Discover the unsurpassed beauty and culture of the southern hemisphere. Take a gondola ride up a New Zealand peak; enjoy a sightseeing tour of Christchurch, New Zealand’s “Garden City”; trace the coastline of beautiful Lake Tekapo as you follow the Kawarau River into Queenstown; and behold the fantastic vista of the cityscape and harbors of Auckland from atop the volcanic slopes of Mount Eden.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Sydney

Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled flight aboard an internationally recognized airline. Cross the International Date Line and “lose” a day.
Included meals: breakfast

Day 2 - Sydney

In flight to Australia.
Meals included: breakfast

Day 3 - Sydney

Arrive in Sydney. After transferring to your hotel, you may rest or begin exploring the city on your own before joining an included Sydney Harbor Cruise with dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 4 - Sydney

Sydney boasts one of the world’s best natural city settings. Situated directly by the harbor of Port Jackson, with the gargantuan Harbor Bridge and Opera House jutting out into the skyline, it is truly a sight to soak in. Step inside the iconic Opera House for a guided tour. On your guided sightseeing tour of the city, learn about the convicted criminals who arrived here in the late 18th century to become Australia’s first European settlers. Pass by Chinatown and the grand public buildings on Macquarie Street. See Darling Harbor, the Rocks and world-famous Bondi Beach. Step inside the iconic Opera House for a guided tour.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Sydney Opera House

Day 5 - Sydney

Spend the day enjoying Sydney at your own pace today. Alternatively, opt for an excursion to the Blue Mountains and the famous “Three Sisters.”
Included meals: breakfast

$145 USD

Blue Mountains Often described as one of nature’s masterpieces, these mountains radiate an exquisite blue hue on a clear day, the result of sunlight striking the drops of eucalyptus oil that hang in the air. Here, visit The Edge Cinema, the Three Sisters rock formation and the Megalong Valley Heritage Centre. Lunch is included.

Day 6 - Christchurch

Depart Australia this morning by plane and touch down in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Included meals: breakfast

Day 7 - Christchurch

Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour of New Zealand’s “Garden City.” View its award-winning gardens, modern buildings, Cathedral Square, the city’s first European settlement, the University of Canterbury and Hagley Park. Then travel along the Summit Road to the Sign of Takahe, a historic roadhouse. After the tour, you’ll have free time to browse on your own or go "punting" on the Avon River. Tonight, enjoy a special opportunity to become acquainted with some “Kiwis” (as New Zealanders are nicknamed) over a home-hosted dinner with a local family.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 8 - Queenstown

Travel through some of New Zealand’s most captivating vistas today. Pass through the Canterbury Plains and the sheep-farming region around Ashburton. Then travel through Burton’s Pass into the high Mackenzie Country. After passing beautiful Lake Tekapo, follow the Kawarau River into Queenstown.
Included meals: breakfast

Day 9 - Queenstown

After a free morning in Queenstown, take the Gondola Aerial Cableway 1,500 feet up Bob’s Peak, which overlooks beautiful lakes and mountain scenery. This evening, you might choose an optional steamship ride across Lake Wakatipu to visit the Walter Peak Sheep and Cattle Station, including a typical local dinner at the Homestead Restaurant.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Gondola Aerial Cableway

$85 USD

Walter Peak Departing Queenstown, take a scenic steamship cruise across Lake Wakatipu to visit Walter Peak. This original homestead is one of New Zealand’s most famous sheep and cattle stations. Enjoy a high-country dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant. Please note: From May through July, the cruise portion will not be offered.

Day 10 - Queenstown

Depart early this morning for a full-day included excursion to see the breathtaking scenery of Milford Sound. The journey takes you through the Five Rivers farming region and around the shores of Te Anau Lake and into fjord country. After climbing to the Homer Saddle and driving through the Homer Tunnel, follow the beautiful Cleddau River into Milford Sound. On arrival, board a boat for a cruise around the Sound. Created during the Ice Age, the fjord around which you’ll travel knifes out into the sea between native forests and sheer cliff faces. This is some of the most memorable scenery in the world, and the view of the mile-high Mitre Peak is truly unforgettable.
Included meals: breakfast

Day 11 - Rotorua

Fly this morning to Rotorua in the heart of the North Island’s Maori country. This evening, enjoy a bountiful Maori Hangi Feast with your fellow travelers.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Please note: On some departures, flights to Rotorua may not be available. In these cases, an extra night in Auckland will be substituted for Rotorua on Day 12.

Day 12 - Auckland

Transfer to the city of Auckland, where you’ll have free time to explore on your own.
Included meals: breakfast

Day 13 - Auckland

Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Auckland, the City of Sails, built upon two natural harbors, the Waitemata and the Manukau. Behold the fantastic vista of the cityscape and harbors from atop the volcanic slopes of Mount Eden. If you are continuing on our tour extension, transfer to the airport for your flight to Fiji. Otherwise, transfer to the airport for your flight home. By recrossing the International Date Line, you’ll reclaim the day you lost on departure, arriving home on Day 13.
Included meals: breakfast