Highlights |
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Escorted Package Includes
- Flights LAX-Sydney, Auckland-LAX
- Intra-flights
- Airline fuel surcharges
- 19 nights First Class accommodations
- All transfers
- 23 meals: 19 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour managers in Australia & New Zealand
- Services of English-speaking local guides
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special Features:
- Dinner at the Waterfront Restaurant, Sydney
- Sydney Opera House & Harbour Cruise
- Cruise the Great Barrier Reef
- Cruise Milford Sound
- Auckland War Museum tour
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Itinerary |
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 DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart USA
Depart the USA for Australia. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey
DAY 2, Thursday - En Route
En route to Australia. Cross over the international dateline and lose one day
DAY 3, Friday - Arrive Sydney
Arrive in Sydney and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at the Waterfront Restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour
Overnight: Sydney
Meals: Dinner
DAY 4, Saturday - Tour Sydney
Today begins with a morning tour of Sydney. View the historic Rocks area and Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, with its views of the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the famous Bondi Beach. This afternoon, enjoy a lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour, followed by a tour of the world-famous Sydney Opera House
Overnight: Sydney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5, Sunday - Sydney
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Sydney
Optional: Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Overnight: Sydney
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Monday - Sydney
Full day at leisure
Optional: Full Day Blue Mountains Tour
Overnight: Sydney
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Tuesday - Sydney / Cairns
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairns. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free at leisure to swim in the hotel lagoon, walk the Esplanade, or shop in the local galleries
Overnight: Cairns
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Wednesday - Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Today, enjoy a full day cruise that takes you to a central segment of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, the whole of which is the largest coral reef in the world, stretching some 1,616 miles. The Ocean Spirit catamaran takes you to Michaelmas Cay - a picturesque reef sand island and protected seabird sanctuary, surrounded by one of the many reefs that constitutes the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the coral gardens, teeming with an incredible diversity of marine life. Enjoy lunch on board. Should you join the guided snorkeling tour, this is at an additional cost. If you wish to snorkel on your own, the snorkeling equipment is provided complimentary. For the more adventurous, SCUBA diving on the Great Barrier Reef is amongst the best in the world. Both introductory dives for the beginners and guided dives for certified divers are available at an additional cost. Or you can choose to stay dry and explore the stunning reef one meter underwater from the semi-submersible vessel
Overnight: Cairns
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9, Thursday - Cairns
Full day at leisure
Optional: Kuranda Train Tour
Overnight: Cairns
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Friday - Cairns / Melbourne
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Melbourne. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the balance of the day exploring the city on your own
Overnight: Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11, Saturday - Tour Melbourne
This morning, enjoy a tour of Melbourne, the second-largest city in Australia. Melbourne is renowned for its fine restaurants and shops as well as its gardens and historical charm. Highlights include the Italian Quarter, the Shrine of Remembrance, the Botanical Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens, and a spectacular view of the city from Westgate Bridge. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure
Optional: Half Day Penguin Parade
Overnight: Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12, Sunday - Melbourne
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Melbourne
Optional: Full Day Savannah Walkabout
Overnight: Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13, Monday - Melbourne / Christchurch
Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Christchurch, known as the "Garden City." Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Upon arrival, meet with your New Zealand tour manager for a brief orientation and welcome drink. The evening is free to shop and dine at leisure
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14, Tuesday - Tour Christchurch
Today begins with a tour of the beautiful parks and formal gardens which give Christchurch its moniker. View the 19th-century Anglican Cathedral as well as many other Gothic-style churches that reflect the influence of early English settlers along the square. The balance of the day is free to explore the Avon River, International Antarctic Centrem, and other significant sites
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 15, Wednesday - Christchurch / Dunedin
This morning, drive south across the Canterbury Plains to Dunedin, a town steeped in old Scottish charm. Time is available on arrival to relax or perhaps visit the nearby Otago Peninsula, home to the historic Larnoch Castle
Overnight: Dunedin
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 16, Thursday - Dunedin / Te Anau
The morning is free to relax or explore Dunedin on your own, before traveling through the fertile Southland region to Lake Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park
Optional: Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Overnight: Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 17, Friday - Te Anau / Queenstown
