Down Under Discovery

Welcome to Australia! Upon arrival at Sydney International Airport, you will be met by a John Hall’s Alaska representative and transferred to the InterContinental Hotel Downtown Sydney for early check-in. Early this afternoon, start your experience with one of Australia’s most iconic locations, the Sydney Opera House Tour. Enjoy a welcome reception, followed by a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise – taking in views of the Rocks area, Sydney Opera House, and Sydney Bridge over sunset.

Dinner

This morning, embark on a city sights tour taking in the historical Rocks area, where the First Fleet landed in 1788 to establish Australia’s first European settlement. Other highlights include Chinatown, cosmopolitan Kings Cross, and world-famous Bondi Beach. Returning to town, head to the Sydney Opera House for a fascinating guided tour. Sixty years ago, Jorn Utzon designed what is now considered one of the greatest buildings of all time. Following lunch, the final stop on the day’s tour is Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair on the harbor foreshore. The sandstone chair was carved by convicts for Governor Lachlan Macquarie’s wife in order for her to watch the activity on the harbor and await the arrival of ships from England. The point provides wonderful views of the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and Fort Denison. This evening, enjoy a special group dinner outing.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today discover the beauty of the Blue Mountains! Featherdale Wildlife Park houses a great variety of wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, Australian reptiles, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and various species of Australian birds. By motorcoach, climb into Blue Mountains National Park. Following lunch, take the scenic Cliff Drive to Echo Point. Enjoy a ride on the Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest incline railway, and travel through ancient rainforest. This ride boasts a world-first, state-of-the-art Electro-Scenic Glass Floor. The 360-degree bird’s-eye view takes in the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, Mount Solitary, and the Jamison Valley. Return to Sydney for dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer to the Sydney airport for a morning flight to Ayers Rock. Enjoy a tasty lunch, settle in at the resort, and spend the afternoon soaking up the Red Centre. This evening, a ‘Night at the Field of Light’ dinner experience delivers majestic views of Uluru. Sip sparkling wine and listen to the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo while watching the sunset. As darkness falls and the colored lights of 50,000 glass spheres come to life, enjoy a delicious Northern Territory gourmet barbecue.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early this morning to watch the beautiful desert sunrise over Ayers Rock. See some of the many Aboriginal sacred caves which hold a special significance for the local Aboriginal Anangu people. Midafternoon, head out to the harsh Outback on a visit to the massive series of domes known as Kata Tjuta (Olgas). In late afternoon, arrive at the sunset viewing area for drinks and canapes as you witness the striking color changes that can take place on the world’s largest monolith – Uluru.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast will be served in the hotel restaurant with your morning free for relaxing. Transfer by private motorcoach to the airport for your flight to Melbourne. Welcome to Melbourne with a city tour before getting a good aerial view of Melbourne at the Eureka Skydeck 88. Afterward, arrive at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins with time to settle in and freshen up. Dinner this evening takes you to the Docklands area’s Berth Restaurant to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and a three-course meal.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a full day exploring one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal drives. Following an early breakfast, travel the Great Ocean Road, built to honor the servicemen and women of World War I. Follow along the coast to Lorne, a popular Victorian seaside village, then continue on stopping for lunch in Apollo Bay. Next, wind your way inland through the slopes of the Otway Ranges and Great Otway National Park. This afternoon, travel the full length of Port Campbell National Park.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Time to “shop ‘til you drop” at the famous Queen Victoria Market. Later this morning, drive into the Dandenong Ranges for a ride aboard the historic “Puffing Billy” steam train through lush mountainsides. Disembark the train and journey by motorcoach to the southwestern end of Phillip Island for an early dinner and the famous Phillip Island penguin parade. Every day at dusk the little penguins come ashore after fishing for whitebait for their young. Return to the hotel late this evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The last few days have been busy, so today is yours to relax or add an additional activity. Shop, unwind at the hotel, or do some personal sightseeing – options will be provided in your final documents. The choice is yours!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast will be served in the hotel restaurant before transferring by private motorcoach to the airport for the flight to Cairns this afternoon. On arrival in Cairns, head to Shangri-La The Marina, your home for the next three nights. The evening is at your leisure.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy one of Australia’s most unique treasures – the Great Barrier Reef – on a private day excursion. The area’s spectacular outer reef sites present an opportunity to explore the underwater world with a snorkeling and glass bottom boat experience. A buffet lunch will be served on board. Return to Cairns for dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Board the Kuranda Scenic Rail in a refurbished Heritage Carriage for a journey past massive Baron Falls, Stoney Creek, and across steep ravines to the rainforest village of Kuranda. There is time to explore Kuranda before boarding the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and skimming over the canopy. At the Cairns Aquarium, enjoy an exclusive guided tour through ten amazing North Queensland ecosystems. A special farewell Australia dinner will be served in the Oceanarium – surrounded by sharks, stingrays and the tropical beauty of the fish of the Coral Sea.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly to New Zealand! After a late evening arrival into Auckland – one of the best life-style cities in the world– transfer directly to the centrally situated Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, your home for the next two evenings. Auckland has a plethora of great museums and galleries, and is a melting pot of cultures with a large Polynesian and Asian influence. Today is a full day of travel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, choose one activity from a selection of options designed to introduce you to Auckland’s largest and most cosmopolitan city (options are sent with your final documents). Reunite for dinner at Harbourside Bar & Grill, located in the historic Ferry Building on Quay Street. There is something for everyone!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel south into the fertile Waikato Valley. Here visit The Red Barn – a picturesque 500-acre park-like farm nestled on a hill with 360-degree views. Take a rural tour on the fully functioning farm with an interactive butter making experience before enjoying a country-style luncheon. Next up, the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in the Peter Jackson directed movie trilogy The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Late afternoon, journey to the unique geothermal area of Rotorua.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A visit to Rainbow Springs showcases New Zealand’s natural flora and fauna. See the endangered Kiwi bird and New Zealand’s only reptile, the Tuatara. Visit Waiotapu, one of the world’s most colorful thermal areas. This evening, feel the warmth of the Maori people during an evening of ceremonial rituals. Witness warriors training for war with traditional weapons, women weaving and making Maori crafts, and hear villagers tell stories of their ancestors and history. Dine on the traditional hangi buffet dinner (Maori feast).

