The Aussie & Kiwi Experience

Call (877) 888-6180 for more information or to book today! Mention code 10576559

Tour Operator

Collette Vacations

Offer

Offer valid through 3/31/2012

Duration

28 Days

Itinerary

Day	Destination	Description
Day 1 - 2	Overnight Flight	Overnight Flight :
Day 3	Sydney	Sydney, Australia - Tour Begins : Start your adventure in Oz - the affectionate term Aussies reserve for their native country ? Fly into the cosmopolitan city of Sydney and kick off your tour with dinner at the Sydney Tower's revolving restaurant ? Look out over the vibrant city below. Today dinner will be included.
Day 4	Sydney	Sydney : Set out on a tour of Sydney which highlights the lively Kings Cross district, Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the historic Rocks neighborhood and Botanic Gardens ? Discover the perfectly designed UNESCO World Heritage Sydney Opera House during a guided tour ? Take a behind-the-scenes look at the world of opals, Australia's national gemstone ? See how raw opals are transformed into beautiful jewelry ? Head to world-famous Bondi Beach for a surfing lesson ? Don't worry...you don't have to get wet ? Learn the history of the beach and explore the rigorous training lifeguards must go through ? Hear stories of the famous surfers that hale from Bondi and figure out how to stay up on a board ? Afterward, explore the beach on your own ? Enjoy free time in Sydney ? Later, take a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour and take in unforgettable views of the Harbour Bridge and the famous Opera House. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 5	Fraser Island	Sydney - Fraser Island : Depart for the largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island, set in spectacular Hervey Bay ? This World Heritage island remains the only place on Earth where tall rainforests grow on sand dunes ? Enjoy the island's exceptional beaches, sand cliffs and freshwater lakes. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 6	Fraser Island	Fraser Island : Embark on a ranger guided 4WD tour of Fraser Island ? Traverse the ever-changing landscapes ? Drive along Seventy-Five Mile Beach's famous highway, and see the Maheno shipwreck ? Dine tonight at your spectacular resort. Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 7	The Sunlander Train	Fraser Island - The Sunlander Train : Travel overnight to Cairns aboard the Sunlander, Australia's longest running rail journey ? Experience the ideal way to traverse Queensland's eastern coastline ? Sink into the cozy surroundings and sensational scenery. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 8	Cairns	The Sunlander - Cairns : Discover postcard-perfect vistas in incredible Cairns - gateway to the Great Barrier Reef ? Spend the balance of the day getting to know this great area. Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 9	Cairns	Cairns : Arrive at the Mossman Gorge and immerse yourself in the indigenous culture ? Take a dreamtime walk through the rainforest with a tribe native to the region ? Visit culturally significant sites and stroll among the lush vegetation and wildlife ? Discover the history of cave paintings and hear enchanting Aboriginal creation stories and dreamtime legends ? Visit Hartley's Croc Farm and search for crocodiles in their natural habitat ? Live your own eco-adventure on the lagoon cruise ? Meet some koalas and enjoy an Aussie barbecue. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 10	The Great Barrier Reef	The Great Barrier Reef : Head towards one of the world's natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef ? Arrive at Green Island and allow the natural wonders to surround you ? Snorkel or stay dry while checking out the marine life from a glass bottom boat ? For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, you may choose the Outer Reef optional tour. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 11	Ayers Rock	Cairns - Ayers Rock : Fly into the heart of the Outback ? Make your way to iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock), a UNESCO World Heritage site ? Explore the sandstone domes of the Olgas ? Learn how geologic forces created these masterpieces ? Get a sense of their Aboriginal spiritual significance ? Experience the magic of Uluru at sunset ? Watch the color change before your eyes ? Raise your champagne glass and toast an amazing day. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 12	Barossa Valley	Ayers Rock - Adelaide - Barossa Valley : Fly to Adelaide, capital of South Australia ? Head north into the Barossa Valley, Australia's most famous wine region ? Barossa Valley wines are renowned among connoisseurs as some of the world's finest ? Tonight, enjoy a fantastic dinner overlooking the vineyards of the valley. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 13	Barossa Valley	Barossa Valley : Enjoy a full sightseeing tour of the Barossa Valley ? Visit a few local wineries to learn about the history and geography of the region and why the wine wins such accolades ? Try everything from Chardonnay to Pinot Noir ? You don't have to be a connoisseur to enjoy yourself as wine experts explain the lore and allure of South Australian wine. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 14	Christchurch	Barossa Valley - Adelaide - Christchurch, New Zealand : Say goodbye to Australia and head for New Zealand* ? Arrive in the beautiful city of Christchurch, located on the Avon River. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 15	Christchurch	Christchurch : Start the day with a tour of Christchurch's botanical garden ? Later, a sightseeing tour highlights the city's other magnificent gardens and the downtown park district ? Experience a day in the life of an ordinary New Zealander, or Kiwi as they are known, when you dine with a family in their home. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 16	Queenstown	Christchurch - Mt. Cook - Queenstown : Travel over the rugged countryside to New Zealand's most famous national park, Mt. Cook ? Take a nature walk or choose an optional glacier flightseeing tour** ? En route to Queenstown stop at a local fruit stand for a colorful look at the varied produce of New Zealand ? Arrive in Queenstown ? Dine at the Skyline Restaurant for spectacular views of Queenstown, the Remarkable Mountains and Lake Wakatipu. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 17	Milford Sound	Milford Sound : Travel through the Hollyford Valley to world-famous Milford Sound ? Cruise this dramatic fjord ? Choose to return to Queenstown via a short optional flight** for spectacular views or return by coach. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 18	Queenstown	Queenstown : Spend a day at leisure ? Explore Queenstown independently ? Opt to take "A Journey Through Middle Earth" tour of the South Island's Tolkienesque landscape and see the cinematic backdrop that brought The Lord of the Rings to life on the big screen. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 19	Franz Josef Glacier	Queenstown - Franz Josef Glacier : Journey through New Zealand's diverse landscape ? See subtropical rainforests, twisting coastline, glacial lakes and the Southern Alps ? Arrive in the Franz Josef Glacier Region ? In Franz Josef, visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre to learn more about the Kiwi bird and other types of indigenous wildlife. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 20	Nelson	Franz Josef Glacier - Nelson : Take advantage of an optional flightseeing** tour of the jagged glacier region ? Continue your journey into the heart of the South Island ? Visit Pancake Rocks ? Watch the sea burst through vertical blowholes in heavily eroded limestone during high tides. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 21	Nelson	Nelson - Abel Tasman - Nelson : Travel to Abel Tasman for a relaxed and scenic cruise along the coast of Abel Tasman National Park. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 22	Wellington	Nelson - Picton - Wellington : Head for Picton, a waterfront town on New Zealand's South Island ? Stop to tour one of Nelson's vineyards and taste a variety of wines ? Relax on a picturesque three hour ferry ride to Wellington ? Arrive at this capital city nestled between the sparkling harbour and rolling hills of the North Island. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 23	Napier	Wellington - Napier : Join a sightseeing tour of Wellington that includes the Beehive, New Zealand's Parliament, historic St. Paul's Church and the Government Building ? Visit Te Papa Tongawera Museum, the national museum of New Zealand ? Enjoy a guided tour through the Maori Experience ? Travel toward Hawke's Bay, arriving in Napier. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 24	Napier	Napier : Enjoy an Art Deco tour of Napier ? Explore this unique architectural style that reached its heyday between 1920 to 1940 ? Visit the historic home of James Walter Chapman-Taylor, New Zealand's famous Art Deco architect ? Sample the country's best wine during a stop at a local vineyard ? Visit a chocolate factory and learn about the delicate and scrumptious art of the chocolatier. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 25	Tongariro National Park	Napier - Tongariro National Park : Depart for Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's oldest national park and a World Heritage area ? Bask in the glow of chandeliers during a Pacific-Rim dining experience in the Chateau's signature restaurant. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 26	Rotorua	Tongariro National Park - Rotorua : Travel to Rotorua, the Maori capital known for its intriguing geothermal landscape ? This evening, relax and enjoy the city on your own. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 27	Rotorua	Rotorua : Visit the geothermal village of Te Puia ? Witness how the Maoris keep their culture alive by teaching their youth the skills of traditional weaving, carving and dancing ? See the beautiful geothermal landscape of the village, including erupting geysers and bubbling mud pools ? Take part in an interactive demonstration on the art of weaving and the meaning of Maori dress ? Meet skilled carvers who work with New Zealand jade at a local jade factory ? Explore the Agrodome ? See an interactive sheep-shearing demonstration and learn about the different sheep and wool that come from New Zealand ? For dinner, visit a recreated traditional Maori village to learn about Maori life before Aotearoa (the Maori name for New Zealand) was colonized ? Immerse yourself in the village during a walkthrough ? Follow this with a Hangi meal and authentic Maori entertainment such as the famous Haka dance ? The New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks, celebrates with this dance before each contest. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 28	Auckland	Rotorua - Auckland - Tour Ends : Your memorable vacation to the South Pacific ends today in Auckland. Today breakfast will be included.

