New Zealand & Australia

June 14 - 28, 2010

$4,580 + tax

Itinerary:

Monday June 14
We depart from LAX heading towards New Zealand.

Wednesday June 16 Auckland NZ
We are met by a local guide and after city sightseeing tour of Auckland on the North Island transferred to our hotel. Hotel Crown Plaza (L)

Thursday June 17 Auckland - Waitomo -Rotorua
After breakfast we travel south from Auckland through the rich farmland of the Waikato River Valley on to Waitomo. We make a stop at the residence of the former Maori King at Ngaruawahia. We enjoy a guided tour through the unusual Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Your tour continues with a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny lights from the glow worms suspended from the cave ceiling. Our next destination the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park; Maori settlers formed tracks through the range, hunted in its subtropical forest and used its plants for food and medicine. On to the thermal city of Rotorua. Hotel Millennium (B, L)

Saturday June 19 Rotorua - Christchurch
We transfer to the airport after breakfast for our flight to Christchurch on the South Island. Upon arrival we have a half day city tour that includes this beautiful citys Cathedral and the Avon River. Hotel Copthorne Central (B, D)

Sunday June 20 Lake Tekapo - Mount Cook - Queenstown
Today our travel takes us across the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo and on to Aoraki (Mount Cook). Aoraki means Cloud Piercer in the Maori language. Copthorne Resort Lakefront Hotel (B, L)

Monday June 21 Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Our full day excursion includes a breathtaking cruise on the Milford Sound. The cruise of the fjords includes passing mile high Mitra Peak, the spectacular String Falls rain-forest and wild life. In the evening we take a gondola to Bobs Peak for a sunset view of Lake Wakatipu. Copthorne Resort Lakeside Hotel (B, L)

Tuesday June 22 Queenstown NZ - Sydney, Australia
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Sydney, Australia. Upon arrival we have orientation tour viewing the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbor Bridge and a walking tour of Darling Harbour which is very close to our hotel. Hotel Citigate Central (B, D)

Wednesday June 23 Sydney - Katoomba - Sydney
We have an amazing day of breathtaking scenery in the Blue Mountains. On the way out of town we pass Homebush Bay the site of the 2000 Olympics and we stop at the Australian Wildlife Park to Hand-feed Kangaroos and walk through Koala enclosures. In the Blue Mountains we see the Three Sisters Rock over the Jamison Valley and take the ride down the worlds steepest scenic railway to take an easy trek through the beautiful rainforest before returning up the mountain via the scenic skyway. What a day! Hotel Citigate Central (B, L)

Thursday June 24 Cairns
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Cairns. Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure to explore on your own. Hotel Novotel Oasis (B)

Friday June 25 Cairns - Kuranda - Cairns
Bright and early, we head up to Kuranda Village in the Daintree Forest via the skyway cable car. We are entertained by the Pamarirri Aboriginal Dancers. In the afternoon we take in the lush scenery on the scenic Freshwater Railway before our return to Cairns for overnight.. Petersburg we go through towns and villages with more historic places to visit.
Hotel Novotel Oasis (B, L)

Saturday June 26 Cairns
Get ready for an amazing cruise on the Great Barrier Reef! On board enjoy an underwater observatory or scuba diving facilities as you discover the unbelievable coral gardens and colorful marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. We return to our hotel in Cairns in the evening. Hotel Novotel Oasis (B, L)

Sunday June 27 Cairns - Sydney
We say farewell to sunny Queensland and board our flight to Sydney. Upon arrival we transfer to the hotel and the rest of the day have your own adventure in this marvelous city. Hotel Citigate Central (B)

Monday June 28 Sydney - Los Angeles
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our trip home. We arrive on the same day of our departure. (B)

(B) = Breakfast (L) = Lunch (D) = Dinner

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