Sample Itinerary - Australia & New Zealand
Day 1: FLY LOS ANGELES TO AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
This evening depart Los Angeles for your flight to Auckland, New Zealand.
Day 2 CROSS THE INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE
The International Date Line is an imaginary line on the earth's surface, that approximately coincides with the 180th meridian (LONGITUDE), and separates the calendar date. Traveling east across the line, takes the traveler back one day; traveling west, takes the traveler forward one day. Without the date line, calendar confusion would result for the traveler.
Day 3: (D) TRANSFER AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO HOTEL
At Auckland Airport you will be met by your driver, who will transfer you to your accommodation by private vehicle.
NEW ZEALAND
Kia Ora....When you visit New Zealand, you will hear frequently these lyrical words of welcome. In a country gifted with great natural beauty, it is as if nature has also graced the inhabitants with open-hearted warmth and hospitality. You will find New Zealanders more than happy to share with you an accessible, amazingly diverse, magical country.
Accommodation
2 nights The Langham AUCKLAND - SUPERIOR ROOM
Situated in the heart of New Zealand's largest city, The Langham Auckland has 411 rooms, 10 meeting venues including the largest pillar-less hotel ballroom, 3 restaurants, 2 bars and sun-drenched Health Club. The air-conditioned rooms have all the amenities of a five star hotel including telephone, television, in-room videos, mini-bar, fridge and tea & coffee making facilities. Just minutes walk from the hotel is Auckland's commercial centre, waterfront shopping, nightlife and the beautiful Domain - an extensive oasis of parks & gardens. Our complimentary city shuttle loops around town day & night - making IMAX, the biggest screen experience, the American Express New Zealand Cup Village, Sky Tower or fashionable High Street retail accessible from the Hotel reception.
PRIDE OF AUCKLAND AFTERNOON SAIL
It is not until you have experienced the thrill and adventure of sailing that you appreciate why this challenging sport captivates so many New Zealanders. Sit back and enjoy the experience or take the wheel and help our crew trim the sails. We sail every day regardless of the weather - the more it blows, the greater the fun. Tea/Coffee & freshly bakes muffins are provided. Wind proof jackets are also provided for the cooler months or if there is a possibility of a rain shower. Trip duration is approximately 90 minutes. Free entry to the Maritime Museum included.
WELCOME DINNER
A three course welcome dinner is included for you this evening at your hotel.
Day 4: (B) HALF DAY AUCKLAND CITY SIGHTS TOUR
Enjoy a relaxing coach tour of Auckland today. Auckland is known as the 'city of sails', which you will appreciate after passing by the harbour and America's Cup Village. Your tour will take you to Mount Eden for 360 degree, panoramic views of the city (great photo opportunity). Visit the War Memorial Museum with its tremendous display of Maori artifacts and culture. The pride of place goes to a magnificent 25- metre long War Canoe. Finally you will drive the beautiful Tamaki Drive, giving you an close up look at some of the million dollar homes that are situated around Auckland Harbour. To end your unique tour of the city, you will drive back through the beautiful suburb of Parnell. Here you will have time to take a walk and shop at the many boutiques along the way. At the completion of your tour you will be transferred back to your accommodation.
REMAINDER OF AFTERNOON AT LEISURE
Day 5: (B, D) TRANSFER HOTEL TO AUCKLAND AIRPORT
Please wait in the lobby of your hotel and you will be transferred to Auckland Airport private vehicle.
FLY AUCKLAND TO QUEENSTOWN
TRANSFER QUEENSTOWN AIRPORT TO HOTEL You will be met in the baggage claim area by your driver who will transfer you to your Accommodation by private vehicle.
QUEENSTOWN
This is a region a contrasts - sunny, high-country basins, marvelous lakes, glorious mountains, sweeping bays and deeply etched fiords. Here, amid spectacular scenery, you will find some of New Zealand's most famous natural attractions and fascinating wildlife, along with the thrills of a lifetime. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu at the foot of The Remarkables range, Queenstown is a year-round alpine resort where you can be wildly active or simply relax and unwind. The town is compact enough to get around on foot. With more than a 100 restaurants, plenty of entertainment, and shopping as good as anywhere in the country, Queenstown is a truly a world-class holiday destination.
Accommodation
3 nights MILLENIUM QUEENSTOWN - STANDARD ROOM Queenstown
New Zealand's most amazing recreational paradise is nestled on the shores of picturesque Lake Wakatipu with the superb backdrop of The Remarkables Mountain range.
