Starting at $6399
27 days • 37 mealsOur flagship brand represents a refined take on the art of guided travel. We seamlessly handle the details - you experience the world.
Itinerary
The Complete South Pacific
Viewing itinerary for:
November 07, 2013, $6599
27 days • 37 meals
Price This Tour or call 800.340.5158
| Before your Tour Options: | Add an additional night to your stay |
- Hotel: Hilton Los Angeles Airport
- Hotel: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
On Tour Options
to see a complete list of options that will be available on your tour.
Day 1 - Day 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 skip a day ahead.
Day 3: Cairns, Australia - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef in tropical north Queensland. Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner with your new mates.
View Accommodation Today dinner will be included.Day 4: Great Barrier Reef
Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting tour of the Great Barrier Reef - the most biologically diverse ecosystem in the world. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef in many ways. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride*, take a stroll in the rainforest, relax on the beaches, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving and an outer reef tour* are also available.
View Accommodation Today breakfast and lunch will be included.Day 5: Cairns
This morning you board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for an unforgettable ride above the rainforest canopy. There are two stops where you may get off the cableway and experience the forest floor from specially designed boardwalks. The amazing diversity of plants, animals and birds will astound you. Your evening is at leisure to enjoy your tropical surroundings.
View Accommodation Today breakfast will be included.Day 6: Cairns – Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Fly to the heart of the Outback, arriving at Uluru, the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock. Tour the sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta and the beautiful area surrounding the base of “The Rock.” Later, witness a stunning sunset over a glass of champagne as the Rock’s hues change dramatically with the setting sun.
View Accommodation Today breakfast will be included.Day 7: Uluru - Alice Springs
This morning you depart for Alice Springs to experience life in the heart of the Aussie Outback. A sightseeing tour of the area includes the Old Telegraph Station, where you learn how people communicated in this remote destination in the 1800’s. Gain insight into the educational system in the Outback with a visit to the School of the Air; you may even see a class in session! A special experience is in store for you this afternoon as you will have the opportunity to meet the young Aboriginal group, Drum Atweme**. Supported by the Collette Foundation, Drum Atweme is a musical group comprised of at-risk youth from the local community. Tonight, enjoy dining and entertainment during a traditional dinner in the bush. You’ll experience Outback hospitality and entertainment under the Southern Hemisphere's stars.
View Accommodation Today breakfast and dinner will be included.Day 8: Alice Springs - Darwin - Kakadu National Park
Begin your day with a Dreamtime Tour. Experience the culture of the Australian Aborigines and learn about their ancient culture, folklore, customs and the concept of Dreamtime. You will have the opportunity to taste some of their traditional Aboriginal food. Later, board your flight to the northern tip of Australia and the city of Darwin. Then, drive into the heart of Kakadu National Park.
View Accommodation Today breakfast and dinner will be included.Day 9: Kakadu National Park
Today, experience the beauty and culture of Australia’s “Top End.” Kakadu National Park is home to wallaroos and wallabies, monitors and lizards, birds of every imaginable color, and crocodiles. See ancient Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock, some dating back over 10,000 years. During your afternoon cruise be on the lookout for crocodiles as they bask in the sun, as well as waterfowl such as jabiru, egrets, herons and eagles.
View Accommodation Today breakfast will be included.Day 10: Kakadu National Park - Darwin - Melbourne
Fly to the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne.
View Accommodation Today breakfast will be included.Day 11: Melbourne
This morning enjoy a city tour which includes Fitzroy Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and Parliament House. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore Melbourne independently. You may visit the elegant parks and gardens in this friendly city, take a ride on a streetcar or enjoy lunch at an outdoor café in the quaint Italian neighborhood of Carlton. This afternoon you’ll stop at a Koala conservation center*** to see koalas in their natural setting. Then, visit Phillip Island, a renowned nature reserve and home of the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins. At the Phillip Island Little Penguin Reserve, the Little Penguins are protected and rangers diligently study them. View the Little Penguin Parade as hundreds of them waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their burrows in the dunes. At the interpretation center you have a chance to learn about the life of the Little Penguins and their significance to the area.
View Accommodation Today breakfast and dinner will be included.Day 12: Melbourne - Hobart
A flight to Hobart, Tasmania brings you to Australia's second oldest city. The rugged and pristine beauty of Tasmania provides the backdrop to your 2-night stay.
View Accommodation Today breakfast and dinner will be included.Day 13: Hobart
This morning you will meet the Tasmanian Devil! Learn about this unique marsupial, its plight for survival, and the great efforts in place to save it from extinction. Later, take a guided tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site, the best-preserved example of Australia’s penal colonies. Dating back to 1833, the site features a large number of stabilized ruins and restored buildings. While at Port Arthur, you’ll get a glimpse into the lives of the convicts. Later, witness the spectacular coastal rock formations known as Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and the Blow Hole.
View Accommodation Today breakfast will be included.Day 14: Hobart - Sydney
Return to mainland Australia today and arrive in the bustling city of Sydney.
View Accommodation Today breakfast will be included.Day 15: Sydney
Start the day with a city tour of Sydney, where modern-day Australia was born. Highlights include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Paddington. Discover one of the world’s greatest architectural achievements as you take a guided tour through the Sydney Opera House. Dinner is included at the 360 Restaurant, a fantastic revolving restaurant atop the famous Sydney Tower, offering stunning views of the city below.
