The turquoise waters of the South Pacific. Sightseeing underwater offers glimpse of vividly-colored corals and exotic tropical fish.
Many cultures have taken root in the islands of the South Pacific. On some, native Polynesian traditions still hold sway, while in Austrilia and New Zealand Aboriginal and Maori folfways have been overlaid, to some extent, by the customs of more recent European colonists. Best of the South Seas distills them all into a single journey of discovery.
Your itinerary begins on Fiji, for a taste of the legendary island lifestyle of the tropics. Then, prepare to "compare and contrast" as you visit the lively cities and spectacular landscapes of pacific neighbors New Zealand and Australia.
Fascinating in itself, Best of the South Seas also offers an optional South Seas experience par excellence: a week-long extension on a "tall ship" cruise of the Society Islands, departing from Papeete, Tahiti. Aboard the sail crusier Wind Song, travel to a string of unspoiled islands where oschids still bloom, hulas are un choreographed and smiles are sincere.
Many of these departures (asterisked at left) have been designed to connect with our Ancient Cultures of Papua New Guinea itinerary.
Day 1, Saturday
USA or Canada - Nadi Fiji
Our flight today takes us south and west toward Fiji.
Day 2, Sunday
International Date Line
We cross the International Date Line, "losing" a day regained on our return trip.
Day 3, Monday
Fiji
Arriving in Fiji early this morning, we are met by our escort and transferred to oceanview rooms at our resort hotel. This afternoon's sightseeing tour begins with a stop at Viseisei, the village where, tradition says, the first Polynesians landed on the island. After touring the village's cultural center, where traditional handicrafts are offered for sale, we drive on to the tropical gardens, ponds and trees. Our last sightseeing stop today is Nadi, a town known for its elaborate South Indian Temple and many interesting shops. We return to our hotel for welcome cocktails this evening. The Sheraton Royal, Deanaru Resort
Day 4, Tuesday
Fiji
A full day at leisure to enjoy this tropical resort; tennis;, golf or a cruise to one of many offshore islands are just a few of the possibilities available. The Sheraton Royal, Deanaru Resort, Breakfast
Day 5, Wednesday
Fiji - Auckland, New Zealand
Today we fly to Auckland, New Zealand's "City of Sails." Joined by travellers on other A&K tours, this afternoon's sightseeing tour includes a visit to the Auckland Museum, venue for a traditional Maori performance. This evening A&K New Zealand hosts a welcome dinner and tour briefing.The Sheraton Royal, Deanaru Resort, Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6, Thursday
Auckland - Rotorua
A senic drive to Rotorua stops en route at a private dairy farm for a barbecue lunch. On arrival we transfer to our hotel, then enjoy an afternoon's sightseeing among the region's thermal wonders. Sheraton Rotorua, Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7, 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 8, 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. Dinner tonight is in the home of a local family.Parkroyal Queenstown, Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9, 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 10, 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 11, 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 12, Wednesday
Melbourne
This elegant city is known 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, concert or ballet (an optional extra). Sheraton Towers Southgate, Breakfast
Day 13, Thursday
Melbourne
Today 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 14, 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 15-16, 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 17, 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." The Regent of Sydney, Breakfast
Day 18, 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. Optional Opera House tickets can be arranged for tonight's or tomorrow's performance. The Regent of Sydney, Breakfast, Lunch
Day 19, 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.The Regent of Sydney, Breakfast, Dinner
Day 20, Thursday
Sydney - USA or Canada
Today, our party divides into three groups: those ending their trip without an extension transfer to the airport for a flight back to the USA or Canada, arriving the same day, 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
Extension
Those who have chosen the Wind Song Extension spend the balance of the day at leisure in Sydney. The Regent of Sydney, Breakfast
Day 21, Friday (extension)
Sydney - Papeete, Tahiti
Depart on a flight to Papeete, Tahiti. Arrive in tahiti in the early morning, at leisure until afternoon sightseeing trip. Tahiti Beachcomber Parkroyal, Breakfast
Days 22-28, Saturday - Friday (extension)
Papeete - Society Islands
On Saturday afternoon we board our sail cruiser Wind Song to begin a luxury cruise around the Society Islands,. In addition to Tahiti, we visit Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora and Moorea, exploring by sea and land, and enjoying water sports. Wind Song Day 22, Breakfast, Dinner; Days 23-28 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 29, Saturday (extension)
Society Islands - Papeete
Our cruise ends as we dock in Papeete. We return to our hotel, with the balance of the day at leisure. Tahiti Beachcomber Parkroyal, Breakfast
Day 30, Sunday (extension)
Papeete - USA or Canada
We transfer to the airport for our homebound flight, arriving back in the USA or Canada on the same day. Breakfast
| Land Arrangements | Basic Tour | With Cruise | With PNG |
| April - June | |||
| Double Occupancy | $5,090 | $8,410 | $8,680 |
| Single supplement | $2,335 | $3,900 | $2,735 |
| Balance of Year | |||
| Double Occupancy | $5,780 | $9,100 | $9,370 |
| Single supplement | $2,335 | $3,900 | $2,735 |
| Port Taxes | N/A | $130 | N/A |
| Internal Airfare* | $685 | $685 | $1,215 |
| Airfare from West Coast Economy Class from | $1,378 | $1,528 | $1,778 |
| Land Arrangements 1997 pricing | Basic Tour | With Cruise | With PNG |
| Double Occupancy | $5,760 | $9,300 | $9,610 |
| Single supplement | $2,540 | $4,105 | $3,010 |
| Port Taxes | N/A | $140 | N/A |
| Regent of Sydney Harbor View Supplement | |||
| Double Occupancy | $146 | $195 | $146 |
| Single supplement | $142 | $190 | $142 |
| Internal Airfare* | $939 | $939 | $1,549 |
| Airfare from West Coast Economy Class from | $1,468 | $1,603 | $2,125 |
*excludes Nadi/Auckland, Christchurch/Melbourne; Sydney/Papeete; Sydney/Port Moresby
| Depart | Depart | ||||||
| *Sept 28 | Oct 17/27/26 | Nov 4 | Nov 21 | *Jan 25 | Feb 13/23/22 | ||
| Oct 19 | Nov 7/17 | Feb 27/Mar 9/8 | |||||
| Jan 30/Feb 9/8 | Mar 20/30 |
| Depart | Return basic Tour | Return Cruise | Return PNG |
| Dec 14 | Jan 2,'97 | ||
| *Jan 11 | Jan 30 | Feb 09 | Feb 08 |
| *Feb 08 | Feb 27 | Mar 09 | Mar 08 |
| *Mar 01 | Mar 20 | Mar 30 | Mar 29 |
| Apr 12 | May 01 | N/A | N/A |
| *May 31 | Jun 19 | Jun 29 | Jun 28 |
| *Sep 06 | Sep 25 | Oct 05 | Oct 04 |
| *Oct 11 | Oct 30 | Nov 09 | Nov 08 |
| *Nov 08 | Nov 27 | Dec 07 | Dec 06 |
| Dec 20 | Jan 08 '98 | Jan 18 | N/A |
| 1998 Tour Dates | |||
| *Jan 10 | Jan 29 | Feb 08 | Feb 07 |
| *Feb 07 | Feb 26 | Mar 08 | Mar 07 |
| *Feb 28 | Mar 19 | Mar 29 | Mar 28 |
* 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; shore excursions on the Wind Song; port taxes; gratuities to ship's crew; any airfares.