Day 1 Fly USA from Lax to Queenstown (Via Auckland or Christchurch)
Day 2 You cross the International Date Line:
Day 3 Arrive Queenstown:
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Located in Central Otago in a lakeside bay, Queenstown is New Zealand's premier alpine resort. Rich in history and abundance of recreations and a breathtaking natural beauty that lends each season its own distinct complexion, Queenstown has long been the inspiration for artists and nature-lovers from all over the world eager to capture its dramatic beauty. Nestled beside the deep blue waters of Lake Wakatipu, at the foot of the Remarkables Mountain Range, Queenstown is a year round resort, where you can be as active as you want, or just leisurely enjoy the magnificent scenery.
Day 4 Tour - Milford Sound full day tour:
An early start as you leave your hotel and coach through some of the most beautiful countryside in New Zealand. On arrival at Milford Sound, board the vessel for a leisurely cruise along the sound to the Tasman Sea. The vessel stops at various points and plenty of time is available to view waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and seals. You may even see dolphins frolic alongside the boat. A buffet lunch is included during the cruise.
You can choose to return from Milford Sound by small plane (additional cost). This scenic flight shows you the fascinating ariell view of the Fjords and mountain ranges enroute to Queenstown.
Day 5 At leisure, Queenstown:
At your leisure to explore the adventure capital of New Zealand. Set between the towering Remarkable Ranges and the bottomless Lake Wakitipu, Queenstown has it all - bungee jumping, jetboating, rafting, amazing scenic helicopter flights.
Day 6 Tour - Queenstown to Christchurch bus (Via Mount Cook):
Experience an exceptional journey from Queenstown to Mount Cook via the Lindis Pass and then down the Southern Alps to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch. Lunch is included en route.
Christchurch, the city of parks and gardens, trees and beauty, is also buzzing with street life. Wine bars, street cafes and exciting entertainments give the central city vitality unique to New Zealand. Christchurch is said to be the most English city outside England. The downtown district focuses on Cathedral Square, where you'll find buskers, speakers and the eccentric Wizard of Christchurch (who is classified as a living work of art). You can sedately cruise the Avon River by punt, on its meandering course through town, under many bridges and past historic landmarks, or do your own thing by canoe. Vintage car, horse and carriage, hot air ballooning and guided walking tours. These are just a few ways to explore the Garden City.
Day 7 Akaroa:
Take a shuttle from Christchurch to seaside Akaroa. You’ll have time to leisurely enjoy the quaint town. Later in the day, experience majestic scenery and stunning wildlife including dolphins, penguins and marine bird life on the Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise. Cruise on a modern 60 feet catamaran, perfect for viewing the natural wonders of Akaroa Harbour. The vessel is the largest and most luxurious on the harbour. There's lots of space on the 2 decks for unenterrupted viewing and inside seating.
The 2-hour cruise is fully narrated by your skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of Akaria Harbour. The highlight of this trip is undoubtedly the sighting of one of the world's smallest and rarest dolphins, the Hector Dolphin also known as the New Zealand Dolphin. These friendly and inquisitive mammals meet the boat most days throughout the year and their calves can be seen between October and March.
Day 8 Fly Christchurch to Cairns (Via Sydney):
On arrival to Cairns, you will be transferred to your hotel. The major centre in Tropical North Queensland is Cairns, a popular gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The city is fringed by lush rainforests and, to the north and south, are miles of white sandy beaches and turquoise oceans teeming with marine life. In addition to staying in Cairns, the main gateway city here, you can stay in Palm Cove - a lovely beachside resort where no building is more than 4 stories high or in Port Douglas, set in the rainforest.
Day 9 Tour - Great Barrier Reef cruise:
Cruise on a high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a reef presentation by a marine naturalist to learn more about the wonders of the reef and view the spectacular coral and tropical fish from a semi-submersible craft and glass bottom boat. Option to go snorkelling to view this natural living wonder up-close.
Day 10 At leisure, Cairns:
Cairns is the gateway to Tropical Far North Queensland, a region of contrasts and surprises. It is home to the Great Barrier Reef, palm-fringed isolated beaches, Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands, World Heritage listed rainforests and the sun burnt outback. This dynamic area serves as a diverse hub for many attractions and activities of the Tropical North. Apart from the major tourism attractions of the Reef & Rainforest, there are many adventure sports such as white water rafting and bungee jumping, as well as other activities such as golf and trail riding. Optional sightseeing excursions: Kuranda Skyrail & Sky Train, Cape Tribulation/Daintree Rainforst, Cairns Zoo,
Day 11 Fly Cairns to Sydney:
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel. Sydney - Australia's premier city is the oldest settlement in Australia, the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country's capital in everything but name. Built on the shores of the stunning Port Jackson, you would have to die and go to heaven before you see a more spectacular setting for a city. It's a vital, self-regarding metropolis, exuding both a devil-may-care urbanity and a slavish obsession with global fads. The Sydney area was the ancestral home of the Daruk tribe, whose territory extended from Botany Bay to Pittwater. There are some 2000 Aboriginal rock engraving sites in the Sydney area, and many of Sydney's suburbs have Aboriginal names. The city of Sydney began life as a penal colony in 1788 and for the next 60 years received the unwanted, persecuted and criminal elements of British society. Despite its brutal beginnings, the city's mixture of pragmatic egalitarianism and plain indifference has transformed it into a thriving multicultural society. Sydney now attracts the majority of Australia's immigrants and the city's predominantly Anglo-Irish heritage has been revitalized by large influxes of Italian, Lebanese, Turkish, Greek, Chinese and Vietnamese.
Day 12 Tour - Harbor Lucheon cruise & Sydney half day city tour :
Tour Sydney’s icons taking in magnificent views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. • Enjoyable Sydney Harbour Luncheon Cruise and relax on board as you view the exclusive waterfront homes. • Tour through the historic buildings of the Rocks area, Australia’s British birthplace • See the famous Opera House and the Conservatorium of Music • View Hyde Park and Notre Dame inspired St Mary’s Cathedral • See Parliament House, the Art Gallery and the parklands of the Domain • See Sydney Town Hall, Sydney Tower and the exciting Darling Harbour • Capture views from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
Day 13 At leisure, Sydney:
At your leisure to explore Sydney. Most of the major attractions of the city are within easy walking distance of your accommodation - Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, Centrepoint Tower, Circular Quay, The Rocks etc.
Day 14 Fly Sydney to USA (Via Auckland):
You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight
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