Highlights of Downunder from $2,274 USD

Travel Team > Australia – Independent Tours > Highlights of Downunder from $2,274 USD

Day 1: Auckland Airport to Auckland City Hotel

Scenic Hotel Auckland

The Scenic Hotel Auckland is conveniently located on Queen Street in the heart of Auckland’s Central Business District. The hotel’s superb location puts some of the city’s best attractions at your doorstep, such as the Edge Entertainment Centre, Town Hall, Aotea Centre and the Civic Theatre. In addition, the hotel is a leisurely walk to the dynamic waterfront and the downtown shopping area. The hotel has 100 rooms, which has a modern apartment style, yet carry the art deco theme through in the finer details such as the eye-catching black and white artworks that complement each room.

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Auckland; 2 Nights

Day 2: Best of Both Worlds

A 30 minute drive from downtown Auckland brings you to the Arataki Centre, the gateway to the rain forest, where the sweeping decks give breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Absorb the local history and admire the traditional Maori carvings that stand guard there. Head further west and experience the power of the wild and rugged west coast. Feel the black sand beneath your feet as you stroll along some of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer.

With your knowledgeable and experienced guide, your eco-tour continues on to the lush rain forest where you hear native birdsong as you walk the easy bush tracks amongst New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and giant tree ferns.

Day 3: Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo

Travel south from Auckland through the rich farmland of the Waikato on to Waitomo. Enjoy a guided tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers of the world famous Glowworm Caves. Your tour continues with a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny lights from the glow worms suspended from the cave ceiling. Continue to Rotorua by coach.

Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua – Set on the shores of beautiful Lake Rotorua, Sudima Lake Rotorua is the largest hotel in Rotorua. Adjacent to the world famous Polynesian Spa, Rotorua Museum and Government Gardens, the hotel is a short stroll from Rotorua’s vibrant city centre, Convention Centre and the Energy Events Centre. Sudima Lake Rotorua offers 250 guest rooms in a range of accommodation options, many with superb views across Lake Rotorua.

Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua; 2 Nights

Day 4: Discover Rotorua Morning Tour

Today on your morning tour you will visit Te Puia and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where you can view mighty geysers, boiling mud pools, and the traditional arts and culture of the Maori People. You will also experience Rainbow Springs which is a unique showcase of New Zealand’s flora and fauna including New Zealand’s national icon, a kiwi bird. Last but not least, you will have a hands on experience at the Agrodome Sheep Show, giving you an animated insight into New Zealand’s farming history.

Rotorua Journey of Ages

This evening you will engage in a wonderful experience at the Tamaki Maori Village. Your guide will instruct you on the rules and protocol for visiting Marae (meeting grounds). On arrival at the venue, nobody must enter the fortified village until the Powhiri (formal welcome) has been performed. The host tribe will send out a warrior who will challenge the guests, via their elected chief to ascertain if they come in peace. A Teka (peace offering) is placed and received by one of the visiting chiefs. At the Village, the Karanga, or “welcome call” will echo across the courtyard, followed by the Powhiri (welcome dance). You will then be able to enter onto the village grounds where the Tangata Whenua (people of the land) will demonstrate different activities such as poi twirling, hand games, weaponry displays, reciting chants and displaying activities of an era gone by.

The buffet style dinner will be held in the meetinghouse dining hall and will have everyone enjoying a succulent Hangi feast. The evening ends with the Poroporoaki, the official closing ceremony and you will be safely transferred back to your accommodation.

Day 5: Rotorua City Hotel to Rotorua Airport

Duration              30 Minutes

Queenstown Airport to Queenstown City Hotel

Heartland Hotel Queenstown – Heartland Hotel Queenstown is perched just above the town center – an excellent vantage point where you can feel tucked away’ and enjoy magnificent views, yet you are only a few minutes’ walk to the town center. Heartland Hotel Queenstown provides all you need for a comfortable rest at the end of another action-packed Queenstown day.

Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown; 3 Nights

Day 6: Discover Milford Sound Coach Cruise Coach incl Lunch

Travel by luxury coach on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown into Milford Sound. Located within the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, this region is rich with dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. Journey through the Southern Alps via the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km tunnel drilled through a solid mountain of rock. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, board your Red Boat vessel for a spectacular cruise where you will see the wonders of Mitre Peak, glacier scarred rock walls that rise 1,200m vertically from the sea, and waterfalls that tumble from hanging valleys and crash into the sound far below. Return by coach to Queenstown.

Day 7: Day at Leisure

Today enjoy a full day at leisure. You may like to do some additional sightseeing, shopping, or simply relax.

