25 Day The Complete South Pacific

Your tour opens in Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef (UNESCO).

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.

Rise high on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for an unforgettable ride over the rainforest canopy. Embrace the opportunity to explore the forest floor up close with access to specially designed boardwalks.

This evening, gather with fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Board a glass-bottom catamaran and sail to the Low Isles to discover the aquatic realm of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day however you please, perhaps choosing from a selection of included activities. Maybe you’ll soak up the sun on a tiny remote island*, located along the outer reef. Or consider snorkeling in the rolling waves, uncovering a pod of vibrant sea life.

You can also meet with a marine biologist, or join an expert on a heritage trail walk along the island.

Fly to Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock) in the heart of the Australian Outback. Tour the sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta and the beautiful area surrounding the base of “The Rock.” Later, witness a stunning sunset over a glass of champagne as the Rock’s hues change dramatically with the setting sun.

Fly to Adelaide and make your way to Barossa Valley, Australia’s beloved wine region. Renowned among connoisseurs, the valley’s award-winning winemakers attract visitors from around the world.

Today, enjoy a free morning before you travel to the Seppeltsfield Winery for a private tour and tasting of their world-class wines. Quench your palate with varietals ranging from fruit-forward Chardonnays to earthy Pinot Noirs.

Tonight, enjoy a scenic dinner overlooking the vineyards.

Head to the Adelaide airport and fly to the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne. Situated on the natural bay of Port Philip, this city is often referred to as Australia’s cultural capital as it’s a major center for the performing and visual arts.

Enjoy time to get acquainted with the city on your own.

Set out on a city tour and see Fitzroy Gardens and the bustling lanes. After, enjoy time to explore the lively city on your own before heading to Phillip Island, where you’ll visit koalas in their natural setting at a conservation center.

Continue to the nature reserve that houses the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins. Protected and studied by rangers, hundreds of them waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their burrows.

Learn more about these inquisitive birds at the interpretation center.

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 3-night stay.

Today, it’s your choice! Embark on an early morning walking tour of the city -OR- take the morning to relax and enjoy a walking tour in the afternoon.

No matter how you start your day, visit the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Center and learn about this unique marsupial, its fight for survival, and the plan to save it from extinction.

Tour the Port Arthur Historic Site, the best-preserved example of Australia’s original penal colonies. En route, witness the coastal rock formations of Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen, and the Blow Hole.

Enjoy a free day to explore Tasmania’s capital city. Indulge in the city’s up-and-coming café culture, meander along the lively harbour, or just take some time to relax.

Return to mainland Australia today and arrive in the bustling city of Sydney. This evening, its Diner’s Choice: choose from a variety of local restaurants along bustling Darling Harbour.

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. You’ll have the chance to join a special presentation at the National Opal Collection.

In the evening, consider an optional dinner and engaging performance at the famous Sydney Opera House.**

Enjoy a day at leisure. Marvel at the scenic vistas of the harbor showcasing Sydney’s magnificent skyline, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge.

As the most populous city in Australia, Sydney is full of endless ways to spend your day.

Fly to New Zealand and arrive in Queenstown, nicknamed the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Nestled on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

This evening, gather for dinner and enjoy a local paddock-to-plate meal.

Enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley as you travel through a beech forest via the Homer Tunnel.

Cruise the breathtaking Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on the South Island.

Following your cruise, consider returning to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

A free day in Queenstown offers limitless activities set amidst breathtaking Alpine scenery.

Today, you have the opportunity to choose from two exciting optional tours, an exhilarating jet boat ride on the Shotover River and a tour through the charming Queenstown countryside, showcasing the filming locations of many blockbuster movies.

Set out for the beautiful turn-of-the-century gold rush settlement of Arrowtown. Take time to explore independently and stroll its quaint, historic streets. Next, follow the Kawarau River and cross Lindis Pass before arriving in New Zealand’s most famous national park, Mt. Cook.

Revel in the Alpine paradise of Mt. Cook – a larger-than-life experience. You may choose to take a nature walk, enjoy an optional glacier flightseeing tour (weather permitting) or simply meditate on the beauty of the Southern Alps.

Travel to the historic city of Christchurch, the “Garden City”. Enjoy some free time to explore. Perhaps you’ll stroll the city’s magnificent gardens or learn about its more recent history at the Quake City exhibition.

This evening, join a local Kiwi family for a home hosted dinner.

As you make your way to Picton, admire the coastal views, scenic river valleys and vineyards.

Experience what has been called “the most beautiful ferry ride in the world” as you sail across Cook Strait. Your destination is Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.

Come to know Wellington on a tour viewing the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament; historic St. Paul’s Church; and the Old Government Building – the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere.

Later you will have the opportunity to explore the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongawera, a fascinating centre dedicated to art, history and the Maori culture.

Head to Rotorua’s dramatic geothermal landscape. Find culture behind every corner – over one-third of Rotura’s population boasts Maori roots, making it known as the Maori capital of New Zealand.

Discover Te Puia – New Zealand's premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. Witness how the Maori keep their culture alive by teaching the tribal youth traditional carving and weaving.

Enjoy the chance to see the Kiwi bird and learn about the preservation efforts to remove this iconic creature from the endangered species list.

At the Agrodome, see a sheep shearing demonstration and learn about the importance of agriculture to the nation. Meet the skilled carvers who work with pounamu, New Zealand greenstone, at a jade factory.

Travel through the majestic countryside of the North Island, arriving in New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, "The City of Sails." A panoramic city tour features the America’s Cup Village, the War Memorial, vibrant Queen Street, the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and spectacular views from the harbourside.

Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner where you will toast the end of a fabulous trip!

Your tour comes to a close in Auckland.