The Best Of Australia and New Zealand
From $2478 Land OnlyEnjoy the best of Australia and New Zealand with this fully escorted vacation. Your tour begins in New Zealand where you will visit Auckland, the glow worm caves of Waitomo Valley, the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve of Rotorua, Queenstown and Christchurch. In Australia you will have the opportunity to explore Melbourne, the vineyards of Yarra Valley, Cairns, The Great Barrier Reef and Sydney 15 days • Air & land
17 days with Melbourne extension
13 days • Auckland/Sydney
15 days with Melbourne extension
ESCORTEDAsk about guaranteed departures Your Vacation Includes:- All flights when tour operator issues the air tickets
- All transfers throughout the tour
- Services of a professional Tour Director; local host on Melbourne extension
- Accommodation in deluxe and superior first class hotels
- Pre-registered room in Auckland to accommodate your early arrival
- 12 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L) and 5 dinners (D) as indicated in the itinerary including: Maori Hangi feast and concert; home hosted dinner, Christchurch; Farewell Dinner, Sydney; on Melbourne extension: 3 additional meals
- Complete sightseeing program as detailed in the day-by-day itinerary including admission charges where applicable
NEW ZEALAND: Auckland city tour; Waitomo Glow Worm Caves; Rotorua’s thermal reserve; Queenstown and Christchurch city tour
AUSTRALIA: Great Barrier Reef including Green Island; Wildlife Park; cruise on Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House. On Melbourne extension: city tours
- All local taxes
- Flight bag and portfolio of travel documents
ItineraryDay 1, Thu. DEPART LOS ANGELES.
Board your overnight flight for Auckland, New Zealand. Day 2, Fri. EN ROUTE.
During your flight, cross the International Dateline. Day 3, Sat. ARRIVE AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel where rooms are ready for early check-in. This afternoon, your Tour Director provides a brief orientation, with the rest of the day at leisure. Day 4, Sun. AUCKLAND.
Take a sightseeing tour of Auckland, known as the "City of Sails." Cross Auckland’s busy Harbour Bridge and view the beautiful Waitemata Harbour and Yacht Marina. Explore the War Memorial Museum, enjoy the lovely gardens of Domain Park and visit Parnell Village. The afternoon is free and your Tour Director will have ideas for things to see and do. (B,D) Day 5, Mon. AUCKLAND / WAITOMO / ROTORUA.
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 millions of tiny blue glow worms reflected in the stillness of the underground river. Continue to Rotorua. This evening, enjoy a Maori Hangi feast and cultural performance. (B,D) Day 6, Tue. ROTORUA / QUEENSTOWN.
Visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve, viewing its boiling mud pools and steaming geysers. Then, early this afternoon, fly to Queenstown, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. This picturesque town is the premier resort for both summer and winter activities. Enjoy a tour before arriving at your hotel. (B) Day 7, Wed. QUEENSTOWN.
A day at leisure. Magnificent scenery and natural attractions are intensified by action for adventure seekers and relaxation for pleasure seekers. There are a host of activities available, from jet boat rides to a mountain outing to see many of the sights seen in the movie Lord of the Rings. There is also an optional excursion to Milford Sound to view one of the world’s great natural wonders. (B) Day 8, Thu. QUEENSTOWN / CHRISTCHURCH.
Enjoy a scenic drive to Christchurch passing rugged peaks, serene lakes, turbulent rivers and the colorful patchwork of farms of the Canterbury Plains. This evening, in small groups, you will be treated to a home-cooked meal as you meet local New Zealanders for a home-hosted dinner. (B,D) Day 9, Fri. CHRISTCHURCH / CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA.
A sightseeing tour of the "most English city outside of England" includes the willow-lined Avon River, Cathedral Square and the Canterbury Museum. This afternoon, fly to Cairns, Australia, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. (B) Day 10, Sat. 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 11, Sun. CAIRNS.
A full day at leisure. Your Tour Director will be happy to arrange an optional excursion on the Kuranda Railroad to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Other activities include river rafting, kayaking, a rainforest walk, hot air ballooning, or perhaps an outing to spot crocodiles. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a favorite local restaurant. (B,D) Day 12, Mon. CAIRNS / SYDNEY.
Late this morning, board your flight for Sydney. Your evening is at leisure. (B) Day 13, Tue. SYDNEY.
This morning, visit a wildlife park to see some of Australia’s unusual fauna – kangaroos, koalas, wombat and emus. Next, board a luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour for offshore views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Fort Denison and beautiful waterfront homes. Afterwards, take a guided tour of the world famous Sydney Opera House. (B,L) Day 14, Wed. SYDNEY.
A free day to relax, shop or sightsee. Perhaps join an optional tour to the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, or one of the many other choices available. Tonight, enjoy a fun-filled evening with your fellow travelers at a special dinner in one of Sydney’s favorite restaurants. (B,D) Day 15, Thu. DEPART SYDNEY.
Later this morning, transfer to the airport for the early afternoon flight home. Cross the International Dateline and arrive in Los Angeles the same afternoon. (B) Extend Your Vacation To Melbourne
Australia’s Cultural Capital
17 Days • Locally Hosted
| | Days 1-14, Thu-Wed. Same as tour QQA. Day 15, Thu. SYDNEY / MELBOURNE.
