Australia, New Zealand & Tahiti

Perhaps one of the most desired dream vacation destinations in the world, our fantastic Down Under adventure is filled with excitement, natural beauty, and friendly, hospitable people, at extraordinary prices that reflect exceptional value. Our Australia tours include the major Australia travel destinations, exciting New Zealand travel hot spots, and a sojourn in exotic Tahiti & Moorea.

During your Australia tours, you'll visit sunny, sophisticated Sydney, elegant Melbourne, and the jewel of Australia travel destinations—the World Heritage-registered Great Barrier Reef. Following the Australia travel portion, your Down Under tour continues with visits to the most scenic of New Zealand travel stops—lovely Christchurch, Queenstown and the awe-inspiring New Zealand Alps, an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound, and the "City of Sails"—Auckland. Lastly, your adventure concludes on the island paradise of Tahiti & Moorea, where you'll relax in tropical splendor.

Want to see Australia but don't have 22 days? Check out our 8-day Sydney Express tour!

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Depart Los Angeles. A fascinating "Down Under" discovery begins this evening as you board your flight bound for this exciting tour of Australia.

Day 2: En Route. Cross the International Date Line and lose one day.

Day 3: Arrive Sydney, Australia. Morning arrival in spectacular Sydney, Australia's oldest and most vibrant city.A guided tour takes in the old and the new. See the Harbor Bridge, Sydney's famous beaches, the Botanical Gardens, the celebrated Opera House and the historic Rocks area. Your elegant hotel is ideally located in the city center near the scenic Sydney Harbor and the renowned Opera House. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. Sofitel Wentworth Hotel (D)

Day 4 & 5: Sydney. Enjoy two days at leisure to explore on your own, or join an optional tour to the scenic Blue Mountains and to the Australia Wildlife Park where you can cuddle a kolal! You may also join an optional Coffee cruise or a splendid Sunset Cruise on spectacular Sydney Harbor. (B)

Day 6: Sydney/Cairns. Today fly northward to tropical Cairns. Residents of the area are proud to be custodians of two of the world's greatest natural treasures - the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforests. Your hotel is on the Esplanade, overlooking the ocean. Enjoy your hotel's swimming pool! Mercure Harbourside Hotel (B)

Day 7: Great Barrier Reef Excursion. After breakfast, a high speed catamaran takes you for an unforgettable Great Barrier Reef cruise. Arrive at the coral cay of Green Island where you'll visit the underwater observatory and board a glass bottom boat to see some of the world's most colorful coral and fish. There is plenty of time to swim and take a walk through the lush rainforest on the island. Late afternoon return to Cairns. (B)

Day 8: Cairns. The Foreshore Promenade is a popular precinct with easy access to the vast array of restaurants, hotels and accommodation facilities located along the famous Cairns Esplanade. The city is a vital, cosmopolitan centre and its residents enjoy an enviable tropical lifestyle. Enjoy a day at leisure to explore on your own. You may join an optional tour aboard a scenic railway to the aboriginal village of Kuranda. (B)

Day 9: Cairns/Melbourne. Today, fly to Melbourne, the stately capital of Victoria noted for its vibrant culture, its spacious parks and beautiful gardens. Melbourne prides itself on being Australia's sporting capital and one of the world's leading locations for sporting events. The city plays host to a range of top events each year. Your hotel is ideally located for independent exploration. Radisson Flagstaff Hotel (B)

Day 10: Melbourne. On your included morning tour visit the lovely Fitzroy Gardens and see City Square, the Victorian Art Center and the old Parliament House. This afternoon we recommend an optional excursion to Phillip Island, the world's largest reserve of fairy penguins. (B)

Day 11: Melbourne & Christchurch, New Zealand. Morning at leisure. Later, fly across the Tasman Sea to Christchurch, a charming garden city on New Zealand's South Island. Copthorne Durham Hotel (B)

Day 12: Christchurch. Explore lovely Christchurch, "the most English of cities outside of England", independently today. Stroll through Cathedral Square and nearby Avon River lined with gracious stone gothic buildings and relax in one of the many cafes. You may also opt for the unique experience of dining with a local family at their home! (B)

