16 Day South Pacific Wonders Including New Zealand's North Island

Your tour opens in 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.

Come to know the history of Australia’s original inhabitants at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Here you’ll see traditional dances, learn how to play a didgeridoo or even throw a boomerang. Browse the renowned art gallery and interpretation center’s artefact collection. At Hartley’s Croc Farm, get up-close with crocodiles in their natural habitat!

Boardwalks take you on a path of adventure through rainforests and woodlands, home to birds, reptiles and wallabies. You may meet some of the local koalas and chat with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these arboreal herbivores. Take an exciting cruise on the lagoon and watch for crocodiles before enjoying a delicious Aussie barbecue.

Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. This immense series of 2,800 coral reefs are home to amazingly diverse marine life. Explore the reef from your base on Green Island.

Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride, stroll the island walking trails, 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, an outer reef tour is also available.

The morning is yours.

Enjoy your last few hours in Cairns by relaxing and taking in the tropical atmosphere and surrounding neighborhood. Early this afternoon, fly to the bustling city of Sydney.

See where the original English colonists first settled in 1788 during a city tour of Sydney. Highlights of your tour include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens and the fashionable suburb of Darlinghurst.

Discover one of the world’s most fascinating architectural sights as you take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Then you’re in for a unique experience as you learn firsthand about opals during a special presentation at the National Opal Collection.

Later this evening, you may choose to take in an optional dinner and performance at the Sydney Opera House.

Embrace the exciting city of Sydney during a day of independent exploration. Tonight, say farewell to Australia whilst chatting with new friends and taking in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour.

Marvel at the scenic vistas of the harbour showcasing Sydney’s magnificent skyline, the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Fly to 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.

The evening is yours to explore New Zealand’s largest city.

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. Enjoy an immersive experience featuring authentic Maori entertainment such as the poi dance and the famous “Haka” war challenge.

This morning you visit Te Puia, New Zealand's premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. Witness a landscape of erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and other geothermal wonders. The National Carving School and National Weaving School are located here, passing on age-old customs by teaching the tribal youth these traditional skills.

Take part in an interactive demonstration on the art of weaving. You will also view the Kiwi bird and learn what is being done in an effort to remove the Kiwi from the endangered species list. Next, meet the skilled carvers who work with pounamu – New Zealand greenstone – at a local jade factory.

Then, visit the Agrodome for a fun sheep shearing demonstration and learn about the importance of agriculture to the nation. Tonight, relax or explore this lovely city on your own.

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. Make yourself right at home this evening when a New Zealand family welcomes you into their home for dinner. This is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Make new friends, learn about the customs of the “Kiwis,” and enjoy a home-cooked meal.

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.

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.

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.

A free day offers a variety of optional activities to enhance your tour. Shop or people-watch in the village; partake in an optional jet boat ride on the Shotover River; or join an optional tour taking you through the majestic Queenstown countryside showcasing many of the locations where blockbuster movies have been filmed.

Cruise Lake Wakatipu and head to Mt. Nicholas High Country Farm, a family-run merino sheep farm.

En route, see Cecil Peak, Bob’s Cove and Mt. Earnslaw. In your exclusive visit, follow the behind-the-scenes process from mustering sheep to wool garments. Enjoy a fresh farmer’s lunch 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.

Gather for a farewell dinner and enjoy a local paddock-to-plate meal.

Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful adventure.