Depart Te Anau via Homer Tunnel, and pass through the glacier-hewn Eglinton Valley, arriving at Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on the fjord, with scenic views of the temperate rainforest, the renowned Mitre Peak, and Bowen Falls. A picnic lunch is included on board. Later this afternoon, continue to Queenstown, New Zealand's alpine adventure capital
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 18, Saturday - Tour Queenstown
This morning's tour of Queenstown includes a visit to Arrowtown, the original Gold Rush city of New Zealand. Interestingly, this picturesque area of rivers and forests served as settings for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. View the Shotover River which hosts jetboat rides through its narrow canyon walls
Optional: Shotover Jet Ride
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 19, Sunday - Queenstown
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Queenstown
Optional: Wine Trail Tour
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 20, Monday - Queenstown / Auckland
This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Auckland, known as the "City of Sails." Arrive and transfer to your hotel
Overnight: Auckland
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 21, Tuesday - Tour Auckland
Today, a tour of Auckland features a visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum, including an onsite Maori concert at Waitemata Harbor. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure to explore the city on your own
Overnight: Auckland
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 22, Wednesday - Depart for USA
This afternoon, transfer to airport for your flight to the USA
Meals: Breakfast
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Optionals |
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, and save money. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards.
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Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
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Day #5 |
01 Apr 2008 - 31 Mar 2009 $160
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Experience the climb of your life! Enjoy an invigorating climb to the top of the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and admire panoramic views of the city and harbour below. A professional team of experienced climbers will escort you to very top. A complimentary photo of your climb is included.
Please be advised that there are no hotel pick up or drop off services included with this tour. Passengers must provide their own transfer to the Bridgeclimb Office at 5 Cumberland Street, just a short walk from the center of the CBD.
Prior to the climb, passengers must take a breathing test for acclimating purposes. Rubber soled shoes are recommended for the climb. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to climbing time. Details to be advised locally.
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Full Day Blue Mountains
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Day #6 |
01 Apr 2008 - 31 Mar 2009 $109
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Enjoy a full day tour of Australia's Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel over Sydney Harbour Bridge to Featherdale Wildlife Park where you will have the chance to meet unique Australian animals, feed a kangaroo, and have your picture taken with a koala. Then continue to the Blue Mountains. Marvel at the sheer escarpments, rugged bushland, and awe-inspiring mountain lookouts. Enjoy a two course lunch before having the opportunity to ride the world's steepest Scenic Railway, Scenic Cableway, or the Skyway Cable Car (own expense). The tour then continues past Homebush Bay, the site of the 2000 Olympic Village.
Departs at 8:00 a.m. from the Grace Hotel. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Drop off at the Grace Hotel.
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Full Day Kuranda Train Tour with lunch
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Day #9 |
01 Apr 2008 - 31 Mar 2009 $165
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Today, enjoy a full day tour to the famous Kuranda Rainforest via the Kuranda Scenic Railway. An amazing journey awaits as you travel on one of the world's most scenic rail routes, dipping through hand-hewn tunnels and over bridges spanning spectacular gorges. A stop will be made at Barron Gorge to view the Falls en route to Kuranda Station. Upon arrival, spend time exploring this quaint village before boarding the unusual amphibious Army Duck for a unique view of the Rainforest. Following your ride, join the Dreamtime Walk for an insightful glimpse into the ancient Aboriginal and Islander history of the region. Afterwards, continue to the Rainforest , enjoy a full day tour to the famous Kuranda Rainforest via the Kuranda Scenic Railway. An amazing journey awaits as you travel on one of the world's most scenic rail routes, dipping through hand-hewn tunnels and over bridges spanning spectacular gorges. A stop will be made at Barron Gorge to view the Falls en route to Kuranda Station. Upon arrival, spend time exploring this quaint village before boarding the unusual amphibious Army Duck for a unique view of the Rainforest. Following your ride, join the Dreamtime Walk for an insightful glimpse into the ancient Aboriginal and Islander history of the region. Afterwards, continue to the Rainforest Amphitheater to enjoy a special performance by the Pamagirri Dancers as they perform a range of native dances which reflect the humor and excitement of their culture. Following a delicious BBQ lunch, travel to the Koala & Wildlife Park nearby. During your visit, you'll see crocodiles, koalas, and even have the opportunity to hand-feed the kangaroos and wallabies. From here, the tour returns to the Kuranda Station where, upon arrival, you will board the Skyrail and experience views of the Rainforest canopy unlike any you've seen. Along the way you'll stop briefly to take a stroll or a visit to the CSIRO Interpretive Center. Afterwards, continue to Caravonica Lakes where a coach awaits to transfer you back to your hotel.
