Escorted Tour of New Zealand & Australia
February 28th to March 21st, 2009
The Vacation Station presents their exclusive itinerary “Downunder”, visiting the highlights of these extraordinary countries, with a special emphasis on the cultural and natural experiences for which these destinations are world famous.
Escorted the entire duration by The Vacation Station owner and native New Zealander, James Voorend, who has spent many years as a professional tour guide.
Note:This tour is ONLY available from The Vacation Station.
Day by Day Itinerary
DAY 1 & 2 Board your flight from North America to Auckland, New Zealand. Cross the International Dateline and lose a day enroute. DAY 3 - ARRIVE AUCKLAND (B) Welcome to New Zealand! After clearing Customs and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) at Auckland International Airport please go straight into the main hall. Our local Representative will greet you and arrange transportation to your hotel. This afternoon we go for a stroll to the nearby city centre and Viaduct Basin, where the America’s Cup was based for many years. Overnight accommodation is at the 4 star Rydges Auckland Hotel.
DAY 4 – AUCKLAND (B) This morning enjoy a tour of this “City of Sails”. Including a visit to the summit of Skytower, at 328m, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, for panoramic views of the city and its two harbours, plus visit the Botanic Gardens, Mt Eden and the downtown city area and Waterfront Drive with its numerous yacht marinas. This afternoon at your leisure. Perhaps join your Vacation Station hosts for an optional short ferry ride across the harbour to quaint Devonport for lunch and stroll amongst the Victorian shops.
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DAY 5 – AUCKLAND / ROTORUA (B)
Depart Auckland, travelling south to Hamilton via the Bombay Hills and lush Waikato pastureland, then on to Waitomo Caves for a subterranean boat ride to the limestone caverns and marvelling at the sparkling glow worms. Cross the Mamaku Ranges to reach Rotorua, centre of Maori culture for the region and a thermal wonderland.
Your accommodation is at Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights)
Pohutu Geyser Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
DAY 6 – ROTORUA (B,S)
A sightseeing tour encompasses the cultural and scenic highlights of the area. Visit the Agrodome to see a display featuring New Zealand’s various sheep breeds and a sheep shearing demonstration. Whilst at the Agrodome, be sure to visit the Bliss Confectionery factory & shop for a complimentary treat and tempting sweet delights. Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park and see pools of rainbow and brown trout and native birds including the Kiwi. Take the spectacular Skyline Skyride for superb views over city, lake and mountains and for those wanting just a little excitement try a Luge ride with our compliments - enjoy the thrill. At the completion of the tour (mid afternoon) there will be time for optional activities:-shopping, trout fishing or a dip in a thermal pool. This evening you will enjoy a Maori hangi (meal) which will include a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka.
Maori Haka Rotorua Luge
DAY 7 – ROTORUA / QUEENSTOWN (B)
This morning visit Te Puia for the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and famous Pohutu Geyser. You will be taken back to the Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua, from where you will be transferred to Rotorua Airport for your flight to Queenstown
Please Note: You will be required to pay a local tax of NZD$5 to depart from Rotorua Airport.
Flight departs: Rotorua 12.20pm - Arrives: Queenstown 3.45pm
You will be met on arrival by our local represenative and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon is free to enjoy Queenstown at your leisure. Your accommodation is at Blue Peaks Lodge (3 nights)
DAY 8 – QUEENSTOWN (B) A day to explore the many delights of this alpine resort at your leisure. Your Coach Captain will happily advise on the many optional sightseeing and recreational activities available to you. We recommend the world famous Shotover Jet Boat ride, take a Gondola ride to the Skyline high above town, a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon, or for the adventurous - white water rafting and bungee jumping. Alternatively browse in the many shops and galleries - the choice is yours. DAY 9 – MILFORD SOUND DAY TRIP (B, L) An early departure to visit a highlight of any tour (a picnic lunch on board is included in your tour). Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys where the beech forests reach right to the roads edge and mighty snow capped peaks tower above, pass the Homer Tunnel and descend into the Cleddau Canyon to reach majestic Milford Sound dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you right to the open sea and shows such highlights as the Bowen and Stirling Falls. Ample time this afternoon to relax and really appreciate your surroundings, take a short walk into the rainforest to visit The Chasm, a spectacular waterfall, then pause at the entrance to the Homer Tunnel. If time and conditions permit your Coach Captain may make a short drive into the Hollyford Valley before returning to Queenstown this evening.
