Small group touring for independent travelers Or get some friends and have a PRIVATE TOUR!!
THE WONDERS OF DOWNUNDER NEW ZEALAND AUSTRALIA 21 DAYS
A perfectly paced New Zealand and Australia tour, providing unique accommodation and small group day excursions and excellent local guides. This trip can be further customized to reduce or add days/nights, and other Australia and/or New Zealand destinationsl
NEW ZEALAND includes Auckland, Rotorua, Maori experiences, Queenstown, nature walks, Milford Sound, Christchurch, and the Tranz Alpine Train and Southern Alps!
AUSTRALIA includes Melbourne, North Queensland Rainforests, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, the Blue Mountains or vineyards, and a full day with nature!
Depart ANY DAY. This is an independent tour that includes transfers, accommodations, touring and sightseeing.
Day 1 DEPART HOMETOWN any day. Day 2 Cross International Dateline
Day 3 ARRIVE AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND TAHUTI MAI!
Breakfast inflight before you touch down at sunrise at Auckland. You are met on arrival outside of Customs and transferred to your hotel. Your room is ready for immediate occupancy, so settle in, freshen up with a hot shower and fresh clothes - you're a new person...
9am: you have a private tour of Auckland sights with an excellent local guide, paced to your interests.
Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is known as the City of Sails. Sprawling between two harbours (the Waitemata and the Manukau) and nestling around the beautiful island-dotted Hauraki Golf, Auckland provides residents and visitors with one of the most beautiful aquatic playgrounds in the world. Auckland contains nearly a quarter of the country’s population and is the largest Polynesian city in the Southern Hemisphere. It is the country’s business and industrial centre.
A quick bite of lunch before you set off to the magnificent Black Sand beaches of Waitakere with a guide. Forest and beach walks, a study of some of the flora and fauna, afternoon tea...and back to your hotel well deserving of a light supper and early to bed, tired yet rejuvenated.
Day 4 AUCKLAND/ROTORUA (B/box lunch)
Sunrise over the Pacific as you breakfast at the hotel.
8am: You are collected from the front of your hotel by your coach driver and set off on a scenic drive south out of the city, into rich farmlands and through cottage vineyards, arriving into Waitomo mid morning. Join a ranger-guided tour into the famous caves to see the glowworm grotto, millions of tiny glowworms lighting up a deep cavern. Return “topside” and continue on to Rotorua, enjoying a box lunch on the way with your fellow travelers. Rotorua - heart of Maori culture and a magnificent thermal region.
Settle into your hotel across from the Polynesian Pools.
The evening is free - you might relax in the warm thermal waters at the nearby pools, shop or visit the Maori arts and crafts institute. A spa treatment is a fantastic way to appreciate the healing waters and geothermal mud of this famous region (we can make arrangments) particularly after a day of travel.
Day 5 ROTORUA, Maori culture and thermal areas (B/D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
8.30am: You are collected by your local guide and travel with a small group. Experience the amazing geothermal activity, gushing geysers, boiling mud pools and the many colours of every tint and hue displayed in pools, lakes, craters, steaming vents and mineral terraces of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal region.
Day 6 to QUEENSTOWN (B)
Breakfast at the hotel before being transferred to the airport for a morning flight to Queenstown, the “Aspen of New Zealand”. Transfer to your accommodation.
Enjoy lunch and a cold drink in one of the pubs or cafes, stroll through the shops and people watch along the waterfront.
4pm: Gain an insight into Queenstown’s unique heritage with this fascinating excursion.Cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw accompanied by an onboard historian. As you cruise you’ll learn about the steamship’s early cargo-carrying days serving the remote farms on the shores of the lake.
Disembark at Walter Peak High Country Station for a guided tour of the Colonel’s Homestead and its beautifully presented gardens. Your guide will show you around the homestead and collection of photographs and memorabilia of the pioneering farming families.
