Australia & New Zealand Highlights

Day 1 : Depart the USA

Following our included flight to Los Angeles International Airport, we meet our Tour Director and board an Air New Zealand flight bound for New Zealand. Enjoy tasty meals and attentive service.

Day 2 : New Zealand Bound

When we cross the International Date Line, we lose a calendar day.

Day 3 : Auckland

This morning we arrive in Auckland, the largest Polynesian city in the Southern Hemisphere. After clearing customs we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city including America’s Cup Village, lively Queen Street, and the Harbor Bridge. We visit Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE Aquarium, a top attraction. We see the world’s largest sub-Antarctic penguin colony display, the magical Seahorse Kingdom, and take an underwater journey to discover a diverse collection of aquatic life up-close. We take a pleasant countryside drive to the riverside city of Hamilton and arrive at our lodging at the Novotel Hamilton Tainui Hotel. One of the country’s fastest growing cities, Hamilton is the perfect place to experience friendly Kiwi hospitality.

Day 4 : Hobbiton & Lake Taupo

We travel to Alexander Sheep & Cattle Farm in Matamata, a combination working sheep farm and Hobbiton™, The Shire™ from Middle-earth™. Our visit includes a drive through the picturesque 1,250-acre farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges and a guided tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. The set has been completely rebuilt and remains as it was seen in these films. During our tour we see Hobbit Holes™, The Green Dragon Inn™, the mill, the double-arched bridge, and other structures and gardens built for this beloved imaginary world. For lunch, we enjoy a traditional pasture-to-plate meal at The Red Barn, a 500-acre working dairy farm. Originally built at the turn of the previous century as a livery stable for horses journeying across the greater Waikato, The Red Barn showcases the very best of New Zealand cuisine and country hospitality. Later this afternoon we arrive in the town of Taupo that sits next to New Zealand’s largest lake. Taupo is home to award-winning attractions, activities, and breathtaking lake and mountain views. Our lodging for two nights is at the Hilton Lake Taupo, featuring spacious rooms overlooking the thermally heated pool. Dinner is at the hotel’s elegant Bistro Lago.

Day 5 : Orakei Korako & Maori Concert

We begin with a visit to Orakei Korako, one of the finest thermal areas in the world. On our walk through the Hidden Valley, we’ll see silica terraces, boiling pools, geysers, and a rare geothermal cave. After lunch at leisure in Taupo’s town center, we cruise the Waikato River and witness impressive Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most visited natural wonder. Tonight we enjoy an authentic Maori hangi feast including a customary cooking method that prepares food in an underground pit oven followed by powerful song and dance from the traditional culture.

Day 6 : Gateway to Fiordland

This morning we fly to the South Island and travel through sheep-filled farmland to Te Anau, the “Gateway to Fiordland” and closest town to Milford Sound. This town is on the shores of beautiful Lake Te Anau, the serene deep water of this largest lake on the island bordered by virgin forest. Enjoy the spectacular backdrop of Mount Luxmore and the Murchison Mountains. Tonight we dine at the MacKinnon Restaurant and overnight at the Distinction Te Anau Hotel.

Day 7 : Milford Sound Cruise

Today we travel deep into Fiordland National Park where the beech forests reach the road’s edge and snow-capped peaks tower above. We journey through the beautiful Eglinton Valley to the Homer Tunnel before descending through the spectacular Cleddau Canyon, reaching Milford Sound. Our cruise takes us past Mitre Peak, rising over 5,500 feet. We’ll pass by the phenomenal Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls. Cascading at more than 500 feet, these falls flow from valleys formed by receding glaciers. Watch for sea lions and a variety of birds. We return to Te Anau and continue our journey, crossing pasturelands to the Millennium Hotel Queenstown for a relaxing two-night stay. Queenstown sits on the rippling shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu, set against the dramatic 7,000-foot Remarkables mountain range.

Day 8 : Queenstown

Enjoy a private homemade breakfast at the Kiwi & Birdlife Park. After breakfast we have the rare opportunity to meet New Zealand’s most iconic bird. Specially designed nocturnal houses allow us to view the kiwi during the day. Later we visit the historic and picturesque “gold rush” settlement of Arrowtown, viewing the Kawarau River suspension bridge where bungee jumpers come for thrills from all over the world. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy New Zealand’s adventure capital with jet boating, golf, picturesque walks, and abundant restaurants and shops in one of the most scenic settings in the world.

Day 9 : Southern Alps

This morning we travel across the Fruitlands of Central Otago, famous for the production of summer fruits like apricots, peaches, nectarines and plums. We travel over Lindis Pass and through the tussock-covered plains of Mackenzie Country towards Mount Cook National Park. The park has some of the most spectacular peaks in the Southern Alps. We drive along Lake Pukaki to Lake Tekapo, nestled among snowy peaks. The glacial blue waters of this lake are among the most photographed sights in New Zealand. We stop to view the Church of the Good Shepherd and the bronze statue of a sheep dog, erected as a tribute to the important role played by these animals in the development of high country farming. We cross the picturesque farmland of the Canterbury Plains en route to our overnight accommodations at the Distinction Christchurch Hotel.

