Grand Australia & New Zealand (Fall 2019/Spring 2020)

Day 1 : Depart Home

Brimming with excitement, we depart on our grand adventure.

Day 2 : Australia Bound

Following our included flight to California, we meet our Tour Director and board an Air New Zealand flight bound for the “Land Down Under.” Enjoy delicious meals and attentive service. 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. Our comfortable three-night home is at the Oaks-on-Market.

Day 4 : Tramcar Restaurant

Today our guided city tour of Melbourne includes Fitzroy Gardens, Flinders Street Station, Queen Victoria Market, the Shrine of Remembrance and Parliament House. Our four-course lunch is a memorable feast served aboard the first electric tramcar restaurant in the world! Enjoy this delicious meal as we travel around scenic Melbourne. The remainder of the day is free to wander along Southbank’s waterfront precinct, visit the Victorian Art Center, Crown Casino or Chinatown.

Day 5 : Penguin Parade

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. We travel to Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, home to over 200 species of Australian birds, mammals and reptiles, set in at 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’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 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 fourteen 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 Mt. Wellington. Our accommodations for three nights are at the Old Woolstore Hotel.

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 Port Arthur was much more than a prison. As we walk within the site, the powerful, personal stories of convicts, soldiers, free settlers and their families will reveal themselves to us.

Day 8 : Tahune Airwalk

This morning we tour of the picturesque Huon River Valley and visit the Wooden Boat Centre which has been producing a range of beautiful timber boats crafted by hand for nearly 25 years. Later we take a walk through the tree tops of pristine forest at Tahune Forest AirWalk. The steel walkway footbridge averages heights between 60-90 feet above the forest floor, with the very last section, the cantilever, sitting at a height of 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. Enjoy three pleasant nights at the Pacific Hotel Cairns adjacent to the waterfront and casino. All rooms feature balconies with superb views of the harbor and parklands.

Day 10 : Kurandra Scenic Trail & Skyrail

Enjoy one of the most spectacular rail excursions in the world - the Kuranda Scenic Train. As we ascend, our journey provides views of World Heritage rain forest, steep ravines and picturesque waterfalls within the Barron Gorge National Park. Later we visit the Kuranda Koala Gardens. Experience the opportunity to actually hold a koala as well as hand-feeding tame kangaroos and wallabies. After lunch at Frogs Restaurant we have the choice of visiting Birdworld Kuranda or the unique 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 rain forest, tropical Cairns, and the Coral Sea as we glide over the rain 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 the Rydges World Square Hotel and settle in for three-night stay. The remainder of the day is free.

Day 13 : Opera House & City Sights

This morning we discover Sydney’s many interesting landmarks, including the famous Harbor Bridge, the longest single span bridge in the world, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Hyde Park, bustling Kings Cross and popular Bondi Beach. We tour the famous Sydney Opera House, considered by many to be one of the wonders of the modern world. We enjoy lunch in the historic Rocks, one of the most prestigious areas in Sydney with its beautifully restored buildings and spectacular views across the harbor. The Rocks’ quaint cobblestone pathways are home to colorful markets filled with more than 200 eclectic stalls where you can find locally-produced home wares, beauty products and original photography, art, crafts and jewelry.

Day 14 : Harbor Cruise

Today we enjoy Sydney’s sparkling waterfront playground during a delightful harbor cruise sailing past pristine parks, golden beaches and charming harborside neighborhoods. 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 favorite destination for leisure and entertainment, with more than 40 restaurants, cafes, museums, parks, theaters and specialty shops.

Day 15 : Christchurch, NZ

This morning we bid farewell to Australia and fly to Christchurch located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. On arrival we transfer to our comfortable accommodations at the Distinction Christchurch Hotel. The remainder of the day is free.

Day 16 : Glacial Lakes & Southern Alps

We travel across the picturesque patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains and enter the foothills of Geraldine and expansive Mackenzie Country. We stop to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd overlooking the pristine waters of Lake Tekapo and view 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 drive along the shimmering turquoise glacial waters of Lake Pukaki set against the spectacular backdrop of Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps. We cross the Lindis Pass and tussock-covered plains of Mackenzie Country to the fruitlands of Central Otago, famous for the production of summer fruit - apricots, peaches, nectarines and plums. Our memorable day ends at the Heritage Hotel Queenstown for a two-night stay. The vistas from the Heritage Hotel provide a panoramic view of the towering 7,000-foot Remarkables mountain range, rising from the rippling waters of Lake Wakatipu.

