Tripology

Commercial Flight

Board your overnight flight for Auckland, New Zealand.

Commercial Flight

During your flight, cross the International Dateline.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel where rooms are ready for early check-in.

Relaxation

This afternoon, your Tour Director provides a brief orientation, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Food and Dining

Tonight enjoy a Welcome Dinner with wine. (D)

Hotel

Stay at Rydges Melbourne (SF).

Sightseeing

Take a sight­seeing tour of Auckland. Cross the busy Harbour Bridge and view Waitemata Har­bour and the Yacht Marina.

Museums

See the War Memorial Museum, the gardens of Domain Park and visit Parnell Village. The afternoon is free and your Tour Director will have ideas for things to do. (B)

Sightseeing

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.

Performing Arts

Con­tinue to Rotorua. This evening, enjoy a Maori Hangi feast and ­cultural performance. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Royal Lakeside Novotel (SF).

Sightseeing

Visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve, viewing its boiling mud pools and steaming geysers.

Commercial Flight

Then, early this afternoon, fly to Queenstown, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Sightseeing

Enjoy a tour before arriving at your hotel. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Millenium (SF).

Sightseeing

A day at leisure. Mag­nifi­cent scenery and ­natural attractions are intensified by action for adventure seekers and relaxation for pleasure seekers.

Sightseeing

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)

Sightseeing

Enjoy a scenic drive to Christchurch passing rugged peaks, serene lakes, turbulent rivers and the color­ful patchwork of farms of the Canter­bury Plains.

Food and Dining

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)

Hotel

Stay at Heritage (SF).

Sightseeing

A sightseeing tour of the "most English city outside of England" includes the willow-lined Avon River, Cathedral Square and the Canterbury Museum.

Commercial Flight

This afternoon, fly to Cairns, Australia, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Pacific International (F).

Ocean Cruise

Board a high-speed catamaran and cruise to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, where you will board a luxurious three-level pontoon.

Snorkeling

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.

Relaxation

Late this afternoon, return to Cairns for a relaxing evening on your own. (B,L)

Sightseeing

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.

Food and Dining

Tonight, enjoy dinner at a favorite local restaurant. (B,D)

Rafting

Other activities include river rafting, kayaking, a rainforest walk, hot air ballooning, or perhaps an outing to spot crocodiles.

Commercial Flight

Late this morning, board your flight for Sydney.

Relaxation

Your evening is at leisure. (B)

Hotel

Stay at The Sebel Pier One (SF).

Safari

This morning, visit a wildlife park to see some of Australia’s unusual fauna kangaroos, koalas, wombat and emus.

Sightseeing

Next, board a luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour for offshore views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Fort Denison and beautiful waterfront homes.

Sightseeing

Afterwards, take a guided tour of the world famous Sydney Opera House. (B,L)

Shopping

A free day to relax, shop or sightsee.

Sightseeing

Perhaps join an optional tour to the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, or one of the many other choices available.

Food and Dining

Tonight, enjoy a fun-filled evening with your fellow travelers at a special dinner in the Sydney Tower revolving restaurant, affording splendid views of the city. (B,D)

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)