South Pacific Wonders

Cross the International Dateline, skipping a day ahead, and begin your adventure of a lifetime.

Welcome to Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions and a World Heritage site - the Great Barrier Reef. Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently.

Come to know the history of Australia’s original inhabitants at the Rainforestation Nature Park, where an Indigenous Pamagirri guide will show you some of their oldest customs and traditions. Enjoy an "Aussie" barbecue lunch before visiting Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to see crocodiles on a nature cruise. Head through rainforests on boardwalks to see animals such as birds, reptiles, and wallabies. Visit with a koala and chat with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these marsupials.

Board a high-speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the reef from your base on Green Island. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride, stroll the island’s walking trails, relax on the beach, snorkel, or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, an optional outer reef tour is also available.

The morning is yours. Enjoy your last few hours in Cairns by relaxing and taking in the tropical atmosphere and surrounding neighborhood. Then, fly to the bustling city of Sydney.

See where English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney, featuring Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, and the Botanic Gardens. Take an expert-led tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Then, have the chance to join a special presentation at the National Opal Collection.

Embrace the exciting city of Sydney during a day of independent exploration. Tonight, say farewell to Australia while on a dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the scenic vistas of the harbor, showcasing Sydney’s magnificent skyline, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. Tomorrow, the journey to New Zealand begins.

This morning, catch a flight to Christchurch. Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, you’ll see firsthand how the city known as “the Garden City” is recreating itself.

Start your morning with a city tour of Christchurch. Then, pay a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. A leader in the conservation of New Zealand species, Willowbank offers the chance to view New Zealand’s “Big 5” - the Kiwi, the Kea, the Tuatara, the Kaka, and the Takahe - up close and personal. Then, learn about the local Indigenous culture of the Maori with a paddle on the Avon River in a traditional waka (canoe).

Depart Christchurch and trek south to Queenstown during a half-day of travel. Known as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” Queenstown is nestled against a picturesque bay and snowcapped mountains. Arrive in Queenstown in the afternoon and have time to explore independently before dinner.

Cruise Lake Wakatipu surrounded by Queenstown’s stunning landscape aboard an iconic coal-fired steamship.* Then, enjoy a "Kiwi" barbecue lunch lakeside followed by a sheepdog demonstration before sailing back. Later, it’s your choice! Go bird watching at the Kiwi Birdlife Park -OR- take a gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak** for stunning panoramic views of the area. This evening is yours to enjoy charming Queenstown. Get some good rest ahead of a long day of travel tomorrow.

Enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley as you travel through an ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. Cruise the Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on the South Island. Following your cruise, you may choose to return to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

A free day offers an optional tour taking you through the majestic Queenstown countryside, showcasing many of the locations where blockbuster movies have been filmed, or perhaps you’ll want to shop and people-watch in the village. Gather for a “farewell to New Zealand” dinner.

Your tour ends today in Queenstown.