Australia and New Zealand Custom Group Tour

DAY 2: Arrive Sydney (D)
The first settlement of Australia, positioned on one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, Sydney is the capital of New South Wales. As Australia’s largest city it boasts an incredible mixed culture which only adds to its charm. In addition to the harbor, Sydney is bordered by spectacular beaches to the East and the Blue Mountains to the West and boasts the architectural wonder of the Sydney Opera House.

Upon arrival at Sydney International airport and following completion of customs formalities, you will be met by a representative from Southern World Australia and transferred by private coach to your hotel.

Dinner this evening is included at The Waterfront Restaurant.
The Waterfront Restaurant is a converted Bond Store situated on the waters edge at Campbell Cove in the historic Rocks area. From the Waterfront, enjoy fantastic views of Sydney Harbour by night. A superb three-course seafood dinner is served. Includes return transfers from hotel.

Join your private coach and driver/guide this morning for your Morning City Sights and Southern Beaches tour. Visit the Rocks – Sydney’s birthplace and see fascinating relics and buildings of the city’s turbulent past. Pass by the picturesque Botanical Gardens, the Conservatorium of Music, Art Gallery and Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, stopping for spectacular views of the Opera House. Then it’s back to the city’s commercial center, Darling Harbor and Chinatown before heading for Kings Cross and the exclusive suburbs of Double Bay, Rose Bay and Watson’s Bay for a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean from The Gap.

Arrive at famous Bondi Beach for a brief stop before returning to the city via Paddington to view its restored 19th Century Colonial Terraces.
At King Street Wharf, board Matilda Cruises for your Sydney Harbour Luncheon Cruise. Feast your eyes on the highlights of Sydney Harbor whilst enjoying a delicious seafood & carvery buffet accompanied by fresh salads, Australian fruits and cheeses, plus a tempting selection of desserts, tea & coffee. There is a comprehensive informative commentary that will introduce to you the character and points of interest of Sydney and the Harbor.

Upon disembarkation at Circular Quay, just a short walk to Altman & Cherney located on Pitt Street. Here you will learn everything there is to know about Australia’s National gemstone with a comprehensive, educational hands-on talk by one of Australia’s leading opal specialists, Altmann & Cherny. Upon completion, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Optional tour: - BLUE MOUNTAINS TOUR (L)

Depart from your hotel this morning by private charter coach on your Full day Blue Mountains Tour. Leaving the city behind our journey takes us west of Sydney to the Blue Mountains, highlights include Echo Point, viewing the Three Sisters and enjoying spectacular high country views overlooking Australia’s Grand Canyon.

Visit Scenic World, where you will have the opportunity to ride the world’s steepest incline railway down into the valley and return back up by the new cable car called the Sceniscender. Connecting the two bottom stations is a 300-meter wooden boardwalk through the rainforest passing the entrances to the old coal mines where there is a high tech visual display.

Enjoy a delicious Buffet Lunch at Peppers Fairmont Resort before leaving Katoomba and follow the scenic cliff drive to see waterfalls, cascades and the village of Leura prior to your visit at Featherdale Wildlife Park. One of the largest collections of Australian animals in the world. The Park is in a natural, well-established bush setting and is located 40 minutes from Sydney.

As you wander along the leafy walkways you can expect to come face to face with some interesting characters; cuddly koalas, fuzzy wombats, kookaburras, vividly colored parrots and kangaroos of all shapes and sizes. View over 2,000 animals at close range, and hand feed the kangaroos, wallabies and emus.

Includes:- 10 hour coach charter, Admission to Featherdale Wildlife Park, Buffet lunch at Peppers Fairmont Resort, Return journey on Scenic Railway or Cableway at ScenicWorld.

DAY 5: Sydney – Hamilton Island (B)
Buffet Breakfast at your hotel
Transferred by private charter coach from your hotel to Sydney Domestic Airport to meet your flight to Hamilton Island.

Upon arrival at Hamilton Island, you will be met by your courtesy coach transfer to your Hotel.

