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| VANTAGE DELUXE WORLD TRAVEL |
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| Detailed Day by Day Itinerary |
| The Best of New Zealand, Australia & the Great Barrier Reef |
| Itinerary at a Glance |
| View Days: [1-5] [6-10] [11-15] [16-20] [21-21] |
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| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
1-4
[top] |
Depart home / Auckland, New Zealand
Upon your early morning arrival in Auckland on Day 3, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel (early check-in with breakfast guaranteed). After time to rest up, meet for a Welcome Dinner at Harborside Restaurant. On Day 4, have a trip briefing, then explore the “capital of the South Pacific” on a panoramic tour of Auckland. Cultural Connection: Next you’ll be treated to a Maori concert at the Auckland Museum, and a lecture and guided tour.
Stamford Plaza Auckland  (2B,1D) |
5
[top] |
Auckland / Rotorua
From Auckland you’ll drive south to the fertile dairy country at the foot of the spectacular Kaimai Range. Cultural Connection: Here, visit historic Longlands Farm, a working dairy operation run by the grandson of the founder. During your visit, enjoy lunch and experience New Zealand farm life, then continue on to Rotorua, where you’ll check into your Superior First-Class hotel near the shores of Lake Rotorua. Cultural Connection: This evening you’re invited to a home-hosted dinner with a local family.
Millennium Hotel Rotorua  (B,L,D) |
6
[top] |
Rotorua / Queenstown
This morning, depart via motorcoach for a guided visit to Te Puia to see the area’s hot springs and steam vents. Then, visit a Maori village, and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute to see weavers and woodcarvers working in intricate designs. This afternoon, you’ll fly to South Island and Queenstown, a lively resort town located amid the aptly named Remarkables Mountains on stunning Lake Wakatipu. When you arrive, visit the Gibbston Valley Winery for a tour and tasting followed by dinner. Afterwards, check into your Superior First-Class hotel, which commands superb views of the lake and mountains.
Millennium Hotel Queenstown (B,D) |
7
[top] |
Queenstown
“The most beautiful place on earth” — that’s how author James Michener described Milford Sound, the Southern Hemisphere’s longest fjord. You’re sure to agree as we enjoy a scenic drive to the coast for a glorious luncheon cruise on this legendary waterway. You’ll return to Queenstown via motorcoach or take an optional flight back for an aerial tour.
Millennium Hotel Queenstown (B,L) |
8
[top] |
Queenstown
Your day begins with a gondola ride up Queenstown’s Bob’s Peak for the panoramic view of the lake and mountains. Afterwards, you’ll visit historic Arrowtown, a 19th-century town faithfully restored to the days when gold fever gripped the region. Later this afternoon, you’ll have the chance to join an optional tour — a nostalgic cruise on the TSS Earnslaw to the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak. You’ll have time to explore the ship, and enjoy a homestead talk, followed by dinner.
Millennium Hotel Queenstown (B) |
9
[top] |
Queenstown / Franz Josef Glacier
Today’s full-day transfer to Franz Josef Glacier lets you take in the region’s natural splendor, and includes lunch. Cultural Connection: You’ll also enjoy a talk on the Greenstone, New Zealand’s jade-like stone, which is highly valued by Maori culture. After checking into your inn, you’ll visit Franz Josef Glacier, and even have a chance to walk on the glacier itself. Or, join an optional Flightseeing Tour in lieu of the Franz Josef Glacier visit.
Franz Josef Glacier Hotel  (B,L) |
10
[top] |
Franz Josef Glacier / Arthur's Pass / Christchurch
We travel to Christchurch today, with a stop at Punakaiki Rocks Resort, with included lunch. Afterwards, embark the TranzAlpine train and ride from Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch, past the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland and the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Arrive Christchurch in the evening and check into your hotel, followed by leisure time.
Millennium Hotel Christchurch (B,L) |
11
[top] |
Christchurch
This morning, you’ll begin by having breakfast with penguins, and enjoying a lecture at the International Antarctic Centre. Cultural Connection: This afternoon, visit Christchurch’s lovely Botanic Gardens. Have dinner at the curator’s house and hear a talk on the gardens.
Millennium Hotel Christchurch (B,D) |
12
[top] |
Christchurch
Your day is at leisure or join an optional Akaroa Tour and Cruise, with panoramic views of historic homes and gardens. The evening is at leisure.
Millennium Hotel Christchurch (B) |
13-16
[top] |
Christchurch / Sydney, Australia
The morning of Day 13 is at leisure during which time you’ll enjoy a demonstration on lawn bowling. Then, you’ll leave New Zealand behind as we fly to Australia. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your Deluxe hotel, which enjoys a perfect location not far from the harbour and the Sydney Opera House.
A Sydney city tour on Day 14 introduces you to this vibrant and scenic metropolis. Your tour includes a visit to the world-famous Opera House. Cultural Connection: You’ll also learn about the opal, Australia’s national gemstone, and see a demonstration.
Day 15 is at leisure or join an optional tour to the legendary Blue Mountains and Featherdale Park, where you can view wildlife such as the cuddly koala. Lunch is included on this optional tour.
Day 16’s Coffee Cruise on Sydney Harbour lets you view the gorgeous homes along the inlets of the harbour. Then you’ll have free time to shop and have lunch on your own. This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with views of the Sydney Opera House.
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth  (4B,1D) |
17-19
[top] |
Sydney / Cairns
After a morning at leisure on Day 17, you’ll fly to Cairns, where you’ll check in to your Deluxe hotel, then enjoy a panoramic city tour. Cultural Connection: Learn about the famed Flying Doctors air service at a presentation. Early the next morning, join an optional hot air balloon ride. Take an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef. You’ll embark a wave-piercing catamaran for a cruise, with a chance to go swimming and snorkeling, or you may want to watch the colorful fish and coral from the underwater observatory. Day 19 is at leisure or join an optional Kuranda Tour, which includes lunch. This evening, gather for a Farewell Dinner.
Hilton Cairns Hotel (3B,1L,1D) |
20
[top] |
Cairns / Sydney
After breakfast, transfer to the Cairns airport for your flight to Sydney, or fly to Ayers Rock to begin your 4-night optional extension.
Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport (B) |
21
[top] |
Return Home
Enjoy a morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your return flight home.
(B) |
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The above day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and therefore subject to change. If any major changes occur in advance of your departure, you will be notified in writing by Vantage Deluxe World Travel. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Vantage Program Manager or local representatives at the destination. |
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Vantage's ratings come from Travel Weekly's
Hotel & Travel Index, the industry's standard.
Deluxe / Moderate Deluxe 
Outstandng accommodations, offering superior service,
facilities, and location.
Superior First-Class 
Above average, with many special amenities, including
more restaurants, shops, and often a fitness center.
First Class / Moderate First-Class 
Comfortable, well-equipped standard rooms with private
bath and attractive public areas and amenities.
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