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Wonders of Australia & New Zealand
February 20 - March 5, 2012
Your Day-to-Day Itinerary
| Meal Codes | |
|---|---|
| B | Breakfast |
| L | Lunch |
| D | Dinner |
Monday, Feb 20 - Los Angeles / Across the Pacific. Begin our exciting journey to the "land down under" as we board our transpacific flight.
Tuesday, Feb 21 - Cross the International Date Line About 1500 miles west of Hawaii, we fly over the International Date Line. We'll "lose" a day which will be regained on our return flight.
Wednesday, Feb 22 - Cairns Morning arrival in Cairns. The northernmost city of tropical Queensland, Cairns is set on the northeastern coast of Australia and is known as the gateway to the wondrous Great Barrier Reef. The areas' many undisturbed alabaster beaches fringed with coconut palms create an idyllic setting here. Balance of day at leisure.
Thursday, Feb 23 - Cairns / The Great Barrier Reef The Great Barrier Reef, stretching more than 1200 miles, is the world's largest living thing. Today enjoy a full day cruise to the coral cay of Green Island located on the Reef. Visit the Underwater Observatory where brilliantly colored coral gardens and beautiful tropical fish are viewed. Glass bottom boats are also available for reef viewing. Time permitting, explore the Reef at low tide or relax on the beach before returning to Cairns for overnight. (B,L)
Friday, Feb 24 - Cairns / Sydney This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Sydney, Australia's oldest and most vibrant city. It was established in 1788 as a convict settlement and in 200 years grew into one of the world's greatest cities. (B)
Saturday - Feb 25 - Sydney Your morning sightseeing in Sydney takes us to the downtown business district, the historical "Rocks" area, and for a view of the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Then across town to the infamous Kings Cross, Paddington's restored terraced homes, Rushcutters Bay, the exclusive Double Bay and Vaucluse. Visit the famous surfing beaches of Bondi, Bronti and Coogee before returning to Sydney. Then drive to the Quay and take a leisurely cruise of Sydney Harbor, simply the best way to see and enjoy the beauty of Sydney's sparkling waterways. Pass the world famous Opera House with its soaring roof structure resembling a cluster of billowy sails, the arching Sydney Harbor Bridge, Fort Denison and the many harbor-side beaches and beautiful waterfront homes. Lunch is served during the cruise. (B,L)
Sunday, Feb 26 - Sydney Enjoy a day of leisure in this exciting city. (B)
Monday, Feb 27 - Sydney / Christchurch Today we will fly to the south Island of New Zealand to Christchurch, the "most English town outside of England." Within its two major islands, New Zealand offers some of the most dramatic and varied natural beauty in the world: Alpine snowcapped peaks, towering fjords, massive glaciers, and more. (B)
Tuesday, Feb 28 - Christchurch / Queenstown Christchurch was founded in 1859 as a model church settlement by a group of pioneers selected from all classes of society. We step into a bit of England on our morning sightseeing tour as we pass the many stone Gothic buildings and gracious gardens of the city. We see the tree-lined River Avon, Mona Vale, Riccarton House and the University. Then we continue across the Canterbury Plains to the charming mountain resort of Queenstown set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The resort is nestled among the glacier-rounded hills and dramatic mountain peaks. (B)
Wednesday, Feb 29 - Queenstown / Milford Sound Milford Sound is the most striking fjord in New Zealand. Drive through the magnificent beech forests of the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys through the homer Tunnel, and down the Cleddau Gorge to arrive at majestic Milford Sound. Join our launch for a cruise up this 10-mile waterway, past gigantic waterfalls. Sparkling glaciers and towering Mitre Peak. Enjoy lunch on board and return to our Queenstown hotel. (L)
Thursday, Mar 1 - Queenstown / Mt. Cook Continue through the majestic snow-capped Southern Alps through Kawerau Gorge, the Lindis Pass and along McKenzie Plains to Mt. Cook. Mt. Cook is the highest and best known mountain in New Zealand. Enjoy this serene alpine setting. (B,D)
Friday, Mar 2 - Mt. Cook / Christchurch / Auckland Today, we return to Christchurch in time for departure to Auckland. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel. (B)
Saturday, Mar 3 - Auckland / Rotorua This morning we will visit "City of Sails", as Auckland is known. Highlights of our city tour of Auckland includes Mt. Eden for a panoramic view of the city and harbor, the Auckland Memorial Museum, famous for its Maori and Polynesian artifacts and a beautiful drive through St. Heliers and Mission Bay over the Harbor Bridge to the North Shore. Afterwards, continue to Rotorua, a dramatic area of geysers, mudpools, sulphur springs and a historic center of Maori activity.
Our afternoon city tour of Rotorua will include Whakarewarewa with its Maori Village and Thermal Reserve, the Rainbow Springs Trout Farm with its paradise of flora and fauna, where tame trout wait to be hand-fed, and will include also the Agrodome for a demonstration of sheep shearing and the working skills of sheep dogs.
This evening we experience the true spirit of the Maori people and their culture with a traditional "Hangi" feast, followed by a Maori concert featuring traditional Maori songs, chants and dances. (B,D)
Sunday, Mar 4 - Rotorua / Waitomo / Farm This morning we drive across rolling green pastures to Waitomo. We visit the famous Caves with their fascinating limestone formations. In the Glowworm Grotto we glide silently along an underground river under a canopy of lights made by the minute larvae suspended above us.
Then we discover "life on the land" as we spend a night on a typical New Zealand farm. We experience traditional home-cooking and New Zealand hospitality as house guest of the property owners. (B,D)
Monday, Mar 5 - Farm / Auckland / Los Angeles We spend the morning on the farm. Following lunch, we will rejoin the group and transfer to Auckland airport for our departure flight back to Los Angeles. As we recross the International Date Line we will arrive on the same day.