Transferred by courtesy coach from your hotel to the jetty, where you will be boarding Fantasea Cruises for your Full day Great Barrier Reef Cruise.

Traveling in the air-conditioned comfort of a high-speed catamaran, Fantasea Cruises takes you to Hardy Reef, the most beautiful and prolific of nature’s coral gardens. Here you can take your time to come face to face with nature’s most extravagant creation all from the safety and comfort of Fantasea’s Reefworld, the largest Australian owned offshore facility on the Great Barrier Reef.

Reefworld, consists of two floating platforms with conveniences such as change rooms, outdoor fresh water showers, children’s swimming enclosures, large uncrowded open sundecks and extensive shaded areas where you can enjoy the lavish buffet lunch.

We also cater for the non-swimmers with our semi submersible coral viewers and large underwater observatory. Our glass hulled semi-submersible coral viewer, will take you for a tour along the reef wall and the large underwater observatory is the ideal place to sit back, relax and watch the colorful schools of fish as they glide on by. Your day ends with a launch transfer back to Hamilton Island, where your shuttle driver awaits you for your transfer back to your hotel.

Transferred by private shuttle bus from your hotel to Hamilton Island Airport to meet your flight to Brisbane.

Upon your arrival at Brisbane domestic airport, meet your private coach for your transfer to your hotel in Surfers Paradise.

DAY 8: Gold Coast (B)
Buffet Breakfast at your hotel. Day at own leisur. Dinner this evening is at own leisure.

After dinner (6.45pm) you will be transferred by private coach to Currumbin Sanctuary for their Wildnight Tour.

Tour to Currumbin Sanctuary for Wildnight Tour. The Australian bush really comes alive at night. With 75% of our native wildlife nocturnal, the fully guided Wildnight Adventure is a thrilling way to see these amazing animals up close when they come out to forage, feed and play. You'll also journey back to the dreamtime, witnessing a traditional aboriginal corroboree, with captivating music, dance and stories by starlight.

For two hours you'll explore the sanctuary, spotting and observing a diverse range of animals. After being transported to the rainforest entry, the first stop is Crocodile Wetlands, where you'll see one of the biggest Saltwater Crocodiles on public display anywhere. Then it's into the heart of the sanctuary, to hand-feed the kangaroos, see the Tasmanian devils, experience the corroboree then visit koalas.

This tour includes a guided tour by torchlight, aboriginal dancers, storytelling and light refreshments

Morning at leisure.
Transferred by private coach to Brisbane domestic airport to meet your flight to Auckland.

On arrival at Auckland International Airport and after completion of customs formalities, you will be met by a Southern World New Zealand representative and assisted to your private coach. Transfer to your hotel.

Auckland city, sprawling across the isthmus between the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, is noted for its extensive parks and beautiful gardens. The warm, sunny climate encourages sub-tropical growth of all kinds. Unique to this city are a large number of extinct volcanic cones thrusting sharply upward out of a sea of houses. The highest, Mount Eden, is an ideal point to view this widespread metropolis, out across the Waitemata Harbor to the east and the Manukau Harbor to the west. The beautiful Waitemata Harbor gives Auckland a nautical flavor and is the largest and busiest port in the country. In contrast, the Manukau Harbor, formed during the same geological time as the Waitemata, is an area of mud flats and tidal channels, protected by a difficult bar at its mouth.

Although Auckland lost to Wellington its position as seat of Government in 1865, it is still New Zealand's trade capital and center of greatest population.

Depart your hotel and begin a sightseeing tour of the Queen City, Auckland. Highlights include the bustling downtown and waterfront areas, points of historic interest, a 360-degree panorama of this sprawling city from the summit of Mount Eden, an extinct volcano. Visit quaint Parnell Village, affluent residential suburbs, Tamaki waterfront drive to Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World. Here you will have the opportunity to view an underwater panorama. Check out real snow and ice, and see the cute King and Gentoo penguins on your snow cat ride through the Antarctic Encounter. In the Underwater World come face-to-face with giant stingrays, moray eels, schools of fish and ferocious sharks! All this and a whole lot more.

