South Pacific Wonders including New Zealand's North Island
South Pacific Wonders including New Zealand's North Island
South Pacific Wonders including New Zealand's North Island
18 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Sydney, Australia
Visiting: Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney
Tour operator:
Tour code:
15536
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the South Pacific with our "South Pacific Wonders including New Zealand's North Island" tour. Discover the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of Australia and New Zealand. Begin your adventure in Auckland, the "City of Sails," and explore the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. Experience Maori traditions with an authentic Hangi dinner and paddle a traditional waka on the Avon River. In Christchurch, witness the city's resilience and natural beauty. Journey to Queenstown, the "Adventure Capital of the World," and cruise the stunning Milford Sound. In Australia, explore the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns and delve into ancient traditions at the Rainforestation Nature Park. Conclude your tour in Sydney with a guided tour of the iconic Opera House and a scenic dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour. This tour promises a rich tapestry of experiences, from cultural encounters to natural marvels, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Depart From Home
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Rydges Auckland
Cross the International Dateline, skipping a day ahead, and begin your adventure of a lifetime.
Day 3 : Auckland, New Zealand
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive in one of the world’s most inspiring and sought-after destinations due to its clean air, stunning scenery, and friendly culture - New Zealand. Arrive in Auckland, the “City of Sails.” Auckland has the highest Polynesian population in the world, imbuing its chic atmosphere with the vibrant feel of the Pacific Islands. Meet your travel companions at this evening’s welcome dinner.
Day 4 : Auckland - Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Get to know the best of Auckland during a panoramic city tour featuring the America’s Cup Village, the War Memorial, vibrant Queen Street and the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Next, travel to the dramatic geothermal landscape of Rotorua. Known as the Maori capital of New Zealand, over one-third of Rotorua’s population has Maori roots dating back over 1,000 years. Tonight, experience an authentic Hangi dinner celebration and learn about the warm-hearted Maoris as well as their lives before European colonists arrived in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and since.
Day 5 : Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning discover Whakarewarewa – a Maori cultural and geothermal experience. Explore an authentic Maori village on a private guided tour where people live using natural geothermal resources to cook, bathe and heat their homes as they have done for centuries. Then, visit the Agrodome for a fun sheep shearing demonstration and learn about the importance of agriculture to the nation. Learn about the cultural significance of New Zealand jade and its symbolism to the Maori. After dinner, relax or explore this lovely city on your own.
Day 6 : Rotorua - Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel
A short flight brings you to the historic city of Christchurch. Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see firsthand how the city known as “the Garden City” is recreating itself.
Day 7 : Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Start your morning with a city tour of Christchurch. Pay a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. A leader in the conservation of New Zealand species, Willowbank offers the chance to view New Zealand’s “Big 5” - the Kiwi, the Kea, the Tuatara, the Kaka, and the Takahe - up close and personal. Then, learn about the local Indigenous culture of the Maori with a paddle on the Avon River in a traditional waka (canoe).
Day 8 : Christchurch - Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Depart Christchurch and make your way south to Queenstown. Known as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” Queenstown is nestled against a picturesque bay and snowcapped mountains. Arrive in Queenstown in the afternoon and have time to explore independently before dinner.
Day 9 : Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Cruise Lake Wakatipu surrounded by Queenstown’s stunning landscape aboard an iconic coal-fired steamship. Then, enjoy a "Kiwi" BBQ lunch lakeside followed by a sheepdog demonstration before sailing back. Later, it’s your choice! Go bird watching at the Kiwi Birdlife Park -OR- take a gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for stunning panoramic views of the area. This evening is yours to enjoy charming Queenstown.
Day 10 : Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Location: Milford Sound
Accommodation Name: Bailey Crystalbrook Collection Hotel
Enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley as you travel through an ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. Cruise the Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on the South Island. Following your cruise, you may choose to return to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
Day 11 : Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
A free day offers an optional tour taking you through the majestic Queenstown countryside showcasing many of the locations where blockbuster movies have been filmed, or perhaps you’ll want to shop and people-watch in the village. Gather for a “farewell to New Zealand” dinner.
Day 12 : Queenstown - Cairns, Australia
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Fly to Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions and a World Heritage site - the Great Barrier Reef. Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds.
Day 13 : Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Novotel Sydney Darling Square
Meals Included: Lunch
Come to know the history of Australia’s original inhabitants at the Rainforestation Nature Park where an Indigenous Pamagirri guide will show you through some of their oldest customs and traditions. Enjoy an "Aussie" BBQ lunch before visiting Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to see crocodiles on a nature cruise. Head through rainforests on boardwalks to see animals such as birds, reptiles, and wallabies. Visit with a koala and chat with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these furry creatures.
Day 14 : Cairns - Great Barrier Reef - Cairns
Location: Great Barrier Reef
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Board a high-speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the reef from your base on Green Island. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride, stroll the island’s walking trails, relax on the beach, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, an optional outer reef tour is also available.
Day 15 : Cairns - Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Hotel
The morning is yours. Enjoy your last few hours in Cairns by relaxing and taking in the tropical atmosphere and surrounding neighborhood. Then, this afternoon, fly to the bustling city of Sydney.
