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Journey to the South Pacific
Explore the vast wonders of Australia - from the tropical paradise of the Great Barrier Reef to the sophistication of Sydney; and both islands of New Zealand! Throw a boomerang and play the didgeridoo at Tjapukai Cultural Center. Meet some of Australia's wildlife up close. Stay at the base of the massive Mt. Cook on New Zealand's wild South Island. Cruise the breathtaking fjords of Milford Sound. Celebrate Maori culture and traditions at a traditional Hangi dinner in Rotorua. HighlightsCairns, Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Little Penguin Parade, Canberra, Sydney, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Mt. Cook National Park, Christchurch, Wellington, Rotorua Collette Experience Tour Australia's national capital, Canberra - from national monuments to national parks, it's a city of many surprises.Learn about the life of Australia's Little Penguins when you visit the Interpretation Center on Phillip Island.From the Maori culture to the thermal hot springs, experience the fascinating city of Rotorua. |
| Details | | Collette Vacations | | Offer valid through 3/31/2012 | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 - 2 | Depart From Home | Depart from Home : | | Day 3 | Cairns | Cairns, Queensland, Australia - Tour Begins : Your tour begins today in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, renowned for tropical rainforests, warm weather, friendly people and beautiful beaches. Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner with your new mates. Today dinner will be included. | | Day 4 | Cairns | Cairns : Today visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Center where you'll be immersed in the indigenous culture of Australia. You'll learn traditional Aboriginal dances and about the Aboriginal lifestyle. You'll even hone your hunting skills when you throw a boomerang and develop your musical talent by playing the didgeridoo, an Aboriginal musical instrument. Browse the renowned art gallery and visit the interpretation center which houses a collection of fascinating relics. This afternoon a great experience awaits you as you search for crocodiles in their natural habitat during a visit to Hartley's Croc Farm! At Hartley's you'll also come face-to-face with other animals such as the koala. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 5 | Great Barrier Reef | Great Barrier Reef : Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting exploration of the Great Barrier Reef. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef in many ways. You can enjoy a glass bottom boat ride*, a stroll on the walking trail to experience the rainforest up close and personal, a bit of relaxation on the beaches, snorkeling in the nearby water, or simply watching fish and sea turtles swim past the pier. If you prefer some adventure, an optional scuba diving and outer reef tour* is also available. You can do as much or as little as you like to explore the magnificent coral gardens of the reef. It's your day! Today breakfast and lunch will be included. | | Day 6 | Melbourne | Cairns - Melbourne : This morning you are at leisure to explore Cairns. Later, fly to Melbourne - Australia's most stylish city! Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 7 | Melbourne | Melbourne : Today you embark on a tour of Melbourne featuring Fitzroy Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and the Parliament House. Later, travel to Phillip Island, a nature reserve and home of the world's largest colony of Little Penguins. The Little Penguin is protected on Phillip Island and a staff of rangers works diligently to study and protect them. A highlight is sure to be the adorable Little Penguin Parade during which hundreds of lovable birds waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their burrows in the dunes. You will also visit the interpretation center and learn about the life of the Little Penguins and their significance to the area. Dinner is included on Phillip Island. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 8 | Canberra | Melbourne - Canberra : This morning fly to Australia's capital city, Canberra. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic city tour visiting the New Parliament House as well as the National Museum of Australia, an interactive experience that celebrates the nation and people of the land down under. The evening is yours to explore the city's shopping district and great eateries. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 9 | Sydney | Canberra - Blue Mountains - Sydney : Journey this morning into the majestic Blue Mountains which reside just outside of Sydney. Revel in the beauty of this World Heritage Site as you visit the famous Three Sister rock formation and Govett's Leap. Later, arrive into the bustling city of Sydney where the evening is yours to explore. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 10 | Sydney | Sydney : This morning you will see Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Paddington on a sightseeing tour of Sydney. During a guided tour you will feel the power of one of the world's most acoustically perfect architectural designs, the Sydney Opera House. This evening, enjoy this vibrant city at your leisure or join us for an optional tour. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 11 | Sydney | Sydney : This morning, visit Koala Park. Walk amongst the wallabies, dingoes, kangaroos, koalas and reptiles native to Australia. See koalas, one of Australia's most famous animal species, in a naturally recreated habitat - you even have a chance to take a photo with a koala! Later, enjoy an educational presentation on opals. Learn how raw opals are processed from the dark mine shafts to artistic creations found in your favorite jewelry store. This evening say farewell to Australia with style. Enjoy a dinner cruise on beautiful Sydney Harbour for brilliant views of Sydney's greatest icons - the Harbour Bridge and the world-famous Opera House. