If you're seeking a vacation that offers a wide variety of activities, Australia, New Zealand and the islands of the South Pacific are the perfect destinations for you.
Let our Certified Aussie Specialist, Judith Kitzes, help plan that next great vacation.
SOUTH PACIFIC SPECTACULAR
20 Days Auckland/Sydney
from $6635 includes land & intra-tour flights
The "classic" vacation down under with incredible value
ITINERARY
Day 1, Mon. DEPART LOS ANGELES.
Board your overnight flight for Auckland, New Zealand.
Day 2, Tue. EN ROUTE.
During your flight, cross the International Dateline.
Day 3, Wed. ARRIVE AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, where rooms are ready for early check-in. This afternoon, join your Tour Director for a brief orientation, with the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 4, Thu. AUCKLAND.
Enjoy a morning tour of the "City of Sails." Cross Auckland’s busy Harbour Bridge and view the beautiful Waitemata Harbor and Yacht Marina. Explore the War Memorial Museum, enjoy the lovely gardens of Domain Park and visit Parnell Village. Your afternoon is free, and your Tour Director will have a wealth of information on things to see and do. (B,D)
Day 5, Fri. AUCKLAND / GLOW WORM CAVES / WAIKATO FARM STAY.
Travel south through the Waikato Valley to the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. Take a short boat ride through the fascinating caverns of the grotto to view the tiny blue glow worms reflected in the stillness of the underground river. Overnight at a local farm where your hosts entertain you with home cooked meals and tell stories of their lives in rural New Zealand. (B,D)
NOTE: If you do not wish to stay with a family on a farm, there is limited accommodation at a very comfortable motel nearby. You must request this at the time of booking.
Day 6, Sat. WAIKATO / ROTORUA.
Bid farewell to your hosts and continue to Rotorua. Visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve with its bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers. Tonight enjoy a traditional Hangi, a dinner and performance by New Zealand's Maori. (B,D)
Day 7, Sun. ROTORUA / QUEENSTOWN.
Visit the Agrodome, where you will watch sheep shearing, mustering and auctioning. Then, fly to Queenstown, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. After a tour, there is plenty of free time for exploration on your own. Your Tour Director can arrange a jet boat ride, white water rafting, a nature walk or perhaps bungy jumping! (B)
Day 8, Mon. QUEENSTOWN.
A free day for independent activities. Your Tour Director can help you arrange a helicopter ride, a mountain outing to see many of the sights from the Lord of the Rings movies, or a cruise to Walter Peak sheep station. There’s also an all day optional outing to Milford Sound. (B)
Day 9, Tue. QUEENSTOWN / MOUNT COOK.
This morning, depart for Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Afternoon in this scenic wonderland. Take a guided walk of this spectacular area or enjoy an optional once-in-a-lifetime flight-seeing experience of New Zealand’s glacier-clad Southern Alps. The evening is yours to enjoy nature at its best. (B,D)
Day 10, Wed. MOUNT COOK / CHRISTCHURCH.
Continue your journey to picturesque Lake Tekapo and visit the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd. Then, travel through Burkes Pass to the patchwork plains of Canterbury and the "Garden City" of Christchurch. Your afternoon sightseeing tour includes Cathedral Square, the Canterbury Museum, the Avon River and Cashmere Hills. (B)
Day 11, Thu. CHRISTCHURCH / MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA.
This afternoon, transfer to the airport for the flight to Melbourne, cultural capital of Australia. The balance of the day is free. (B)
Day 12, Fri. EXPLORE MELBOURNE.
See Melbourne’s Victorian architecture on your morning sightseeing tour that includes Melbourne University, Parliament House, Queen Victoria Market and Captain Cook’s Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens. Tonight enjoy dinner aboard the 1927 Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, traveling the scenic streets of Melbourne. (B,D)
Day 13, Sat. MELBOURNE.