Following your visit travel to the pretty North Shore via the Harbor Bridge and onto the small village of Devonport. Here you will have some free time to wander before connecting with your ferry back to Downtown Auckland.

On arrival into Auckland, you will be transferred to the Sky Tower, which is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere. At 328 meters it’s taller than Sydney’s AMP Tower and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Ride the glass fronted lifts to the main observation deck where you can view Auckland below you through glass floors panels or make your way to Sky Tower’s outdoor observation deck to feel the breeze. Return to your hotel by own arrangements and at your leisure.

DAY 12: Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua (B)
Full Breakfast is included this morning at hotel.

Your journey crosses over the bush-clad Mamaku Range through the Fitzgerald Glade to an area of planted pine forests, the most notable centre being Putaruru with its rapidly growing timber milling industry. Pass by the Arapuni Hydro Scheme, to the provincial farming centres of Kihikihi and Otorohanga, situated in the richest dairying region in New Zealand. From the turn off at Hangatiki it's a short drive to Waitomo.

At Waitomo, you’ll enjoy a guided tour through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Follow your guide past amazing limestone formations before taking your place on a boat to glide silently through the pitch-blackness of the glowworm grotto. As your eyes adjust to the darkness, marvel at the countless pinpricks of green light emitted by the glowworm suspended above you like stars in the night sky!

Continue your journey to Rotorua this afternoon - pass through the farming centre of Kihikihi. Leaving the King Country, drive to Arapuni the site of one of the numerous dams that have been constructed on the Waikato River. Travel to Putaruru, which, although small, is one of the main timber milling centres in this rapidly expanding forestry region. Continuing, pass through the Fitzgerald Glade and cross the heavily forested Mamaku Range to Lake Rotorua and the thermal area.

Rotorua is the center of an extensive thermal region and geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming, sulphurous lakes give evidence of nature's frightening yet fascinating power. Rotorua and the surrounding lakes provide some of the world's best trout fishing. The Maori culture contributes greatly to the attractions of this holiday city. Here you can enjoy the culture and entertainment of our native Maori people.

This morning enjoy a city tour followed by a visit to the Agrodome, where the stars of the show are the 19 rams of different breeds. As they trot onto the stage the presenter will give a brief description of each breeds commercial uses for meat and wool. He will also give an explanation of the differing grades and qualities of wool required by various industries. Once all of the rams are on stage a shearer will demonstrate the fine and often backbreaking art of separating a sheep from its fleece. This will be followed by a display of the functions of a "huntaway" sheep dog. A dairying display follows, during which those who wish may try their hand at milking a cow. Weather permitting, the show concludes outside. In the paddock an "eye" dog will demonstrate its prowess at maneuvering untrained sheep through gates, over a bridge and into a pen.

Continue to Waimangu Volcanic Valley which was created by the eruption of Mount Tarawera. Waimangu offers a range of easy ecology-focused guided walks through the craters of the beautiful Waimangu Volcanic Valley. The walks showcase a wide range of volcanic activity including walking through valley of craters, steaming cliffs and lakes, native plants, bird life, in one of the newest eco-systems in the world.

Following your walk enjoy the Lake Rotomahana cruise that covers approximately 15 coalescing craters formed by the 1886 Tarawera Eruption. It took 15 years after the Eruption to fill to its current height and is now the deepest lake in the North Island. It is also the newest of all NZ’s larger, naturally formed, lakes. The lake is protected as a wildlife refuge, and large numbers of birds live here all year round. The lake and surrounding land are protected from development, and will always remain as one of NZ’s beautiful, unspoilt, natural, wilderness areas. Patiti Island, in the middle of the Lake, is currently being restored, by Waimangu Volcanic Valley Ltd, to a predator free state and will become a sanctuary for endangered NZ native birds. A picnic lunch is included today.

This evening travel to Te Puia where you will guided through Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley to see the bubbling mud pools, mineral springs, silica formations and shooting geysers. You will have the opportunity to visit the Kiwi House where you may see the nocturnal Kiwi, New Zealand’s national bird. On returning to the model village it's various features will be explained to you before taking a look through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute which gives an insight into Maori carving, customs and history.

