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Leave Sun. Oct. 21
Return Tue. Nov. 07

$6,590 - Total Package
fr $37 - Travel Insurance

Save Up To $100 with our Sign-up Discounts.

* This program will NOT be offered in 2018.

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2017 Australia & New Zealand 18 days

Melbourne - Canberra - Sydney - Christchurch - Franz Josef - Milford Sound - Queenstown - Mt. Cook - Rotorua - Waitomo - Auckland

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Honolulu Departure.

Our adventure to the land "Down Under" begins this morning with a non-stop flight to Auckland, New Zealand. Once the preliminary flight schedule is ready it will be displayed online at doldworldjourneys.com under the journey's page.

Day 2 Via Auckland, New Zealand to Melbourne, Australia.

At 1,500 miles west of Hawaii we fly over the International Date Line and lose a day. Arriving in Auckland, New Zealand in the late afternoon, take a comfortable break before continuing on our flight to Melbourne, the capital of Victoria. We land in the evening, clear customs formalities and are transfer to the Travelodge Southbank, our home for the next three nights.

Day 3 Exploring Melbourne, Australia.

Melbourne's Old World charm, famous gardens, and historic Victorian buildings are all part of our sightseeing tour. Highlights include landmarks such as Parliament House; the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia's war heroes; Chinatown, trendy Kilda, and the Port of Melbourne. We visit St. Patrick's Cathedral and then the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens with a stop at Captain Cook's Cottage.

Next cruise through the streets of Melbourne on a restored 1927 Tramcar while savoring lunch. The balance of the day is free to do as we please. Our hotel is located just steps from the Yarra River and Southbank Shopping Centre. A few blocks along the river gamblers may try their luck at the Crown Casino. (B), (L)

Day 4 Queen Victoria Market Experience.

After breakfast a private coach will transfer us to the world famous Queen Victoria Market for a guided stroll. With a diverse assortment of food available, taste a range of produce from Australian meat and seafood to local cheese and handmade chocolates. This is a must do food culture experience which includes many specialties buys. And when we are all tuckered out, sit back and relax with a complimentary coffee.

In the early afternoon we journey through Port Phillip Bay and the prestigious bayside suburbs to Phillip Island, home of the largest colony of little penguins and where paper-bark trees surround wetlands teeming with bird life. After a stop at the Koala Centre we enjoy an early dinner at a local restaurant. Next we continue to the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre and walk down elevated boardwalks to the penguin viewing area. As dusk descends, a spotlight picks out a tiny tumbling figure of a penguin at surf's edge. Then there is another and another. Suddenly there are dozens waddling up the beach within inches of you--an unforgettable experience. (B), (D)

Day 5 Via Canberra to Sydney.

Start the day with a flight to Canberra, Australia's modern capital. Head out to the Gold Creek Station, where we will get a taste of life in the Aussie bush. Experience a shearing demonstration, Australian Kelpie dogs working the merino sheep, and a sumptuous barbecue lunch. Afterward we view Canberra's major attractions on both sides of beautiful Lake Burley Griffin including the unique architectural style of the many diplomatic embassies and residences, such as the Prime Minister's Lodge, the High Court of Australia, and the National Museum. Then explore Parliament House with a guide. View both chambers of Parliament (on non-sitting days), Marble Foyer, Members Hall, and highlights of the House Art Collection. Our day ends with a short flight to Sydney, where we spend three nights at the Travelodge Wynyard. (B), (L)

Day 6 Discovering Sydney.

Meet our guide this morning an head to the Southern Beaches and the world famous Bondi Beach. Visit the Bondi Surfing Bathers' Life Saving Club and learn about its history. After a lifesaving demonstration, we have a chance to take a photo with a Bondi Lifesaver (no not the candy). Then savor lunch at the North Bondi Returned Servicemen's Club located at the beach. Hear the story behind this special place and the courageous “Rats of Tobruk” while enjoying sweeping waterfront views and delicious food.

Next we make our way to Circular Quay for our afternoon Captain Cook Harbor Story Cruise. This world-renowned cruise on the blue waterways of Sydney Harbor features the magnificent views of the waterfront homes, the Opera House, and Harbor Bridge and gives us a comprehensive view of what Sydney is all about. After our cruise we make our way back to the hotel. Our Travelodge is located near a great selection of major shopping streets, malls, and outlets. (B), (L)

Day 7 Exploring Sydney.

