South Pacific Wonders
South Pacific Wonders
South Pacific Wonders
15 Days Starting in Christchurch, New Zealand and ending in Sydney, Australia
Visiting: Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney
Tour operator:
Tour code:
15535
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "South Pacific Wonders" tour, exploring the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures of Australia and New Zealand. Begin your adventure in Christchurch, New Zealand, where you'll witness the city's remarkable transformation post-earthquake and paddle the Avon River in a traditional Maori waka. Experience the thrill of Queenstown, the "Adventure Capital of the World," with options like a scenic gondola ride or a birdlife park visit. Cruise the stunning Milford Sound and enjoy a lakeside BBQ on Lake Wakatipu. In Australia, dive into the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns and immerse yourself in ancient traditions at the Rainforestation Nature Park. Conclude your tour in Sydney, exploring iconic sites like the Sydney Opera House and enjoying a scenic dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour. This tour promises a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and unforgettable memories.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Depart From Home
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Cross the International Dateline, skipping a day ahead, and begin your adventure of a lifetime.
Day 3 : Christchurch, New Zealand
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive in 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. Meet your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner and start your South Pacific journey off on the right foot.
Day 4 : Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Start your morning with a city tour of Christchurch. Then, 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 5 : Christchurch - Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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 6 : 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 7 : 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 8 : 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 9 : 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 10 : 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 11 : 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 12 : 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, fly to the bustling city of Sydney.
Day 13 : 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 14 : 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 15 : 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 Visit
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.
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 operates on a weather permitting basis.
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Optional Outer Great Barrier Reef Tour
An optional outer reef tour is available for a more adventurous encounter with the Great Barrier Reef.
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Optional Gold Seeker Tour
The Gold Seeker - Metal and Movie Discovery Tour in Queenstown is an optional activity.
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: 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.
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
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 through the South Pacific with ease, including flights between Queenstown, Cairns, and Sydney. Enjoy a high-speed catamaran ride to the Great Barrier Reef and optional flightseeing over Milford Sound. Local transportation is included for excursions and city tours.
Accommodation
Stay at the Distinction Christchurch Hotel and Millennium Hotel in Christchurch, and enjoy the Bailey Crystalbrook Collection Hotel in Queenstown. Experience the Novotel Sydney Darling Square in Sydney, offering comfort and convenience throughout your South Pacific adventure.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the South Pacific Wonders tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Rainforestation Nature Park where you will learn about Australia's ancient traditions from an Indigenous Pamagirri guide. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to paddle the Avon River in a traditional Maori waka (canoe) in Christchurch.
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What wildlife experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will visit the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch to see New Zealand's 'Big 5' species, including the Kiwi and the Tuatara. In Cairns, you will visit Hartley's Crocodile Adventures to see crocodiles and other wildlife such as koalas, birds, and wallabies.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional activities. In Queenstown, you can choose a flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown for spectacular aerial views or embark on a Gold Seeker tour to explore movie locations and try gold panning. In Cairns, an optional tour to the Outer Great Barrier Reef is available for snorkeling and exploring the vibrant marine life.
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What are some of the scenic highlights of the tour?
The tour offers a cruise on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, a cruise through Milford Sound, and a dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. You will also have the chance to take a gondola ride to Bob's Peak for panoramic views of Queenstown.
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What kind of dining experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a 'Kiwi' BBQ lunch by Lake Wakatipu and an 'Aussie' BBQ lunch at the Rainforestation Nature Park. Additionally, there is a farewell dinner in Queenstown and a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour.
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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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