Day 13: Christchurch, Queenstown. Stunning countryside vistas unfold as you drive along the rugged coastline before heading west to the New Zealand's Alps. Traverse Lindis Pass and journey via the impressive Kawarau Gorge en route to Queenstown, a splendid lakeside resort town. Your centrally located hotel is ideally situated on the shore of picturesque Lake Wakatipu. Novotel Gardens Hotel (B)

Day 14: Milford Sound Excursion. Today's included excursion is reputed to be one of the most scenic in the world. Drive along Lake Wakatipu through dense forests and shimmering Lake Teanau to Fiordland National Park and the Homer Tunnel en route to Milford Sound. Here, board an unforgettable cruise through towering fjords and majestic waterfalls. Evening return to Queenstown. (B)

Day 15: Queenstown. At your own pace, enjoy the many exciting activities charming Queenstown offers. You may also visit famous Walter Peak Sheep Station across Lake Wakatipu. (B)

Day 16: Queenstown/Mt. Cook/Fairlie. Journey this morning to the spectacular Mt. Cook region, gateway to the Southern Alps. Time available for an optional scenic flight (weather permitting) before proceeding to Fairlie, a thriving farming region in the heart of the sheep grazing pastures of the Canterbury Plains. You will spend the evening on a working farm where your hosts invite you to a delicious home cooked dinner and conversation. This is certain to be one of the highlights of your trip! Farm stay (B,D)

Day 17: Fairlie/Auckland. After a hearty breakfast on the farm proceed to Christchurch where you'll board a short flight to the lively harbor city of Auckland, on New Zealand's North Island. On arrival drive to the top of Mt. Eden for spectacular city and harbor views. Settle into your deluxe downtown hotel. Carlton Hotel (B)

Day 18: Auckland. This morning's tour of the "City of Sails" takes you to the Auckland Museum. Here learn about the native Maori culture at the fascinating exhibits and enjoy a lively and colorful Maori performance. Continue via Parnell Village to Mission Bay, a delightful seaside community. Afternoon at leisure. You may visit the intriguing Antarctic Center. (B)

Day 19/Day 18: Depart Auckland. Late Morning you'll bid farewell to New Zealand and fly to the beautiful paradise islands of Tahiti. Cross the International Date Line and regain the day "lost" at the beginning of your trip, arriving in Tahiti on the evening of day 18! It seems as though you're going back in time when you arrive one day earlier! You'll be welcomed with a traditional floral lei and escorted to your deluxe beachfront resort hotel. InterContinental Resort Tahiti (B)

Day 19: Papeete, Tahiti and Moorea. Admire the amazing ocean views as you enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Later, on a guided tour of Tahiti, visit the Museum of Thaiti and Its Islands, villed with fascinating exhibits on Polynesian culture and history. You'll also visit the colorful central market in the capital, Papeete, before arriving at the James Norman Hall Home. Dedicated to the co-author of The Mutiny on the Bounty, the lovely house will bring back memories of a bygone era. Enjoy a scenie drive along the coast before arriving at the pier, where you'll embark on a 30-minute catamaran ride across the bay to Tahiti's stunning sister island, Moorea. Journey along the picturesque narrow road by the sea and lagoon to your sumptuous seafront resort. InterContinental Resort Moorea (B)

Day 20: Moorea. Soaring magically out of the ocean in an explosion of green velvet, Moorea is what you would imagine a South Seas island to be. A wide, shallow lagoon surrounds the island's vertical mountains where poetic threads of waterfalls tumble down the cliffs. The warm waters around Moorea are ideal for year-round snorkeling. Pastel painted houses and fields of pineapples and vanilla hidden in peaceful meadows will fill your senses and renew your belief in the majesty of nature! Today is at leisure to spend as you wish. Relax and savor the extensive facilities of your resort, or pay an optional visit to the dolphin center and the lavish spa! (B)

Day 21: Moorea/Tahiti/USA. Your final day is at leisure until the catamaran takes you back to Papeete where you'll be driven to the airport in time for your late evening return flight back to the USA. (B)

Day 22: Arrive USA. Your memorable Australia journey ends as you arrive in the USA later today. (B)

Destination FAQs

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Australia, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to New Zealand, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Tahiti, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Moorea, click here.

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