Day 16 : Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Hotel
See where English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney, featuring Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Darlinghurst. Take an expert-led tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Then, have the chance to join a special presentation at the National Opal Collection.
Day 17 : Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Embrace the exciting city of Sydney during a day of independent exploration. Tonight, say farewell to Australia while on a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the scenic vistas of the harbor, showcasing Sydney’s magnificent skyline, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge.
Day 18 : Sydney - Tour Ends
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful adventure.
What's Included
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Great Barrier Reef Excursion
Board a catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef.
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Sydney City Tour
See where the original colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney.
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Rainforestation Nature Park
Come to know Australia’s ancient traditions at the Rainforestation Nature Park.
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Sydney Opera House Tour
Take a guided tour of the fascinating Sydney Opera House.
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Maori Canoe Experience
Paddle the Avon River in a traditional Maori waka (canoe).
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Lake Wakatipu BBQ
Enjoy a BBQ on the western shore of Lake Wakatipu.
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Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise
Take in the sights during a dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour.
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Hangi Dinner Celebration
Experience a memorable authentic Hangi dinner celebration.
What's Not Included
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Optional Flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown
The optional flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown is not included and is available at an additional cost.
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Optional Outer Great Barrier Reef Tour
The optional outer reef tour at the Great Barrier Reef is not included and is available at an additional cost.
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Optional Gold Seeker Tour
The optional Gold Seeker - Metal and Movie Discovery Tour in Queenstown is not included and is available at an additional cost.
Experiences
Come to know Australia’s ancient traditions at the Rainforestation Nature Park.Take a guided tour of the fascinating Sydney Opera House.Paddle the Avon River in a traditional Maori waka (canoe).
Options
Queenstown: Flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown Soar over the plunging cliffs, snowfields and alpine lakes of the pristine Southern Alps on a flightseeing plane that carries you back from Milford Sound to Queenstown. Seeing Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park from the air will give you a whole new perspective on the overwhelming beauty of this region. You’ll be captivated by 9,000 foot peaks and frozen lakes that can only be seen from above. Enjoy amazing views and skip the lengthy return coach ride to Queenstown. A truly spectacular trip! Duration approximately 1 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 4 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Availability for flightseeing is limited. As of 9/20/24 this optional tour is available to book both pre trip and on site. This option operates on a weather permitting basis only. Any guests over 130kgs/286lbs will need to be approved by vendor.
Duration: 40 minutes. This option does have a weight restriction of 130kgs/286lb. Please advise your weight upon booking, as any guests over 130kgs/286lbs will need pre-approval from the vendor.
Queenstown: Gold Seeker - Metal and Movie Discovery Tour Embark on a four-wheel drive adventure through the primeval, mystical landscapes of the New Zealand high country. In the vastness of an unspoiled wilderness, become lost in the grandeur of New Zealand’s South Island – a world immortalized on film in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Trek to the place where the word “otherworldly” was tailor-made, the Remarkable Mountains, and the entrance to Skipper Canyon. Across roads created by pioneers 150 years ago, follow the miner’s old wagon trail along the Arrow River, and stop to try your hand at panning gold. Discover something incredible around every dramatic turn, narrow and twist of this thrilling safari tour. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
If you choose to cancel this option within 48 hours of the excursion date, payment is non-refundable.
Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef Jump in and explore the vibrant, colorful world teeming with life at the very edge of the Continental Shelf of the Great Barrier Reef. This massive reef system, the largest in the world, can actually be seen from space. Cruise across the water by catamaran to the Outer Reef pontoon where a diverse, bountiful ecosystem is yours to discover. See the kaleidoscopic underwater sea life up close as you snorkel along the reef. You’re sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience exploring one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Duration approximately 7 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Guests should be confident swimmers, able to swim at a leisurely pace for 10 minutes without stopping and be familiar with swimming in the open water for this optional. The swell of the ocean on the pontoon can be high at times of the day and can be intimidating for guests who are not confident in the water. There are life jackets and lifeguards on duty, and rest stations in the water for when swimmers need a break. Guests choosing this optional will not visit Green Island.
Culinaries
Enjoy a BBQ on the western shore of Lake Wakatipu.Take in the sights during a dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour.Experience a memorable authentic Hangi dinner celebration.
Must See
Board a catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef.See where the original colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney.
Choice Highlights
Auckland Auckland is a city in the North Island of New Zealand and is the largest and most populous area in the country. Roughly one third of New Zealand’s population resides here. Dating back to the year 1350 when the Maori people founded the land, known for being rich and fertile. It is now known for its parks, nature, and volcanic fields as well as rich culture, many festivals and a good quality of living.
Rotorua Rotorua is a city on the southern shores of the lake of the same name, on New Zealand’s North Island, and is in the heart of the North Island located 140 miles southeast of Auckland. The area is known for its geothermic activity and features geysers and hot mud pools as the town lies on the Rotorua caldera which is where the thermal activity is from. The tourism industry is by far the largest industry in Rotorua and is popular with both domestic and international tourists.
