Next, enter the Tjapakai
Aboriginal Cultural Centre with stage shows, movie
theatres, craft demonstrations and an Aboriginal Village
- to mention just a few of the attractions that provide
an insight into Aboriginal culture & history.
Meet with
your host again at around 4.00pm for your return to your
accommodation. As a special arrangement for Nomads, your
tour to Tjapukai will include a boomerang painting kit
which will enable you to create a totally unique
souvenir as well as getting a deeper understanding of
the aboriginal artisits methods. With guidance from a
Tjapukai performer, you will learn how to paint your own
boomerang. The boomerang is contained in an attractive,
Aboriginal patterned box for transporting, and comes
complete with painting kit, an Aboriginal art
explanation - plus a certificate of completion.
Day 16:
(B, D) TRANSFER: HOTEL TO CAIRNS AIRPORT
Please
wait in the main reception area of your Hotel and you
will be transferred to Cairns Airport by private
vehicle.
FLY
CAIRNS TO SYDNEY
TRANSFER
SYDNEY AIRPORT TO HOTEL When you arrive at Sydney
airport you will be met and transferred to your
Accommodation by private vehicle.
SYDNEY:
Sydney, a dazzling, vibrant city built around one of the
world's most beautiful harbours, with scores of
sparkling beaches within easy reach of its cosmopolitan
heart - that's Sydney, capital of New South Wales,
Australia's largest and oldest city, where the first
settlers landed in 1788. Situated on Sydney Harbour,
adjacent to Circular Quay, The Rocks is the site of
Australia's first European settlement. Colourful
streetscapes and elegantly restored buildings house a
wide variety of restaurants, entertainment venues and
specialty shops.
Accommodation : 3 nights INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY - CLUB
CITY VIEW ROOM The Hotel Inter-Continental Sydney is
located in the heart of Sydney's business and
professional district with panoramic views of Sydney
harbour, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Sydney Opera
House - all within walking distance. The Hotel has
preserved and painstakingly restored a major Australian
landmark: the Treasury Building. The banquet rooms and
the lobby, the focal point of the hotel, are located in
this historic building. The deluxe five-star hotel
offers 498 guest rooms that meet the contemporary
requirements of today's traveller.
WILDFIRE
RESTAURANT Sydney toasts the arrival of Wildfire, the
city's hottest and most exciting world class dining
experience. Taking full advantage of its awesome
location and boasting world famous views of Sydney
Harbour and the Opera House, Wildfire instantly won 'the
best new Sydney Restaurant' by Vanity Fair Magazine July
2002, and the coveted Wine List of the Year 2002, 2003
from the Restaurant & Catering Association NSW. With a
sumptuous, ambient interior to rival the beauty of its
position, one of Sydney's largest open kitchens and
customised facilities for wood firing and grilling on a
grand scale, Wildfire delivers a totally sophisticated
and sensory dining experience. Dinner is a 3 course menu
with beer, wine and soft drinks included.
Day 17:
(B, D) THE ROCKS WALKING TOUR
The Rocks
Walking Tours conduct 90 minute guided tours of Sydney's
Historic area known as 'The Rocks' at a relaxed pace in
small manageable groups. The story of the first
settlement of the colony of New South Wales in 1788 will
be brought alive while you are entertained with stories
of rascals, rats and restoration. Tours include some of
Sydney's oldest dwellings, shops old and new, homes of
the'well-to-do'and the cottages of the working class.
Still to be seen are the pubs and hotels once frequented
by the locals and sailors alike and the haunts of cut-
throats and rogues. The many narrow alleyways, sandstone
stairs and a beautiful church combine to weave a
fascinating tapestry of life in past and present times.
Your tour will conclude at approximately 12.00noon at
the Interncontinental. Remainder of the afternoon is at
your leisure.
Day 18:
(B, D) MORNING AT LEISURE IN SYDNEY
AFTERNOON
OPERA HOUSE TOUR The 60 minute guided tour offers the
opportunity to experience the Sydney Opera House in its
daily operation. Visitors are guided into theatres,
given a fascinating account of the history and the
architecture of the building, and introduced to the
excitement of Performing Arts in Australia. Please note
that this is a walking tour, and there are approximately
200 steps in this tour.
PRIVATE
HARBOUR DINNER CRUISE One of Sydneys most luxurious
yachts, the Commissioner II combines the best of
traditional shipbuilding with modern equipment and
facilities. This evening you will enjoy a 4 hour buffet
dinner cruise around Sydney harbour with superior beer,
wine and soft drinks included.
Day 19:
(B) TRANSFER HOTEL TO SYDNEY AIRPORT
Please
wait in the main reception area of your Hotel and you
will be transferred to Sydney Airport by private
vehicle.
FLY
SYDNEY TO LOS ANGELES Cross the date line and arrive
home the same day you depart!
Welcome
Home!
B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner |
