Day 1 : Depart the USA

Following our included flight to Los Angeles International Airport, we meet our Tour Director and board an Air New Zealand flight bound for New Zealand. Enjoy tasty meals and attentive service en route to our destination.

Day 2 : New Zealand Bound

When we cross the International Date Line, we lose a calendar day.

Day 3 : Auckland

This morning we arrive in Auckland, the largest Polynesian city in the Southern Hemisphere. After clearing customs, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city including America’s Cup Village, lively Queen Street, and the Harbor Bridge. We visit SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium to view the world’s largest sub-Antarctic penguin colony display and the magical Seahorse Kingdom, then take an underwater journey to discover a diverse collection of aquatic life up close. We then embark on a pleasant countryside drive to the riverside city of Hamilton, one of the country’s fastest growing cities and the perfect place to experience friendly Kiwi hospitality. Explore this beautiful area on your own with time at leisure the rest of the day.

Day 4 : Hobbiton™ & Lake Taupo

We spend our morning at Alexander Sheep & Cattle Farm in Matamata, a working sheep farm and home to Hobbiton™, The Shire™ from Middle-earth™. Our visit includes a drive through the picturesque 1,250-acre farm with spectacular views across the Kaimai Ranges and a guided tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. The set has been completely rebuilt and remains as it was seen in these films. During our tour, we see Hobbit Holes™, The Green Dragon Inn™, the mill, the double-arched bridge, and other structures and gardens built for this beloved imaginary world. For lunch, we enjoy a traditional pasture-to-plate meal at The Red Barn, a 500-acre working dairy farm. Originally built at the turn of the previous century as a livery stable for horses journeying across the greater Waikato, The Red Barn showcases the very best of New Zealand cuisine and country hospitality. Later this afternoon, we arrive in the town of Taupo that sits at the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake. Taupo is home to award-winning attractions, activities, and breathtaking lake and mountain views. Our lodging features spacious rooms overlooking the thermally heated pool and an elegant restaurant, Vine Eatery & Bar, where we have dinner tonight.

Day 5 : Orakei Korako & Māori Performance

Our day begins with a visit to Orakei Korako, one of the finest thermal areas in the world. On our walk through the Hidden Valley, we see silica terraces, boiling pools, geysers, and an incredibly rare geothermal cave. After lunch at leisure in Taupo’s town center, we cruise the Waikato River and see impressive Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction. Tonight, we enjoy a traditional and authentic Māori hangi feast, a customary cooking method that involves preparing food in an underground pit oven, followed by a powerful cultural performance of song and dance.

Day 6 : Gateway to Fiordland

This morning we fly to South Island and cross sheep-filled farming land to Te Anau, the “Gateway to Fiordland” and the closest town to Milford Sound. This town is nestled on the shores of beautiful Lake Te Anau, with a spectacular backdrop of Mt. Luxmore and the Murchison Mountains. The serene deep water of the largest lake on the island is bordered on its western shore by virgin forest. Tonight, we dine at the MacKinnon Restaurant and settle into our accommodations.

Day 7 : Milford Sound Cruise

Today we travel deep into Fiordland National Park where the beech forests reach the road’s edge and snowcapped peaks tower above. We journey through the beautiful Eglinton Valley to the Homer Tunnel before descending through the spectacular Cleddau Canyon to reach Milford Sound. Our cruise takes us past Mitre Peak, which rises 5,560 feet, as well as striking Stirling and Bowen Falls. Cascading more than 500 feet, the falls flow from valleys formed by receding glaciers. Watch for majestic wildlife along the way, including sea lions and a variety of birds. Afterwards, we return to Te Anau and continue our journey, crossing pasturelands to the Millennium Hotel Queenstown. Queenstown sits on the rippling shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu, set against the dramatic 7,000-foot Remarkables mountain range.

Day 8 : Queenstown

Enjoy a private homemade breakfast at the Kiwi & Birdlife Park. Afterwards, we have the rare opportunity to meet New Zealand's most iconic bird, the kiwi, in specially designed nocturnal houses that allow us to view them during the day. Later, we visit the historic and picturesque “gold rush” settlement of Arrowtown, then see the Kawarau River suspension bridge where bungee jumpers come for thrills from all over the world. The remainder of our day is free to enjoy New Zealand’s adventure capital with jet boating, golf, picturesque walks, and abundant restaurants and shops in one of the most scenic settings in the world.

Day 9 : Southern Alps

This morning we travel across the fruitlands of Central Otago, famous for the production of summer fruit - apricots, peaches, nectarines and plums. Our stop at Jones Family Fruit Stall provides time to explore the orchards and fruit varieties as we hear how this business that started as a small, single fruit stall has expanded throughout the last 40 years. We then travel over Lindis Pass and through the tussock-covered plains of Mackenzie Country towards Mount Cook National Park. Have your camera handy, because this park has some of the most spectacular peaks in the Southern Alps. We drive along Lake Pukaki to Lake Tekapo, nestled among snowy peaks. The glacial blue waters of this lake are one of the most photographed sights in New Zealand. We stop to view the Church of the Good Shepherd and the bronze statue of a sheep dog, erected as a tribute to the important role played by these animals in the development of high-country farming. Afterwards, we cross the picturesque farmland of the Canterbury Plains en route to our overnight accommodations in Christchurch.

Day 10 : Australia

Following a city tour of Christchurch, we bid farewell to New Zealand and fly to Sydney, Australia’s most vibrant city. Upon arrival, we transfer to our centrally located accommodations.

Day 11 : Sydney Sights & Opera House

This morning we discover Sydney’s many interesting landmarks on a guided city tour. Our stops include the famous Harbor Bridge, the longest single span bridge in the world, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Hyde Park, bustling Kings Cross, and popular Bondi Beach. We then tour the famous Sydney Opera House, an architectural masterpiece and performing arts center. During our lunch in revolving Sydney Tower, we see panoramic views of the harbor and city. Later, there’s time to visit the attractions of Darling Harbor, Sydney’s favorite destination for leisure and entertainment, with various restaurants, cafes, museums, parks, theaters, and specialty shops.

Day 12 : Harbor Cruise & The Rocks

Our day starts with a visit to the historic Rocks. Stroll through one of the most prestigious areas in Sydney with beautifully restored buildings, spectacular views across the harbor, and cobbled streets and pathways. After lunch, we embark on a delightful harbor cruise to soak up Sydney’s sparkling waterfront. Gain a glimpse of the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge, sail past pristine parks, golden beaches, and charming harborside neighborhoods. We then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure for individual exploration.

Day 13 : Tropical Cairns

Our morning begins with a flight to tropical Cairns in Far North Queensland. This is the gateway city to many of Australia’s natural wonders, including the famous Great Barrier Reef. Our stunning five-star hotel is adjacent to the waterfront and esplanade. Enjoy the rest of your day discovering its many amenities, including three restaurants and bars, glass swimming pools, and the Eléme Day Spa and Wellness Center.

Day 14 : Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail

We start our day with one of the most spectacular rail excursions in the world, the Kuranda Scenic Railway. As we ascend, our journey provides unsurpassed views of World Heritage rainforest, steep ravines, and picturesque waterfalls within Barron Gorge National Park. Afterwards, we visit the fascinating Kuranda Koala Gardens, an award-winning native Australian wildlife attraction featuring some of Australia’s most popular wildlife. A highlight of this stop is the unique opportunity to pet a koala and hand-feed tame kangaroos or wallabies. Following lunch at Frogs Restaurant, we visit Birdworld Kuranda, a natural habitat of over 60 native species including the endangered and stately Cassowary. There’s also time to visit the Kuranda Heritage Markets before we descend the MacAlister Range on Skyrail, a nearly 5-mile gondola cableway. Enjoy spectacular views of the rain forest, the Coral Sea, and the lush Cairns Highlands as we glide over the dense rain forest canopy.

Day 15 : Great Barrier Reef & Scenic Helicopter Ride

We experience one of the highlights of our tour, a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. We cruise to Moore Reef, located along the outer edge of the world’s largest living organism. The reef is one of Australia’s greatest national treasures and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, stretching more than 1,200 miles along the coast. We view vividly colored tropical fish and coral from the reef viewer, underwater observatory, and glass bottom boat. Learn about the interesting fish and marine life that inhabit this underwater wonderland while enjoying breathtaking sights of the Great Barrier Reef on a scenic helicopter flight. Then, take time to swim, snorkel, or relax in this beautiful marine setting. This evening, we return to our hotel with dinner on our own.

Day 16 : Melbourne

This morning, we fly to the charming Victorian capital of Melbourne, renowned for its lovely parks and gardens. After checking in to our hotel, the remainder of the day is free to wander along Southbank’s waterfront and Crowne Casino precinct or Melbourne’s famous hidden laneways and pedestrian arcades.

Day 17 : Penguin Parade & Wildlife Park

This morning we travel through the picturesque Yarra Valley to sample chocolates at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. Watch closely as the chocolatiers at work create over 150 different types of chocolate! Afterwards, we visit Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, home to over 200 species of Australian birds, mammals, and reptiles in a natural setting. Next, we go to Phillip Island, a wonderful safe haven for seals and birds. Following an included dinner, our day concludes with perhaps our most unique wildlife encounter as we witness the world-famous penguin parade. As the sun sets over this beautiful landscape, we get an up-close and personal view of the world’s smallest penguins as they return home to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia.

Day 18 : Royal Botanic Gardens

Our day starts with a guided sightseeing tour of Melbourne. This fascinating tour includes Fitzroy Gardens, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Queen Victoria Market, and a view of the impressive Parliament House. We also visit the Royal Botanic Gardens to stroll through a collection of over 8,500 species of plants from around the world. Afterwards, we enjoy a Farewell Lunch together to reminisce on the incredible adventures we’ve had. Then, soak up one more evening at leisure in the Land Down Under.

Day 19 : Los Angeles

We bid farewell to Australia. Cross the International Date Line and gain a day arriving in Los Angeles early in the afternoon.

Day 20 : Arrive Home