Then relax in the idyllic rural surroundings and enjoy a central Otago wine and cheese tasting, accompanied by an antipasto platter.
Afterwards, stroll around the farmyard or simply relax in the gorgeous surrounds over a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or rich Pinot Noir before cruising back to Queenstown arriving at 7pm.
Day 7 Milford Sound (B/L)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Flying over the Southern Alps between Queenstown and Milford is the ultimate way to experience southern New Zealand’s dramatic alpine scenery.
A hidden landscape unfolds below, revealing glacial lakes, waterfalls, deep valleys and cloud-piercing summits.
Our aircraft are specially selected for the mountainous terrain of Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks. All our pilots are specifically trained for alpine flying and provide an informative commentary along the way.
On landing at the Milford Sound airstrip you are transferred to the harbour where you board your selected cruise, either a scenic on a spacious, modern vessel or join a specialist nature guide on a relaxed, extended nature cruise (your choice). Lunch is on board. You return to Queenstown by air and are transferred to your hotel.
Note that this trip is weather dependent. Alternatively, you can travel one or both ways by touring coach, a 4 hour drive in each direction. Note that an overnight on Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound can be arranged at time of booking.
Day 8 Wilderness Jetboat Safari (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today’s wilderness safari combines a 1 ½ hours jet boating, with forest and nature walks and a glorious back road journey through paradise. Take plenty of film.....
You are picked up this morning and travel up the scenic road to Glenorchy where you board your jetboat. Travel up the Dart River on these wonderful and manipulative boats, skimming by the nearby shore, turning on a dime. Stops are made for photos and short walks, and morning tea is enjoyed along the banks of the river. The Dart River is mainly inaccessible except by jetboat, so the setting is quiet and serene and absent of people but yourselves. A beautiful morning. Return to Queenstown about 1PM.
In summer months sunscreen, sunglasses and sunhat are essential and insect repellent is recommended. Bring very warm clothes in winter or if the weather is cool. Eyewear is essential along with warm hat and gloves, a fleece jacket and windproof outer jacket.
Afternoon is at leisure to enjoy shopping, river rafting, horse riding, golf, or people watching. Or, take the ride to Bob’s Peak on the Gondola and watch the film Kiwi Magic with an exciting or scenic return by Luge.
Day 9 to CHRISTCHURCH (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
You are transferred to the airport and fly to Christchurch – a short flight to the ‘most English city outside of England’. Note: you may elect to travel to Mt. Cook this morning for overnight. OR travel this day by touring coach, which is an 8 hour scenic coach journey with 2 hour stop at Mt. Cook for flight seeing, alpine hiking and lunch. Either option must be arranged at time of booking.
Christchurch, the “Garden City” is very famous for its home gardens. In early February, there is the judging of the finest home garden which must be maintained solely by the home owners – no outside help, and the city is literally ‘in bloom’.
Christchurch is also a city of Parks, gardens, gothic architecture and art galleries, as well as sophisticated cafes and restaurants. There are festivals, theatre, live music and great shopping. You may like to visit Cathedral Square in the heart of the City, the Canterbury Museum, take a tram ride around the city, explore the Arts Centre, go punting along the picturesque Avon river, or visit the Antarctic Centre (near the airport).
You have an afternoon tour for an afternoon in and around Christchurch including local history, architecture, gardens and wildlife. Return to your hotel later afternoon.
Day 10 CHRISTCHURCH, full day touring Southern Alps (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel.
You spend today within some of the most magnificent New Zealand scenery, traveling by road through the Canterbury Plains to Kowhai Bush in the Waimakariri Gorge in the foothills of the rugged Southern Alps. Board a jet boat for an exciting 45 minute ride and travel upstream into the canyon to areas otherwise inaccessible, past a 75 metre high train viaduct, a waterfall and thick beech forest. On return to Kowhai Bush board a 4x4 and travel on a tour on Torlesse Station while viewing the spectacular alpine scenery. Following lunch in Springfield, travel on to Arthur’s Pass National Park where you join the TranzAlpine train for the return journey to Christchurch. The TranzAlpine is renowned as one of the top ten scenic rail journeys in the world. Return to your hotel this afternoon.
and now on to AUSTRALIA...
