Route of Captain Cook
Auckland * Coromandel * Rotorua * Queenstown * Milford Sound
Mt. Cook * Christchurch * Melbourne * Great Barrier Reef * Hayman Island
Sydney * Ayers Rock * Adelaide * Kangaroo Island
May 6 - 31, 2003
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May 8 & 9
Auckland
Arrive in Auckland (Thursday), on the North Island of New Zealand, where you are met by your Travcoa Travel Director and transferred to your luxury hotel. The island country of New Zealand is nature's wonderland of the world, filled with lakes and rivers, broad plains, icy glaciers, volcanoes, vast mountain ranges, fairytale caverns and boiling thermal springs. New Zealand is also known for its warm hospitality. The majority of New Zealand's population resides on the North Island, and Auckland is the countries largest city.
During your stay, stroll through the parks and city center, and enjoy a visit to Mt Eden for beautiful panoramas of the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea. Also visit the Auckland Museum to see excellent Maori artifacts. Sheepskin rugs, deerskin and woolen goods are excellent buys in New Zealand. This evening enjoy a festive party where you meet your fellow travelers and hear about the wonderful events ahead.
Ascott-Metropolis Hotel
May 10
Coromandel
This morning travel west to the beautiful and historic Coromandel Peninsula. First discovered and exploited for its valuable kauri trees and the country's first gold rush by early European settlers. This area has quietly become New Zealand's most prized natural treasures. Dominated by a spine of volcanic peaks down the center of the Peninsula, the lush forests and many beaches make for truly spectacular scenery where our "Kiwi Dundee" guide takes you on a bush walk this afternoon. Your accommodations are in the bush chalet tucked amidst native trees just above the Pauanul Beach
Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort
May 11
Rotorua
Drive past East Coast beaches then inland to Matamata for a visit to a working farm and lunch. Continue on to Rotorua, an area with a large population of the Maori people, the original settlers of New Zealand. See the unique arts and crafts and visit a nearby fortified village to view an excellent example of early life of the Maoris. A unique characteristic of Rotorua is the abundance of thermal activity. See geysers, gurgling mudpools, bubbling crystal hot springs and steaming cliffs.
Royal Lakeside Hotel
May 12, 13 & 14
Queenstown & Milford Sound
Fly to Queenstown, situated on Lake Wakatipu and one of New Zealand's most beautiful towns. Later this afternoon drive to Arrowtown, a quaint, well preserved gold-rush town where we enjoy dinner at a local highly acclaimed restaurant.
Start the day Tuesday with an exhilarating aerial gondola ride, offering breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding Remarkables mountain range. Passing the Kawarau Bridge, see daring bungee jumpers as they test their fears with one great leap. Nearby, board a jet boat to shoot the rapids on a thrilling ride through the narrow gorges of the Shotover River. After lunch at a nearby winery, some free time is available this afternoon.
Wednesday morning, board a scenic flight to Milford Sound where you cruise the fjord-like Milford Sound to see the Pembroke Glacier, Harrison Cove, Mt Sheedown and Bowen Falls. On the return, drive past the curious disappearing mountains and unusual Mirror Lakes. Visit this unique rainforest as you continue the drive through the Hollyford and Eglinton Valleys. Return to Queenstown late this afternoon.
Hotel St Moritz/Parkroyal
May 15
Mt. Cook
Fly to Mt Cook this morning on Travcoa's private charter flight. The glaciers of Mt. Cook in the Southern Alps on New Zealand's South Island are one of the world's most glorious sights. To enjoy this spectacular alpine country to the fullest, take a flightseeing excursion by light aircraft to Tasman Glacier, where the plane briefly alights on the glacier, and a short walk is posible. Stay the night at the famous Hermitage Lodge, majestically situated at the foot of Mt. Cook.
Hermitage Lodge
May 16
Christchurch
This morning re-board the Travcoa charter plane and fly to Christchurch to stroll its quaint streets and admire the picturesque houses designed by the Cantebury Pilgrims more than 100 years ago. During your stay, visit the international Antarctic Center, which focuses on Antarctic wildlife and simulates the ice continent using high-tech sound, light and film technology, creating a memorable "Antarctic Experience." This evening enjoy a festive farewell dinner party.
Crowne Plaza Christchurch
May 17, 18 & 19
Melbourne
This morning depart for Melbourne. Upon arrival transfer to your luxury hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish.
During your stay in Melbourne, Australia's second largest city, visit Captain Cook's Cottage, which was transplanted from Yorkshire, England; the formal gardens of Fitzroy Gardens; the Shrine of Remembrance, a World War I memorial; the stylish and vibrant St Kilda Road; Victoria Arts Center with theaters, the National Gallery and museums; and the shopping district. There is plenty of time to stroll the boulevards or shop.