A full free day to do as you please. This attractive city boasts some of the world’s finest museums, and shopping is some of the country’s best. You may wish to take the optional outing to the picturesque Yarra Valley, whose rolling vineyards produce some of Australia’s finest wines. Other ideas include a trip on Puffing Billy, Australia’s best known narrow gauge railroad or a day outing to historic gold rush country or the Great Ocean Road. Later perhaps take an optional outing to see the Fairy Penguin parade. (B)
Day 14, Sun. MELBOURNE / ALICE SPRINGS.
Head to the airport this morning for the flight to the vast red land of the Outback. This afternoon’s sightseeing tour includes a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Overland Telegraph Station and the School of the Air. Tonight join the optional Bush Dinner in a traditional outback setting and listen to classic Australian music while you dine under the stars. (B)
Day 15, Mon. ALICE SPRINGS / AYERS ROCK.
A leisurely drive to Ayers Rock and then on to the Olgas, 36 giant red rock domes which dominate the Western sky. Later, enjoy a short walk to the base of Olga Gorge. This evening, visit the "Sunset Strip" for a glass of champagne while watching the subtle color changes as the sun sets over Ayers Rock. (B)
Day 16, Tue. AYERS ROCK / CAIRNS.
Rise early this morning to view the grandeur of Ayers Rock. Hikers may have the opportunity to climb to the top of the Rock, or tour the caves at its base and hear an explanation of the Aboriginal Dreamtime Legends. This afternoon, fly to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Dinner tonight is at a favorite "locals" restaurant. (B,D)
Day 17, Wed. GREAT BARRIER REEF EXCURSION.
Board a high-speed catamaran and cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. Your first stop is at Green Island, surrounded by coral reefs and sparkling water. Explore the island, snorkel from the beach, or take a glass bottom boat ride. Lunch is included during your stay. Or, you can spend some time on Green Island, then continue to the edge of the reef where you will board a luxurious three-level pontoon. Enjoy coral viewing from the Underwater Observatory, cruise through the coral on a sub-sea viewer, and snorkel from the pontoon in the deep, clear blue water. A marine biologist enhances the experience, and a smorgasbord lunch will be served. Late this afternoon, return from either trip to Cairns for a relaxing evening on your own. (B,L)
Day 18, Thu. CAIRNS.
A full day at leisure. Your Tour Director will be happy to arrange an optional excursion on the Kuranda Railroad to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Other activities include river rafting, kayaking, a rainforest walk, a hike or cruise through the Daintree Rainforest, or an outing to spot crocodiles. Tonight, there is an optional dinner outing in the midst of the rainforest. (B)
Day 19, Fri. CAIRNS / SYDNEY.
Board your flight to Sydney this morning. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your harborside hotel, with the balance of your day free to begin exploring. (B)
Day 20, Sat. SYDNEY.
Visit a wildlife park to see some of Australia’s unusual fauna – kangaroos, koalas, wombat and emus. Next, enjoy a luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour for views of the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Fort Denison and beautiful waterfront homes. Afterwards, take a guided tour of the world famous Sydney Opera House. (B,L)
Day 21, Sun. SYDNEY.
A free day to relax, shop or sightsee. Perhaps join an optional tour to the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, or take the famous Bridge climb over Sydney Harbour. Tonight, reminisce with fellow travelers at a Farewell Dinner at one of Sydney’s favorite restaurants. (B,D)
Day 22, Mon. SYDNEY / LOS ANGELES.