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 12 | Queenstown | Sydney - Christchurch, New Zealand - Queenstown : You leave Australia behind and travel to New Zealand, arriving in the picturesque resort village of Queenstown. Become acquainted with your surroundings during a spectacular dinner at the Skyline Restaurant which overlooks the appropriately named "Remarkable Mountains." Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 13 | Queenstown | Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown : Today you will travel through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley via the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on the spectacular fjord of Milford Sound, experiencing breathtaking vistas at every turn. Following your cruise you will return to Queenstown. You may choose to return via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of the Southern Alps. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. | | Day 14 | Queenstown | Queenstown : Today is yours to discover Queenstown at your leisure. Set amidst spectacular scenery, Queenstown is not only an adventure center, but offers excellent shopping and dining. Perhaps you'll opt to take "A Journey Through Middle Earth" and experience the South Island's Tolkienesque landscape as you explore the cinematic backdrop that brought The Lord of the Rings to life on the big screen. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 15 | Mt. Cook | Queenstown - Mt. Cook : Traverse the spectacular countryside to New Zealand's most famous national park, Mt. Cook. En route, enjoy a tasting and tour at one of New Zealand's famous wineries. A stop at a local fruit stand showcases the varied and delicious produce of New Zealand. Arrive at Mt. Cook, one of the most impressive mountains in the world. You may choose to view the massive glaciers and extensive snow-covered mountain top terrain on an optional glacier flightseeing tour (weather permitting) or perhaps enjoy the park during a nature walk. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 16 | Christchurch | Mt. Cook - Christchurch : Today you will journey through the rolling Canterbury hillside en route to Christchurch. Located on the Avon River, this charming city is considered "the most English city outside of England." A sightseeing tour highlights magnificent gardens, the Neo-Gothic Cathedral and the downtown park district. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 17 | Christchurch | Christchurch : Today you are on your own to explore this charming city. This evening you are invited to dine and make friends with a New Zealand family in their home. This is sure to be an unforgettable evening during which you will learn about the customs of the "Kiwi's" and enjoy a home-cooked meal. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 18 | Wellington | Christchurch - Picton - Wellington : Travel up the winding eastern coast to Picton where you will board the famous Interislander Ferry for one of the most scenic trips the world has to offer. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you cruise through the Marlborough Sounds and cross the Cook Strait, arriving this evening in the capital city of Wellington. Nestled between a sparkling harbour and the rolling hills of the North Island, Wellington was first settled by Polynesians in the 10th century. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 19 | Wellington | Wellington : Today you will enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of Wellington viewing the Beehive, New Zealand's Parliament, historic St. Paul's Church, and the government building, the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Following the tour you will visit the national museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongawera Museum. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 20 | Napier | Wellington - Napier : Journey into the region of Hawke's Bay today, arriving in the city of Napier. Rebuilt in the 1930's after a devastating earthquake, Napier boasts some of the greatest art deco architecture in the world. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 21 | Rotorua | Napier - Rotorua : This morning, enjoy an art deco tour of this great city. You then travel to Rotorua, known as the geothermal wonderland and cultural capital of New Zealand. The evening is yours to explore this great city. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 22 | Rotorua | Rotorua : This morning visit Te Puia, New Zealand's premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. You'll be truly amazed by the landscape of erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and other geothermal wonders! Here, the Maori keep their customs alive by teaching the tribal youth the skills of traditional carving, weaving and dancing. Take part in an interactive demonstration on the art of weaving and the importance of the Maori dress. You will also view the Kiwi bird and learn what New Zealanders are doing to try to remove the Kiwi from the endangered species list. Next, a visit to the Agrodome will give you insight into how wool, one of New Zealand's premier products, is produced and you will see a sheep shearing demonstration as well. This afternoon, visit a jade factory to see how the raw product is transformed into a fabulous gemstone. This evening you will receive a traditional Maori welcome at a Hangi meal followed by a traditional performance of songs, dances and other cultural festivities. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 23 | Auckland | Rotorua - Auckland - Tour Ends : Drive to Auckland where your tour ends. Today breakfast will be included. |
| | | Novotel Oasis, Cairns | Rendezvous Hotel, Melbourne | | Novotel Hotel, Canberra | Vibe Hotel, Sydney | | Mercure Queenstown Resort, Queenstown | Hermitage Hotel, Mt. Cook Region | | Rydges, Christchurch | Novotel Capital, Wellington | | Scenic Circle Te Pania, Napier | Rydges, Rotorua |
| | NOTE: Specials are marked with a * NOTE: NOTE: Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. |
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