South Pacific Wonders (15 Days starting from $2,199)

South Pacific Wonders

A 15-Day tour starting from $2,199

Length:	15 Days
Type:
Category:
Operator:	Collette
Tour Code:	3388

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About This Tour

Explore two great countries of the Southern Hemisphere -- Australia and New Zealand. From the tropical splendor of the Great Barrier Reef on Australia's northern coast, to the ethereal beauty of glacial fjords on New Zealand's South Island, this 16 day journey to the lands "down under" brings you the best of both countries at an enjoyable pace. Cruise Sydney Harbor and Milford Sound. Meet Australia's wildlife-up close. Discover the wonders of Aboriginal culture. Experience Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.

What's Included
Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Sightseeing
Details

Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip.

Meals
12 Breakfast(s), 2 Lunch(es), 6 Dinner(s

Hotel Accommodations:
Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

CAIRNES Novotel Oasis
SYDNEY Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour
QUEENSTOWN Mercure Resort Queenstown
CHRISTCHURCH Rydges Christchurch

On some dates alternate hotels may be used. Add a pre night stay in Los Angeles or Cairns or a post night stay in Christchurch or Los Angeles. Prices start at $70 per person.

Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling.
Sightseeing
Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach

Day 1 and Day 2
Depart From Home
Today you board your flight and begin the adventure of a lifetime. Crossing the International Dateline, you lose a full day.

Day 3
Arrive Cairns, Australia
Your tour begins today in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Don’t forget to look up at the Southern Hemisphere''s stars this evening after you join your mates for a welcome dinner.

Day 4
Great Barrier Reef
Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. This is an immense series of 2,800 coral reefs which are home to amazingly diverse marine life. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef in many ways. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride*, a stroll on the walking trail to take in the rain forest, relax on the beaches, or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving, snorkeling and an outer reef tour are also available*. Whichever way you choose, you’ll see some of the world’s most fascinating marine and plant life.

Day 5
Cairns
Today visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Center. You’ll see traditional Aboriginal dances, learn about the Aboriginal lifestyle, and even throw a boomerang or play a didgeridoo, a traditional instrument. Browse the renowned art gallery and visit the interpretation center, which houses a collection of interesting artifacts. This afternoon a great experience awaits as you search for crocodiles in their natural habitat during a visit to Hartley''s Croc Farm! While visiting you also have the chance to meet some of the local koalas. Your evening is at leisure.

Day 6
Cairns - Sydney
Fly today to the bustling city of Sydney. This evening, dine atop the city at Sydney''s Revolving Restaurant enjoying the spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House at night!

Day 7
Sydney
Enjoy a city tour of Sydney where the English explorer James Cook first weighed anchor in 1770. Highlights of your exploration include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens and the fashionable Paddington suburb. Discover one of the world’s most fascinating architectural wonders during a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Later, enjoy a unique opportunity to learn first-hand how raw opals are transformed from the dark mine shafts to beautiful works of art. This evening you may enjoy Sydney at leisure or take an optional excursion.

Day 8
Sydney
Tonight, experience the best of Sydney. Chat with new friends and take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour during which you’ll pass by two of Australia’s most famous icons: the renowned Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. After the dinner cruise, return to the Opera House, acclaimed for its architecture and acoustics, to enjoy a spectacular performance!

Day 9
Sydney – Christchurch, New Zealand
You leave Australia behind and fly to New Zealand en route to the historic city of Christchurch.

Day 10
Christchurch
This morning enjoy a short sightseeing tour of "the most English city outside of England", Christchurch. Highlights include magnificent gardens, the Neo-Gothic Cathedral and the downtown park district. The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure. This evening you are invited to dine and make friends with a New Zealand family in their home. This is sure to be an unforgettable evening during which you will learn about the customs of the “Kiwi’s” and enjoy a home cooked meal.

Day 11
Christchurch
Visit a Canterbury farmyard to see the workings of the farm including a sheep shearing demonstration, herding, and learn first hand how this New Zealand family farm operates. This afternoon, you may choose to participate in an optional tour of the International Antarctic Center, the gateway for both American and New Zealand Antarctic expeditions. Tonight, dine inside the restored Riccarton House mansion and learn the history of the first family of Christchurch.

Day 12
Christchurch - Mt. Cook - Queenstown
Traverse the spectacular countryside to New Zealand’s most famous national park, Mt. Cook. En route, enjoy a stop at a local fruit stand to gain an inside look at the produce of New Zealand. Mt. Cook is one of the most impressive mountains in the world. You may choose to view the massive glaciers and extensive snow-covered mountain top terrain on an optional glacier flightseeing tour (weather permitting), or perhaps enjoy the park during a nature walk.