Departs at 7:45 a.m. from the Mercure Harbourside Hotel. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Drop off at the Mercure Harbourside Hotel.
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Half Day Penguin Parade 3:00 PM
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Day #11 |
01 Apr 2008 - 31 Mar 2009 $75
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This afternoon, witness the natural phenomenon of the Penguins Parade on Phillip Island. Every evening at dusk, the little Fairy Penguins come from the sea to burrow in the sands of Summerland Beach, an event which draws millions of visitors each year.
Departs between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. from 180 Swanston Street, depending on the season. Return between 10:30 and 11:30 p.m. depending on the season. For those traveling in groups of 10 or more, direct pick up and drop off services at the hotel are provided.
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Full Day Savannah Walkabout 9:00 AM
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Day #12 |
01 Apr 2008 - 05 Apr 2009 $174
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Depart Melbourne this morning for a brief journey west to the Serendip Open Range Sanctuary, a protected habitat for wild kangaroos and native birds, including cockatoos and honeyeaters. After a short walk to meet the kangaroos, begin a special safari drive around the sanctuary to see the animals. Then, disembark and walk to the billabong, home to a large population of waterbirds. Before lunch, visit a protected population of wallabies and have the opportunity to get close to some unusual endemic Australian birds. The open-air picnic includes gourmet sandwiches, fruit, cakes, and delicious Australian "Billy tea." Afterward, the tour continues a few miles north in the bushland of You Yangs Park, home to a large number of adorable wild koalas. Take a leisurely stroll amidst the gum trees, keeping an eye out for koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, and birds in their natural setting. Continue to walk through the granite formations of the You Yangs, which once hosted huge meetings of Aboriginal People from all over southeastern Australia, before finally returning to Melbourne in the early evening.
Departs at 9:00 a.m from your hotel. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Drop-off at your hotel at approximately 6:00 p.m.
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Te Anau Glowworms Caves
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Day #16 |
01 Apr 2008 - 30 Apr 2009 $53
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Discover one of New Zealand's unique natural phenomena--the Glowworm Caves of Lake Te Anau. Cruise across Lake Te Anau to the Cavern House, situated on the western shore. On arrival, enjoy a brief lecture on the cave system before boarding a small boat with your guide. Then, drift silently along the river through limestone passages and admire the luminous shimmer of New Zealand glowworms above. Return to Te Anau on completion.
Transportation to and from Lake Te Anau is not included. Passengers must arrange their own transport to and from the hotel. A reasonable level of agility is required for this tour, as the cave's entrance is low with inclined steps. Warm clothing is also recommended.
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Shotover Jet
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Day #18 |
01 Apr 2008 - 30 Apr 2009 $93
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Experience an adrenaline rush you'll never forget on this one-of-a-kind "thrill therapy" ride. From the moment the accelerator hits the floor, your adrenaline hits the roof as you power through the Shotover Canyons in a high-powered speedboat. Your driver will skillfully whip past rocky outcrops, crags and boulders, twisting into the trademark Shotover Jet 360 degree spin (where the driver spins the boat around from bow to stern). You'll stop briefly while your driver points out unique landmarks and similar points of interest.