Dates/Pricing

Click Quote or call (877) 888-6180 to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

Date	Description	Price From	Quote
February 19, 2012	Land Only	$6,699.00 (USD)
March 04, 2012	Land Only	$7,099.00 (USD)
March 18, 2012	Land Only	$6,699.00 (USD)
April 15, 2012	Land Only	$6,699.00 (USD)
May 18, 2012	Land Only	$7,499.00 (USD)
July 06, 2012	Land Only	$7,499.00 (USD)
July 27, 2012	Land Only	$7,499.00 (USD)
September 07, 2012	Land Only	$7,499.00 (USD)
September 28, 2012	Land Only	$7,499.00 (USD)
October 05, 2012	Land Only	$7,499.00 (USD)
October 19, 2012	Land Only	$7,499.00 (USD)
January 11, 2013	Land Only	$7,499.00 (USD)
January 18, 2013	Land Only	$7,499.00 (USD)
February 01, 2013	Land Only	$7,499.00 (USD)
February 08, 2013	Land Only	$7,499.00 (USD)
February 22, 2013	Land Only	$7,499.00 (USD)
March 01, 2013	Land Only	$7,499.00 (USD)
April 05, 2013	Land Only	$7,499.00 (USD)
April 19, 2013	Land Only	$7,499.00 (USD)

Lodging

Vibe Hotel, Sydney	The Sunlander Train, Sunlander
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Cairns	Sails in the Desert, Ayers Rock
Mercure Grosvenor Hotel, Adelaide	Rydges, Christchurch
Novotel Lakeside, Queenstown	Franz Josef Glacier Hotel, Franz Josef
The Monaco, Nelson	Duxton Hotel, Wellington
Scenic Circle Te Pania Hotel, Napier	Bayview Chateau Tongariro, Mt. Ruapehu

Disclaimer

NOTE: Specials are marked with a *

NOTE: NOTE: Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.