Millennium Hotel Queenstown is just minutes from a variety of excellent shopping options. Adventure bookings can be arranged for any local or regional, scenic or active leisure experience. All rooms feature air conditioning, television, refrigerator, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities, telephone, iron and 24 hour room service.
DINNER & MAORI PERFORMANCE AT THE SKYLINE RESTAURANT
Ride the Gondola up to Coronet Peak to the Skyline Restaurant. The Gondola gives breath-taking views across the city of Queenstown, the glacial Wakatipu Lake, and with the Remarkables Moutain Range as a backdrop. Upon arrival enjoy a traditional Maori performance called a Kiwi Haka. Journey through the mythical legends, step into the world of Maori and feel the spirit of our proud history celebrated in traditional song & dance. Experience the fearsome haka and the stunning poi display a unique live show performed by Queenstown's leading Kapa Haka group. Come share our stories, our traditions, our culture! After the performance enjoy a buffet dinner before returning back to your hotel.
Day 6: (B, L) MILFORD SOUND CRUISE
You will be picked up from your hotel early this morning for your visit to Fiordland National Park, one of the largest in the world. You will travel to Milford by motorcoach, traveling around the lake and across the Southland countryside to Te Anau and into the Fiordland National Park. The scenery is stunning with high mountains and deep valleys carved out by ice glaciers. There are clear rushing mountian streams and waterfalls set amid magnificent rainforests with huge trees hundreds of years old. At Milford you join a shared cruise down the Fiord past Mitre Peak to the open sea. Seals and dolphins are often seen. A buffet lunch is included on board. After the cruise your motorcoach will take you back to Queenstown, or you can arrange an optional return by light aircraft which will afford you a totally different view over this untamed region.
Day 7: (B) TIME AT LEISURE TO ENJOY QUEENSTOWN
Today you have a full day to enjoy the beauty and excitment of Queenstown. There are many activities available to you, from the exhilarating jetboating, white water rafting, bungy jumping tours, to the more sedate TSS Earnslaw cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak. In town you can visit museums and see art and craft displays, or do some shopping.
Day 8: (B, D) TRANSFER HOTEL TO QUEENSTOWN AIRPORT
Please wait in the Lobby of your Hotel and you will be transferred to Queenstown Airport by private vehicle.
FLY QUEENSTOWN TO CHRISTCHURCH
TRANSFER CHRISTCHURCH AIRPORT TO HOTEL
Please make your way to the meeting area and you will be transferred to your hotel by private vehicle.
CHRISTCHURCH
The city of Christchurch was founded in 1850 as a model church settlement. The romantic spirit of its founders who dreamed of creating an English town is still alive in this beautiful city's tree-lined Avon River, its acres of well maintained parks and garden's and its Victorian Gothic buildings. Christchurch is New Zealand's "Garden City".
Accommodation
2 nights CROWNE PLAZA CHRISTCHURCH - STANDARD ROOM
Located in the heart of Christchurch - in picturesque Cathedral Square, the Millenium Christchurch offers sophistication, style and excellence to all visitors. Only a step away is the central business District & a variety of shopping, while key attractions such as the Casino & glorious Hagley Park are a short stroll. All rooms feature air conditioning, television, refrigerator, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities, safes, iron and ironing board and 24 hour room service.
CHRISTCHURCH CITY SIGHTS TOUR
Christchurch is New Zealand's 'Garden City'. Tours tour will cover the central city highlights, including: Cathedral Square, Victoria Square, and the Avon River. Also see the Town Hall, the floral clock, Law Courts, Botanical Gardens, Arts Centre, Worcester Boulevard, and the Bridge of Remembrance. As part of your tour today you will visit the International Antarctic Center. Considered one of New Zealand's leading attractions, it gives you a feel for modern Antarctic life through sophisticated sound-and-light shows, a spine-tingling audiovisual presentation, and interactive exhibits.
DINNER AT MONA VALE HOMESTEAD
Dinner will be included this evening at historic Mona Vale. The 3 course meal will be accompanied with New Zealand wines and soft drinks. Mona Vale is one of Christchurch's foremost historic homesteads. Situated amidst five and a half hectares of lawn and gardens it is a very special, fully licensed restaurant and function venue.
The Homestead, with its picture-book river bank setting reflects the old English character for which Christchurch is widely renowned. Just minutes from the city centre, the turn of the century architecture along with expansive and elegant gardens entice visitors from near and far, to experience Mona Vale which has a special beauty whatever the season.
