16 Days
the A&K Advantage:
Experience the "must-sees" of New Zealand, Australia, or both lands "Down Under" on a flexible itinerary that includes many optional activities.
Day 1: USA or Canada / Auckland, New Zealand
Day 2: International Date Line
Day 3: Auckland
Day 4: Auckland / Rotorua
Day 6: Queenstown / Milford Sound / Queenstown
Day 8: Queenstown / Christchurch
Day 9: Christchurch / Sydney, Australia
Day 10: Sydney
Day 11: Sydney / Melbourne
Day 12: Melbourne
Day 13: Melbourne / Hayman Island
Day 15: Hayman Island
Day 16: Hayman Island - Sydney
Day 17: Sydney / USA or Canada
This program contains some active elements and a minimum level of fitness is required.
OPTIONAL AYERS ROCK POST - TOUR EXTENSION:
Day 17: Sydney / Ayers Rock
Day 18: Ayers Rock
Day 19: Ayers Rock / Sydney
Day 20: Sydney / USA or Canada
PREFER TO TRAVEL ON YOUR OWN?
Depart on an overnight flight to New Zealand.
Cross the International Date Line and “lose” a day, regained on your homebound trip.
On arrival your room is available for immediate occupancy and you’re free to relax for the remainder of the morning. This afternoon set off for an overview of the city from the summit of Mount Eden and visit the Auckland Museum before a peaceful cocktail cruise off “the city of sails.”
Langham Hotel Auckland: L
Drive south through beautiful farmland, stopping at a private deer farm for lunch. Our destination is Rotorua, New Zealand’s Maori heartland, where the earth’s crust is so thin its molten heart bubbles and steams at the surface. This evening visit bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers before enjoying an authentic Hangi dinner, a traditional Maori feast.
Millennium Rotorua: B, L, D
Day 5: Rotorua / Queenstown
After a morning walk in the Redwood Forest, fly to Queenstown on the South Island, with the evening at leisure. Dine at the hotel restaurant of your choosing.
Heritage Hotel: B, L, D
Set off along the shores of Lake Wakatipu this morning, on a spectacular drive through stunning scenery, with a stop at Te Anau for morning tea. Arrive in Fiordland National Park in time for a luncheon cruise of majestic Milford Sound, returning to Queenstown by road or on a spectacular scenic flight (a recommended optional extra).
Heritage Hotel: B,L
Day 7: Queenstown
A full day free to relax. Many optional activities are available in the area: Skippers Canyon and the mighty Shotover River by 4WD; white water rafting on the Kawarau River; a Dart River Jetboat safari through the wilderness of the Southern Alps; golf at Millbrook Resort; fly fishing; or, for the really adventurous, a bungee jump here where the “sport” was invented.
Heritage Hotel: B
Ride the Skyline Gondola and lunch at a local restaurant, before transferring to the airport for a flight to Christchurch. Tonight, at a special dinner, say farewell to New Zealand.
Crowne Plaza: B, L, D
After a morning tour of the town described as “more English than England,” drift through its heart in a punt, along the tree-lined River Avon. Passengers returning to the USA or Canada fly home today from Christchurch. Those travelling onward continue with a flight to Sydney, Australia, where the evening is at leisure to dine at a harborside restaurant, or stroll through the historic Rocks area.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney: B, L
The day begins with a private tour of the famous Sydney Opera House; then board a ferry to Taronga Park Zoo to see unique Australia animals including kangaroo, koala, platypus, wombat and echidna. Cruise the Harbour with lunch on board before returning to land for more Sydney sightseeing. This evening, dine at nearby Circular Quay.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney: B, L, D
Fly to Melbourne today, where an afternoon tour shows us the highlights of an elegant city renowned for its magnificent parks and gardens, arts district and historic Victorian architecture. Enjoy dinner this evening wherever you wish to dine.
Grand Hyatt: B, D
Gamespotting today in Serendip Park, whose wetlands and open grassy woodlands are home to wild kangaroos and koalas.
Grand Hyatt: B, L
Fly to Hamilton Island and transfer by luxury launch through the Whitsunday Islands to Hayman Island, on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Hayman Island: B, L
Day 14: Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef stretches for 1,200 miles off Australia’s northeastern coast; spend the day on the water, exploring this world-renowned coral landscape. This excursion includes the use of snorkel gear and wetsuits and an on-board buffet luncheon. (Optional scuba diving is available.)
Hayman Island: B,L
The day is free for a myriad of optional activities: sailing or walking, tennis or windsurfing, or sunbathing at one of the resort’s huge swimming pools. Tonight, an “Aussie-style” farewell dinner.
Hayman Island: B,L,D
Return by launch to Hamilton Island to board our flight to Sydney, with a final evening at leisure to relax, explore or, if you wish, attend a performance at the Sydney Opera House (an optional activity, subject to ticket availability).
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney: B, L
The hours before departure are free for last-minute shopping, before your departure flight takes you back across the Date Line toward home.
B
Fly to Australia’s “Red Heart,” with an afternoon at leisure before a truly unique dinner in sight of Uluru. As the sun goes down watch the magnificent Outback sky light up with millions of stars.
Sails in the Desert: D
Tour the base of the rock this morning, as your guide provides insight into the history, culture and legends of the indigenous people of the region. At sunset, take a private tour of the mysterious Kata Tjuta (Olgas) rock formations nearby.
Sails in the Desert B
Fly to Sydney to check in to a Full Harbour View room at your superbly located hotel. The afternoon is at leisure.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney: B
There is time this morning for last minute shopping before boarding your homeward flight.
B
At additional cost, you can take this itinerary as a private independent program, as shown above or with your own personal alterations. Ask for details.
| Dates | Priced from |
| January 3 - 19 | $8,330 |
| February 2- 18 | $8,330 |
| March 1 - 17 | $8,330 |
| April 11 - 27 | $8,330 |
| October 8 - 24 | $8,330 |
| November 12 - 28 | $8,330 |
| December 21 - January 6 | $8,765 |
| Internal Airfare: New Zealand (Rotorua / Queenstown / Christchurch) Internal Airfare: Australia (Sydney / Melbourne / Hayman Island / Sydney) |
|||
| Economy Class from | $ 2,085 | ||
| Double Occupancy | $2,030 |
| Internal Airfare (Sydney / Ayers Rock / Sydney) Economy Class |
$ 910 |
| Dates | Priced from |
| January 7 - 23 | $8,330 |
| February 4 - 20 | $8,330 |
| March 4 - 20 | $8,330 |
Australia Tours:
Highlights of Australia (10) |
Australian Family Adventure (12) |
Wonders of Australia (9)
New Zealand Tours:
Highlights of New Zealand (8) | New Zealand: A Natural Adventure (10) |
Wonders of New Zealand (11)
South Pacific Combination Tours:
Highlights of New Zealand & Australia (16) |
Wonders of Australia & New Zealand (18) |
Ancient Cultures of Papua New Guinea & Northern Australia (15)
Signature Series (Pre Planned Independent Travel):
Signature Australia (13) |
Signature New Zealand (10) |
Signature Australia & New Zealand (21)
| For more information on any of the fabulous A&K South Pacific Tours drop us a note or call Rex Travel at 800-777-7739 |
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