Day 13
Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
En route to Milford Sound, enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley. You’ll travel through beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. During a cruise of the breathtakingly beautiful Milford Sound you’ll see why this fjord is one of the most visited sites on the South Island. With rock faces that rise nearly 4,000 feet on either side, the scenery will take your breath away. Following your cruise, you return to Queenstown. You may choose to return via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Day 14
Queenstown
A leisurely day in Queenstown offers several options to enhance your vacation. Shop or people watch in the village or perhaps take the optional "Safari of the Rings" which takes you through the majestic Remarkable Mountains and the breathtaking Queenstown countryside where the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed. Enjoy a gondola ride to dinner at the Skyline Restaurant which overlooks Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the mountains.

Day 15
Queenstown - Tour Ends
Explore the city of Queenstown this morning. Your tour ends today.

To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301. Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
1/13/2009 - 1/26/2009	$2,199
2/10/2009 - 2/23/2009	$2,299
2/17/2009 - 3/2/2009	$2,299
3/3/2009 - 3/16/2009	$2,299
3/10/2009 - 3/23/2009	$2,299
3/17/2009 - 3/30/2009	$2,299
3/24/2009 - 4/6/2009	$2,299
4/16/2009 - 4/29/2009	$2,249
4/23/2009 - 5/6/2009	$2,249
4/28/2009 - 5/11/2009	$2,249
5/4/2009 - 5/17/2009	$2,499
5/18/2009 - 5/31/2009	$2,499
6/8/2009 - 6/21/2009	$2,499
6/22/2009 - 7/5/2009	$2,499
7/13/2009 - 7/26/2009	$2,499
8/3/2009 - 8/16/2009	$2,499
8/10/2009 - 8/23/2009	$2,499
8/14/2009 - 8/27/2009	$2,499
8/17/2009 - 8/30/2009	$2,499
8/19/2009 - 9/1/2009	$2,499
8/24/2009 - 9/6/2009	$2,499
8/31/2009 - 9/13/2009	$2,499
9/7/2009 - 9/20/2009	$2,499
9/21/2009 - 10/4/2009	$2,499
10/5/2009 - 10/18/2009	$2,499
10/7/2009 - 10/20/2009	$2,499
10/14/2009 - 10/27/2009	$2,499
10/19/2009 - 11/1/2009	$2,499
10/21/2009 - 11/3/2009	$2,499
10/26/2009 - 11/8/2009	$2,499
11/11/2009 - 11/24/2009	$2,499
11/30/2009 - 12/13/2009	$2,499
1/18/2010 - 1/31/2010	$2,499
1/25/2010 - 2/7/2010	$2,499
2/1/2010 - 2/14/2010	$2,499
2/8/2010 - 2/21/2010	$2,499
2/15/2010 - 2/28/2010	$2,499
3/1/2010 - 3/14/2010	$2,499
3/15/2010 - 3/28/2010	$2,499
3/22/2010 - 4/4/2010	$2,499
4/12/2010 - 4/25/2010	$2,499
4/14/2010 - 4/27/2010	$2,499
4/21/2010 - 5/4/2010	$2,499
4/26/2010 - 5/9/2010	$2,499

Know Before You Go... Due to changes in air schedules while on tour, the order of days in the itinerary may change. The internal flights on this program are not included in the land price of your vacation. All air including flights can be purchased through Collette Vacations. Due to early arrival times in some cities, rooms may not always be ready for immediate check in. If you purchase the outer reef option in the Great Barrier Reef, the glass bottom boat ride will be replaced by a semi-submersible boat on the outer reef pontoon. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed with the exception of visits to wildlife parks. Passport & Visa Information Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements. IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact. Electricity An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. Voltage for Australia is 240/250 and New Zealand is 220. Elevation Australia is the lowest continent in the world with an average elevation of only 330 meters.

Capture the amazing scenery of the fjords of New Zealand on a cruise of Milford Sound.

Experience the magic of the Sydney Opera House as you enjoy a captivating performance.

Visit a Canterbury farmyard to see a sheep shearing demonstration and learn how this New Zealand family farm works.

Know Before You Go...

Due to changes in air schedules while on tour, the order of days in the itinerary may change.

The internal flights on this program are not included in the land price of your vacation. All air including flights can be purchased through Collette Vacations.

Due to early arrival times in some cities, rooms may not always be ready for immediate check in.

If you purchase the outer reef option in the Great Barrier Reef, the glass bottom boat ride will be replaced by a semi-submersible boat on the outer reef pontoon.

Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed with the exception of visits to wildlife parks.

Passport & Visa Information
Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.

IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

Electricity
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. Voltage for Australia is 240/250 and New Zealand is 220.

Elevation
Australia is the lowest continent in the world with an average elevation of only 330 meters.

Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.