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Sydney, The Outback, The Great Barrier Reef, & New Zealand’s Best!

 

Day 1 & 2 – Depart from Home (Overnight Flight)

Today you will board your overnight flight for your trip to Australia and New Zealand. Crossing the International Dateline, you skip a day ahead. Your R&J Tour Director is there is assist you throughout your flight.

 

Day 3 – Arrive Melbourne, Australia

Your tour begins in the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne, set around the shores of Port Phillip Bay and boasting a lively and cosmopolitan pulse.

Hotel: Rendezvous Hotel

Included Meals: Dinner


Day 4 – Melbourne

Today’s tour of Melbourne features Fitzroy Gardens, valued for their historic, architectural and horticultural significance. Later, you will participate in a tour that travels to Phillip Island, arriving at the fascinating home of the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins. See hundreds of these lovable birds waddling out from the sea after a day of fishing and across the beach to their burrows in the dunes during the Little Penguin Parade. 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.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 5 – Melbourne to Alice Springs

You fly to Alice Springs, located in the heart of Central Australia and the Outback. A sightseeing tour includes the Old Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill, with its excellent view of Alice Springs and the surrounding area. 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, a musical group comprised of at-risk youth from the local community. Tonight, enjoy a memorable dinner in the bush complete with entertainment under the stars.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

Day 6 – Alice Springs

Discover the culture of the Aboriginal people this morning during the ‘Dreamtime Tour.’ Your specialist guide, along with members of the Walpiri tribe, will tell you their stories of creation and show you the everyday activities of the Aboriginals. You will meet these people at their camp and watch as various dreamtime stories are depicted in paintings.

Included Meals: Breakfast


Day 7 – Alice Springs to Ayers Rock

Today you drive to Ayers Rock in the heart of the Australian Outback. This huge monolith and the sandstone domes of the Olgas were created through the process of upheaval and erosion. As the sun sets, enjoy a champagne toast and watch as Ayers Rock magically changes color.

Hotel: Desert Gardens

Included Meals: Breakfast


Day 8 – Ayers Rock to Cairns

Today, tour the Olgas and the base of “the Rock,” learning about their significance to the Aboriginal culture before leaving behind Australia’s Outback. Then you are off to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. One of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions, the reef was established as a marine park in 1975 and is a collective haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds. In 1981 the United Nations designated the Great Barrier Reef a World Heritage site.

Hotel: Novotel Rockford Palm Cove

Included Meals: Dinner


Day 9 – Great Barrier Reef

Board a high-speed catamaran for an exciting excursion on the Great Barrier Reef. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef in many ways. Enjoy a trip on a glass bottom boat where beautifully colored fish swim beneath in their natural habitat. Choose a stroll on the walking trail to take in the rain forest and the beaches, snorkel or watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. You may also visit the underwater observatory.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch


Day 10 – Cairns to Sydney

This morning we will glide over and into the leafy rainforest canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, the world’s longest gondola cableway. The gondola will carry us through the rugged beauty of Barron Gorge National Park with its dramatic Barron Gorge & waterfalls, to part of the Wet Tropics, and to a UNESCO World Heritage area. Traveling deep into the rainforest, the gondola will stop at two viewing platforms – cameras ready? Then we’ll depart for the exciting city of Sydney this afternoon. The evening is yours to independently explore one of the world’s friendliest cities.

Hotel: Menzies Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast


Day 11 – Sydney

Today is a full day exploring the fun-loving city of Sydney. Begin with a tour that includes sights such as 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 most fascinating architectural sites as you take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Your discovery of Sydney continues with time to pursue your own interests. Stroll through the city streets, visit the historic Rocks District, or simply relax. Your Tour Guide will be on hand to offer suggestions.

Included Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 12 – Sydney

This morning visit Koala Park which will give you an up-close and personal chance to learn about the different types of wildlife native to the land down under. You’ll walk amongst wallabies, indigenous birds, kangaroos, dingoes and koalas. Experience the koala habitat where you can even take your picture with a koala! Next, journey to the National Opal Collection where you will enjoy a fascinating opal presentation and learn how raw opals are transformed from the dark mine shafts to beautiful artistic creations. This evening, say farewell to Australia with an unforgettable experience as you dine while cruising the Sydney harbour, enjoying views of the city’s great icons – the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 13 – Sydney to Christchurch, New Zealand

Today you board your flight to begin your exploration of New Zealand. You arrive in Christchurch, a beautiful English city located on the Avon River. Christchurch is considered “the most English city outside of England.” A sightseeing tour highlights the city’s magnificent gardens and elegant park district where you learn why Christchurch is referred to as the “Garden City.” A special treat is in store for you tonight as you dine with a New Zealand family in their home. Meet and talk firsthand with a friendly Kiwi family who are delighted to share their culture, traditions and home with you.

Hotel: Novotel Cathedral Square

Included Meals: Dinner


Day 14 – Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier Region

Traveling across New Zealand’s spectacular Southern Alps on the Tranz Alpine Expess Train, you will marvel at the fertile farmlands and fields dotted with sheep and cattle, the snowcapped peaks, and the beautiful river gorges as we wind our way past waterfalls and rugged mountain scenery. You’ll end your day in the Franz Josef Glacier Region which offers travelers a rare opportunity to experience a dynamic glacial landscape, in a temperate environment.