Morning at leisure prior to your transfer to the airport for the flight home. Cross the International Dateline and arrive in Los Angeles the same day. (B)
Extend Your Vacation To Tasmania
25 Days • Locally Hosted Days 1-21, Mon-Sun. Same as tour QQZ. Day 22, Mon. SYDNEY / HOBART. Fly to Tasmania and meet your local host. Transfer to Hobart Pier to board a cruise to Peppermint Bay. See giant kelp forests and sea life on the ocean floor with unique underwater cameras, and perhaps spot sea eagles, seals, dolphins and whales. Visit a bird sanctuary, a salmon farm and more. Your evening is free. (B,L) Day 23, Tue. PORT ARTHUR EXCURSION. Depart on a full day
excursion to Port Arthur. En route, see Eaglehawk Neck, Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen and the Blowhole. Upon arrival at the Port Arthur Historic Site, once a penal settlement, take a tour and learn of its history. There is time to explore the site on your own. Rejoin the group for a short harbor cruise, viewing the boys prison of Point Puer, the Isle of the Dead and a magnificent coastline. Following the cruise, return to Hobart. (B) Day 24, Wed. HOBART. A full day at leisure to explore Hobart and its surrounding areas on your own. Ask your host for about optional outings. (B) Day 25, Thu. DEPART HOBART. Transfer to Hobart Domestic airport for the short flight to Melbourne to connect with your onward flight. (B) |
RATES AND DATES
| Departs On | Returns On | Land Price($) | Guaranteed Departure | Availability |
| May 14, 2008 | June 2, 2008 | $6,655.00 | -- | Open |
| June 11, 2008 | June 30, 2008 | $6,635.00 | GD | Open |
| July 23, 2008 | August 11, 2008 | $6,700.00 | --- | Open |
| October 8, 2008 | October 27, 2008 | $6,850.00 | GD | Open |
| October 22, 2008 | November 10, 2008 | $6,850.00 | --- | Open |
| October 29, 2008 | November 17, 2008 | $6,850.00 | --- | Open |
| November 12, 2008 | December 1, 2008 | $6,850.00 | --- | Open |
| November 26, 2008 | December 15, 2008 | $6,850.00 | GD | Open |
| December 17, 2008 | January 5, 2009 | $6,820.00 | --- | Open |
| January 21, 2009 | Febuary 9, 2009 | $6,820.00 | --- | Open |
| Febuary 11, 2009 | March 2, 2009 | $6,900.00 | --- | Open |
| Febuary 11, 2009 | March 2, 2009 | $6,900.00 | --- | Open |
| Febuary 25, 2009 | March 16, 2009 | $6,900.00 | --- | Open |
| March 11, 2009 | March 30, 2009 | $6,900.00 | --- | Open |
| March 25, 2009 | April 13, 2009 | $6,900.00 | --- | Open |
YOUR TRAVEL VALUE INCLUDES
- Arrival and departure transfers when Brendan issues your air tickets
- Transfers throughout the tour
- Accommodation in hotels listed or similar
- Pre-registered room in Auckland to accommodate your early arrival
- 19 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D); on Tasmania extension: 4 additional meals
- Services of a professional Tour Director; local guides on Tasmania extension
- Complete sightseeing program as detailed in the day-by-day itinerary including admission charges where applicable
NEW ZEALAND: Waitomo Glow Worm Caves; Rotorua’s thermal reserve; Agrodome; Mount Cook
AUSTRALIA: Fitzroy Gardens; Ayers Rock; the Olgas; Great Barrier Reef including Green Island, Wildlife Park; Sydney Opera House. On Tasmania extension: Bay cruise; Port Arthur - All local taxes
- Portfolio of travel documents
BRENDAN HOTELS
AUCKLAND - Stamford Plaza (DLX)
WAIKATO - Farmstay
ROTORUA - Royal Lakeside Novotel (SF)
QUEENSTOWN - Millennium (F)
MOUNT COOK - The Hermitage (SF)
CHRISTCHURCH - Heritage Hotel (SF)
MELBOURNE - Rydges (SF)
ALICE SPRINGS - Crowne Plaza (SF)
AYERS ROCK - Desert Gardens (F)
CAIRNS - Pacific International (SF)
SYDNEY - The Sebel Pier One (SF)
Judith Kitzes:
Judith Kitzes is a four-time Opal Award winner; Premier Aussie Specialist and active since 1993 . In addition to that, she is also a New Zealand Specialist, Tahiti Tiare Specialist, Fiji Matai Specialist, and Cook Islands Specialist. She's travelled all over the South Pacific, and knows all kinds of little secret places to stay and things to do. She's passionate as ever about Australia and New Zealand, and wants to help you plan your vacation of a lifetime. So sharpen your spirit of adventure and grab your hat. Give Judith a call to book your trip now.
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