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly to Queenstown this morning. Then by motorcoach, follow the eastern shores of Lake Wakatipu around the Devil’s Staircase to Kingston with The Remarkables Range to your left. Continue through the lovely Southland countryside where sheep, cattle, and deer farming predominate before reaching Te Anau. Renowned as the gateway to Fiordland National Park, the township of Te Anau is set on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest of New Zealand’s southern glacial lakes.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Te Anau, travel along Milford Road into Fiordland National Park. Part of the UNESCO Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, Fiordland National Park is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. At Milford Sound, embark on a nature cruise of this spectacular fiord. Take in the cascading waterfalls, dense rainforests, steep cliff faces, and marine life that inhabits these waters. Lunch is served on board. Afterward, reboard the coach and head to Queenstown.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Journey by motorcoach to the small settlement of Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu. Here, join Dart River Adventures for a thrilling 1½-hour jet boat safari into Mount Aspiring National Park. The crystal-clear water in a wild and picturesque landscape, amidst the towering peaks, glaciers, and ancient forests of Mount Aspiring National Park captivates. Return to Queenstown mid-afternoon and this evening, enjoy a magical night cruise as you watch the lights of Queenstown from your dinner vessel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a free day for relaxing at the hotel or getting out and exploring Queenstown on your own. There are more than enough shops, cafes, and colorful landmarks to hold your interest. A plethora of optional sightseeing activities are available and will be provided with your final documents.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel north through the rugged Kawarau Gorge and across the distinctive Central Otago countryside to the Lindis Pass. Continue across the Mackenzie Basin to the small town of Tekapo for a visit to The Church of the Good Shepherd, set on the shores of striking Lake Tekapo. See the memorial to working sheepdogs and the indispensable role they have had in the Mackenzie Basin. This evening, you are invited to the private home of Tekapo locals Angie and Stan Taylor for a Pavlova Experience and dinner. Enjoy dinner – and a taste of pavlova. Drink in the views of this beautiful lake.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A morning crossing of the Southern Alps over Burkes Pass takes you to the rural settlement of Longbeach to visit Akaunui Historic House and Gardens. The garden includes magnificent old trees (both native and exotic) and complements the imposing century-old double-story brick homestead. Enjoy a lovely country morning breakfast tea stop at the Akaunui Homestead. Travel into Ashburton for lunch before continuing across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the city of Christchurch. Your evening will be at leisure with a private farewell dinner for the group at the Distinction Christchurch Hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take in breakfast at the hotel this morning before joining a local walking guide for a relaxed 1-hour walking tour around the central city. Learn about the effects of the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes and see the city’s rebuilding program. Depending upon the route your guide takes, you might see the temporary cardboard cathedral, the ‘container’ retail mall, and the reconstruction of the main arts buildings. Afterward, transfer to Christchurch airport to catch your flight bound for home. Flights should depart after 2PM; guests willing to forego the city tour may depart after 10AM.

Breakfast