Experience two fabulous destinations 'Downunder' in one trip of a lifetime. New Zealand, with one of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes in the world, and Australia, a continent with an ancient Aboriginal culture, fabulous cities and awesome scenery. Kick off your trip with the charming city of Auckland, in New Zealand. Later, drive through lush countryside to Rotorua, the heart of her Maori culture and famous for its hot thermal springs, soaring geysers, active volcanoes and exotic native bush.
 
Then fly across the Tasman Sea to Sydney. Experience the attractions of one of the most seductive cities of the world, with her fabulous harbor and the landmark Opera House, street-side cafes, interesting boutiques and so much more. Later, fly off to a romantic island resort in Queensland, playground of the rich and famous. Hamilton Island offers almost everything you could wish for in a vacation - water sports of all kinds, tennis, game fishing, whale watching (July-September), nature walks and plenty of opportunities to relax. Long after you have returned home, you can always close your eyes and dream about this idyllic vacation! [A detailed itinerary follows]

Your Australia New Zealand Getaway package includes:

Day 1 & 2 – USA > Auckland
Leaving the US behind you fly over the Pacific Ocean to New Zealand. Arrive in Auckland two days later, after 'losing' a day when you cross the International Date Line.  

Day 3 - Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! After clearing immigration and customs at the Auckland airport, you will be transferred to your hotel.  After a brief rest get your first glimpse of the ‘city of sails’. During a 1½ hour afternoon cruise see the sights of the city from the water, while listening to the skipper's commentary. The afternoon is at your leisure.

Day 4 – Auckland > Rotorua (approx. 3 hours)
Today it is off into the country. Your rental car will be delivered to your hotel in the morning. Leave Auckland and drive south via Waitomo and its famous glow worm caves to Rotorua, a center of Maori Culture and famous for its thermal activities. From the moment you enter Rotorua, you know you are somewhere quite different. Sneaky threads of steam issue from parks, pathways and streets and the occasional scent of sulfur wafts through the air. Minutes from the city centre, geysers of steaming water roar from the ground. Pools of bubbling mud gurgle and belch. In geothermal fields around Rotorua, steam rises from placid lakes and flowing streams. Best of all, you can relax in pools of naturally heated mineral water and experience for yourself why Rotorua is called ‘Nature’s Spa of the South Pacific’.    

Day 5 – Rotorua
Today is at your leisure to explore Rotorua on your own.  There are many things to see, such as the city’s beautiful gardens and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.  Visit the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, which includes boiling mud-pools and the famous Pohutu Geyser. Or you might want to drive further South and visit beautiful Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park, before returning to Rotorua for your overnight stay.   

Day  6 - Rotorua - Waitomo - Auckland
Drive back to Auckland. You might want to take a different route and visit the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves on the way. Discover an underground labyrinth of limestone caves and formations during a boat cruise (optional). Arrive in Auckland and return your rental car at the airport. Spend the night at an airport hotel.

Day 7 – Auckland > Hamilton Island
Take an early morning flight from Auckland to Brisbane (or Sydney). After clearing customs & immigration take a domestic flight to Hamilton Island, one of the Whitsunday Islands on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Stretching through the sapphire blue waters of the Queensland coastline the Great Barrier Reef is the most extensive coral reef system in the world. In close proximity to the Reef are the amazing Whitsunday Islands, a group of 74 islands the largest of which is Hamilton Island.

Days 8/9/10 – Hamilton Island
You will have the next three days to explore the island on your own.  Unspoiled nature trails crisscross the island, leading you to any number of pristine beaches or to the top of Passage Peak.  At extra cost, you can spend a day out on the water, sea kayaking between islands or sailing out to the reef.  There are numerous places to go diving or snorkeling, with exceptional views of the reef’s underwater life.

Day  11 – Hamilton Island > Sydney
Finally you will have to say goodbye to Hamilton Island as you fly to Sydney. On arrival in Sydney late afternoon, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you will have three days to explore this unique city. 

Day 12 – Sydney
During a half day city tour explore the many highlights of Sydney – the world famous Opera House with the Harbor Bridge in the back ground, Sydney’s ‘playground’ at Bondi Beach, the historic “Rocks” district, now a vibrant neighborhood filled with restaurants and shops.  As a part of this package you will be given tickets for a free harbor cruise, an excellent way to see what this amazing city has to offer. 

Day 13 – Sydney
Enjoy a free day in cosmopolitan Sydney – don’t forget some last minute shopping or simply spend some time ‘people watching’ in one of the many outdoor cafes near the opera house. Tonight, you will have package reservations at the Sydney Opera House, home to world-class theatre, ballet, opera, and symphonies.  Your package will include a guided tour of the Opera House, dinner at either Guillaume at Bennelong or Aria restaurants and a performance at the Opera House (Ballet, Symphony or Opera depending on the performance schedule)

Auckland Harbor

Numerous trails for a bush walk