Day 17 : Kiwi & Birdlife Park

Enjoy a breakfast featuring local produce 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 and view the Kawarau River suspension bridge, the “World Home of Bungy Jumping.” The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy New Zealand’s adventure capital, offering jetboating, golfing, 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, crossing pasturelands on our way to Fjordland National Park. We journey through beech forests and the beautiful Eglinton Valley climbing to Homer Tunnel before descending through the spectacular Cleddau Canyon to reach Milford Sound. Our cruise takes us past Mitre Peak, which rises 5,560 feet, striking Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls, cascading more than 500 feet. The falls flow from valleys formed by receding glaciers. Watch for sea lions and a variety of birds. Our accommodations in Te Anau are at the Distinction Te Anau Hotel. The town is nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau, with a spectacular backdrop of Mt. Luxmore and the Murchison Mountains.

Day 19 : Larnach Castle & Dunedin

Departing Te Anau, we travel through some of New Zealand’s most populated sheep country through Lumsden and Gore to historic Larnach Castle & Gardens nestled on the picturesque Otago Peninsula. With its exciting, sometimes scandalous, sometimes tragic history, our guided tour of the castle and gardens offers a vision of the past and present. We arrive in Dunedin known for its Scottish heritage and Victorian and Edwardian architecture. We see some of the iconic city attractions such as Speights Brewery, Cadbury World, the University of Otago and the World’s Steepest Street. We stay for two nights at the Distinction Dunedin Hotel.

Day 20 : Taieri Gorge Railway

Today we depart the historic Dunedin Railway Station on one of the world’s great train excursions through the spectacular Taieri River Gorge. We travel aboard restored carriages through stunning scenery, crossing graceful wrought-iron viaducts spanning deep ravines while listening to the onboard commentary about the early pioneers and the building of the line. Later we visit the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum dedicated to telling the story of the people of Dunedin and the surrounding area, whose character, culture, technology, art, fashion and transport shaped New Zealand’s first great city.

Day 21 : Lake Taupo & Maori Concert

We fly to North Island. Our destination is the quaint town of Taupo at the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake. Taupo is the home to award-winning attractions, activities and breathtaking lake and mountain vistas. Our lodging for two nights at the Hilton Lake Taupo features spacious rooms overlooking the thermally heated pool. Tonight enjoy a traditional and authentic Maori hangi feast, a customary cooking method that involves preparing food in an underground pit oven, followed by a powerful cultural performance of song and dance.

Day 22 : Orakei Korako & Huka Falls Cruise

Our day begins 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. Later we visit Lava Glass Blowing Studio and their unique Sculpture Garden featuring more than 500 glass sculptures. After lunch we cruise the Waikato River and see impressive Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction.

Day 23 : Hobbiton & Hamilton Gardens

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 sheep 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 film trilogies. The set has been completely rebuilt for The Hobbit and remains as it was seen in these films. During our tour we see Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill, double arched bridge and other structures and gardens built for the films. Later we take a pleasant countryside drive to the riverside city of Hamilton, one of the country’s fastest growing cities. It is the perfect place to experience friendly Kiwi hospitality. We visit the international award-winning Hamilton Gardens. The gardens explore different civilizations, and recreate historically important garden styles from the farthest reaches of the world. Our lodging is at the Novotel Hamilton Tainui Hotel.

Day 24 : Auckland & Evening Flight

This morning we arrive in Auckland, the largest Polynesian city in the Southern Hemisphere. We visit Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, one of Auckland’s top visitor’s attractions. We’ll 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 enjoy lunch at Skycity’s Fortuna Restaurant before we ascend Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower. The tallest man-made structure in New Zealand offers 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. Cross the International Date Line and regain a day arriving early in the afternoon. Overnight accommodations are included near the Los Angeles International Airport.

Day 25 : Homeward

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