For a special treat this morning enjoy a Zoo-Rise Breakfast with the animals. We transfer to the Taronga Centre and savor a light Aussie Breakfast at the Piazza Cafe. Then stroll the Zoo grounds with an expert guide. See Australia's amazing animals in a new light as we discover the binding relationships between flora and fauna, and hear stories of the "Dreaming" that describes the Creation. Learn the traditional uses of plants for food and medicine and enjoy interactive encounters with Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and a vast assortment of birds. Next stop for a magnificent view of the famous harbor and Opera House from Mrs. Macquarie's Chair before our coach drops us off at Circular Quay for lunch. Then enjoy a guided inside visit to one of the world's greatest performing arts centers, the Sydney Opera House (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Learn about its history and current operation. (B)

Day 8 To Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand.

This morning we fly across the Tasman Sea to Christchurch, New Zealand's second largest and perhaps most charming city. Founded in 1859 as a model church settlement, it grew slowly into a city dominating the Canterbury Province. The spirit of its founders, who dreamed of creating an English town with Victorian buildings and neat garden-fringed residences, is still perceptible in the quiet and dignified atmosphere. Rendezvous Hotel. (B)

Day 9 To Franz Josef by Train.

This morning we transfer to the Christchurch Railway Station, where we board the Tranz Alpine Express train to Greymouth. This world famous journey travels over the fertile Canterbury Plains and winds its way through the rugged Waimakariri Gorge. It continues up over the majestic Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass National Park before descending through rainforests to arrive at the town of Greymouth. The train features large panoramic windows, an onboard café, and at-seat audio commentary.

Enjoy some time to relax, grab lunch, or visit the Jade Boulder Gallery before we continue south along the scenic West Coast to Franz Josef. Enjoy views of the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. New Zealand's closeness to Antarctica gives it a geographical distinction, which we see today as we come upon the striking Franz Josef Glacier. This massive flow of ice and snow stretches for eight and one-half miles down the Alps to the Tasman Sea. The glacier is accessible with an optional helicopter ride onto the ice for a guided walking tour (weather permitting). Franz Josef Glacier Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 10 Via Haast to Queenstown.

This morning, explore this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage area. Our Glacier Valley Walk takes us up alongside the mighty Waiho River bed, following the glacier’s path of retreat in this remarkable landscape. Here learn about the glacier’s history, see what is left behind by this majestic giant, and learn the legend of Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere. The scenery continues to be impressive as we leave Franz Josef. Cross the Alps at the rugged Haast Pass and continue to Fox Glacier. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the luxuriant West Coast bush before traversing into Mount Aspiring National Park. From dense bush we come to the pristine waters of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Then we travel past the beautiful green and blue river of the Kawarau Gorge to the "Alpine Resort" of Queenstown and the Novotel Lakefront Hotel our home for the next three nights. Tonight we take the Skyline Gondola to the summit of Bob's Peak, for a spectacular view and a wonderful buffet dinner. (B), (D)

Day 11 Milford Sound Excursion.

Start our day with a drive along the Remarkables, referred to in Maori myths as the "sleeping giant." On the way to Te Anau, the gateway of the Fiordland National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), our coach takes us through the beech forest of the Hollyford and Eglinton Valleys. Then we pass through Homer Tunnel, carved through almost a mile of solid rock, into one of New Zealand's most spectacular and isolated areas. Neither words nor pictures can capture the overwhelming beauty of Milford Sound. A Nature Cruise of Milford Sound gives us an up-close view of the primeval grandeur of this deep basin carved out of granite rock thousands of years ago by great glaciers. View cascading waterfalls, lush green rainforest, and possibly even a variety of wildlife including seals, penguins, and dolphins, while savoring a buffet lunch served on board. (B), (L)

Day 12 Exploring Queenstown and Beyond.

The morning is at our leisure to stroll along the lake and gardens, enjoy some shopping, or just relax on the beautiful shores of Lake Wakatipu. In the afternoon, travel past the historic Arthur's Point as we head to the former gold mining village of Arrowtown, a scene location for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. After some free time to explore this quaint town we continue to the famous Kawarau Bungy Bridge, home of the original 140 foot jump. Perhaps you'd like to make the jump, too? On the way back to our hotel we travel through the Gibbston Valley wine region for an included tasting and tour of one of the local caves. As part of the Central Otago wine region, planted only 30 years ago, this area has gained an international reputation and multiple awards for the quality of its wines. (B)

Day 13 To Mount Cook.

