YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating “Down Under” discovery begins today as you board your award-winning Air New Zealand flight bound for Auckland.

Day 2: En route. Cross the International Dateline and “lose” one day en route. You’ll “regain” this day when flying from Australia back to the USA at the conclusion of your journey!

Day 3: Arrive Auckland (New Zealand). Morning arrival in the lively harbor city of Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island. Drive to the top of Mt. Eden for spectacular city and harbor views. You’ll also visit the Auckland Museum and learn about the native Maori culture as you view the fascinating exhibits and enjoy a colorful Maori performance. Settle into your deluxe hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner and briefing. Crowne Plaza Hotel (D)

Day 4: Auckland/Queenstown. On a guided tour of “The City of Sails” drive via Parnell Village to Mission Bay, a delightful seaside suburb and travel along the picturesque waterfront. Later, fly to Queenstown, a splendid lakeside resort town on New Zealand’s stunning South Island, surrounded by the Southern Alps. This afternoon join your tour director for an orientation walk of this charming town. Your centrally located hotel is ideally situated near the shore of picturesque Lake Wakatipu. Novotel Lakeside Hotel (B)

Day 5: Milford Sound Excursion. Today’s excursion is reputed to be one of the most scenic in the world. Drive along Lake Wakatipu through dense forests and shimmering Lake Te Anau to Fiordland National Park and the Homer Tunnel en route to Milford Sound. Here you’ll board an unforgettable cruise through towering fjords and majestic waterfalls. Return to Queenstown early this evening. (B)

Day 6: At your own pace, enjoy the many exciting activities charming Queenstown offers. You may also visit famous Walter Peak Sheep Station across Lake Wakatipu. (B)

Day 7: Queenstown/Mt Cook/Fairlie. Stunning countryside vistas unfold as you journey via the Kawarau Gorge and traverse Lindis Pass en route to the spectacular Mount Cook region, gateway to the imposing Southern Alps. Time available for an optional scenic flight (weather permitting) before proceeding to Fairlie, a thriving farming region in the heart of the sheep grazing pastures of the Canterbury Plains. You will spend the evening on a working farm where your hosts invite you for a delicious home cooked dinner and conversation. This is certain to be one of the highlights of your trip! Farm Stay (B,D)

Day 8: Fairlie/Christchurch. Following a hearty breakfast with your host family on the farm proceed to charming Christchurch. You’ll enjoy a guided orientation tour before arriving at your centrally located hotel. Rydges Hotel (B)

Day 9: Explore lovely Christchurch, “the most English of cities outside of England” independently. Stroll through Cathedral Square and nearby Avon River lined with gracious stone gothic buildings and relax in one of the many cafes. You may also explore the intriguing Antarctic Center. (B)

Day 10: Christchurch/ Melbourne (Australia). Today, board a flight across the Tasman Sea to Australia. Arrive in Melbourne, the stately capital of the State of Victoria noted for its vibrant culture, spacious parks and beautiful gardens. Transfer to your hotel, ideally located near the renowned Queen Victoria Market. Swanston Hotel (B)

Day 11: On an included morning tour visit lovely Fitzroy Gardens and see City Square, the Victorian Art Center and the old Parliament House. Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration. You may opt to catch an award-winning performance or enjoy the delicious local cuisine and sample some of Australia's renowned wines. (B)

Day 12: Day at leisure for independent exploration. Stroll along the riverside promenade and relax in one of the many inviting outdoor cafes. We recommend an optional excursion to Phillip Island, the world’s largest reserve of fairy penguins. Here, every evening at dusk, the Fairy Penguins come home from the sea to their burrows in the sand dunes. It is a nightly ritual that will enthrall you as you observe the “parade” from the elevated boardwalk. (B)

Day 13: Melbourne/Cairns. Today fly northward to tropical Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Your centrally located hotel is close to the Esplanade and the ocean. Relax and enjoy your hotel’s swimming pool! Novotel Oasis Resort (B)

Day 14: Great Barrier Reef Excursion. Board a high-speed catamaran for an unforgettable Great Barrier Reef cruise. Arrive at the coral cay of Green Island where you’ll visit the underwater observatory and board a glass bottom boat to view some of the world’s most colorful coral and fish. There is plenty of time to swim and take a walk through the lush rainforest on the island. Return to Cairns. (B)

Day 15: A day at leisure. You may join an optional tour aboard a scenic skyrail to the aboriginal village of Kuranda. (B)

Day 16: Cairns/ Sydney. Today, fly to spectacular Sydney, Australia’s oldest and most vibrant city. Settle into your elegant hotel, ideally located in the city center near the scenic Sydney Harbor, the renowned Opera House and the enchanting Botanical Gardens. Later, join your tour director for an orientation walk.
Sofitel Wentworth Hotel (B)

Day 17: This morning embark on an included guided tour that takes in the old and the new. See the impressive Harbor Bridge, Sydney’s famous beaches including Bondi Beach, the Botanical Gardens, the celebrated Opera House and the historic Rocks area. The balance of the day is at leisure for independent pursuits. (B)

Day 18 & 19: Two days at leisure to explore on your own. You may join an optional tour to the scenic Blue Mountains and to Australia Wildlife Park where you can hand-feed a kangaroo and cuddle a friendly koala! Consider a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sydney Opera House or a stroll along the waterfront towards the Rocks area. You may also join a Coffee Cruise or a splendid Sunset Dinner Cruise on the spectacular Sydney Harbor. (B)

Day 20: Sydney/USA. Today, bid farewell to "Down Under" and board your return flight. Cross the International Dateline and regain the day “lost” in the beginning of the trip. Your magical journey ends as you arrive Los Angeles the same day. (B)

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YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

• Round-trip airfare from
  Los Angeles via Air New Zealand

• Airline fuel surcharge

• All intra-South Pacific flights, ground transportation and transfers

• Accommodations at deluxe and superior first class hotels with private bath

• One night accommodation on a New Zealand Farm with dinner (D)

• Full buffet American breakfast daily (B)

• A welcome dinner in Auckland (D)

• Sightseeing tours including admission fees as indicated in itinerary

• English speaking Tour Director and local guides

TOUR COST AIRFARE INCLUDED*
DEPART	RETURN	RESERVE BY SEP 30 '10		RESERVE AFTER SEP 30
2010		w/cash discount	sale
Oct 27	Nov 15	$ 3799	$ 3899	$ 4199
Nov 10	Nov 29	$ 3799	$ 3899	$ 4199
Nov 24	Dec 13	$ 3799	$ 3899	$ 4199
Dec 15	Jan3'11	$ 4599	$ 4699	$ 4999
2011
Jan 5	Jan 24	$ 3999	$ 4099	$ 4399
Jan 19	Feb 7	$ 3999	$ 4090	$ 4399
Feb 2	Feb 21	$ 3999	$ 4099	$ 4399
Feb 16	Mar 7	$ 3999	$ 4099	$ 4399
Mar 2	Mar 21	$ 3999	$ 4099	$ 4399
Mar 9	Mar 28	$ 3899	$ 3999	$ 4299
Apr 6	Apr 25	$ 3899	$ 3999	$ 4299
Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single room supplement $999. *Government taxes and fees are not included. Australia visa fee is not included.