Day 11 TO MELBOURNE (B/Meal inflight)
Breakfast at the hotel.
A fond farewellHAERE RĀ!to New Zealand as you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Melbourne, capital city of the state of Victoria, Australia.
On arrival this same morning, clear customs and immigration and exit into the Arrivals Hall where you are met by your host and transferred to your hotel.
Melbourne prides itself as great city, with its spectacular combination of old and new architecture, elegant streetscapes, ethnic communities and lavish parks and gardens. Add Australia’s best eating, an excellent transit system and a packed event’s calendar and you have all the ingredients for one of the most enlightened and livable cities in the world. You will be nicely surprised!
You have an afternoon tour of this eclectic city with an excellent local guide.
This evening, experience the myriad of dining options in this ‘city of food’. Melbourne has a lively passion for eating and drinking, which is reflected in thousands of restaurants serving up gastronomic experiences from around the world. What’s more, everywhere you look you’ll find an array of fashionable cafés, where you can enjoy Melbourne’s fantastic coffee culture to the full.
Melbourne also has some of the best shopping and nightlife in Australia. Whether you’re searching for haute couture or vintage clothing, skincare products or sparkling chardonnay, über-chic bars, clubs or jazz venues, Melbourne has it.
Day 12 MELBOURNE, at leisure and penguins (B/D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
The morning is at leisure in Melbourne, perhaps for a morning cruise on the beautiful Yarra River or coffee and pastries at a corner cafe.
2pm You are met in the hotel foyer by your guide for your afternoon and evening excursion to Phillip Island.
From the city we by-pass Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs before driving through beef and dairy cattle farms, horse breeding studs and swampland. A home made afternoon tea will be enjoyed on route before we pass through an interesting valley that's home to the world's longest earth worm. As we skirt Westernport and views of French Island we cross over the bridge to Phillip Island.
Recognised as a world leader for environmental conservation, Phillip Island’s sandy and rocky shorelines team with wildlife including over 200 species of birds. Time permitting we can view the local fisherman cleaning their catch of the day whilst battling amongst the fight of gulls and pelicans.
Have a quick distant view of Churchill Island, home to Victoria's oldest garden and crop of wheat. On Phillip Island's northern side, look out for masked lapwings, spoonbills, ibis, herons and black swans. We then visit the south-side and check out some local surfers on a pristine beach overlooking the highest point of the island.
It's now time to visit the Koala Conservation Centre. This is one of the few areas in Victoria where you can see a protected koala colony. Walk amongst the treetops in nature reserve bushland and see wild koalas within touching distance! We may spot a wild wallaby or two as well. Time permitting we pass Swan Lake, the island's largest fresh water lake, and head to the Nobbies. From this magnificent headland, the views stretch over Mornington Peninsula and Bass Strait. One and half kilometres offshore are Seal Rocks, home to Australia's largest Australian Fur Seal colony.
Finally we get to the Penguin Parade. Each evening at dusk Little Penguins arrive in groups on the beach after a day of fishing. See them waddle their way into the dunes where their burrow nests are situated. We have access to the less populated boardwalks enabling you to gain close contact with the penguins without any hustle and bustle. Seeing, hearing and learning about the penguin behaviour, and their daily routines is an amazing experience.
Your evening finishes with dinner in the township of Cowes before returning to Melbourne late evening.
Please note in summer you will dine before the Penguin Parade. This itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and time of the year. The itinerary lists many options and the guide will do the best to see all of this before sunset and the arrival of the penguins.