Return shuttle transfers are available from central Queenstown. This tour is not suitable for pregnant women or acute back pain sufferers.
Suggested attire: Comfortable walking or boat shoes, shorts/pants, t-shirt, windbreaker, and a change of clothes. Arrival/departure details to be advised locally.
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Half Day Wine Trail Tour
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Day #19 |
01 Apr 2008 - 30 Apr 2009 $107
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Enjoy a fun, informative, and friendly wine tour with tastings at four local wineries. The Queenstown region has become one of New Zealand's most prosperous wine-producing regions, winning awards throughout the world nearly every year. In particular, the region's Pinot Noir has been considered one of the finest blends of its kind today. Enjoy a relaxed pace, beautiful views, and a tour of an underground wine cave. Time is available for lunch on your own.
Departs at 12:30 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Pick up and drop off at the hotel.
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, and save money. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards.
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Rates & Hotels |
Click On A Date To Book Online
* All Prices are in USD |
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2008
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Land Only |
Air & Land |
| | Book By
Jun 13 |
Book After
Jun 13 |
Book By
Jun 13 |
Book After
Jun 13 |
May 21
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3349
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3549
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4879
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5079
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Jun 4
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3359
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3559
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4929
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5129
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Jun 18
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3349
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3549
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4929
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5129
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Aug 13
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3349
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3549
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4879
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5079
|
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Aug 27
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3349
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3549
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4929
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5129
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Sep 10
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3399
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3599
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4999
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5199
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Sep 24
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3399
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3599
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5079
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5279
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Oct 8
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3399
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3599
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5039
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5239
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Oct 22; Nov 5
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3459
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3659
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5039
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5239
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Nov 19; Dec 3
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3389
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3599
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5099
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5309
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Dec 17
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3399
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3599
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5489
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5689
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Dec 31
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3549
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3749
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5639
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5839
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2009
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Land Only |
Air & Land |
| | Book By
Jun 13 |
Book After
Jun 13 |
Book By
Jun 13 |
Book After
Jun 13 |
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Jan 14; 28
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3459
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3659
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5549
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5749
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Feb 11
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3459
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3749
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5549
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5839
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Feb 25
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3459
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3659
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5549
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5749
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Mar 11; 25
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3459
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3659
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5129
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5329
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*Not included: airport taxes, fees & September 11th Security Fee, Australia visa fees, optional tours, New Zealand departure tax of approx. $19, tips to local guides, driver, and tour manager (see Terms & Conditions).
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, nor does it include flights Sydney (SYD) - Cairns (CNS), Cairns (CNS) - Melbourne MEL),Melbourne (MEL) - Christchurch (CHC) and Queenstown (ZQN) - Auckland (AKL). These flights are included only when using blocked space on NZ from LAX. When flying to Australia and New Zealand via any alternative airline or gateway, these flights must be purchased separately at an additional cost of $1576 p.p.
A visa is required for this trip. Click here to learn more about entry requirements
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The Grace Hotel
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Sydney
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This first class hotel is situated in the heart of Sydney's central business district. [more]
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Mercure Hotel Harbourside
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Cairns
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This first class hotel is located close to the central business district and the casino and convention centre. [more]
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Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens
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Melbourne
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This first class hotel is situated on the north side of the CBD, overlooking the delightful Flagstaff Garden. [more]
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Copthorne Christchurch Central
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Christchurch
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This first class hotel is located in the heart of the city overlooking Victoria Square. [more]
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Scenic Circle Southern Cross Hotel
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Dunedin
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This first class landmark hotel is located in the heart of Dunedin near to it's many attractions. [more]
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Luxmore Hotel
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Te Anau
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This superior tourist class hotel is just a short stroll away from the beautiful Lake Te Anau. [more]
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Millennium Queenstown
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Queenstown
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This deluxe class hotel is located in centre city Queenstown near to it's many attractions. [more]
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Heritage Auckland Hotel & Towers
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Auckland
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This first class historic landmark hotel is located in Auckland city center adjacent to Saint Patrick's Square. [more]
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