Christchurch Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the county’s third most populous urban area. It is located on the South Island’s eastern coast. Christchurch officially became a city on July 31st, 1856, making it the oldest established city in New Zealand. Christchurch is known as the Garden City due the large number of public parks and residential gardens.
Queenstown Queenstown is a resort town in Otago in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. The city is built around an inlet called Queenstown Bay on Lake Wakatipu and has spectacular views of nearby mountains and the Southern Alps. The town was founded in the 1860s and is now known for commerce-based tourism, especially adventure and ski tourism, boasting over 200 adventure tourism activities to take part in.
Lake Wakatipu Cruise & Sheepdog Demonstration
Choice on Tour: Kiwi Birdlife Park or Skyline Gondola Today, you may choose between two options. Kiwi Birdlife Park offers conservation programs for over 20 endangered native species, including breeding for release of some iconic native species such as the Kiwi, Whio, Pateke, Grand Skink and Orange Skink. The use of informative audio guides will let you take in the park at your leisure. Also included is New Zealand's first free flight conservation show and Kiwi feeding show. Your other choice is to relax and take in stunning views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkable Mountains from the top of Bob's Peak. You will be carried 450 meters above Queenstown by gondola where you will then experience spectacular 220-degree panoramic views with breaktaking vistas of the region.
Kiwi Birdlife Park - NEO Day 6 on STD / Day 9 on ALT
Activity Level: 1
Skyline Gondola - NEO Day 6 on STD / Day 9 on ALT
Activity Level: 1
Milford Sound Milford Sound is a fjord in the south west of New Zealand’s South Island. The sound runs inland for over 490 feet from the Tasman Sea and is surrounded by sheer rock faces that rise 3,900 feet on either side. Among the peaks are The Elephant at 4,977 feet, said to resemble an elephant's head, and The Lion, at 4,272 feet, in the shape of a crouching lion. Milford Sound is acclaimed as New Zealand’s most famous tourist destination.
Cairns Cairns is a regional city in the far north of Queensland, Australia. The city was founded in 1876 and named after the then governor of Queensland. The region of Cairns ranks as the 4th most popular destination for international travelers in Australia. The city serves as a gateway point for those visiting the Great Barrier Reef. While being a gateway to Australia’s surrounding ocean, Cairns is also surrounded by rainforest, and also serves as a gateway to destinations like Daintree.
Great Barrier Reef Experience one of the seven wonders of the natural world when you climb aboard a high speed catamaran and set off for the Great Barrier Reef. As the world’s largest living organism, you’ll find over 2,800 individual coral reef systems which are home to amazingly diverse marine life. From your base on Green Island, there are many ways to explore the Reef at your fingertips. A glass bottom boat ride takes you out to sea and allows you to almost feel as if you were swimming with the fish. Their bright colors look remarkable against the turquoise waters, and the boat reveals it all. Jump in the water to snorkel and really experience the Reef in an immersive way! Stroll along the walking trails, relax on the beaches, or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. It’s a truly good day at the Reef, mate.
Sydney Opera House The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts center in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is situated on Bennelong Port in Sydney Harbour, adjacent to Sydney’s Central Business District and the Royal Botanical Gardens. The facility opened on October 20th, 1973. The opera house comprises several performance venues which together make one of the busiest performing arts centers in the world hosting 1,500 performances each year attended by some 1.2 million people. More than 7 million people visit the opera house each year.
Mode of Transport
Travel between destinations via short flights, high-speed catamaran, and guided tours, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey across New Zealand and Australia.
Accommodation
Stay at the Rydges Auckland, Distinction Christchurch Hotel, Millennium Hotel, and Bailey Crystalbrook Collection Hotel, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey. Enjoy the Novotel Sydney Darling Square for a relaxing stay in Sydney.
Check out our Q&As
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several cultural experiences such as a private guided tour of an authentic Maori village in Rotorua, where you can learn about the Maori's use of natural geothermal resources. You will also experience an authentic Hangi dinner celebration and learn about Maori culture. In Australia, you will visit the Rainforestation Nature Park with an Indigenous Pamagirri guide to learn about ancient customs and traditions.
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What wildlife experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will have the opportunity to visit the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch, where you can see New Zealand's 'Big 5' - the Kiwi, the Kea, the Tuatara, the Kaka, and the Takahe. In Cairns, you will visit Hartley's Crocodile Adventures to see crocodiles and other wildlife such as birds, reptiles, and wallabies.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional activities available. In Queenstown, you can choose a flightseeing tour from Milford Sound to Queenstown or a Gold Seeker - Metal and Movie Discovery Tour. In Cairns, an optional outer reef tour is available for a more adventurous encounter with the Great Barrier Reef.
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What unique dining experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes unique dining experiences such as a 'Kiwi' BBQ lunch on the western shore of Lake Wakatipu and a dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. You will also enjoy an authentic Hangi dinner celebration in Rotorua.
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What are some of the scenic highlights of the tour?
Scenic highlights of the tour include a cruise on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, a cruise through Milford Sound, and a high-speed catamaran excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. You will also have the chance to take a gondola to the top of Bob's Peak for panoramic views of Queenstown.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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