Day 13 MELBOURNE, nature excursion or wineries of Yarra Valley (B/L)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Nature excursion option: NOTE: this itinerary is an indication only, due to conditions on the day it can change slightly to maximise wildlife viewing opportunities
We depart Melbourne at around 9.30am to travel just 45 minutes to the west to Serendip Open Range Sanctuary, where we are immediately amongst wild kangaroos and native birds. Often our entrance is heralded by the screeching of Cockatoos or the chattering of Honeyeaters. After a short walk to meet the kangaroos, we begin our special Safari Drive around the Sanctuary to see emus and huge wild mobs of kangaroos. We stop often to enjoy the antics of the animals, and disembark for short walks to the lake (home to large populations of waterbirds) and through the gum trees.
Before lunch we visit a protected population of wallabies and get close to some strange Australian birds. Our picnic lunch is served in an open-air setting at the Sanctuary, and includes fruit and cakes, coffee and delicious Australian "Billy tea". Your guide will explain the history and recipe for the traditional tea of the Swagmen.
Leaving the sanctuary, we travel just 20 minutes further west to the bushland of Brisbane Ranges National Park. The park is home to a large and healthy population of wild Koalas, which we research and monitor to ensure the best possible sightings. We take a very easy walk through the gum trees, searching for koalas, wallabies, kangaroos and birds in their natural setting. Your guide will point out plants and features of interest, explain some of the history of the area and, where possible, introduce you to known, named koalas that are part of our research project.
The area we walk through is of great significance to the local Aboriginal People of the Wathaurong Tribe. Freshwater lakes and billabongs nearby provided a rich food source for them, and some signs of their occupation still remain. Your guide will share their knowledge with you. Though we will not be meeting any Aboriginal People on this tour, we act with the knowledge, consent and support of the Wathaurong Community. We return to Melbourne at about 6pm.
Yarra (wine) valley option: The Yarra Valley is recognised as one of the world’s prime grape-growing regions. It is home to Victoria’s earliest vineyards - the very first vines being planted at Yering Station in 1838.
This glorious valley surrounded by rolling hills and nurtured by the Yarra River, produces a remarkable array of exemplary cool-climate wines and regional produce. Amid undulating panoramas of vineyards and fertile farmland lie fifty-five cellar doors of some of the world’s finest wineries alongside some brilliant family-owned and boutique wineries, awaiting your discovery.
During the day we will visit 4-5 of the Yarra Valley’s finest wineries which may include Domaine Chandon where the style is to sit down and enjoy a full flute of sparkling wine and a taster’s platter. Other wineries that we may visit include Balgownie Estate, Coldstream Hills, Rochford, Oakridge Estate, Yering Station, Tokar Estate, De Bortoli, Dominique Portet, Fergusson Winery, Riverstone Estate, Yering Station, Tarrawarra Estate, Punt Road, Sticks, Immerse, Outlook Hill, Yileena Park and Coombe Farm.
Please talk to us about your favourites, and we will endeavour to include them in your tour.
Day 14 MELBOURNE/NORTH QUEENSLAND (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
You are transferred to the airport and fly to Cairns in sunny North Queensland. On arrival, you are transferred to a your hotel.
The afternoon is at leisure. A day to relax in the sunshine poolside, stroll the Esplanade, try your hand at the casino, or lunch along the Esplanade.
Day 15 NORTH QUEENSLAND, Great Barrier Reef (CB/L)
Breakfast at your hotel.
Note: there is an option on this day to take a large or a smaller boat day cruise. Please inquire with us on the differences, so that you will be on the best boat for your interest. Scuba, snorkel or viewing by submersible or glass bottom boat are all options.
You are picked up from hotel and transferred to your cruise boat.
