Eighteen or Twenty-seven Days
If you have always felt that neither your budget nor your schedule could strech to include New Zealand and australia as holiday destinations, this Highlights itinerary will change your mind. This popular tour makes it possible to explore both countries on a value-oriented program that doesn't stint on comfort or relaxation.
We've chosen the most evocative destinations on new Zealand's North and south Islands and Australia's eastern coast, and combined them in a sequence that shows them off to best advantage. Beginning with a taste of Auckland's aquatic lifestyle and ending in historic Sydney. Highlights of New zealand and Australia is a tour many of our travellers use to "get their bearings" Down Under, to determine favorite destinations for a later, longer stay. For others, it is a unique opportunity to range far and wide at an attractive cost ans a short schedule. Clocking in at just eighteen days, we've made certain that this trip still includes time to absorb the unique charms of each stop alongyour way and, for the golfers among you, time to hit the links in Queenstown, Melbourne and Sydney.
Quiet now and tranquil, New Zealand's lakes were formed in the geographically turbulent Miocene era.
Tiny New Zealand is one of the world's largest exporters of mutton, wool and lamb.
The first estimate for the Sydney Opera House: $7 million and five years to build. Sixteen years and $102 million later, it was opened to the public by Queen Elizabeth II
Day 1, Monday
USA or Canada - Auckland
Our flight today begins a comfortable journey to New Zealand.
Day 2, Tuesday
International Date Line
On our return trip, we recover the day temporarily "lost" as we cross the International Date Line today.
Day 3, Wednesday
Auckland, New Zealand
We land in Auckland early this morning, to be meet by our A&K escort and transfered to our luxurious hotel (where we are joined by travellers on other A&K tours). Afternoon sightseeing includes a visit to the Auckland Museum, venue for a beautifully presented traditional Maori performance. In the evening, A&K New Zealand hosts a welcome dinner and tour briefing in the home of a local family. The Regent Auckland, Dinner
Day 4, Thursday
Auckland - Rotorua
After breakfast this morning we set off on a scenic drive to Rotorua, stopping en route at a private dairy farm for a barbecue lunch. On arrival, we are transferred to our hotel, with an afternoon of sightseeing to follow. Sheraton Rotorua, Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5, Friday
Rotorua - Queenstown
After sightseeing this morning at the thermal reserve and Rainbow Springs, we board our lunchtime flight to Queenstown, where the evening is at leisure. Parkroyal Queenstown, Breakfast
Day 6, Saturday
Queenstown
This morning we visit Arrowtown, a picturesque gold mining settlement, and take a gondola ride. Many optional activities are available this afternoon - try white water rafting or meeting the local players at the lakeside 18-hole golf course. Parkroyal Queenstown, Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7, Sunday
Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
This morning we begin a spectacular drive from Queenstown to Fjordland National Park, where we take a lunchtime cruise along the senic spectacle Rudyard Kipling called the "Eighth Wonder of the World": Milford Sound. Our party returns to Queenstown by road or on a spectacular scenic flight (an optional extra). Parkroyal Queenstown, Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8, Monday
Queenstown - Christchurch
We fly to Christchurch and visit the Antartic Centre en route to our hotel, with free time before dinner at a local restaurant. Parkroyal Christchurch, Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9, Tuesday
Christchurch - Melbourne, Australia
At leisure until our afternoon flight to Melbourne, we are transferred to our hotel on arrival. This evening a briefing on our upcoming itinerary precedes a welcome dinner. Sheraton Towers Southgate, Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10, Wednesday
Melbourne
