Along the thirteen day South Pacific Wonders vacation you’ll travel across both Australia and New Zealand for a revealing look into not only the natural wonders of the area, but the unique cultures that call the islands home. From metropolitan settings to rural farms, experience it all for an eye-opening journey down under!
Day 1 – Flight to Cairns, Australia
Soar the skies as you travel across the world towards Cairns, Australia.*
Day 2 – Cairns, Australia
Considered the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns will be the beginning point for your South Pacific exploration. Check-in at the Novotel Rockford Palm Cove and enjoy a welcome dinner with your travel partners.
Day 3 – Great Barrier Reef
Take out on boat to the Great Barrier Reef, a reef system that includes 2,800 coral reefs and considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Throughout the day, explore the area by glass bottom boat, walking along the area’s rain forest trail or even combing the beachfront. Additionally, those looking for adventure in the extreme can opt to take part in a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion of the area separate from the group.
Day 4 – Cairns, Australia
Day four will shift focus from the natural beauty of the area to its cultural charm. Visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Center, witness traditional Aboriginal dances, learn of the native’s day-to-day lifestyle, and even have the chance to try your hand at various indigenous activities ranging from throwing a boomerang to playing a didgeridoo. It will be back to the wild this afternoon as you visit Hartley’s Croc Farm for an up-close view of the area’s renowned croc and koala population.
Day 5 – Sydney, Australia
You’ll transfer to Sydney on day five by plane* for a distinctly different view of Australia. Check-in at Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour, begin exploring the metropolis setting of Sydney, and then reconvene with your travel group this evening for dinner at Sydney’s Revolving Restaurant!
Day 6 – Sydney, Australia
A city tour of Sydney is on the agenda this morning, presenting views ranging from the Circular Quay and Harbour Bridge to Chinatown and the Paddington suburbs. You’ll also be treated to a guided tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House. Throughout the afternoon you’re focus will shift to the craftsmanship of producing opals from the raw minerals of the area.
Day 7 – Sydney, Australia
Spend day seven relaxing in the city of Sydney before boarding a dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour come night. You’ll pass sights including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge during the cruise, and even visit the Opera House later in the evening to experience a performance inside its hallowed halls.
Day 8 – Sydney, Australia and Christchurch & Queenstown, New Zealand
It’s time to say goodbye to Australia and travel slightly southward towards New Zealand. Check-in at the Mercure Resort Queenstown once you arrive in Queenstown and then enjoy a gondola ride towards your dinner at the Skyline Restaurant.
Day 9 – Queenstown, New Zealand and Milford Sound
Milford Sound will be your destination for day nine. Pass through Hollyford Valley and the Homer Tunnel along your journey towards Milford Sound. You’ll board a boat once in the area for a cruise of the sound that will showcase impressive sights including the rock faces that tower 4,000 feet upwards. Tonight, check-in at the Mercure Resort Queenstown for rest.
Day 10 – Queenstown, New Zealand
Day ten will be yours to do with as you will, though you’ll find several additional options waiting should you choose to partake. From simply wandering the city to take the ‘Safari of the Rings’ tour that highlights the scenery seen in the popular Lord of the Rings trilogy, it’s completely up to you as to how you’ll spend your day.
Day 11 – Queenstown, Mt. Cook & Christchurch, New Zealand
Depart from the city of Queenstown towards the national park of Mt. Cook on day eleven. From exploring the natural beauty and mild weather at the base of the mighty mountain to traveling towards the glaciers and snow-covered peaks, you’ll find a variety of ways to explore Mt. Cook during your time in the area. Tonight, travel towards Christchurch and check-in at Chateau on the Park.
Day 12 – Christchurch, New Zealand
Having only arrived in Christchurch the night before, the morning of day twelve will see you taking a tour of the city. Finely kept parks and Neo-Gothic architecture will both be on display along the tour. You’ll be free to do as you please throughout the afternoon. Tonight, you’ll have the unique opportunity to visit the home of a New Zealand family and partake in dinner with them in their home.
Day 13 – Christchurch, New Zealand
You’ll continue your look into the New Zealand household on day thirteen with a visit to a Canterbury farmyard. During your visit to the farmyard you’ll gain an in-depth look into how a family farm is ran for a cultural look into the New Zealand countryside. Tonight, dinner will be held at the Riccarton House mansion as you both learn about the mansion’s original inhabitants, the first family of Christchurch, and reminisce with your travel party over the journey just experienced.
Day 14 – Christchurch, New Zealand
Your journey of the South Pacific will reach a close in Christchurch. It may be sad to see your travels come to an end, but you’ll leave with lasting memories to share with loved ones back home.
*Airfare not included in total price