From the moon the Great Barrier Reef is the only living structure visible on earth, it is a national treasure and one of the true wonders of the world. The friendly crew will take you to a reef at the very edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and life. The reef lagoon at Agincourt offers excellent swimming and snorkeling areas, quality snorkeling equipment is provided free of charge and the Marine Biologists on board can introduce you to a whole new world. For the more adventurous, SCUBA diving on Agincourt is amongst the best in the world, both introductory dives for the beginner and guided dives for the certified diver are available, both incur an additional cost. Or you can choose to stay dry and explore the stunning reef world one metre underwater from the semi-submersible vessel or an underwater observatory. Tropical smorgasbord lunch and morning and afternoon teas on board the Quicksilver are included. After a day of fun and sun return to Port Douglas and transfer back to your hotel by about 5pm.
Note: For experienced divers, there is also a selection of small diving vessels for a day trip to the reef, in lieu of a larger boat. Please inquire as there is a wide difference between the various boating choices.
Day 16 NORTH QUEENSLAND, rainforest (CB)
Breakfast at the hotel with the morning is at leisure.
This afternoon and evening tour is an experience of Wildlife in its natural environment and of coastal to mountain Rainforest. The trip visits many different habitats, from lowland to highland tropical Rainforest, each housing a remarkable concentration of flora and fauna. It is a great scenic tour and best for seeing the widest range of native plants, mammals, reptiles and birds all in their natural environment! As a day and night tour covering various elevations it enables you to truly experience the full majesty of the Rainforest. Your experienced guide talks you through local history, soils, geography, environment, indigenous people, plants and Wildlife. Guides help you with spotting Wildlife. Sightings typically include many birds, some endemic, the Musky Rat Kangaroo (the smallest and most primitive kangaroo), Boyd's Forest Dragon, at dusk Australia's famous "Duck Billed" Platypus and after dinner Lumholtz's Tree Kangaroo (occasionally), Lemuroid, Green and Herbert River Ringtail Possums and many other unusual mammals, insects (including Glow-worms and luminescent fungus - seasonal) and amphibians some found only here. Includes transfers, use of spotting equipment and books, refreshments, restaurant dinner, park fees and spotting lists. Please note that 'wildlife' is just that – wild, and not always available to us.
Day 17 TO SYDNEY (CB)
Breakfast at hotel.
You are transferred to the airport and fly to the exciting and beautiful city of Sydney, arriving mid afternoon. On arrival, you are transferred to your accommodation, a historic small hotel in the Rocks area.
This evening you might like to attend a performance at the Sydney Opera House. Please inquire as to the schedule during your Sydney stay.
Day 18 SYDNEY, city sights and harbour cruise (CB)
Breakfast at hotel.
You are collected from the hotel by an excellent local guide for a morning tour of the city.
Sydney is a thriving harbourside metropolis populated by four million people and is Australia’s best known city. It was the first site of European settlement on the Australian continent – one vastly different from today’s cosmopolitan showcase. The city’s most famous landmarks include Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and the Centrepoint Tower. With the harbour as the Sydney’s heart, the city proper is bounded by water to the north and west and fringed to the east by the extensive green parklands of the Botanical Gardens and the Domain. Sydney is an exciting and interesting city to experience.
Enjoy lunch on board your harbour cruise this afternoon on beautiful Sydney Harbour. Return to shore about 2.45pm with the balance of day and evening for self indulgence!!
Day 19 SYDNEY, Blue Mountains (L) with optional 3 hour hike or Hunter Wine Valley (L)
You are collected from your hotel this morning after breakast.
This is small group backcountry 4WD sightseeing in the breathtaking Blue Mountains. See kangaroos, koalas, waterfalls, the 3 Sisters, hidden canyons. Enjoy fully inclusive morning tea in the bush as well as a superb lunch in a historic Blue Mountains hotel. We travel in air conditioned, luxury All Terrain vehicles seating 6-18 passengers. Enjoy full commentary with expert driver/guide.
We travel across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, past the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games site before enjoying morning tea with wild kangaroos deep in the Australian bush. See kangaroos up close plus friendly parrots and cockatoos.
