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 Australia. While onboard enjoy included, tasty meals, attentive service, and excellent entertainment.

Day 2 : Australia Bound

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

Day 3 : Melbourne

Early this morning we arrive in Auckland and transfer to our flight bound for Australia. We clear customs in the charming Victorian capital of Melbourne renowned for its lovely parks and gardens. The remainder of the day is free to wander along Southbank’s Waterfront precinct, visit the Victorian Art Center, Crown Casino, or Chinatown.

Day 4 : Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Today our guided city tour of Melbourne includes Fitzroy Gardens, Flinders Street Station, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Queen Victoria Market, the Shrine of Remembrance, and Parliament House. Later we visit the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne which houses a collection of more than 8,500 species of plants from around the world. We enjoy lunch at Ludlow Bar and Dining Room. The afternoon and evening are at leisure.

Day 5 : 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 set in a natural environment. 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 get an up-close and personal view of the little blue penguin, the world's smallest penguin, as they return home to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia.

Day 6 : Tasmania

We fly to Hobart to begin our exploration of wild and untamed Tasmania. Nearly one third of the Island State is protected within its 14 national parks. We visit Richmond, one of Australia’s most historic villages. The nostalgic charm of colonial days is present in the Georgian mansions, cottages, convict jail, bridge, and Catholic Church. Later we tour Hobart and enjoy breathtaking views of the town from Mount Wellington.

Day 7 : Eco-Cruise & Port Arthur

Enjoy a three-hour guided eco-cruise along the spectacular coastline of Tasman National Park. Experience the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. Enter deep-sea caves, see playful dolphins, hundreds of seals, and abundant bird species including albatross and sea eagles. After lunch we visit the Port Arthur Historic Site. This settlement was a bold experiment and ground-breaking attempt to reform and rehabilitate the colony’s convicts. Port Arthur was a key part of the colonial system of convict discipline, but it was much more than just a prison. As we walk within the site, the powerful, personal stories of convicts, soldiers, and free settlers and their families reveal themselves to us.

Day 8 : Tahune AirWalk

This morning we tour the picturesque Huon River Valley and visit the Wooden Boat Center which has been producing beautiful timber boats crafted by hand for nearly 25 years. Later we float through the tree tops of pristine forest at the Tahune Forest AirWalk. The steel walkway footbridge averages up to 90 feet above the forest floor with the last section, the cantilever, sitting 150 feet above the Huon River.

Day 9 : 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. Our accommodations at the Crystalbrook Flynn in Cairns are adjacent to the waterfront and esplanade. This stunning five-star hotel features three restaurants and bars, glass swimming pools, and the Eléme Day Spa and Wellness Center.

Day 10 : Kuranda Scenic Railway & 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 Kuranda Koala Gardens. Get the opportunity to hold a koala and hand-feed tamed kangaroos and wallabies. After lunch at Frogs Restaurant we visit Birdworld Kuranda, which replicates the natural habitats of nearly 60 native and exotic species. There’s also time to visit the Kuranda Heritage Markets before we descend the MacAlister Range on the 4.7-mile gondola cableway Skyrail. Enjoy spectacular views of rainforest highlands, Cairns, and the Coral Sea as we glide over dense forest canopy.

Day 11 : Great Barrier Reef & Scenic Helicopter Ride

Today 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 fish and marine life in this underwater wonderland. Enjoy breathtaking sights of the Great Barrier Reef on an included scenic helicopter flight.

Day 12 : Sydney

We fly to Sydney, Australia’s most vibrant city. On arrival we transfer to our hotel and the remainder of the day is free.

Day 13 : Harbor Cruise & Sydney 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 tour the Sydney Opera House, one of the great man-made wonders of the modern world. Enjoy lunch today in The Rocks, Sydney’s original city center and now one of its most affluent districts. Marvel at beautifully restored buildings and spectacular views across the harbor. This neighborhood’s quaint cobblestone pathways are home to colorful markets filled with more than 200 eclectic shops selling locally-produced home wares, beauty products, and original photography, art, crafts, and jewelry.

