Trip of a lifetime - a 16 day leisurely paced tour! Come see the "Wonders Downunder" as we visit both the North and South Islands of New Zealand plus the East Coast of Australia. People buy this tour for Australia, but love it for New Zealand. Learn of the native cultures, both the Maori’s of New Zealand and Aborigines of Australia. See incredible scenic wonders at Milford Sound, Queenstown, Mt. Cook, and Rotorua. Visit big cities like Auckland, Melbourne, and Sydney.
DAY 1 – Depart LAX
Fly to LAX airport (on own) to meet our evening flight on Air New Zealand to Auckland with in-flight meals. (Inflight Meals)
DAY 2 – Cross International Dateline
Cross the Equator and the International Dateline (lose a day) on our overnight flight. (Inflight Meals)
DAY 3 – Arrive Auckland
Arrive in Auckland, on New Zealand’s lush North Island. Morning city tour of New Zealand’s largest city. Arrive at our hotel and relax prior to our Get Acquainted Welcome Dinner at the Auckland Tower. Crowne Plaza, Auckland, New Zealand (D)
DAY 4 – Auckland to Rotorua
Scenic drive through the gorgeous countryside of the Waikato Valley, word’s largest sheep farming area. Tour Waitomo Caves where we will take a boat ride through the world famous Glowworm Grotto. Then arrive in Rotorua, home of the native “Maori” Polynesians. Tonight, a Maori Concert & Hangi Feast. Distinction Rotorua, Rotorua, New Zealand (B,D)
DAY 5 – Rotorua Sights
Rotorua is know as the “Yellowstone of New Zealand.” Tour the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, the Whaka thermal area with its boiling pools, geysers and the Rainbow Springs. Distinction Rotorua, Rotorua, New Zealand (B)
DAY 6 – Fly Rotorua to Queenstown
Morning scenic flight over the Southern Alps as we fly to the South Island. Arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s premier resort town, for a 3 night stay. Tonight, enjoy dinner at our hotel. Rydges Hotel, Queenstown, New Zealand (B,D)
DAY 7 – Day Trip to Milford Sound
Full day tour to Milford Sound. A breathtaking day of magnificent scenery awaits us as we drive through Fjordland National Park. Board our cruise of this incredible deep water inlet. Rydges Hotel, Queenstown, New Zealand (B,L)
DAY 8 – Free Day in Queenstown
Relax and sleep in. Shop in the village, take a lake cruise, visit a high country sheep station, visit the Gold Rush history of quaint Arrowtown or take the optional thrilling Shotover River “jet boat” ride. Rydges Hotel, Queenstown, New Zealand (B)
DAY 9 – Mt. Cook / Christchurch
Scenic drive along the Kawarau River Gorge, over Lindis Pass to Lake Pukaki and a view of Mt. Cook. Leave the Alps and cross the Canterbury Plains farming region to Christchurch. Holiday Inn, Christchurch, New Zealand (B,D)
DAY 10 – Christchurch City Tour / Fly to Melbourne
Morning city tour of Christchurch, with Cathedral Square, Avon River drive, and Cashmere Hills Lookout. Then transfer to the airport for our afternoon flight across the Tasman Sea to Melbourne, Australia for a 3 night stay. Citigate Hotel, Melbourne, Australia (B,Inflight Meals)
DAY 11 – Melbourne / Phillip Island Option
Tour Melbourne, city of parks and home to Australia’s traditional wealth. See Fitzroy Gardens, Victoria Market, the Cricket Grounds, and the Shrine of Remembrance. Citigate Hotel, Melbourne, Australia (B)
DAY 12 – Melbourne Free Day
A full free day to explore this great city. We may wish to shop for opals, ride a streetcar to the Captain Cook House, walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens, or tour the Victorian Arts Centre (Melbourne’s answer to the Sydney Opera House). Citigate Hotel, Melbourne, Australia (B)
DAY 13 – Fly to Canberra / Coach to Sydney
Fly to the capital city of Canberra, a beautiful, completely planned city built around an artificial lake. See Parliament House, Embassy Row, and the Australian War Memorial Museum. Visit a working sheep station for an Aussie BBQ and sheep show. Then coach to Sydney for a 3 night stay. Holiday Inn, Sydney, Australia (B,L)
DAY 14 – Sydney City Tour
Our morning tour of this world class city will include all the must see sights such as the famous Opera House, Darling Harbor, naughty Kings Cross, the historic “Rocks” area, and Bondi Beach. Holiday Inn, Sydney, Australia (B)
DAY 15 – Sydney Free Day
Enjoy a free day exploring or shopping. Visit the 2000 Olympic Park or Featherdale Wildlife Park, home to 2200 native Australian animals. End the night with our Farewell Dinner Harbor Cruise of Sydney’s sparkling waters. Holiday Inn, Sydney, Australia (B,D)
DAY 16 – Fly Home to USA
Arrive home mid day on the same day we left, after crossing the International Dateline. (B,Inflight Meals)
Arrival Time: Please arrive at Los Angeles Airport (LAX) no later than 6:00pm
Departure Time: Please depart Los Angeles Airport (LAX) after 4:30pm