View Accommodation Today breakfast and dinner will be included.Day 16: Sydney
This morning, visit Koala Park which showcases Australia's wide array of indigenous wildlife. Walk amongst wallabies, dingoes, kangaroos, emus, wombats, and, of course, the cuddly koalas when you experience this wildlife sanctuary. You will even have a chance to take a photo with a koala! Next, enjoy a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about opals during a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. An amazing evening begins with a sail on Sydney Harbour's glistening waters during a dinner cruise offering spectacular views of Sydney’s greatest icons - the Harbour Bridge and world-famous Opera House.
View Accommodation Today breakfast and dinner will be included.Day 17: Sydney - Queenstown, New Zealand
Travel to New Zealand, arriving in the gorgeous town of Queenstown. Dinner is included at the Skyline Restaurant overlooking Queenstown, the Remarkable Mountains and Lake Wakatipu.
View Accommodation Today breakfast and dinner will be included.Day 18: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Journey through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley via the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise of Milford Sound fjord. Following your cruise, you return to Queenstown. You may choose to return via a short optional flight, weather permitting, for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
View Accommodation Today breakfast and lunch will be included.Day 19: Queenstown
Enjoy a day at leisure in this charming village. You may choose an option of a thrilling jet boat ride on the scenic Shotover River, or “A Journey through Middle Earth,” where you traverse the Tolkienesque countryside and see where portions of the Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed.
View Accommodation Today breakfast will be included.Day 20: Queenstown - Mt. Cook National Park
Traveling through New Zealand’s picturesque countryside, you will learn about the 19th century gold rush when you stop in Arrowtown. Later today you will arrive at Mt. Cook National Park where you may take nature walks or, if weather permits, enjoy an optional flightseeing tour to the top of the rugged mountain range.
View Accommodation Today breakfast and dinner will be included.Day 21: Mt. Cook - Hanmer Springs
A drive through the Southern Alps, which line the western side of New Zealand's South Island, brings you to the relaxing town of Hanmer Springs, New Zealand’s premier spa destination. Enjoy time to explore this beautiful area by visiting downtown for shopping, relaxing and soaking in the serenity of the surrounding mountains. Or perhaps you’ll choose to visit one of the many renowned spas.
View Accommodation Today breakfast and dinner will be included.Day 22: Hanmer Springs - Picton - Wellington
Traveling north along the coast you'll pass scenic river valleys and vineyards. Arriving in Picton, you will ferry to the North Island on one of the most scenic trips the world has to offer. Cruising through the Marlborough Sounds and across the Cook Strait, your final destination is Wellington, the harbour capital of New Zealand.
View Accommodation Today breakfast will be included.Day 23: Wellington
According to Maori legend, Wellington Harbour was founded in the 10th century by the Polynesian navigator Kupe and first named Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui - or "head of Maui's fish." A tour of this city showcases the Beehive Parliamentary buildings and views from atop Mt. Victoria. Later, experience Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, New Zealand's national museum. The museum has won worldwide acclaim for its innovative and diverse range of artwork and exhibitions which relay the captivating stories of the indigenous people.
View Accommodation Today breakfast will be included.Day 24: Wellington - Rotorua
Depart for the center of Maori culture - the city of Rotorua. Here you’ll see a unique landscape of bubbling and steaming geothermal springs. Tonight you will enjoy a home stay**** and dinner with a New Zealand family. This is a great way to meet the Kiwis and perhaps form lifelong friendships.
View Accommodation Today breakfast and dinner will be included.Day 25: 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 culture alive by teaching the tribal youth traditional carving and weaving. Before leaving you will view the national bird - the Kiwi. A visit to the Agrodome will give you insight into how wool, one of New Zealand’s premier products, is processed. You will also view a special sheep shearing demonstration. Later this afternoon, meet jade carvers and discover how it is transformed into beautiful jewelry. This evening visit a traditional Maori village and learn about ancient Maori life. Tour the Tamaki village and interact with its inhabitants to get a firsthand feel for a day in the life of a native Maori. Then, experience a taste of Maori entertainment during a number of tribal dances including the Haka, or war dance. After the performance, a spectacular Hangi feast awaits you.
View Accommodation Today breakfast and dinner will be included.Day 26: Rotorua - Auckland
Travel through the majestic countryside of the North Island, arriving in New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, "The City of Sails." This afternoon, experience a short tour of Auckland before you head to your hotel. Enjoy an opportunity to relax on your final night in the South Pacific before tomorrow’s flight home.
View Accommodation Today breakfast will be included.Day 27: Auckland - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Auckland.
| Available After Tour Extensions: | Extend your vacation |
- Hotel: Rendezvous Grand Hotel Auckland
-
Extension: Fiji Extension 2 nights Land Portion
Day 1: Rotorua - Auckland - Nadi, Fiji
Today you will arrive in the beautiful paradise island of Fiji. Fiji retains all the primitive cultural fascination of the South Pacific and boasts expansive sandy beaches and clear ocean waters.
Today breakfast will be included.Day 2: Fiji
Today, your day is free to explore what the resort has to offer on this tropical paradise. There are a number of relaxing and fun, adventurous activities you can engage in. Tonight, enjoy a lovely dinner.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.Day 3: Fiji - Tour Ends
Before your tour ends today in Fiji, an optional island tour is offered.
Today breakfast will be included. - Hotel: Hilton Los Angeles Airport
- The internal flights on this program are not included in the land price. All air including internal flights can be purchased through us.
- PLEASE NOTE: To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
- **Please note that Collette Foundation sites may not be available for visits due to school holidays or programming challenges.
- ***The visit to a koala conservation center will only be available during the summer months (from early November until mid-March).