This elegant city is renowned for its wonderful parks, gardens and historic architecture. Our tour this morning shows us the highlights of the city, including the Aboriginal Resources walk at the world famous Botanical Gardens, once home to the Wurundjeri tribe, and the National Gallery, the finest in Australia. Melbourne is the cultural center of Australia and this evening you may choose to attend a theatre performance, a concert or a ballet (an optional extra). Sheraton Towers Southgate, Breakfast
Day 11, Thursday
Melbourne
We drive north to spend the day as guests of the Barber family at their magnificent sheep ranch, Coliban Park, set in its own secret valley. We learn about this vital rural industry, watch the farmwork in progress and lunch at this historic homestead. Sheraton Towers Southgate, Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12, Friday
Melbourne - Hayman Island
Today we fly to Hayman, an idyllic tropical resort in the Whitsunday Islands off Australia's northeastern coast. Hayman Resort, Breakfast
Days 13-14, Saturday and Sunday
Hayman Island
We have two full days to enjoy the bushlands, palm-fringed beaches and underwater gardens which surround our resort, as well as its magnificent swimming pools, restaurants, golf and tennis courts. Our time is our own to relax as we please. Hayman Resort, Breakfast
Day 15, Monday
Hayman Island - Sydney
We leave our "paradise island" to fly to Sydney, birthplace of Australia and the city inhabitants tout as "the best addresson earth." Sydney Renaissance Hotel, Breakfast
Day 16, Tuesday
Sydney
Morning sightseeing includes a tour of the landmark Opera House, the quaint suburb of Paddington and famous (infamous?) Bondi Beach. We lunch at a restaurant that may be Sydney's most picturesque: Doyle's on Watson Bay. Sydney Renaissance Hotel, Breakfast, Lunch
Day 17, Wednesday
Sydney
After a morning "coffee break" cruise on Sydney Harbour - a chance to view the city from a unique seaside persppective - we have an afternoon at leisure to continue our own explorations. Golfers may choose to play one of the superb 18-hole courses close to the city center; optional Opera House tickets can be arranged for tonight's performance. We meet tonight for a farewell dinner.Sydney Renaissance Hotel, Breakfast, Dinner
Day 18, Thursday
Sydney - USA or Canada
Transfer to the airport for a flight back to the USA or Canada, arriving the same day you left, courtesy of the International Date Line. Breakfast
Today, travellers continuing to Papua New Guinea transfer to the Sydney airport for a flight to Port Moresby. Papua New Guinea Tour
| Land Arrangements | Basic Tour | With PNG |
| April - June | ||
| Double Occupancy | $4,360 | $7,950 |
| Single supplement | $1,955 | $2,355 |
| Balance of Year | ||
| Double Occupancy | $4,960 | $8,550 |
| Single supplement | $1,955 | $2,355 |
| Internal Airfare (excludes Sydney/Port Moresby) | $685 | $870 |
| Airfare from West Coast Economy Class from | $1,198 | $1,598 |
| Land Arrangements 1997 pricing | Basic Tour | With PNG |
| Double Occupancy | $5,180 | $9,030 |
| Single supplement | $2,330 | $2,800 |
| Regent of Sydney Harbor View Supplement | ||
| Double Occupancy | $146 | $146 |
| Single supplement | $142 | $142 |
| Internal Airfare (excludes Sydney/Port Moresby) | $939 | $1,549 |
| Airfare from West Coast Economy Class from | $1,153 | $1,553 |
| Depart | Return | Depart | Return | Depart | Return | ||
| Oct 21 | Nov 7 | Nov 4 | Nov 21 | Dec 16 | Jan 2 '97 | ||
| 1997 Tour Dates | |||||||
| *Jan 13 | Jan 30 | Apr 14 | May 01 | *Oct 13 | Oct 30 | ||
| *Feb 10 | Feb 27 | *Jun 02 | Jun 19 | *Nov 10 | Nov 27 | ||
| *Mar 3 | Mar 20 | *Sep 08 | Sep25 | Dec 22 | Jan 08 '98 | ||
| 1998 Tour Dates | (New dates and prices may apply) | ||||||
| *Jan 12 | Jan 29 | *Feb 09 | Feb 26 | *Mar 02 | Mar 19 |
* Connects to Ancient Cultures of Papua New Guinea
Prices and dates are subject to change
Your land arrangements include:
Not included are personal expenses such as laundry; travel insurance; excess baggage fees; communication charges; cost of obtaining passports or visas; scenic flights; meals, beverages or sightseeing not included in the itinerary; any airfares.