Drive to Phillip Island, a delightful seaside resort, to see the famous "march of the penguins" - hundreds of fairy penguins (the smallest type) parade daily from the water to their nests on the beach.
Park Hyatt Melbourne
May 20, 21 & 22
Hayman Island, Great Barrier Reef
One of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef stretches from the Papua New Guinea region all the way south to the Tropic of Capricorn - a lenght of more than 1,200 miles. The Great Barrier Reef is a series of reefs, coral cays, islands and tiny islets in the wonderfully clear blue-green sea, rarely more than 100 feet deep. This strip of shallow ocean harbors the most varied and colorful marine life found anywhere in the world.
Fly Tuesday afternoon to Hamilton Island, where you emark on the graceful Sun Goddess yacht to Hayman Island on the Great Barrier Reef. Cruise through the idyllic Whitsunday Islands while enjoying champagne and canapes. After a relaxing cruise, arrive in Hayman Island, a small and secluded, mountainous and verdant island in the most beautiful part of Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Unwind at the luxurious Hayman Resort, your home for the next three nights, with broad, white beaches, tropical landscaping, beach-front rooms and excellent leisure facilities. During your stay, enjoy superb cuisine and a spectacular trip by seaplane to the Barrier Reef for some incredible coral viewing.
Hayman Island Resort
May 23, 24 & 25
Sydney
Friday fly to Sydney and transfer to your luxury hotel, where you enjoy a beautiful and relaxing harbor-view room.
Saturday visit Darling Harbor with its monorail; historical Mrs. Macquarie's Chair; Kings Cross; the Rocks area, site of the first colonial settlement; Bondi Beach and the charming, Victorian residence area of Paddington. A delightful luncheon cruise takes you through Sydney Harbor, sailing under the Harbor Bridge with panoramic views of Elizabeth Bay and the Opera House. In the late afternoon, a chauffeured limousine takes you to the Opera House to view the lavish interior and attend a performance.
Sunday, visit the wildlife sanctuary to see Australia's prized animals - koalas, kangaroos and wombats - in their natural setting.
Park Hyatt Hotel
May 26 & 27
Ayers Rock
Upon arrival in Sydney, connect with your flight to Ayers Rock (Uluru), largest monolith in the world, where you are met by your Travcoa Tour Director and transferred to your luxury hotel. This massive rock, two and a half miles in length and 1143 feet high, is still a sacred place to the Australian Aborigines.
Journey to Kata Tjuta, to see a series of unusual huge domes also known as "The Olgas." On your return, stop and enjoy the magnificent color changes of the sunset over Uluru. This evening enjoy a festive dinner party.
Absorb some of the mysteries of this culture and explore the wondrous rock caves and paintings depicting native legends. This evening, dine in an open air natural setting "udner the stars" with gourmet food, followed by a star gazing presentation.
Sails in the Desert Hotel
May 28 & 29
Adelaide & Kangaroo Island
Fly to Adelaide Wednesday morning and transfer to your luxury hotel. Surrounded by extensive parks and gardens, the clean cosmopolitan city of Adelaide is your base for an exciting venture to Kangaroo Island.
Embark Thursday morning on a full-day excursion to Kangaroo Island, a natural wonderland of white beaches, rugged coast, spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. After a short flight to Kingscote, travel by Seal Bay, where you walk among Australia's largest colony of sea lions and watch them cavort in the surf or bask in the sand.
Next, visit Flinders Chase National Park, where kangaroos, wallabies and koalas are found in their natural habitat. Continue to Pensikoles Racks, huge boulders sculpted by the wind and sea into fanciful shapes. Before flying back to Adelaide, stop by Admirals Arch, a magnificent rock arch where New Zealand fur seals like to congregate.
Hyatt Regency Hotel
May 30
Adelaide
This morning explore Adelaide's highlights, including Light's Vision Lookout, where Colonel Light mapped his plan for the city; St Peter's Cathedral; and the city's main attraction on King William and North Terrace Roads. Also visit the landmark South Australia Museum to view the Australian Aboriginal collections. Spend the afternoon on your own, exploring or relaxing.
This evening enjoy a festive farewell party.
Hyatt Regency Hotel
May 31
Adelaide to Brisbane
Leave this morning on your flight to Sydney, where you will connect with your flight to Brisbane.
Commence Rotary International Convention Arrangements
$9,795 per person, based on double occupancy
Air Fare is additional - call us for air options
$3,090 Single Supplement
Tour limited to 24 passengers
Your Tour Includes:
Pre Convention Tours
General Info
New Zealand Scenic Highlights | Australia Panorama | Route of Captain Cook
The Travcoa Difference | Summary of Pre Convention Tours
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For more information on any of the fabulous Travcoa Pre Convention Tours drop us a note or call Rex Travel at 800-777-7739 |
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