Following your tour, experience Mai- Ora - Essence of Maori. The welcome ceremony commences with the blowing of a pukaea or putaratara (carved wooden trumpet or conch shell) by the kaimatire (lookout guard) posted in the puhara (defence tower). A toa (warrior) from the hometribe is sent out to challenge the elected male chief of the manuhiri (visitors) in an attempt to ascertain the reason for the visitors’ approach to the village; whether they come in friendliness or animosity. At the conclusion of the challenge the hometribe warrior places a rakautapu (token) on the ground. Then you enter the meeting house as the women chant a welcome into the house.

The performance in Te Aronui a Rua (house of learning) commences with an explanation of the main features of the meeting house, the playing of typical musical instruments, the use of poi, weapons, songs, games and dances. You will then be guided by a Maori host to view and try your own hand at various activities. You are welcomed into the hangi house to see the lifting of the hangi, and then guided into the dining room where you are served a buffet style menu.

DAY 14: Rotorua – Christchurch (B)
Full Breakfast is included this morning at hotel.

This morning transfer by private coach to Rotorua Airport and connect with your domestic flight.
***A DEPARTURE TAX OF NZD $5.00 MUST BE PAID IN PERSON***

On arrival into Christchurch, you will be met by a Southern World New Zealand representative and assisted to your private coach. Transfer to your hotel.

Christchurch, "The Garden City" has many well-tended parks, reserves and squares but the civic love of beauty is often more apparent in the fresh lawns and burgeoning gardens of the suburban streets. The pioneering folk of an earlier era took thought for the future when they planted seedlings which have grown into mighty oaks and elms, soaring poplars and graceful willows which are seen in every part of the city. Much of the charm of this city starts and finishes with the beautiful Avon River that runs through the suburbs and the city itself and provides an almost rural atmosphere in the heart of the city. The Town Hall on the banks of the river, is a striking example of the city's progressive approach to new architectural ideas, and is a nice contrast to the many earlier colonial buildings.

DAY 15: Christchurch (B,Mtea)
Full Breakfast is included this morning at hotel.

Discover why Christchurch is known as the 'Garden City' on your sightseeing tour today. Enjoy the charm of the award winning gardens, the tranquility of the historic buildings that blend gracefully with the modern.

See Cathedral Square, Mona Vale and the University of Canterbury, the Avon River and Hagley Park. You’ll also enjoy guided tours of the Botanical Gardens and the Canterbury Museum.

Travel to the Sign of the Takahe, a historic roadhouse and enjoy devonshire tea whilst taking in the magnificent views of the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps and the city of Christchurch.

DAY 16: Christchurch – Mt. Cook – Queenstown (B)
Full Breakfast is included this morning at hotel.

Following Breakfast depart your hotel and travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains, noted for grain crops, to Ashburton - chief town of central Canterbury. In the distance, to the west, are the snow-capped Southern Alps. At the Orari River the road turns westward to Geraldine and over undulating sheep country to Fairlie and Burkes Pass, gateway to the high plains of the MacKenzie Country. Pass through scrub and tussock country past Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, following the Tasman River to the Hermitage Hotel. The hotel is nestled in beech forest at the foot of the mountains; with Mount Cook eight kilometers away in the distance.

A series of flight seeing options are available in the Mt Cook region, which covers some of New Zealand's finest alpine scenery - a truly memorable experience. (At own expense)

Leave Mount Cook, you will retrace your journey to the shoreline of Lake Pukaki and travel into the Mackenzie Country. Beyond the scrub and tussock of the high plains, travel over the Lindis pass and follow the Lindis River through Tarras and on to Cromwell. Many parts of the old Cromwell now lay at the bottom of the newly created Lake Dunstan, part of the Clyde Dam project. From here follow the Kawarau River through rugged mountainous country into Queenstown.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu Queenstown is a year-round alpine resort that caters for all interests. It enjoys a magnificent setting amid steep mountain ranges and pockets of native bush with the jagged peaks of the Remarkables Range rising from the lake. The town is compact enough to travel around on foot and features over 100 restaurants. The lake was scooped out by glacial action thousands of years ago. A mysterious phenomenon causes the lake to vary several inches in depth every few minutes, giving credence to a Maori legend of an ancient Taniwha (demon) still breathing beneath the surface.