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Melbourne. On arrival, meet your local host and see the city’s highlights. Marvel at the Victorian architecture and see Melbourne University, Parliament House, Queen Victoria Market and Captain Cook’s Cottage. Tonight, be sure to get out and sample the numerous world-class restaurants Melbourne is famous for, or take the optional tour to see the Fairy Penguins. (B) Day 16, Fri. MELBOURNE.
A free day to do as you please. 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. Melbourne boasts some of the world’s finest museums, and shopping is some of the country’s best. Tonight, board the 1927 Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, traveling the scenic streets of the city. Afterward, since Melbourne is the theatre capital of the Southern Hemisphere, there’s an optional outing to a live performance at one the many beautiful theatres. (B,D) Day 17, Sat. MELBOURNE / LOS ANGELES.
Later this morning, transfer to the airport for the early afternoon flight home. Cross the International Dateline and arrive in Los Angeles the same afternoon. (B) |
Stay 3 Days in Fiji for Free!* | Fiji is the perfect addition to any Australia and New Zealand vacation. This 3 day stopover is a great way to relax, unwind, and break up the long journey over the Pacific. If you book and deposit by February 10, 2007 (December 16, 2006 for January, February, March, and April departures), you will get two wonderful nights, plus breakfast daily and round-trip transfers to the 5-star Outrigger Reef Hotel for free! ...a $450 value per person! Book early, space is limited! Day 1, Tue. DEPART LOS ANGELES.
Board your overnight flight to Nadi, Fiji. Day 2, Wed. EN ROUTE.
During your flight, cross the International Dateline. Day 3, Thu. ARRIVE NADI, FIJI.
After an early morning arrival, transfer to the Outrigger where rooms are ready for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to begin exploring. Day 4, Fri. NADI.
Whether you wish to explore the island or simply relax, your local island host will be on hand to give advice. (B) Day 5, Sat. NADI / AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND.
Late morning departure to Auckland to join the tour. (B) Your hotel is the Outrigger Reef Fiji, a 5-star resort in the heart of the Coral Coast. All rooms are air-conditioned and are beautifully furnished with tasteful amenities and feature a private lanai. There are two restaurants specializing in local and international cuisine. You will also find on the premises a pool, fitness room, tennis courts, paddle boats, and kayaks. Horseback riding on the beach is also available and be sure to check the notice board for daily group activities. * "Stay Free in Fiji" supplement for passengers depositing after February 10, 2007 (December 16, 2006 for Jan-Apr departures): You will still receive a special discounted price: Twin $290; Single $463;
Triple $250. Prices are land only and reflect at least a $125 discount per person off the regular rates. Airline stopover fees may apply. "Stay Free in Fiji" promotion applies to Air/Land bookings only. |
Hotels
AUCKLAND - Langham Hotel (DLX)
ROTORUA - Royal Lakeside Novotel (SF)
QUEENSTOWN - Heritage Hotel (SF)
CHRISTCHURCH - Heritage Hotel (SF)
CAIRNS - Rydges Esplanade - oceanview room (SF)
SYDNEY - The Sebel Pier One (SF) Melbourne extension
MELBOURNE - Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens – premium level (SF) |
| Leave USA Thursday | Tour QQA | With Melbourne | | 13 Days Land Only | 15 Days Air & Land | 15 Days Land Only | 17 Days Air & Land | | Jan 25 GD | $2528 | $4719 | $2978 | $5450 | | Feb 08 GD | $2558 | $4508 | $2998 | $5229 | | Feb 22 GD | $2558 | $4508 | $2998 | $5229 | | Mar 08 GD | $2558 | $4508 | $2998 | $5229 | | Mar 22 GD | $2538 | $4488 | $2978 | $5209 | | Apr 19 | $2498 | $4448 | $2978 | $5169 | | May 10 | $2498 | $4308 | $2948 | $4917 | | Jun 07 GD | $2488 | $4298 | $2938 | $4967 | | Jul 12 | $2478 | $4436 | $2928 | $5149 | | Oct 04 GD | $2498 | $4456 | $2948 | $5169 | | Oct 18 | $2558 | $4516 | $2998 | $5229 | | Oct 25 GD | $2558 | $4516 | $2998 | $5229 | | Nov 08 | $2558 | $4516 | $2998 | $5229 | | Nov 15 GD | $2558 | $4516 | $2998 | $5229 | | Dec 20 GD | $2588 | $4779 | $3048 | $5555 |
2008‡ | | Jan 24 | $2558 | $4749 | $2998 | $5510 | | Feb 07 | $2558 | $4509 | $2998 | $5221 | | Feb 21 | $2558 | $4509 | $2998 | $5221 | | Mar 06 | $2558 | $4509 | $2998 | $5221 | | Mar 13 | $2558 | $4509 | $2998 | $5221 | | Apr 03 | $2558 | $4509 | $2998 | $5221 | Single room supplement: QQA $1118; with Melbourne extension $1293.
Triple room reduction per person: QQA $126; with Melbourne extension $166.
“land only” prices do not include any air sectors. Intra-tour flights are available for purchase. Please ask your Aussie Specialist.
GD Guaranteed Departures
The above “air & land” inclusive prices include all international flights from/to Los Angeles and domestic air within New Zealand and Australia and fuel surcharges. Airfares from other cities and departure/arrival taxes will be advised at the time of booking.
‡ These departures are subject to itinerary and price modifications. Details will be available Aug 2007. ASK ABOUT OUR LOW INTERNATIONAL AIR
ADD-ON FARES FROM YOUR HOME CITY |
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