Collette Vacations

Day 1 & 2: Depart from Home

Today you board your Qantas flight and begin the adventure of a lifetime to Australia and New Zealand. Crossing the International Dateline, you lose a full day.

Day 3: Cairns (Northern Beaches), Australia – Tour Begins

Your tour begins today in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, renowned for tropical rainforests, warm weather, friendly people and beautiful beaches. Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner with your new mates. (D)

Day 4: Great Barrier Reef

*Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting exploration of the Great Barrier Reef. * From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef in many ways. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride*, a stroll on the walking trail to take in the rain forest, relax on the beaches, or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. Optional scuba diving, snorkeling and an outer reef tour* are also available. You can do as much or as little as you like to explore the magnificent coral gardens of the reef. (B, L)

Day 5: Cairns - Sydney

Learn about the unique history and lifestyle of the Aboriginal people during a visit to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Center. It is believed the Aboriginal people first arrived on the continent more than 30,000 years ago and their rich culture has been passed down generations through stories, dances, music and art. See an Aboriginal dance show, throw a boomerang or play a didgeridoo - a traditional instrument. Browse the renowned art gallery and visit the interpretation center which houses a collection of interesting artifacts. This afternoon you fly to the bustling city of Sydney, where the evening is yours to explore. (B)

Day 6: Sydney

This morning you will see Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Paddington on a sightseeing tour of Sydney. You will also feel the power of one of the world’s most acoustically perfect architectural designs, the Sydney Opera House. In the evening you’ll enjoy a dinner cruise on beautiful Sydney Harbour during which you will be treated to spectacular views of Sydney’s greatest icons - the Harbour Bridge and world-famous Opera House. *Following the cruise, you return to the Opera House to enjoy a captivating and unforgettable performance! * (D)

Day 7: Sydney

Today you visit one of Australia's greatest wildlife parks. Not only will you see koalas in their natural habitat, but you might also have the unique opportunity to pose for a photo with one of these adorable creatures while exploring this well-known sanctuary for Australia's wildlife. You will also have the chance to feed the kangaroos and pet a wombat. Later, enjoy an educational presentation on opals - learn how raw opals are processed from the dark mine shafts to artistic creations found in your favorite jewelry store. This evening, enjoy the friendly city at your leisure or join us for an optional tour. (B)

Day 8: Sydney – Blue Mountains - Canberra

Journey this morning into the majestic Blue Mountains which reside just outside Sydney. Revel in the beauty of this World Heritage Site as you visit the famous Three Sister rock formation and Govett's Leap. Continue on to Australia's capital city, Canberra. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic city tour visiting Canberra's war memorial as well as the National Museum of Australia which interactively celebrates the land, nation and people of the country. The evening is yours to explore the city's shopping district and great eateries. (B)

Day 9: Canberra - Melbourne

Depart this morning across southern Victoria. Travel past the snowy mountains and through the countryside, taking in the winelands and quaint villages. Arrive this evening in Melbourne - Australia's most stylish city. (B, D)

Day 10: Melbourne

Today you embark on a tour of Melbourne featuring Fitzroy Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and the Parliament House. Later, travel to Phillip Island, a nature reserve and home of the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins. The Little Penguin is protected on Phillip Island and a staff of rangers works diligently to study and protect them. A highlight is sure to be the adorable Little Penguin Parade during which hundreds of lovable birds waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their burrows in the dunes. You will also visit the interpretation center where you will learn about the life of the Little Penguins and their significance to the area. Dinner is included on Phillip Island. (B, D)

Day 11: Melbourne – Christchurch, NZ - Queenstown

You leave Australia behind and travel to New Zealand, arriving in the picturesque resort village of Queenstown. Become acquainted with your surroundings during a spectacular dinner at the Skyline Restaurant, which overlooks the appropriately named ‘Remarkable Mountains. (B, D)

Day 12: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

Today you will travel through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley via the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. *Enjoy a cruise on the spectacular fjord of Milford Sound, experiencing breathtaking vistas at every turn. * Following your cruise you will return to Queenstown. You may opt to return via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of the Southern Alps. (B, L)