DAY 17: Milford Day Trip (B,L)
Full Breakfast is included this morning at hotel.

Depart early this morning from Queenstown by private coach and skirt Lake Wakatipu in the shadow of the rugged Remarkables. Drive to Te Anau, gateway of the Fiordland National Park then follow Lake Te Anau to the valley of the Eglinton River. Pass through magnificent beech forests before a gradual descent into the precipitous Hollyford Valley.

Climb steadily to the gigantic Cirque and the Homer Tunnel. Pass through the tunnel and down to the Cleddau Canyon where you will catch your first glimpse of Mitre Peak before finally emerging into the open at Milford Sound.

Board the Red Boat, for a cruise around the Milford Sound. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery, with a full commentary on the natural history of the Sound. A camera is a must as photo opportunities abound - Milford Sound not only boasts scenic wonders, such as the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak, it also teams with wildlife - dolphins, seals and penguins - all in their natural habitat. Buffet Lunch is included onboard.

Following your cruise, return to Queenstown via the same route, arriving in the early evening.

This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Queenstown and the local area. Travel to the Kawarau Bridge to view the bungy jumpers. The bridge was originally built to link Queenstown to Central Otago during the gold rush of the 1880's, and later replaced by the larger and more modern Battling Betty Bridge in the 1960's. The bridge fell into a state of disrepair and was deemed unsafe until Henry van Asch and AJ Hackett applied for a one-month license to use the bridge commercially for Bungy Jumping in 1988. As they say; the rest is history and a piece of New Zealand heritage has been saved. A fee is paid to the Department of Conservation for every jump by AJ Hackett Bungy to maintain the site.

From the Kawarau Bridge, travel to Gibbston valley vineyard nestled in the heart of Central Otago offers every wine lover a truly rewarding experience. Enjoy wine tasting in the cool sanctuary of a cave, hewn out of a solid schist mountain, and having your own guide to answer your many questions.

On return to Queenstown, visit Arrowtown which was born in the gold rush township in 1862 and over the years it has matured into a modern small township of 2,000 people. Wander the small town this afternoon or visit the Chinese Village. Continue to Queenstown to explore this vibrant town - see the Mall being Queenstown's main shopping area and a popular spot for café's and restaurants. See the city's historic stone library was built in 1877 and St Peter's Anglican Church in 1932. Your last stop is the Skyline Gondola – The Skyline Gondola will whisk you smoothly up 450 meters to Bob’s Peak, as Queenstown drops away below you. From the top enjoy breathtaking views that extend almost 360 degrees from Coronet Peak around to the Remarkables and on to Cecil and Walter Peaks on the other side of Lake Wakatipu.

Return to your hotel this afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

There are over 70 different activities available: including the Shotover Jet, bungy jumping, horse riding, Lord of the Rings tours and TSS Earnslaw Cruises. (Own expense)

DAY 19: Flight from Queenstown to USA (B)

Full Breakfast is included this morning at hotel.
This morning transfer to Queenstown Airport and connect with your departure flight/s. Group departure assistance will be provided.
***A DEPARTURE TAX OF NZD $25.00 MUST BE PAID IN PERSON***

NOT INCLUDED IN OUR SERVICES ARE:
Airline and government taxes; any fees associated with passports or visas; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature such as phone, internet, laundry or mini-bar; beverages other than those served at breakfast, except if mentioned above; gratuities to drivers and guides; any items not listed as tour inclusions. Rotorua departure tax of NZD $5.00 per person and NZ departure tax of NZD $25.00 per person also not included. Blue Mountain Optional Tour available at USD $100 per person.