Day 8: Queenstown City Hotel to Queenstown Airport

Duration              30 Minutes

Sydney International Airport to City Hotel

Duration              30 Minutes

Park Regis City Centre Sydney – Park Regis City Centre is an ideal hotel for leisure or a business stay. Located in the heart of Sydney, the hotel is close to Hyde Park, Darling Harbor, Pitt Street, the Queen Victoria Building and Town Hall. The best shopping, entertainment and sightseeing are all within walking distance. The hotel has 122 guest rooms ranging in style and size.

Accommodation: Park Regis City Centre Sydney; 3 Nights

Day 9: The Rocks Walking Tour

Historic Sydney Walking Tour brings alive the story of the early convict settlement, while entertaining visitors with stories of “Rascals, Rats, and Restoration”. The tours are conducted by friendly and enthusiastic guides who, by relating the many tales of Australia’s colourful past, capture and hold the visitor’s imagination.

Let your guide show you some of Sydney’s earliest buildings, shops, old and new, homes of the “well-to-do” and the quaint cottages of the working class. Still to be seen are the pubs and hotels, once frequented by the locals and sailors alike, and the haunts of larrikins and rogues. The many historic streets, narrow alleyways, cobbled lanes, sandstone steps, and beautiful churches combine to weave a rich tapestry of life in the past and present times.

Downtown Sydney, Bondi and Kings Cross

Travel through the historic Rocks district and Chinatown. Stop at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair in the Royal Botanic Gardens, for a panoramic view of the Sydney Opera House and the harbor. At the Gap, the entrance of Sydney Harbor, see breathtaking views of the coast. At Bondi Beach wander the shoreline and dip your toes in the cool clear water, you can choose on the day to end your tour in Bondi (and make your own way back to your hotel at own expense) or re-join the coach and return to the city.

Day 10: Harbor Express Cruise plus Zoo

This 1 1/2 hour round trip cruise departs every 45 minutes from Circular Quay and Darling Harbor. The cruise takes in all the sights of Sydney Harbor including Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, The Rocks and Darling Harbor. Stop off at any attraction and re-board the next Explorer throughout the day with your all day ticket. Your pass includes a cruise to Taronga Zoo from Darling Harbor or Circular Quay, entry to Taronga Zoo, and Sky Safari cable car. Plus, when your visit to the Zoo is complete you will enjoy a return cruise back to Darling Harbor or Circular Quay. Taronga Zoo is open from 9am to 5pm daily.

Day 11: Sydney Hotel to Sydney Airport

Duration – 30 Minutes

Cairns Airport to Cairns City – 30 Minutes

Cairns Plaza Hotel – The 60 suite Cairns Plaza Hotel is located close to the city centre and offers spectacular views across Trinity Bay. The hotel’s rooms are a mix of studio and apartments which all provide comfortable accommodation whether you come to Cairns for Business or Leisure. The hotel’s restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner every day of the week and offers casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere.

Meal Plan: Continental Breakfast

Accommodation: Cairns Plaza Hotel; 3 Nights

Day 12: Quicksilver Cruises Outer Barrier Reef Cruise ex Cairns

For an experience of a lifetime, Quicksilver’s wave piercing catamarans and 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 color and brilliance. Agincourt Reef is a magnificent ribbon reef where you can experience first-hand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef. Choose to dive (extra cost), snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-sub, just one meter underwater. Watch the fish feeding from a unique underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory, or fly in a helicopter over the reef (extra cost). Whichever way you choose; you’ll bring home a lifetime of memories from this living natural wonder.

Day 13: Kuranda Classic Tour with Train Skyrail and Rainforestation

The Classic Kuranda Experience includes the main attractions of Kuranda, but gives you more free time to explore Kuranda. You will travel to Kuranda by scenic railway and then spend some free time in the village. Wander through the many shops and local markets, which offer a full range of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and gifts.

You will then be transferred to Rain forestation Nature Park, where you will enjoy a delicious Australian BBQ lunch, a guided tour of the rainforest on board an amphibious Army Duck, and the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance performance, followed by the Dreamtime Walk. You will learn how to throw a boomerang, see spear-throwing demonstrations, and learn about aboriginal culture.

A guided tour of the Koala and Wildlife Park will commence at the Cultural Centre. Your coach will then transfer you to Kuranda Skyrail Terminal for the 7.5 kilometer Skyrail journey down the mountain. Your coach will then return you to your accommodation.

Day 14: Cairns City to Cairns Airport

Duration 30 Minutes