Day 13: Queenstown

Your day is at leisure. You may choose from several options to enhance your vacation. Shop in the charming village, relax and visit with new friends, or enjoy an optional ‘Safari of the Rings’ tour that takes you deep into the majestic landscape of the Lord of the Rings movies. (B)

Day 14: Queenstown – Mt. Cook

Traverse the spectacular countryside to New Zealand’s most famous national park, Mt. Cook. En route, enjoy a stop at a local fruit stand to gain an inside look at the produce of New Zealand. Mt. Cook is one of the most impressive mountains in the world. You may choose to view the massive glaciers and extensive snow-covered mountain top terrain on an optional glacier flightseeing tour (weather permitting), or perhaps enjoy the park during a nature walk. (B, D)

Day 15: Mt. Cook - Christchurch

Today you will journey through the rolling Canterbury hillside en route to Christchurch. Located on the Avon River, this charming city is considered “the most English city outside of England”. (B)

Day 16: Christchurch

A sightseeing tour highlights magnificent gardens, the Neo-Gothic Cathedral and the downtown park district. The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure. This evening you are invited to dine and make friends with a New Zealand family in their home. *This is sure to be an unforgettable evening during which you will learn about the customs of the “Kiwi’s” and enjoy a home cooked meal. * (B, D)

Day 17: Christchurch – Picton - Wellington

Travel up the winding eastern coast to Picton where you will board the famous Interislander Ferry for one of the most scenic trips the world has to offer. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you cruise through the Marlborough Sounds and cross the Cook Strait, arriving this evening in the capital city of Wellington. Nestled between a sparkling harbor and the rolling hills of the North Island, Wellington was first settled by Polynesians in the 10^th century. (B)

Day 18: Wellington

Today you will enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of Wellington viewing the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament, historic St. Paul’s Church, and the government building, the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Following the tour, you will visit the national museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongawera Museum. (B)

Day 19: Wellington - Napier

Journey into the region of Hawke's Bay today, arriving in the city of Napier. Rebuilt in the 1930s after a devastating earthquake, Napier boasts some of the greatest art deco architecture in the world. Enjoy an art deco tour of this great city upon arrival. HThis evening, a fantastic winery visit and dinner will help you to discover the flavors of the region.H (B, D)

Day 20: Napier - Rotorua

Rotorua, known as the geothermal wonderland and cultural capital of New Zealand, is your destination today. The evening is yours to explore this great city..(B)

Day 21: Rotorua

This morning visit Te Puia, New Zealand's premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. You'll be truly amazed by the landscape of erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and other geothermal wonders! Here, the Maori keep their customs alive by teaching the tribal youth the skills of traditional carving, weaving and dancing. Take part in an interactive demonstration on the art of weaving and the importance of the Maori dress. You will also view the Kiwi bird and learn what New Zealanders are doing to try to remove the Kiwi from the endangered species list. Next, a visit to the Agrodome will give you insight into how wool, one of New Zealand’s premier products, is produced. You will see a sheep shearing demonstration here. This afternoon, visit a jade factory to see how the raw product is transformed into a fabulous gemstone. *This evening you will receive a traditional Maori welcome at a Hangi meal followed by a traditional performance of songs, dances and other cultural festivities. * (B, D)

Day 22: Rotorua - Auckland - Tour Ends

Drive to Auckland where your tour ends. (B)

OPTIONAL 3-NIGHT FIJI POST-TOUR EXTENSION

Rate: $399 USD per person, Double, Land Only, Air add-ons apply

1 Meal: 1 Dinner

Day 22: Queenstown - Auckland - Nadi, Fiji

Today you travel to New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, “The City of Sails”, before departing for the beautiful paradise island of Fiji. Fiji retains all the primitive cultural fascination of the South Pacific. The expansive sandy beaches and clear ocean waters are world-famous. (B) from base program

Day 23 & 24: Fiji

Your days are free to relax and enjoy your surroundings. An optional island tour is offered. Enjoy a lovely dinner one evening. (D)

Day 25: Fiji - Tour Ends

Your tour ends today in Fiji.

Please note: Due to flight schedules, on some departures the optional Fiji extension is 2 nights. For all passengers visiting Fiji, there is an additional $40 USD per person in taxes and fees to be paid with final payment. This extension may be hosted by a local representative.