19 Days
the A&K Advantage includes:
Not included: Passenger Travel Protection Program; international and internal airfares unless otherwise noted; cost of obtaining passports or entry visas; airport departure taxes unless otherwise noted; excess baggage charges; gratuities to the A&K Tour Director or ship’s crew as outlined in the Gratuities on Escorted Programs section; meals other than specified in the itinerary; beverages other than noted under included in pre-tour documentation, sightseeing not included in the itinerary; personal expenses such as laundry, communication charges and optional activities (which are subject to availability).
A stylish new look at the best Down Under, from Ayers Rock to the Great Barrier Reef to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.
Day 1: USA or Canada / Melbourne, Australia
Day 2: International Date Line
Day 3: Melbourne
Day 4: Melbourne
Days 6-7: Lizard Island
Days 8: Lizard Island / Cairns / Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Days 9: Uluru / Sydney
Day 10: Sydney
Day 12: Sydney / Auckland, New Zealand
Day 13: Auckland / Lake Rotoiti
Day 15: Lake Rotoiti / Rotorua / Queenstown
Day 16: Queenstown / Milford Sound / Queenstown
Day 18: Queenstown - Christchurch
Day 19: Christchurch - USA
PREFER TO TRAVEL ON YOUR OWN?
Depart from the USA or Canada on an overnight flight to Melbourne.
We cross the International Dateline and 'lose' a day to be recovered on our return trip.
Your flight arrives early in the morning and your room is available for immediate occupancy. After settling into your hotel, venture out for a brief introduction to this beautiful city, followed by a welcome dinner at one of Melbourne’s finest restaurants.
Park Hyatt Melbourne: D
Visit the cheerful Queen Victoria Market before setting off on a drive through farming country to Coliban Park, a private sheep station set in its own secret valley. Lunch at this historic homestead with the resident Barber family and learn about Australia’s important wool industry. As the property borders unspoiled bush, this is also a good opportunity to spot kangaroos in the wild.
Park Hyatt Melbourne: B,L
Day 5: Melbourne / Cairns / Lizard Island
Fly northeast to the tropical city of Cairns and connect by charter aircraft to luxurious Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef. Every suite of this award-winning resort has views over the tropical ocean.
Lizard Island: B,D
Two full days on Lizard Island to relax and choose from among the many optional activities available. Enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving at the famous “Cod Hole”; sail on board a catamaran; visit the Island’s fascinating research station; enjoy reef- or blue-water game fishing; play tennis; or walk to the top of “Cook’s Lookout” where Captain Cook plotted his route through the Reef more than 200 years ago. Alternatively, pamper yourself with a full range of spa treatments or just relax under a palm tree.
Lizard Island Resort: B,L,D
Return to Cairns by charter aircraft to connect with a flight to Australia’s Outback. Late this afternoon we drive to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) to walk through the valleys between these huge formations: a haunting experience in a spiritual setting. Tonight, watch the sun set while enjoying champagne and canapés.
Sails in the Desert: B
After a morning at “the Rock,” fly to Sydney where your room boasts outstanding views of two Sydney icons, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The remainder of the day is free to introduce yourself to Sydney, perhaps with an Opera House performance (an optional activity, subject to ticket availability).
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney: B
Start the morning with a private behind-the-scenes tour of Sydney’s stunning Opera House, then drive across Harbour Bridge to the picturesque northern suburbs of Manly and Balmoral Beach. After lunch at a local restaurant of your choice, take to the water for a cruise past harborside mansions and other shoreside sights.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney: B L
Day 11: Sydney
The day is free to explore Sydney and its environs as you please. Options include an adventurous climb on the famous Harbour Bridge; a scenic flight by floatplane or helicopter; or an excursion to the Blue Mountains to the west of the city. Tonight, meet at one of Sydney’s signature restaurants for a farewell dinner.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney: B, D
Passengers returning to the USA or Canada today fly home from Sydney. Those travelling onward continue with an early morning flight to Auckland where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Hyatt Regency: B
Enjoy a morning tour of Auckland, which includes a private visit to the Auckland Museum. Drive south towards Rotorua, “hot spot” of Maori culture, famous for its bubbling mudpools and spouting geysers arriving your hotel located on the shores of Lake Rotoiti.
Duxton Hotel Okawa Bay: B L D
Day 14: Lake Rotoiti
Today’s tour begins with a scenic drive past the Blue and Green Lakes and the Buried Village of Te Wairoa. On arrival at Lake Tarawera, board the Clearwater launch for a lunch cruise that visits remote bays at the foot of the dormant volcano from which the lake takes its name. Dine this evening at the Duxton or take a shuttle to town to a local restaurant.
Duxton Hotel Okawa Bay: B L D
A short drive this morning takes you to the center of Rotorua, for morning tea accompanied by ancient Maori legends. Later today, board a flight to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.
Millbrook Resort: B, L
Weather permitting, a helicopter whisks you off for an unforgettable flightseeing excursion to Milford Sound, lined with lush greenery, sheer rocky cliffs and waterfalls. After a picnic lunch at a scenic lookout, fly back to Queenstown, where the afternoon is at leisure for a wide range of optional activities. Enjoy a round of golf at Millbrook’s championship course, or a tour of the local gardens, wineries and artists’ galleries. Other more adventurous options include horseback riding, whitewater rafting, para-gliding or even bungee jumping off the bridge where it all began! Dine this evening in the charming home of a local family.
Millbrook Resort: B,L,D
Day 17: Queenstown
After a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, we skim by jetboat up the shallow Dart River into the wild heart of Mount Aspiring National Park, a landscape of ancient forests, sparkling waterfalls, towering snow-capped mountains and glaciers. We return to our resort to relax or choose to visit the historic gold miners' village of Arrowtown nearby.
Millbrook Resort: B
Fly to Christchurch this morning for a brief tour of the town that’s “more English than England.” Then drift through its heart in a punt along the tree-lined River Avon. This evening, share adventure stories and memories with fellow travellers at a “farewell New Zealand” dinner.
The George: B,L,D
After a leisurely morning, board a flight back across the Pacific Ocean (and the International Dateline).
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.
| Date | Priced from |
| January 7 - 25 | $13,930 |
| February 11 - March 1 | $13,930 |
| March 4 - 22 | $13,930 |
| October 7 - 25 | $13,930 |
| November 4 - 22 | $13,930 |
| December 19 - January 6 | $14,205 |
| New Zealand (Rotorua/Queenstown/Christchurch) Australia (Melbourne / Cairns / Lizard Island / Cairns / AyersRock / Sydney) |
$2,170 |
| Date | Priced from |
| January 6 - 24 | $13,930 |
| February 3 - 21 | $13,930 |
| March 17 - April 4 | $13,930 |
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)
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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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