DAY 10 – QUEENSTOWN / CHRISTCHURCH (B) Today your coach will take you north up to the pretty lakeside town of Wanaka before turning east and travelling through the Lindis Pass, on into Mt Cook National Park. A stop at the Mt Cook Alpine Village allows time to enjoy the scenic majesty of New Zealand’s highest mountain before continuing to Lake Tekapo. View the Church of the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog statue before travelling into the foothills of the Mackenzie Country. Travel across the rich Canterbury Plains to reach Christchurch. Overnight accommodation is at Pavilions Hotel
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Shotover River Jet
Crusing on Milford Sound |
DAY 11 - CHRISTCHURCH / SYDNEY (B)
This morning a city sightseeing tour will highlight a strong English influence. See the parklands and River Avon, and circuit the city centre to see the main attractions including the Arts Centre, Worcester Boulevard, Christ’s College, Victoria Square, Cathedral Square and shopping precincts. You will be transferred to the airport in plenty of time to join your flight to Australia.
We arrive in Sydney late afternoon, transfer downtown to our home for the next two nights the Menzies Hotel. Join your Vacation Station hosts for an evening stroll to Circular Key and the historic Rocks District.
DAY 12 – SYDNEY (B) This morning we are picked up for our sightseeing tour of Sydney. Pass through the historical Rocks area and Circular Quay as your driver/guide points out and tells you about the history and significance of the areas. View the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from Mrs Macquarie's Chair, a chair specially designed for the governor's wife to look out over the harbour. Travel through Chinatown, Darling Harbour, Kings Cross and Double Bay. Stop at “The Gap”, the heads of the Harbour, for photo opportunities. Stop at world-famous Bondi Beach before heading back to your hotel. Join your Vacation Station hosts this afternoon on a Sydney Harbour Cruise to Manly Beach, a great place for a picnic lunch. The balance of the day is free, perhaps to enjoy a concert at the Opera House.
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DAY 13 – SYDNEY / CAIRNS (B)
A free morning before our early afternoon flight to Cairns, in Northern Queensland, where we stay three nights at the superb Novotel Palm Cove. The evening is free to enjoy this beachside community with its many fine restaurants.
DAY 14 – CAIRNS (B,L) Board a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a 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. Go snorkelling to view this natural living wonder up close (equipment provided). A buffet lunch is included.
DAY 15 – CAIRNS (B,L) Join the famous Kuranda Railway for a breathtaking journey to the village of Kuranda. Stroll through the famous Kuranda markets. Return by the Skyrail Cableway above the Barron Gorge National Park, a beautiful experience. Visit the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and experience where the legends of the Dreamtime are brought to life.
DAY 16 – CAIRNS / ULURU (AYERS ROCK) (B) Depart Queensland for your morning flight to the Northern Territory. On arrival at Ayers Rock Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is spent touring Kata Tjuta (the Olga’s), including a walk at Walpa Gorge. Travel to the sunset viewing area to enjoy nibbles and a glass of wine and watch the effect of the setting sun on the colour of Uluru. Don’t forget your camera!
DAY 17 - ULURU / ALICE SPRINGS (B) This afternoon we travel through interesting desert scenery between Ayers Rock Resort and Alice Springs. View Atila (Mt Conner) along the way. Stop at Mt Ebenezer Roadhouse where there is the opportunity to purchase afternoon tea and locally made Aboriginal art (all at own expense). Travel north along the Stuart Highway to Alice Springs, arriving in time for dinner.
DAY 18 - ALICE SPRINGS / ADELAIDE (B) Later this morning we depart the “Red Centre” for Adelaide, on Australia’s southern coast. On arrival in Adelaide you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps ride the historic tram from Victoria Square to the beachside suburb of Glenelg. Hotel: Stamford Plaza 2 nights. |
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
Great Barrier Reef
Sacred Site - Uluru |
DAY 19 - BAROSSA VALLEY (B,L)
Travel through the spectacular Torrens Gorge and later test out the amazing acoustics of the Whispering Wall at the Barossa Reservoir. Stop for morning tea at a typical German bakery in Lyndoch. Visit 3 premium wineries and enjoy a Barossa-style lunch in the heart of the Barossa Valley.
DAY 20 - KANGAROO ISLAND - Seal Bay (B,L) DAY 21 - KANGAROO ISLAND - Flinders Chase National Park (B,L)
Day 22: Depart Adelaide |
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You will be transferred to Adelaide Airport to connect with your onward flight home, or perhaps to extend your vacation.
Extension Options include: Tasmania, Melbourne, Perth, the Pacific Islands, Asia and Hawaii.
Tour Meal Plan: Dinner (D), Breakfast (B), Room Only (R), Specialty Dinner (S)