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Independent Vacations in New Zealand

New Zealand Explorer from $3,479

New Zealand Naturally from $4,399

Independent Vacations in New Zealand & the South Pacific

Outback Experience: Ayers Rock & Aboriginal Culture (3 Days) 
Experience the 30,000-year-old culture of the Australian Aboriginals by visiting the impressive Ayers Rock in the midst of Central Australia. Visit the fascinating rock formation known as the Olgas (also known by the aboriginal name, Katatjuta) before heading to the monumental Ayers Rock. Before you have had a chance to realize how much larger it looks in real life compared to all the photographs that you have seen, you will be entertained to the spectacular natural show of the rock changing color with the varying hues of the setting sun. Local guides will explain the religious and cultural significance of the Rock to the Aboriginals and you will also have the opportunity to climb the rock.

Tahiti & Moorea (5 Days)
How about combining your New Zealand vacation with a break on the romantic islands of Tahiti? Experience the charm and beauty of the Polynesian islands of Tahiti and Moorea on this island stopover. Your Tahiti extension includes 4 nights' accommodations (one on Tahiti and three on Moorea), inter-island transfers and a sightseeing tour.

Day 4
We will be transferred this morning to the Sky City Coach Terminal to board our Intercity Coach at 9.00am bound for Rotorua. Leaving Auckland behind we travel through the lush Waikato pastures to the famous Waitomo Caves illuminated by millions of glowworms. Later, we travel across the Mamku Hills and arrive in Rotorua – center of Maori culture and a fascinating geothermal area. Overnight in Rotorua.

Day 5
During a half day sightseeing tour we will see roaring geysers, boiling mud pools, tame trout at the springs and performing sheep and sheep dogs at the Agrodome. This evening we can join a Maori hangi (a feast with food cooked the traditional way – in the ground!) and a Maori concert (optional). Overnight in Rotorua.

Day 6
We leave Rotorua this morning and travel south through dense forests to Wairakei and the beautiful Lake Taupo. We carry on across the Manawatu Plains to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, famous for its beautiful gardens, picturesque residential areas and breathtaking views of the waters of Marlboro Sound. Overnight in Wellington.

Day 7
Leaving the coach behind we take the ferry across the Cook Strait (approx. 3 hours) to the South Island and arrive in Picton. Here, we board the Coastal Pacific Train, which takes us through lovely countryside along the South Island’s East Coast to Christchurch, where we arrive at approx. 7pm. Overnight in Christchurch.

Day 8
Today, we take to the road again and travel by bus across the manicured Canterbury Plains towards the mountains and into the Mount Cook National Park. We pass the central lakes, climb over Lindis Pass to Cromwell. The rocky and formidable Kawarau Gorge finally leads to Queenstown. Overnight in Queenstown.

Day 9
A beautiful drive through picturesque countryside awaits us today. We travel alongside Lake Wakatipu to Kingston and then to Fjordland and the beautiful Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys. The Homer Tunnel and the awesome Cleddau Canyon are a prelude to a cruise on the magnificent Milford Sound. After a day full of awesome sights we return to Queenstown for the night.

Day 10
We have a full day to enjoy this fabulous resort – a ride on the Skyline Gondola and the Kiwi Magic Show is included in our tour price. But there are dozens of optional activities as well – thrilling jetboat runs on the narrow rivers, white water rafting, helicopter rides through the river chasms, bungy jumping, spectacular walking trails or cruises on the lake – the list is almost endless!

Day 11
Leaving the mountains behind, we head to Cromwell, South Otago and Dunedin, which is perhaps the most "Scottish" town outside Scotland! In the afternoon we drive north via Oamaru and Timaru to Christchurch, where we are expected to arrive late in the afternoon. The evening is free to enjoy Christchurch.

Day 12
Today we bid farewell to New Zealand and fly from Christchurch, across the Tasman Sea, to Australia. After arriving in Sydney and clearing customs and immigration we will be transferred by the airport shuttle to our downtown hotel. The rest of the day is ours to take a first look at this beautiful city. Overnight in Sydney.

Day 13
We will be picked up at our hotel in the morning for a half day sightseeing tour which includes the famous Opera House, the mighty harbor bridge, the historic part of town called "The Rocks" and popular Bondi Beach. The tour ends around noon at the Rocks and we have time to ourselves to browse the small shops, enjoy an optional harbor cruise or take in the view from Sydney’s Centerpoint Tower.

Day 14
The whole day is ours to discover and enjoy Sydney. Or perhaps take an optional day trip to the spectacular Blue Mountains, or the vineyards of the Hunter Valley or a wildlife park with native animals.

Day 15
Very early this morning we take a taxi to the railway station and board the train bound for Canberra. The ride takes us through the picturesque countryside, rolling hills and farmlands before arriving in Canberra around noon. We will visit major sights of Australia’s capital city (Parliament House, Lake Burlin Griffin etc.) during a short city tour before being taken to our hotel for the night.

Day 16
Leaving Canberra this morning the train takes us past the foothills of the Snowy Mountains and through dense forests before arriving in Melbourne early in the evening.

Day 17
We enjoy a free day in Australia’s second largest city – time for us to discover the diverse neighborhoods, colorful markets, stylish shops and boutiques or perhaps stroll along the Yarra River sidewalks or enjoy one of the many parks and beautiful gardens. Of course there is also the opportunity to join an optional day tour – for a drive along the beautiful Great Ocean Road or to Ballarat, a former gold mining town. A major treat awaits us this evening, as we board a vintage tramcar, which has been restored as an elegant restaurant, for a tour around Melbourne, while a 3-course dinner is served.

Day 18
Early this morning we take flight bound for tropical North Queensland, arriving in Cairns approx. 4 hours later. We will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is ours to just enjoy this tropical city or simply to relax by the hotel pool.

Day 19
No visit to North Queensland is complete without a day exploring the Great Barrier Reef. We will be picked up at our hotel early in the morning and transferred by bus to Port Douglas, approx. 1 ½ hr. drive north of Cairns. The drive winds along the coastal road with great views of the ocean. Upon arrival in Port Douglas we board a high-speed catamaran which takes us out to the Reef (about 70 miles away) in approx. 2 hours. Once at the reef we have several hours to enjoy the beauty of the fascinating underwater world of brightly colored corals and tropical fish. Snorkel equipment is provided, and so is a lavish smorgasbord lunch. Certified divers can pay a surcharge for an escorted dive. Others can board a semi-submersible vessel and see the life under water from huge windows without even getting wet! After an exciting day at the Reef we return to Cairns by early evening.

Days 20-21
We have 2 free days in Cairns to do as we please. A large choice of optional tours are available to explore this magical area where the Great Barrier Reef meets the ancient tropical rainforest.

Day 22
Very early in the morning today we will be transferred to the airport for our flight from Cairns to Sydney, where we change planes for the flight back to Los Angeles. This time, we ‘cheat’ the International Date Line and arrive back in the United States on the same day that we left Australia!

Departs every Wednesday


 

A $100 surcharge applies for bookings made within 30 days of the departure date. The tour price does not include airport taxes, meals (other than those indicated), personal expenses and travel / rental car insurance.