South Pacific Wonders

Explore two great countries of the Southern Hemisphere -- Australia and New Zealand. From the tropical splendor of the Great Barrier Reef on Australia's northern coast, to the ethereal beauty of glacial fjords on New Zealand's South Island, this 16 day journey to the lands "down under" brings you the best of both countries at an enjoyable pace. Cruise Sydney Harbor and Milford Sound. Meet Australia's wildlife-up close. Discover the wonders of Aboriginal culture. Experience Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.

HighlightsCairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Christchurch, Mount Cook National Park, Queenstown, Milford Sound

Collette Experience

  • Take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour.
  • Capture the amazing scenery of the fjords of New Zealand on a cruise of Milford Sound.
  • Visit a Canterbury farmyard to see a sheep shearing demonstration and learn how this New Zealand family farm works.

    • Call (800) 388-1207 for more information or to book today! Mention code 7320013

    Tour Operator
    Collette Vacations
    Duration
    15 Days
    DayDestinationDescription
    Air 1Depart From HomeDepart From Home : Today you board your flight and begin the adventure of a lifetime. Crossing the International Dateline, you skip a day ahead.
    Day 2CairnsArrive Cairns, Australia : Your tour begins today in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Don7apos;t forget to look up at the Southern Hemisphere's stars this evening after you join your mates for a welcome dinner.

    Todaydinnerwill be included.
    Day 3Great Barrier ReefGreat Barrier Reef : Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. This is an immense series of 2,800 coral reefs which are home to amazingly diverse marine life. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef in many ways. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride*, a stroll on the walking trail to take in the rain forest, relax on the beaches, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving and an outer reef tour are also available. Whichever way you choose, you'll see some of the world's most fascinating marine and plant life.

    Todaybreakfast and lunchwill be included.
    Day 4CairnsCairns : Today visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Center. You'll see traditional Aboriginal dances, learn about the Aboriginal lifestyle, and even throw a boomerang or play a didgeridoo, a traditional instrument. Browse the renowned art gallery and visit the interpretation center, which houses a collection of interesting artifacts. This afternoon a great experience awaits as you search for crocodiles in their natural habitat during a visit to Hartley's Croc Farm! Boardwalks take you on a path of adventure through rainforests and woodlands to see animals such as wild birds, reptiles and wallabies. While visiting you also have the chance to meet some of the local koalas and have a private talk with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these cuddly creatures. Then, enjoy an exciting cruise in the lagoon looking for crocodiles before enjoying a delicious Aussie barbecue.

    Todaybreakfast and dinnerwill be included.
    Day 5SydneyCairns - Sydney : Fly to the bustling city of Sydney this morning. Enjoy a city tour of Sydney where the English explorer James Cook first weighed anchor in 1770. Highlights of your exploration include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens and the fashionable Paddington suburb.

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Day 6SydneySydney : Enjoy a leisurely day to explore Sydney your way. Your Tour Manger will be on hand to offer suggestions. Tonight, experience the best of Sydney. Chat with new friends and take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour during which you'll pass by two of Australia's most famous icons: the renowned Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

    Todaybreakfast and dinnerwill be included.
    Day 7SydneySydney : This morning discover one of the world's most fascinating architectural wonders during a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Next, enjoy a unique opportunity to learn first-hand how raw opals are transformed from the dark mine shafts to beautiful works of art. This evening is free to explore Sydney's many famous restaurants!

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Day 8ChristchurchSydney - Christchurch, New Zealand : You leave Australia behind and fly to New Zealand and the historic city of Christchurch. Upon arrival enjoy a short sightseeing tour of "the most English city outside of England". Highlights include magnificent gardens, the Neo-Gothic Cathedral and the downtown park district.