Hotel: Franz Josef Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast


Day 15 – Franz Josef to Queenstown

Before departing Franz Josef, visit the new West Coast Wildlife Centre to learn about the endangered Kiwi bird and other types of wildlife indigenous to New Zealand’s west coast. Board your coach and journey to Queenstown. An amazing landscape unfolds before your eyes as you pass through the rain forest, surrounded by the Southern Alps and twisting coastline, revealing New Zealand’s most stunning scenery. Cross green glacial lakes, view thundering waterfalls and enjoy dramatic changes in scenery. After crossing the Haast Pass you arrive in Queenstown, one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns, nestled beside the mysterious Lake Wakatipu in the Southern Lakes district. This evening enjoy dinner at the Skyline Restaurant where you will enjoy spectacular views overlooking Queenstown, the Remarkable Mountains and Lake Wakatipu. After dinner we will learn more about the native culture of New Zealand through the Maori’s. Experience a traditional Haka ceremonial dance with instruments, songs, and rhythmic, precision dancing.

Hotel: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

Day 16 – Queenstown to Milford Sound to Queenstown

Your ride to Milford Sound is lined with unforgettable beauty, taking you through beech forest into Hollyford Valley’s rugged grandeur and through the Homer Tunnel. Arriving at mesmerizing Milford Sound, sail away on a leisurely cruise that brings you through the deep fjord, surrounded by sheer mountains rising almost six thousand feet from the water’s surface.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch


Day 17 – Queenstown

Enjoy your morning & early afternoon at leisure to relax, shop the charming village of Queenstown, and more! We will depart mid-afternoon aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a beloved steamship that’s been transporting people & goods on Lake Wakatipu since 1912. Arrive at Colonel’s Homestead, a country farm that boasts a buffet of New Zealand’s best meats, seafood, fresh vegetables, and dessert specialities. An after dinner show provides an entertaining glimpse into farming life in the high country.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 18 – Queenstown to Mt. Cook

Enjoy a visit to Arrowtown, a boomtown during the 1800’s gold rush. Next, enjoy a tasting and tour at one of New Zealand’s famous wineries. Stop at a local fruit stand to experience some of the delicious produce that grows in the Central Otago region. Crossing the Kawarau River, you see Lindis Pass before arriving in New Zealand’s most famous national park, Mt. Cook. There will be time to enjoy the Alpine paradise of Mt. Cook – a larger than life experience.

Hotel: Hermitage Lodge

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 19 – Mt. Cook to Christchurch

This morning, drive through magnificent landscapes as you return to Christchurch. Visit a working farm where you will view a demonstration by a skilled New Zealand “strong eye” sheep herding dog, followed by a sheep shearing demonstration. Learn how this New Zealand farm family has survived the changing times. Tonight, step back in time and experience the true elegance of Canterbury as you dine at a restored mansion and learn about the history of the first settlers of Christchurch.

Hotel: Novotel Cathedral Square

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 20 – Christchurch to Home

Your tour ends today in Christchurch. Fly home with fresh memories of an amazing Australia & New Zealand tour!

Included Meals: Breakfast

 

Please note that cash & check are the only acceptable forms of payment for this particular tour.  Thank you!

 

Flyaway Per Person Pricing Information

Double: $8,499
Single: $10,399

Flyaway Travel Protection Per Person

Double: $579
Single: $731

Travel Bucks

$75 Travel Bucks per person earned with this tour

Deposit Due

$200 deposit per person due at time of reservation. Full payment due 60 days prior to depart.

Passport Needed

Yes

Tour Pace

Moderate to Extensive Walking

Price Includes

Roundtrip airfare from MSP (including all taxes & surcharges appox. $500 per person) as well as all internal flights,
27 meals, all activities as stated in
brochure, Expert Local Guides, Hotels, Visa Process & Charges



Flyaway Departure Date:
03/08/2013
Flyaway Return Date:
03/27/2013

Make a Reservation Online

Tour Map


Tour Highlights

Sightsee Melbourne and travel to Phillip Island to see the famous Little Penguin march!
Experience the Outback with Ayers Rock &
Alice Springs complete with an Outback Dinner & Entertainment Under the Stars
Meet & Discover the culture of the Abioriginal Walpiri Tribe
Great Barrier Reef High-Speed Catamaran Excursion
Glide over & into Cairns’ Rainforest Canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Sydney for 3 nights including a Sunset Dinner Cruise on the world famous Sydney Harbour! Plus Tour the Sydney Opera House and sightsee the city!
Dine with a New Zealand Family in their Home
Ride the Tranz Alpine Express Train, the Southern Hemisphere’s most scenic railway journey
Franz Josef Glacier Region
Experience Queenstown & Cruise Milford Sound
Maori Haka Ceremony
Mt. Cook National Park
Lake Wakatipu Cruise & Carvery Dinner
We’ll be Guests at Luxury Hotels with an average of 4 Stars!


Dedicated to presenting the greatness of God through the beauty of His Creation.