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The Complete South Pacific featuring the Best of Australia & New Zealand
Meet a koala, toss a boomerang and learn to play the didgeridoo - do it all on The Complete South Pacific, an unforgettable 27-day journey to Australia and New Zealand, with two nights in Tasmania. Learn Aboriginal and Maori traditions. Toast the sunset on Ayers Rock with champagne. Discover the colorful world of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend 2 nights in geothermal Rotorua. Explore New Zealand's Fjiordland and Milford Sound. Enjoy a home stay and dinner with a New Zealand family. Dine under the Outback stars. Visit the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Center. See the Penguins of Phillip Island commute home. Cruise the waters of Kakadu National Park, where the saltwater crocs splash! HighlightsCairns, Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock, Alice Springs, Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Melbourne, Tasmania, Sydney, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Mt. Cook, Christchurch, Wellington, Rotorua Collette Experience Learn about the education of the children in the Outback during a visit to the School of the Air.Take a Yellow Waters Cruise in Kakadu National Park where you are sure to see crocs and plentiful bird life.See a Tasmanian Devil during a visit to the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park and learn about the efforts to save these great creatures. |
| Call (888) 870-6570 for more information or to book today! Mention code 7320016 | | Collette Vacations | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 - 2 | Depart From Home | Depart from Home : | | Day 3 | Cairns | Cairns, Australia - Tour Begins : Your tour begins in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef in tropical north Queensland. Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner with your new mates. Today dinner will be included. | | Day 4 | Cairns | Cairns : This morning you board the Skyrail Rain Forest Cableway for an unforgettable ride above and through the rain forest canopy. There are two stops where you may get off the cableway and experience the forest floor from specially designed boardwalks. The amazing diversity of waterfalls, plants, animals and birds will astound you. Your evening is at leisure to enjoy your tropical surroundings. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 5 | Great Barrier Reef | Great Barrier Reef : Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting tour of the Great Barrier Reef, the most biologically diverse ecosystem in the world. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef in many ways. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride*, take a stroll in the rain forest, relax on the beaches, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving and an outer reef tour* are also available. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. | | Day 6 | Uluru | Cairns - Uluru (Ayers Rock) : Fly to the heart of the Outback, arriving at Uluru, what the Aborigines refer to Ayers Rock as. Tour the sandstone domes of the Olgas and the area around the base of "The Rock." Later, witness a stunning sunset as the Rock's hues change dramatically with the setting sun. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 7 | Alice Springs | Uluru - Alice Springs : This morning you depart for Alice Springs to experience life in the heart of the Aussie Outback. A sightseeing tour of the area includes the Old Telegraph Station, where you learn how people communicated in this remote destination in the 1800's. Gain insight into the educational system in the Outback with a visit to the School of the Air; you may even see a class in session! A special experience is in store for you this afternoon as you will have the opportunity to meet the young Aboriginal group, Drum Atweme**. Supported by the Collette Foundation, Drum Atweme is a musical group comprised of at-risk youth from the local community. Tonight, enjoy dining and entertainment during a traditional dinner in the bush. You'll experience Outback hospitality and entertainment under the Southern Hemisphere's stars. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 8 | Kakadu National Park | Alice Springs - Darwin - Kakadu National Park : Begin your day with a Dreamtime Tour. Experience the culture of the Australian Aborigines and learn about their ancient culture, folklore, customs and the concept of Dreamtime. You will have the opportunity to taste some of their traditional Aboriginal food. Later, board your flight to the northern tip of Australia and the city of Darwin. Then, drive into the heart of Kakadu National Park. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 9 | Kakadu National Park | Kakadu National Park : Today, experience the beauty and culture of Australia's "Top End." Kakadu National Park is home to wallaroos and wallabies, monitors and lizards, birds of every imaginable color, and crocodiles. See ancient Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock, some dating back over 10,000 years. During your afternoon Yellow Waters cruise be on the lookout for crocodiles as they bask in the sun, as well as waterfowl such as jabiru, egrets, herons and eagles. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 10 | Melbourne | Kakadu National Park - Darwin - Melbourne : Fly to the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 11 | Melbourne | Melbourne : This morning enjoy a city tour which includes Fitzroy Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and Parliament House. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore Melbourne independently. You may visit the elegant parks and gardens in this friendly city, take a ride on a streetcar or enjoy lunch at an outdoor cafe in the quaint Italian neighborhood of Carlton. This afternoon visit Phillip Island, a renowned nature reserve and home of the world's largest colony of Little Penguins. The Little Penguin is protected on Phillip Island and rangers diligently study them. View the Little Penguin Parade as hundreds of them waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their burrows in the dunes. You will also visit the interpretation center to learn about the life of the Little Penguins and their significance to the area. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 12 | Hobart | Melbourne - Hobart : A flight to Hobart, Tasmania brings you to Australia's second oldest city. The rugged and pristine beauty of Tasmania provides the backdrop to your 2-night stay. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 13 | Hobart | Hobart : This morning you will meet the Tasmanian Devil! Learn about this unique marsupial, its plight for survival, and the great efforts in place to save it from extinction. Later, take a guided tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site, the best-preserved example of Australia's penal colonies. Dating back to 1833, the site features a large number of stabilized ruins and restored buildings. While at Port Arthur, you'll get a glimpse into the lives of the convicts. Later, witness the spectacular coastal rock formations known as Tasman Arch, Devil's Kitchen and the Blow Hole. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 14 | Sydney | Hobart - Sydney : Return to mainland Australia today and arrive in the bustling city of Sydney. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 15 | Sydney | Sydney : Start the day with a city tour of Sydney, where modern-day Australia was born. Highlights include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Paddington. Discover one of the world's greatest architectural achievements as you take a guided tour through the Sydney Opera House. Dinner is included at the 360 Restaurant, a fantastic revolving restaurant atop the famous Sydney Tower, offering stunning views of the city below. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 16 | Sydney | Sydney : This morning, visit Koala Park which showcases Australia's wide array of indigenous wildlife. Walk amongst wallabies, dingoes, kangaroos, emus, wombats, and, of course, the cuddly koalas when you experience this wildlife sanctuary. You will even have a chance to take a photo with a koala! Next, enjoy a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about opals during a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. An amazing evening begins with a sail on Sydney Harbour's glistening waters during a dinner cruise offering spectacular views of Sydney's greatest icons - the Harbour Bridge and world-famous Opera House. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 17 | Queenstown | Sydney - Queenstown, New Zealand : Travel to New Zealand, arriving in the gorgeous town of Queenstown. Dinner is included at the Skyline Restaurant overlooking Queenstown, the Remarkable Mountains and Lake Wakatipu. Today dinner will be included. | | Day 18 | Queenstown | Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown : Journey through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley via the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise of Milford Sound fjord. Following your cruise, you return to Queenstown. You may choose to return via a short optional flight, weather permitting, for spectacular views of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. | | Day 19 | Queenstown | Queenstown : Enjoy a day at leisure in this charming village. You may choose an option of a thrilling jet boat ride on the scenic Shotover River, or "A Journey through Middle Earth," where you traverse the Tolkienesque countryside and see where portions of the Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 20 | Mt. Cook National Park | Queenstown - Mt. Cook National Park : Traveling through New Zealand's picturesque countryside, you will learn about the 19th century gold rush when you stop in Arrowtown. Later today you will arrive at Mt. Cook National Park where you may take nature walks or, if weather permits, enjoy an optional flightseeing tour to the top of the rugged mountain range. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 21 | Christchurch | Mt. Cook - Christchurch : A drive through the Southern Alps, which line the western side of New Zealand's South Island, brings you to the beautiful English city of Christchurch. Located on the Avon River, Christchurch is considered to be "the most English city outside of England." Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour along the Avon River and view magnificent gardens and the downtown park district. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 22 | Christchurch | Christchurch : Today is yours to explore the historic city of Christchurch at your leisure. This afternoon you may choose to take an optional tour to Christchurch's Botanical Gardens and then head to the International Antarctic Centre, the gateway for expeditions to Antarctica. Tonight, experience the elegance of Canterbury as you dine in a restored mansion and learn the history of the first family to settle in Christchurch. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 23 | Wellington | Christchurch - Wellington : Traveling north along the coast you'll pass scenic river valleys and vineyards. Arriving in Picton, you will ferry to the North Island on one of the most scenic trips the world has to offer. Cruising through the Marlborough Sounds and across the Cook Strait, your final destination is Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 24 | Wellington | Wellington : According to Maori legend, Wellington Harbour was founded in the 10th century by the Polynesian navigator Kupe and first named Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui - or "head of Maui's fish." A tour of this city showcases the Beehive Parliamentary buildings and views from atop Mt. Victoria. Later, experience Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, New Zealand's national museum. The museum has won worldwide acclaim for its innovative and diverse range of artwork and exhibitions which relay the captivating stories of the indigenous people. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 25 | Rotorua | Wellington - Rotorua : Depart for the center of Maori culture - the city of Rotorua. Here you'll see a unique landscape of bubbling and steaming geothermal springs. Tonight you will enjoy a home stay*** and dinner with a New Zealand family. This is a great way to meet the Kiwis and perhaps form lifelong friendships. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 26 | Rotorua | Rotorua : This morning visit Te Puia, New Zealand's premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. You'll be truly amazed by the landscape of erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and other geothermal wonders. Here, the Maori keep their culture alive by teaching the tribal youth traditional carving and weaving. Before leaving you will view the national bird-the Kiwi. A visit to the Agrodome will give you insight into how wool, one of New Zealand's premier products, is processed. You will also view a special sheep shearing demonstration. Later this afternoon, meet jade carvers and discover how it is transformed into beautiful jewelry. This evening visit a traditional Maori village and learn about ancient Maori life. Tour the Tamaki village and interact with its inhabitants to get a first hand feel for a day in the life of a native Maori. Then, experience a taste of Maori entertainment during a number of tribal dances including the Haka, or war dance. After the performance, a spectacular farewell Hangi feast awaits you. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 27 | Auckland | Rotorua - Auckland - Tour Ends : Travel through the majestic countryside of the North Island, arriving in New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, "The City of Sails." Your tour ends in Auckland. Today breakfast will be included. |
| | | Rydges Esplanade, Cairns | Desert Gardens, Ayers Rock | | Crowne Plaza Alice Springs, Alice Springs | Gagudju Crocodile, Kakadu | | Rendezvous Hotel, Melbourne | Mercure Hotel, Hobart | | Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour, Sydney | Mercure Queenstown Resort, Queenstown | | Hermitage Lodge, Mt. Cook Region | Chateau on the Park, Christchurch | | Rydges, Christchurch | Novotel Capital, Wellington | | Home Stay Hotel***, Rotorua | Rydges Rotorua, Rotorua | | Rydges, Rotorua | |
| | NOTE: Specials are marked with a * NOTE: NOTE: Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. |
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