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Day 9ChristchurchChristchurch : This morning visit a Canterbury farmyard where you'll enjoy a sheep shearing demonstration and see the herding of the farm's animals! It's a great opportunity to learn how a New Zealand family farm operates. This afternoon you are free to explore Christchurch independently before a truly special evening. Tonight you are the guest of honor at a private dinner inside the restored Riccarton House mansion. Step back in time and experience a world of Victorian and Edwardian splendor during a guided tour that teaches you the history of the first family of Christchurch. Then, relax in the elegant dining room and enjoy a sumptuous dinner.

    Todaybreakfast and dinnerwill be included.
    Day 10ChristchurchChristchurch : Today, enjoy a day of exploration on your own in beautiful Christchurch. This English city - the charming international gateway to New Zealand's South Island - boasts countless cafes and boutiques. Stroll its cobblestone streets and enjoy the many sights that "the Garden City" has to offer. Make yourself right at home this evening when a New Zealand family welcomes you into their home for dinner! This is sure to be an unforgettable evening during which you will make new friends, learn about the customs of the "Kiwi's" and enjoy a home-cooked meal.

    Todaybreakfast and dinnerwill be included.
    Day 11QueenstownChristchurch - Mt. Cook Region - Queenstown : Traverse the spectacular countryside to New Zealand's most famous national park, Mt. Cook. Mt. Cook is 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. Continue to Queenstown and enjoy a stop at a local fruit stand to gain an inside look at the produce of New Zealand.

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Day 12QueenstownQueenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown : En route to Milford Sound, enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley. You'll travel through beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. During a cruise of the breathtakingly beautiful Milford Sound you'll see why this fjord is one of the most visited sites on the South Island. With rock faces that rise nearly 4,000 feet on either side, the scenery will take your breath away. Following your cruise, you return to Queenstown. You may choose to return via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand's Southern Alps.

    Todaybreakfast and lunchwill be included.
    Day 13QueenstownQueenstown : A leisurely day in Queenstown offers several options to enhance your vacation. Shop or people watch in the village or perhaps take the optional "Safari of the Rings" which takes you through the majestic Remarkable Mountains and the breathtaking Queenstown countryside where the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed. This evening, take in the city of Queenstown from above and soak in the breathtaking views during a gondola ride to dinner at the Skyline Restaurant overlooking Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the mountains.

    Todaybreakfast and dinnerwill be included.
    Day 14NadiQueenstown - Auckland - Nadi, Fiji : Today you will arrive in the beautiful paradise island of Fiji. Fiji retains all the primitive cultural fascination of the South Pacific and boasts expansive sandy beaches and clear ocean waters.

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Day 15FijiFiji : Your day is free to relax and enjoy your surroundings. An optional island tour is offered.

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Day 16FijiFiji : Your day is free to relax and enjoy Fiji. Enjoy a lovely dinner this evening.

    Todaybreakfast and dinnerwill be included.
    Day 17Tour endsFiji - Tour Ends : Today your tour ends in Fiji.

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call (800) 388-1207 to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DateDescriptionPrice FromQuote
    September 13, 2010Land Only$2,299.00* (USD)Quote
    October 04, 2010Land Only$2,299.00* (USD)Quote
    October 11, 2010Land Only$2,299.00* (USD)Quote
    October 18, 2010Land Only$2,299.00* (USD)Quote
    November 08, 2010Land Only$2,299.00* (USD)Quote
    January 17, 2011Land Only$2,299.00* (USD)Quote
    February 07, 2011Land Only$2,299.00* (USD)Quote
    February 14, 2011Land Only$2,299.00* (USD)Quote
    February 21, 2011Land Only$2,299.00* (USD)Quote
    February 28, 2011Land Only$2,299.00* (USD)Quote
    March 14, 2011Land Only$2,299.00* (USD)Quote
    March 28, 2011Land Only$2,299.00* (USD)Quote
    April 25, 2011Land Only$2,199.00* (USD)Quote
    Lodging
    Novotel Oasis, Cairns
    Rydges World Square, Sydney
    Novotel Christchurch, Christchurch
    Mercure Queenstown Resort, Queenstown
    Disclaimer
    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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