Day 14 : Sydney Tower & Darling Harbor

Today we enjoy a luncheon at Sydney Tower, admiring 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 15 : Christchurch, New Zealand

This morning we bid farewell to Australia and fly to Christchurch, located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

Day 16 : Glacial Lakes & Southern Alps

This morning we travel through picturesque patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains and enter the Geraldine foothills and expansive Mackenzie Country. We stop to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd overlooking Lake Tekapo’s pristine waters where we view the bronze statue of a sheep dog, symbolizing the important role these animals have played in the development of high country farming. We then drive along Lake Pukaki’s shimmering, turquoise glacial waters while enjoying the spectacular backdrop of Mount Cook and the Southern Alps. We journey over Lindis Pass and through the tussock-covered plains of Mackenzie Country to the Fruitlands of Central Otago, famous for its summer fruit production including apricots, peaches, nectarines, and plums. Our memorable day ends at the Millennium Hotel Queenstown in the city situated on the rippling shores of Lake Wakatipu and set against the dramatic 7,000-foot Remarkables mountains.

Day 17 : Kiwi Birdlife Park

Enjoy a private homemade breakfast featuring local produce at 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, then view 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 18 : Milford Sound Cruise

Today we travel through an ancient ice age region by first crossing pasturelands on our way to Fiordland National Park. We journey through beech forests and 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 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. Our accommodations tonight are in Te Anau at the Distinction Te Anau Hotel, the town nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau with a spectacular backdrop of Mount Luxmore and the Murchison Mountains.

Day 19 : Dunedin

Departing Te Anau, we travel through some of New Zealand’s most populated sheep country, taking us through Lumsden and Gore to the historic Larnach Castle & Gardens nestled on picturesque Otago Peninsula. With its exciting and at times scandalous and tragic history, our guided tour of the castle and gardens offers a vision of the past and present. Marvel at magnificent carved ceilings, antiques, and breathtaking views. We arrive in Dunedin, known for its Scottish heritage and Victorian and Edwardian architecture. We witness some of the city’s iconic attractions such as Speights Brewery, the University of Otago, the world’s steepest street, and First Church of Otago.

Day 20 : Larnach Castle & Wildlife Tour

Today we explore the historic Larnach Castle & Gardens nestled on picturesque Otago Peninsula. With its exciting and at times scandalous and tragic history, our guided tour of the castle and gardens illustrates the history of the Castle from its very beginnings to the present day. Marvel at magnificent carved ceilings, antiques, and breathtaking views. Later, we visit Nature's Wonders. Placed at the very tip of the Otago Peninsula, this guided tour features an exhilarating ride aboard an Argo 8 wheeled vehicle. You will get a first hand look at the wildlife of New Zealand, featuring Yellow-eyed Penguins, Blue Penguins, and New Zealand Fur Seals.

Day 21 : Lake Taupo

This morning we fly to the North Island and transfer to the quaint town of Taupo located on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake. Taupo is home to award-winning attractions, activities, and breathtaking lake and mountain vistas. Our lodging is at the Hilton Lake Taupo featuring spacious rooms overlooking the thermally heated pool.

Day 22 : 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 see silica terraces, boiling pools, geysers, and a geothermal cave. After lunch 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 23 : Hobbiton™ & The Red Barn

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 we take a pleasant drive to Cambridge in the heart of rural Waikato, a picture-perfect country town characterized by quaint charm and tree-lined streets.

Day 24 : Auckland

This morning we arrive in Auckland, the largest Polynesian city in the Southern Hemisphere. We enjoy lunch before ascending Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower, the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand, offering breathtaking views in every direction. We enjoy a brief sightseeing tour of the city including American’s Cup Village, lively Queen Street, and the Harbor Bridge before heading to the airport for our evening flight to Los Angeles. We cross the International Date Line and regain a day, arriving early in the afternoon.

Day 25 : Homeward