Day 10 : Australia

Today we bid farewell to New Zealand and fly to Sydney, Australia’s most vibrant city. On arrival we transfer to our comfortable three-night home at the central Rydges World Square Hotel.

Day 11 : Sydney Sights & Opera House

This morning we discover Sydney’s many interesting landmarks. View the famous Harbor Bridge, the longest single span bridge in the world. Enjoy the Royal Botanic Gardens, Hyde Park, bustling Kings Cross, and popular Bondi Beach. We’ll tour the Sydney Opera House, one of the great manmade wonders of the modern world. During our luncheon in the Sydney Tower Revolving Restaurant we see panoramic views of the harbor and city. Later there’s time to visit Darling Harbor, Sydney’s most popular destination for leisure and entertainment, with more than 40 restaurants, cafes, museums, parks, theaters, and specialty shops.

Day 12 : Harbor Cruise & The Rocks

We enjoy Sydney’s sparkling waterfront playground during a delightful Captain Cook Harbor Cruise. Gain a glimpse of the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge, sail past pristine parks, golden beaches, and charming harborside neighborhoods. Later we visit The Rocks, Sydney’s original city center and now one of its most affluent districts. Enjoy the beautifully restored buildings, spectacular views across the harbor, and quaint cobblestone pathways of this historic neighborhood.

Day 13 : Tropical Cairns

Today we fly to tropical Cairns in Far North Queensland. This is the gateway city to many of Australia’s natural wonders including the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy three pleasant nights at The Flynn Hotel Cairns adjacent to the waterfront esplanade. This stunning five-star hotel features three restaurants and bars, glass swimming pools, and Eléme Day Spa and Wellness Center.

Day 14 : Kuranda Scenic Train & Skyrail

Enjoy one of the most spectacular rail excursions in the world on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Our journey reveals lush, wondrous World Heritage rainforest, steep ravines, and picturesque waterfalls within Barron Gorge National Park. Later we visit the fascinating Kuranda Koala Gardens. This award-winning native Australian wildlife attraction features some of Australia’s most popular wildlife. A highlight is the unique opportunity to actually hold a koala and hand-feed tame kangaroos and wallabies. After lunch at Frogs Restaurant we have the choice of visiting Birdworld Kuranda or the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. There’s time to visit the Kuranda Heritage Markets before we descend the MacAlister Range on Skyrail, a 4.7 mile gondola cableway. Enjoy spectacular views of the rainforest, Coral Sea, and lush Cairns Highlands as we glide over the dense rainforest canopy.

Day 15 : Great Barrier Reef & Scenic Helicopter Ride

We experience one of the highlights of our tour, a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. We cruise to Moore Reef located on the outer edge of the reef, the world’s largest living organism. The reef is one of Australia’s greatest national treasures and stretches more than 1,200 miles along the coast. We view vividly colored tropical fish and coral from the reef viewer, underwater observatory, and glass-bottom boat. Learn about the interesting fish and marine life that inhabit this underwater wonderland. Enjoy breathtaking sights of the Great Barrier Reef on a scenic helicopter ride. Swim, snorkel, or relax in this beautiful marine setting.

Day 16 : Melbourne

We fly to the charming Victorian capital of Melbourne, renowned for its lovely parks and gardens. Our three-night home is at the Oaks on Market. The remainder of the day is free to wander along Southbank’s waterfront and Crowne Casino precinct or Melbourne’s famous hidden laneways and pedestrian arcades.

Day 17 : Penguin Parade & Wildlife Park

This morning we travel through the picturesque Yarra Valley to sample chocolates at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. The chocolatiers at work create over 150 different types of chocolate. Later we visit Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, home to over 200 species of Australian birds, mammals, and reptiles in a natural setting. Next we go to Phillip Island, a sanctuary for seals and birds. Our day concludes with perhaps our most unique wildlife encounter as we witness the world-famous penguin parade. As the sun sets over this beautiful landscape we’ll get an up-close and personal view of the world’s smallest penguins as they return home to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia.

Day 18 : Melbourne Star & Mitre Tavern

Today our guided city tour of Melbourne includes Fitzroy Gardens, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Queen Victoria Market, and a view of the impressive Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance. Later we soar above the city on the giant Melbourne Star Observation Wheel and dine at the historic Mitre Tavern Steakhouse located in the city’s oldest building.

Day 19 : Los Angeles

We bid farewell to Australia. Cross the International Date Line and regain a day, arriving in Los Angeles early in the afternoon. Accommodations are near LAX International Airport.

Day 20 : Homeward

This morning our adventure comes to an end, but the friendships and memories will last forever.