Day 9: (B) AKAROA FULL DAY TOUR
On this amazing tour, you will visit the extinct volcanoes of Banks Peninsula and view the beautiful harbours & green farmland. We make photo stops at scenic places and morning & afternoon tea is included. We will also stop for a cheese tasting at the Barry's Bay Cheese Factory.
Once at Akaroa, there is time to stroll through the village and along the waterfront, taking in the quaint french charm which is unique to Akaroa. Akaroa was originally settled by French colonists in 1840 then taken over by the Brits as a whaling settlement. Some French street names, and many (about 40) of the original wooden buildings from about 1870 are still there. They have all been well maintained and still in use. The museum is worth visiting as are the many arts and crafts shops. Lunch is at your own expense today while in Akaroa. Return to Christchurch late this afternoon.
Day 10: (B) MORNING AT LEISURE
Enjoy your last morning in New Zealand.
TRANSFER HOTEL TO CHRISTCHURCH AIRPORT
Please wait in the reception area of your hotel to meet your driver and you will be transferred to Christchurch Airport by private vehicle.
FLY CHRISTCHURCH TO MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
TRANSFER MELBOURNE AIRPORT TO HOTEL
Please make your way to the Baggage Claim area where you will be met and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle.
MELBOURNE
The capital of Victoria and Australia's second largest metropolis is known around the world for the Melbourne Cup horserace - but offers much more - a city of style, of Victorian architecture, of trams, of fashion, food, theaters, art galleries, and leafy gardens. Known as the Arts and Cultural capital of Australia and also for its restaurants, great dining-out spots include St Kilda, South Yarra, and Lygon Street in Carlton for the best Italian cuisine; Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, for its off beat cafe culture; and Southgate where you can dine overlooking the Yarra River.
Accommodation
3 nights The Langham, MELBOURNE - CLASSIC ROOM
Sister property to London's famous The Langham, this 5 star deluxe hotel has Melbourne's most enviable location on the banks of the famous Yarra River with an established reputation as one of Australia's finest hotels. Today, Southgate is one of the cities most exclusive areas and it is here that the The Langham Melbourne is situated amid a variety of al fresco cafes, lively restaurants, bars and boutiques, yet still a short stroll from the much acclaimed Federation Square, the Arts Centre and the Botanical Gardens. Inside, the hotel has been designed as a Victorian mansion, which is instantly evident from its grand marble staircase, cascading fountains and magnificent chandeliers. The classically designed guestrooms are elegant and spacious and all boast marble bathrooms with separate shower unit and bathtub, along with all the conveniences and luxuries associated with a hotel of this calibre. Award winning Melba Brasserie offers one of the best and most delicious breakfasts in the city with its extensive buffet and is definitely worth enjoying to take advantage of the views over the Yarra to the famous Flinders Street. The recently opened 'Chuan' spa truly offers the ultimate in pampering also, with extensive treatment rooms specialising in a variety of local & Chinese therapies, aromatherapy steam rooms, conservatory covered pool, whirlpool and extensive gymnasium.
Day 11: (B, D) WALKING TOUR - ARCADES, LANES & HIDDEN PLACES
Let a Melbournian show you the real sights and atmosphere of the city. Explore and talk about some of Melbourne's hidden treasures, visually and taste wise. See the locals at work creating all sorts of wonderful objects. Stroll though the oldest arcade to see and taste the old-fashioned technique of lolly (candy) making. Crafts, antiques and fashions are all hidden away in arcades and lanes with names like Degraves, Flinders and The Block Arcade. Here we will speak to the owners, curators and those in the know!
A Melbournian can show you the private faces of this vibrant city and tell a little of its colourful history. The tour will include a delicious morning tea at one of Melbourne's stylish cafes, situated in one of the lanes. Relax and feel at home in Melbourne!
Remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure.
COLONIAL TRAM CAR DINNER
Please note that the departure location for this tour is a short stroll from your hotel (approx. 10 minutes) so transfers have not been included. Tonight, dine in style aboard the unique Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Enjoy fine Australian cuisine and wines as you travel around the city aboard this specially renovated Tramcar. The tracks take you all over the Melbourne area past the city centre and into the more exclusive suburbs Melbourne is known for.