Travel north to Cromwell in Central Otago. Based on the edge of Lake Dunstan, this area is known for its fruit orchards and growing wine center. Enjoy fantastic views as our coach journeys through snowcapped peaks, waterfalls, and rugged mountain scenery and takes us to Mount Cook National Park. The park is comprised of over 70,000 hectares of ice and snow, rock, sub-alpine scrub, tussock, riverbeds and, of course, 12,316 foot high Mount Cook. Also located here are five of the country's largest glaciers. We visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center for unique insight into the history and culture of this region. Spend a delightful afternoon taking it easy in this fabulous area. You may wish to enjoy a scenic walk or weather permitting, take an optional ski-plane flight that actually lands on the 19-mile-long Tasman Glacier. There is even a stargazing program this evening. This region offers some of the darkest skies in the world. Hermitage Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 14 To Via Tekapo to Christchurch.

Follow Lake Pukaki to Twizel and continue through the Mackenzie Country to reach Lake Tekapo, famous for its lovely stone "Church of the Good Shepherd." Next spend time shopping for souvenirs at the Tin Shed, a well known cooperative famous for their woolen wear. After an orientation tour of the city we are back at the Rendezvous Hotel for the night. (B)

Day 15 To Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand.

This morning a short flight takes us north to another spot of scenic wonder, the fascinating thermal resort of Rotorua. Upon arrival we begin our comprehensive sightseeing in this Thermal City. We start with a Skyline Gondola ride up the side of Mount Ngongotaha for panoramic views of Rotorua City, Lake Rotorua, and the surrounding area. Here we enjoy a buffet lunch before taking a fun and entertaining ride down the Luge. Next visit the Agrodome to see how the New Zealanders shear their sheep and work their highly trained dogs. Discover just how this country became the world’s number-one wool-growing nation. The balance of our day is free to do as we please. Perhaps visit the nearby Polynesian Spa Pool for a soak in the hot thermal waters. Millennium Hotel. (B), (L)

Day 16 Discovering Rotorua.

Start our day with a trip to Rainbow Spring set amongst the native trees and beautiful forests of Rotorua. Here we take a behind the scenes look at the Kiwi Encounter, the leading kiwi hatchery in the country. Then enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city including with a photo stop at the beautiful Government Garden before taking our midday break.

Later in the afternoon we head to Te Puia Thermal Reserve, home to the internationally renowned Pohutu Geyser. This star of the show erupts once or twice every hour and sometimes reaches heights of 100 feet. Te Puia houses the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, established in the 1920s to foster all aspects of Maori culture. This national schools of carving, weaving and other traditional arts trains talented students from around New Zealand under the guidance of master craftspeople. For a fascinating treat this evening savor a mouthwatering feast (Hangi) of authentic Maori cuisine (kai) and marvel at the breathtaking beauty of this geothermal valley under lights. Enjoy a traditional welcoming ceremony (pōwhiri), intimate concert performance, and, of course, the fearsome war dance (haka). (B), (D)

Day 17 Via Waitomo and Matamata to Auckland.

A morning drive across the heavily forested Mamaku Ranges brings us to the Waitomo Caves, which contain unusual stalactite and stalagmite formations. We board a boat that takes us along an underground river into the fantastic Glowworm Grotto. The roof of this cavern is studded with the lights of a thousand glowworms reflected on the still surface of the underground river. Then visit a picturesque farm near Matamata which was transformed into the Hobbiton Movie Set for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. See the hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and other structures built for the films. In the afternoon we drive north to Auckland, located on the isthmus that separates the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. This evening we take a leisurely walk to the Sky Tower Complex and savor dinner at the revolving Orbit Restaurant. After dinner, head up the Sky Tower Observation Deck for impressive view over the city. City Life Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 18 Return to Honolulu.

View Auckland's stunning harbors as we cross the Harbor Bridge and drive to the top of Mount Eden, an extinct volcano. Our highlight today is a visit to the War Memorial Museum that graces over 200 acres of lovely gardens and houses a fine collection of artifacts from New Zealand's Maori people, including a giant war canoe. Our scenic South Pacific adventure draws to a close as we board our jetliner for the most comfortable flight home. In re-crossing the International Date Line we regain the day lost on our way over. (B)