In the high Blue Mountains today you'll see waterfalls, magnificent canyons and Australia's most famous sight - the remarkable 3 Sisters. Travel on backcountry 4WD tracks leading to amazing lookouts that only our modified, small group vehicles can access.
Note: you can split away from the main group and take a 3 hour hike with packed lunch instead of the afternoon sights. This must be arranged at time of booking.
Lunch today is at a gorgeous historic mountain hotel with fantastic views, great food and friendly Aussie hospitality.
This afternoon, visit the thrilling Scenic Railway in Katoomba (optional). Ride the steepest passenger railway in the world (entry is at own expense) or enjoy a short walk to nearby Katoomba waterfalls & gallery. Mid afternoon, overnight passengers are picked up/dropped off at their Katoomba hotel before we return to Sydney.
Enroute to Sydney see, photograph, pat Koalas and Kangaroos at Sydney's premier Australian animal wildlife park. Return to all Sydney city hotels for drop-offs having enjoyed a Blue Mountains day with memories for a life time.
or, Hunter Wine Valley option Travel in luxury mini bus to see and taste great Australian wine and food as well as the Hawkesbury River, rural farmland, and a gorgeous 1850's sandstone village with country pub. Taste the best of Hunter wines at 3 wineries (choose your favourite winery if you wish) and enjoy superb lunch in a real vineyard.
We depart your Sydney hotel for Australia's premium white wine growing region. Crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, we see Ku-Ring-Gai National Park and the spectacular Hawkesbury River. Sandstone cliffs, mountains, rivers, farmland, spotting kangaroos and traveling quiet backroads, we enjoy morning tea and explore Wollombi 1850's 'sandstone' village including the pub.
Your driver/guide today is a Hunter Valley winery expert. Taste wines at famous old family run vineyards as well as exciting new names such as Brokenwood, Draytons, Tempus II, Oakvale or visit smaller, more exclusive wineries. Lunch today is in the heart of the vineyards where you'll enjoy superb food along with specially matched wines giving our famous 'wine and food marriage' lunch ! Today we'll also visit local produce shops for tastings. We travel via the Pacific Coast freeway returning to Sydney and your hotel.
Day 20 SYDNEY, at leisure (CB)
A leisurely breakfast at the hotel.
The last day of your trip – go slowly and take in the sights, shopping – postcards! Relax, people watch at Darling Harbour in one of the outdoor cafes for lunch. Visit Taronga Zoo. We have a romantic lunch getaway we can recommend... Sydney should be savored.
Day 21 HOME!(CB)
Breakfat at the hotel.
You are transferred to the airport for your flight home or next destination. Note that this trip can commence in Australia and end in New Zealand.
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Inclusions/cost All transfers throughout between hotels and airports and/or rail stations, accommodations with breakfasts, all included sightseeing. Cost per person, USD, based on two sharing twin or double, land: Standard hotels: $4999.00 First Class: $5999.00
Note that hotels can be altered to suit your travel style, mixed and matched in categories, replaced with small, boutique properties, B&B, a farmstay, luxury or adventure lodge.
All USD prices are subject to currency fluctuations and are valid through March 31, 2011. For travel beyond March 2011, please inquire.
Plus airfares: International and/or internal domestic air flights and fares can be arranged through this office. Fare vary throughout the year and change frequently. We strive for the best fares to meet your budget, and also arrange Business and First Class fares. Frequent fliers using mileage travel are welcome to take ‘land only’ arrangements. If you prefer to arrange your own air transportation, this is fine also.
Deposit: $350.00 per person by check Balance: Due 42 days prior to departure
Bookings and inquiries: Destinations Downunder, Travel Specialists to Australia and New Zealand Mail: 3712 N. Broadway, PMB #251, Chicago, Il. 60618 USA Ph:(773) 832-1699 Fax: (773)832-1699 Email: travel@koalakiwi.com Web: koalakiwi.com