Day 12: (B, L) 9:30am: SAVANNAH WALKABOUT TOUR
A one day cultural and nature tour where you may see and learn about native animals and plants both in the famous open-range grasslands of Serendip Sanctuary on the Western Plains and in the bushlands of Brisbane Ranges National Park. We search for kangaroos, koalas, birdlife and discover a rich Aboriginal heritage. Departing from your city hotel, we travel the short distance to the western plains of Victoria - one of the largest volcanic plains on earth. Open grasslands stretch in all directions with the occasional extinct volcano or ancient mountain range rising steeply out of the plain. There is a distinctly 'Australian' feel about the region. Our first stop is Serendip Sanctuary, an open range reservation for rare and endangered indigenous wildlife of the Western Plains. Run by the National Parks Service, Serendip plays a pivotal role in the conservation of some of Australia's rarest birds, including the Bustard, Brolga and Cape Barren Goose.
Seek out the large free-range mobs of our tallest kangaroo, the Eastern-grey and family groups of the world's second largest bird, the Emu. We have a bush lunch before traveling to the Brisbane Ranges National Park, to walk a wide Savannah of grass, bush and wetlands searching for kangaroos and koalas. The park has a large population of wild Koalas and we very rarely miss out on sighting a number of these delightful creatures, we also visit places of importance to the Aboriginal people of the region.
Day 13: (B) TRANSFER HOTEL TO MELBOURNE AIRPORT
Please wait in the main reception area of your Hotel and you will be transferred to Melbourne Airport by private vehicle.
FLY MELBOURNE TO CAIRNS
TRANSFER CAIRNS AIRPORT TO PORT DOUGLAS HOTEL
Please make your way to the Baggage Claim area and you will be met and transfered to your Hotel.
PORT DOUGLAS
The moment you step off the plane in Cairns, you're greeted by moist, perfumed air that hints of palm trees, beaches and exotic flowers. Port Douglas is a sleepy tropical town about an 1 ½ north of Cairns.
Accommodation
3 nights RADISSON TREETOPS RESORT - DELUXE KING ROOM
Radisson Treetops Resort is an elegant four star hotel set amongst lush trees and close to Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas, where the Beach Club offers an exciting range of water activities such as sailing, windsurfing and surf skiing. Your airconditioned room offers tea & Coffee making facilities, minibar, iron, hairdyer and voltage adaptors. Reception can assist with currency exchange and the tour desk will offer a wealth of local knowledge to help plan your activities during your stay. There are superb dining facilities, including Treetops Restaurant, the outback Bar & Grill and The Wharf.
Day 14: (B, L, D) QUICKSILVER OUTER REEF CRUISE
You will board the Quicksilver this morning for a fabulous full day tour out to the Agincourt Reef, part of the spectacular Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Agincourt is the most southerly link in the chain of ribbon- like outer reefs on the extreme edge of continental Australia. Here you will view some of the most beautiful reef life in Australia.
Your luxury, air-conditioned 30m Quicksilver cruises at 27 knots, reaching Agincourt in just 90 minutes. Once there, you have the opportunity to snorkel, swim or scuba dive (extra expense) among the reef. You may also view the reef from glass- bottom boats & semi-submersible subs - a fantastic experience. A smorgasbord luncheon is served on board. Return to Port Douglas mid- afternoon.
A UNIQUE AUSTRALIAN EVENING
This evening you will transfer to a local restaurant/bar in Port Douglas called the Iron Bar where a local character by the name of Clancey will entertain you with the North Queensland tradition of Cane Toad Cup! Cane Toads are an species introduced to Australia to help control other pests present in the Sugar Cane fields. However since the Cane Toads do not have any natural preditors in Australia, their population quickly skyrocketed. Cane Toad Cups are an event where you will have the opportunity to 'pick out your steed' and perhaps place a bet, much the same as you would for a horse race. Great fun and completely harmless for the Cane Toads. A very casual evening this evening - and very unique.
Day 15: (B, L) KURANDA & SKYRAIL TOUR
You will be picked up from your accommodation and transferred to Cairns Railway Station where you meet your host & run through the days' schedule. Once aboard the train, sit back to enjoy the scenic journey through tunnels and past waterfalls to Kuranda. On arrival, you are taken to the Butterfly Sanctuary (optional extra cost), followed by some leisure time to explore the village & markets before meeting up again with your hostess at the Skyrail terminal. Marvel at spectacular views as you glide silently above the rainforest canopy. There are two stations enroute where you may alight and enjoy a walk through the rainforest to spectacular lookouts.
Skyrail ends at Caravonica Lakes where we enjoy a buffet lunch at the Boomerang Restaurant. Next, enter the Tjapakai Aboriginal Cultural Centre with stage shows, movie theatres, craft demonstrations and an Aboriginal Village - to mention just a few of the attractions that provide an insight into Aboriginal culture & history.
Meet with your host again at around 4.00pm for your return to your accommodation. As a special arrangement for Nomads, your tour to Tjapukai will include a boomerang painting kit which will enable you to create a totally unique souvenir as well as getting a deeper understanding of the aboriginal artisits methods. With guidance from a Tjapukai performer, you will learn how to paint your own boomerang. The boomerang is contained in an attractive, Aboriginal patterned box for transporting, and comes complete with painting kit, an Aboriginal art explanation - plus a certificate of completion.
Day 16: (B, D) TRANSFER: HOTEL TO CAIRNS AIRPORT
Please wait in the main reception area of your Hotel and you will be transferred to Cairns Airport by private vehicle.
FLY CAIRNS TO SYDNEY
TRANSFER SYDNEY AIRPORT TO HOTEL
When you arrive at Sydney airport you will be met and transferred to your Accommodation by private vehicle.
SYDNEY
Sydney, a dazzling, vibrant city built around one of the world's most beautiful harbours, with scores of sparkling beaches within easy reach of its cosmopolitan heart - that's Sydney, capital of New South Wales, Australia's largest and oldest city, where the first settlers landed in 1788. Situated on Sydney Harbour, adjacent to Circular Quay, The Rocks is the site of Australia's first European settlement. Colourful streetscapes and elegantly restored buildings house a wide variety of restaurants, entertainment venues and specialty shops.
Accommodation
3 nights INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY - CLUB CITY VIEW ROOM
The Hotel Inter-Continental Sydney is located in the heart of Sydney's business and professional district with panoramic views of Sydney harbour, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Sydney Opera House - all within walking distance. The Hotel has preserved and painstakingly restored a major Australian landmark: the Treasury Building. The banquet rooms and the lobby, the focal point of the hotel, are located in this historic building. The deluxe five-star hotel offers 498 guest rooms that meet the contemporary requirements of today's traveller.
WILDFIRE RESTAURANT
Sydney toasts the arrival of Wildfire, the city's hottest and most exciting world class dining experience. Taking full advantage of its awesome location and boasting world famous views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, Wildfire instantly won 'the best new Sydney Restaurant' by Vanity Fair Magazine July 2002, and the coveted Wine List of the Year 2002, 2003 from the Restaurant & Catering Association NSW. With a sumptuous, ambient interior to rival the beauty of its position, one of Sydney's largest open kitchens and customised facilities for wood firing and grilling on a grand scale, Wildfire delivers a totally sophisticated and sensory dining experience. Dinner is a 3 course menu with beer, wine and soft drinks included.
Day 17: (B, D) THE ROCKS WALKING TOUR
The Rocks Walking Tours conduct 90 minute guided tours of Sydney's Historic area known as 'The Rocks' at a relaxed pace in small manageable groups. The story of the first settlement of the colony of New South Wales in 1788 will be brought alive while you are entertained with stories of rascals, rats and restoration. Tours include some of Sydney's oldest dwellings, shops old and new, homes of the'well-to-do'and the cottages of the working class. Still to be seen are the pubs and hotels once frequented by the locals and sailors alike and the haunts of cut- throats and rogues. The many narrow alleyways, sandstone stairs and a beautiful church combine to weave a fascinating tapestry of life in past and present times. Your tour will conclude at approximately 12.00noon at the Interncontinental. Remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Day 18: (B, D) MORNING AT LEISURE IN SYDNEY
AFTERNOON OPERA HOUSE TOUR
The 60 minute guided tour offers the opportunity to experience the Sydney Opera House in its daily operation. Visitors are guided into theatres, given a fascinating account of the history and the architecture of the building, and introduced to the excitement of Performing Arts in Australia. Please note that this is a walking tour, and there are approximately 200 steps in this tour.
PRIVATE HARBOUR DINNER CRUISE
One of Sydneys most luxurious yachts, the Commissioner II combines the best of traditional shipbuilding with modern equipment and facilities. This evening you will enjoy a 4 hour buffet dinner cruise around Sydney harbour with superior beer, wine and soft drinks included.
Day 19: (B) TRANSFER HOTEL TO SYDNEY AIRPORT
Please wait in the main reception area of your Hotel and you will be transferred to Sydney Airport by private vehicle.
FLY SYDNEY TO LOS ANGELES
Cross the date line and arrive home the same day you depart!
Welcome Home!
B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner
