Or get some friends and have a PRIVATE TOUR!!

THE WONDERS OF DOWNUNDER

NEW ZEALAND

AUSTRALIA

21 DAYS

This holiday is a perfect combination New Zealand and Australia, providing unique accommodation with small group day excursions and excellent local guides.    This holiday can be further customized to reduce or add days/nights.  

NEW ZEALAND includes Auckland, Rotorua, Maori experiences, Queenstown, lake cruise, wine touring, nature walks, Milford Sound, Christchurch, and the Tranz Alpine Train and Southern Alps!

AUSTRALIA includes Melbourne, North Queensland Rainforests, Great Barrier Reef,

                  Sydney, the Blue Mountains or vineyards, and a full day with nature!  

Note that other Australian destinations can be added to this itinerary, such as the Outback or Top End of Darwin and Kakadu, South Australia.    Please see our Australian Modules. 

Depart ANY DAY!

Day 1         DEPART HOMETOWN

Day 2         Cross International Dateline

Day 3         ARRIVE AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND (B)

Arrive Auckland early morning.   You are met on arrival outside of Customs and transferred to your hotel.

This afternoon you have a tour of Auckland sights with an excellent local guide.      

Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is known as the City of Sails.  Sprawling between two harbours (the Waitemata and the Manukau) and nestling around the beautiful island-dotted Hauraki Golf, Auckland provides residents and visitors with one of the most beautiful aquatic playgrounds in the world.  Auckland contains nearly a quarter of the country’s population and is the largest Polynesian city in the Southern Hemisphere.  It is the country’s business and industrial centre.

Day 4         AUCKLAND/ROTORUA   (B/L)

You are collected from the hotel by your coach driver and commence a drive south out of the city, into rich farmlands and through cottage vineyards, arriving into Waitomo mid morning.   You take a ranger-guided tour into the famous caves to see the glowworm grotto, millions of tiny glowworms lighting up a deep cavern.   Return “topside” for lunch before continuing on to Rotorua, heart of Maori culture and thermal region.   

Settle into your hotel.   The evening is free - you might relax in the warm thermal waters at the Polynesian Pools, shop or visit the Maori arts and crafts institute.

Day 5         ROTORUA, Waimangu Valley and Maori Hangi (feast)  (B/L/D)

You are picked up from your accommodation between 8-8.30am by your driver/guide, and drive through forest and farmland to New Zealand's largest boiling mudpool and a series of colourful hot springs at Wai-o-tapu.  We'll see the Lady Knox geyser erupt.   Next a short drive to the Waimangu Volcanic valley where your guide will explain the Mt Tarawera eruption which blew open this spectacular, bush covered, geothermal park.

After lunch, you spend the afternoon visiting spectacular lakes and the historial village destroyed by the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera.  Learn the history of the eruption and the volcanic processes of the area. Visit: Lake Tikitapu (blue lake), Lake Rotokakahi (green lake), the Buried Village, Lake Tarawera.  Depart 8.00am-8.30am and return 4.30pm-5.00pm

Learn about our native flora and fauna, maori culture and history, volcanoes, natural medicines and New Zealand's diverse environment.   All attractions fully guided and commentated by local naturalist guide

NOTE: you have the option of a full day trek today to learn about the flora and fauna, Maori traditions, and the richness of the surrounding thermal and volcanic region.   This is a small group with special guide.   Same cost. 

This evening at between 5-5.15pm you are collected from your accommodation to travel out to a Marae (Maori meeting house) for this evening’s Hangi Dinner and Concert.  Enjoy a truly authentic evening including a formal welcome onto the Marae by a tribal leader.   Hear about the customs of their ancestors as the village comes alive with tribal songs, dances and activities.    The food this evening is cooked in an underground “oven” on hot stones which was the way of the Maori people.  Transportation is provided back to your accommodation.

Day 6         to QUEENSTOWN (B)  Cruise Lake Wakitipu ;

Fly this morning to Queenstown, the “Aspen of New Zealand”.  Transfer to your  accommodation aside the lake. 

This afternoon, you cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw on lovely lake Wakititpu, with magnificent views from the water of the surrounding mountains.    Or…More action?  There is also the choice of afternoon river rafting, hiking, horseback riding, golf, jetboating.   The choice is yours…costs may be slightly extra.

Day 7         QUEENSTOWN (B)   

This morning, the choice is a nature hike with an excellent guide, or a tour of the surrounding vineyards.

We can preplan any Queenstown activity for this afternoon or you can take both of these tours (added cost for second tour). 

Day 8         Milford Sound  (B/L)

You are collected from your accommodation and travel by coach to Milford Sound.  

You leave Queenstown and travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu  through rolling farmlands to Te Anau, set on the shores of Lake Te Anau.

This is the Gateway to Fiordland and what now begins is described as one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world.  Through the beech forests of the Eglington Valley to the Homer Tunnel and beyond into mountainous country that is still largely untouched by human handiwork into Milford Sound.   Your cruise onto Milford Sound moved Rudyard Kipling to name it the Eighth Wonder of the World.   Carved by glacial action, the Sound is a place of dramatic peaks soaring thousands of feet above the water and numerous waterfalls cascading from the high valleys.

Lunch is taken aboard your vessel. On return to the wharf, you will be taken by transfer coach back to Queenstown, arriving at about 6.30pm.

There is an option to return via Milford airport and scenic flight to Queenstown (extra cost of $237/per person/USD approx).  Note: flights are subject to weather.  

Day 9         to CHRISTCHURCH (B/L)

You are transferred to the airport and afly to Christchurch – a short flight to the ‘most English city outside of England’.

This “Garden City” is very famous for its home gardens. In early February, there is the judging of the finest home garden which must  be maintained solely by the home owners – no outside help, and the city is literally ‘in bloom’.  

Christchurch is also a city of Parks, gardens, gothic architecture and art galleries, as well as sophisticated cafes and restaurants. There are festivals, theatre, live music and great shopping.  You may like to visit Cathedral Square in the heart of the City, the Canterbury Museum, take a tram ride around the city, explore the Arts Centre, go punting along the picturesque Avon river, or visit the Antarctic Centre (near the airport).

You are collected from the hotel by our excellent local guide for an afternoon in and around Christchurch including local history, architecture, gardens and wildlife.     First, lunch will be at a home garden, an opportunity of getting to know these wonderful and hospitable Christchurch people better.   Then, the sights of the city – its special gardens, architecture, beautiful river and history. 

Return to your hotel later afternoon.

This evening, you enjoy dinner and a Maori cultural performance in a wildlife reserve (transfer to/from by taxi at own expense). 

Day 10       CHRISTCHURCH, full day touring Southern Alps etc..  (B/L)

Your unique day of adventure begins as you are picked up by coach from your Christchurch city accommodation and transferred to the Christchurch Railway Station.

 

Board the world-famous "The TranzAlpine™ Train", claimed to be one of the best six train journeys in the world. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a two-and-a quarter hour train journey across the fertile Canterbury Plains, through rugged foothills, along stunning river gorges, through tunnels and across viaducts into the picturesque Arthur's Pass National Park. Finish the first leg of your adventure at the Arthur's Pass Village, over 700m above sea level, in the heart of New Zealand's snow-capped Southern Alps - On arrival at the Arthur's Pass Railway Station, you will be met by one of our friendly driver guides.

 

Time to board your next mode of transport - one of our specialty designed four-wheel drive Tussock Buggies. The journey continues west over the Southern Alps, across Arthur's Pass. We stop at a lookout points in the Otira Gorge, where you may have a chance to meet some Keas, the world's only alpine parrot. Returning through the Arthur's Pass National Park, drive under a canopy of native beech forest, passing waterfalls, mountain lakes, and crossing rivers.

 

We arrive at the Alpine Lodge for a hearty lunch. Time to relax and enjoy the picturesque high country surroundings.

 

After lunch, re-board the Tussock Buggy as we set off on a 20km safari in to an area inaccessible to the public exploring the vast 35,000 acre Flock Hill sheep station. Frequent stops are made for photos, and to give you the chance to appreciate the spectacular views of river gorges, rugged high country, and the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps. Learn about the colourful local history of this remote, isolated area - and the farming of Flock Hill Station's 10,000 fine wool Merino sheep. Travel the route used by New Zealand's early pioneers to gain access to the greenstone (jade) and gold fields on the West Coast of the South Island. We then make a breathtaking descent of several hundred metres from the tussock covered high country, through native beech forest, down Pig Gully, to the edge of the Waimakariri River

 

 

The only way to continue your journey from here is by river. Time to board a large all weather jet boat. Take a scenic river cruise approximately 15km downstream through the spectacular Waimakariri River Gorge. Experience the thrill of skimming over water - at times only centimetres deep. Arrive at Woodstock Sheep Station for afternoon tea in our secluded riverside lodge.

 

For the final leg of the journey, you board a coach for a one-hour journey back to Christchurch city, first traveling a short distance through Woodstock Sheep Station then back across the Canterbury Plains and drop-off at your accommodation.

 

AUSTRALIA!

Day 11       TO MELBOURNE  (B/Meal inflight)

Farewell to New Zealand as you are transferred to the airport for your short flight to Melbourne, the capital city of the state of Victoria, Australia.  

On arrival this same morning, clear customs and immigration and exit into the Arrivals Hall where you are met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Capital of the state of Victoria, Melbourne prides itself on being a great city. It’s hardly surprising, with its spectacular combination of old and new architecture, elegant streetscapes, ethnic communities and lavish parks and gardens. Add Australia’s best eating, an excellent transit system and a packed event’s calendar and you have all the ingredients for one of the most enlightened and livable cities in the world.

You have an afternoon tour of the city with an excellent guide.  

This evening, experience the myriad of dining options in this ‘city of food’. 

Melbourne has a lively passion for eating and drinking, which is reflected in thousands of restaurants serving up gastronomic experiences from around the world. What’s more, everywhere you look you’ll find an array of fashionable cafés, where you can enjoy Melbourne’s fantastic coffee culture to the full.

Melbourne also has some of the best shopping and nightlife in Australia. Whether you’re searching for haute couture or vintage clothing, skincare products or sparkling chardonnay, über-chic bars, clubs or jazz venues, Melbourne has it. 

Day 12       MELBOURNE, at leisure and penguins   (B)

The day is at leisure in Melbourne.

Melbourne’s standing as the cultural capital of Australia is recognised in a non-stop program of festivals, major art exhibitions and musical extravaganzas. The city also boasts sporting spectaculars and a range of crowd-pleasing events – from the high-octane excitement of the Australian Grand Prix to the beautiful floral displays of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.

Walking is the best way to see Melbourne.  Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, especially on weekends, is where  you’ll find everything from retro home wares to funky shops selling cult-in-the-making jewelry.  There is also stacks of street side cafes, where you can re-fuel between sprees.  Galleries and artists' studios dot the back streets, and at night, the place lights up with tapas bars, pubs and clubs. 

Nearby Carlton is Melbourne's 'little Italy" where the best of Italian food is served on Lygon Street.  Cafes and restaurants abound and offer a great range of cultural restaurants and outdoor cafes.   Here you will also find Melbourne Museum.  

South Yarra is elegant and classy where slightly raucous streets, like Chapel Street of designer fashion boutiques and hip Greville Street.   Good restaurants and cafes are famous for their cuisine in South Yarra.  

Toorak's High Street boasts Australia's largest concentration of galleries among boutiques, markets, cafes and restaurants.  

A cruise on the lovely Yarra River is a nice way to spend an hour or two, enjoying morning or afternoon tea or even lunch.  

Late afternoon, you travel by coach to Philip Island to view the spectacular return to Summerdale Beach of the wonderful Fairy Penguins – a sight not to be missed (not recommended in the Australian winter).

Day 13       MELBOURNE, nature excursion  (B/L)

NOTE:  this itinerary is an indication only, due to conditions on the day it can change slightly to maximise wildlife viewing opportunities

We depart Melbourne at around 9.30am to travel just 45 minutes to the west to Serendip Open Range Sanctuary, where we are immediately amongst wild kangaroos and native birds.  Often our entrance is heralded by the screeching of  Cockatoos or the chattering of Honeyeaters.  After a short walk to meet the kangaroos, we begin our special Safari Drive around the Sanctuary to see emus and huge wild mobs of kangaroos.  We stop often to enjoy the antics of the animals, and disembark for short walks to the lake (home to large populations of waterbirds) and through the gum trees.

Before lunch we visit a protected population of wallabies and get close to some strange Australian birds.  Our picnic lunch is served in an open-air setting at the Sanctuary, and includes fruit and cakes, coffee and delicious Australian "Billy tea".  Your guide will explain the history and recipe for the traditional tea of the Swagmen.

Leaving Serendip, we travel just 20 minutes further west to the bushland of Brisbane Ranges National Park.  The park is home to a large and healthy population of wild Koalas, which we research and monitor to ensure the best possible sightings.  We take a very easy walk through the gum trees, searching for koalas, wallabies, kangaroos and birds in their natural setting.  Your guide will point out plants and features of interest, explain some of the history of the area and, where possible, introduce you to known, named koalas that are part of our research project. 

The area we walk through is of great significance to the local Aboriginal People of the Wathaurong Tribe.  Freshwater lakes and billabongs nearby provided a rich food source for them, and some signs of their occupation still remain.  Your guide will share their knowledge with you. Though we will not be meeting any Aboriginal People on this tour, we act with the knowledge, consent and support of the Wathaurong Community.

We return to Melbourne at about 6pm. 

Day 14       MELBOURNE/NORTH QUEENSLAND (B)

You are transferred to the airport for your flight to Cairns in sunny, warm North Queensland.    On arrival, you are transferred to a your hotel in beautiful Palm Cove.      

Palm Cove is acclaimed to be the most beautiful beach and premier location in North Queensland/ Australia.  It's beach offers warm tropical water year round and a silky sandy beach lined with majestic Palm trees all the way along making the view of the coral sea a spectacular experience.    Swimming beaches are open usually from April to October. 

There is a stunning golf course, selection of endless swimming pools, tennis courts, squash, sailing, sauna and gym. Whether you're planning an action packed holiday or a leisurely laid-back vacation, Palm Cove has something to suit all tastes.

Bus transportation to Cairns and surrounding areas is regularly available as are hire cars. Most tour companies will provide courtesy transfers to and from day trips.

Day 15       NORTH QUEENSLAND, Great Barrier Reef  (CB/L)

Note:  there is an option on this day to take a large or a smaller boat day cruise.  Please inquire with us on the differences, so that you will be on the best boat for your interest.

You are picked up from the lodge this morning and transferred to Port Douglas to board the Quicksilver Catamaran.  

Note:  For experienced divers, there is also a selection of small diving vessels for a day trip to the reef, in addition to the larger boat Quicksilver. 

Day 16       NORTH QUEENSLAND, rainforest   (CB)

Note:  there are three choices for seeing the rainforest.    The first selection is included in the price of your trip:

Private guide:   (extra cost)

Your Australian wildlife safari begins with a short, drive west from Port Douglas into the mountains to our home property for an interpretive rainforest and wildlife walk. 'Thylogale' (our home property) is one of those magical places on earth where man and wildlife share land and live together in a respective and harmonious relationship. The safari spends most of the morning here in the rainforest where a plethora of mammals, birds and reptiles are observed. One of the many highlights of your day is an unforgettable morning tea or coffee break held in the rainforest with the company of this free living wildlife

Departing 'Thylogale' your day continues with a four wheel drive excursion through the secluded wilderness of the Mount Lewis State Forest. This stunningly beautiful rainforest dates back to the evolution of the flowering plants on earth. Much of the flora found here is indicative of Australia's link with the ancient landmass of Gondwana. It is also one of the few remaining protected habitats for some of our more endangered species, including the Southern Cassowary. The coolness of this mountain wilderness provides us with an excellent locality for a barbecued lunch of reef fish and salads.

In the afternoon another short drive further west delivers us into a vastly different ecosystem with it's own wildlife and charm. The dry, stark reality of the open eucalypt forest of the Australian outback is a distinct contrast from the closed wet tropical rainforest of the morning experience.

A number of open forest birds and mammals can be seen here as once again we negotiate a four wheel drive track leading us down to the tranquil beauty of the Mitchell River.

The finale of the day is a refreshing cup of tea held under the shade of towering paperbarks on the banks of this idyllic river. Departing the Mitchell River we head for home and usually have you back at your hotel around 5 p.m.

Small group afternoon and EVENING excursion (viewing nocturnals as well)  - extra cost

The morning is at leisure. 

A day and night tour experiencing Wildlife in its natural environment and coastal to mountain Rainforest.  The trip visits many different habitats, from lowland to highland tropical Rainforest, each housing a remarkable concentration of flora and fauna.  It is a great scenic tour and best for seeing the widest range of native plants, mammals, reptiles and birds all in their natural environment!  As a day and night tour covering various elevations it enables you to truly experience the full majesty of the Rainforest.  Your experienced guide talks you through local history, soils, geography, environment, indigenous people, plants and Wildlife.  Guides help you with spotting Wildlife.  Sightings typically include many birds, some endemic, the Musky Rat Kangaroo (the smallest and most primitive kangaroo), Boyd's Forest Dragon, at dusk Australia's famous "Duck Billed" Platypus and after dinner Lumholtz's Tree Kangaroo (occasionally), Lemuroid, Green and Herbert River Ringtail Possums and many other unusual mammals, insects (including Glow-worms and luminescent fungus - seasonal) and amphibians some found only here. Includes transfers, use of spotting equipment and books, refreshments, restaurant dinner, park fees and spotting lists.   Please note that 'wildlife' is just that – wild, and not always available to us.

The cost of these tours range from $95 to $230 per person and include guide, transport and lunch as well as any cruise and sightseeing mentioned within tour description.   These tours have been personally selected as the best options.

Day 17       TO SYDNEY  (CB)

You are transferred to the airport and fly to the beautiful city of Sydney, arriving mid afternoon.   On arrival, you are transferred to your accommodation, a historic small hotel in the Rocks area.   

This evening you might like to attend a performance at the Sydney Opera House.

Please inquire to schedule during your Sydney stay. 

Day 18       SYDNEY, city sights (CB)

You are collected from the hotel by an excellent local guide for a morning tour of the city. 

Sydney is a thriving harbourside metropolis populated by four million people and is Australia’s best known city. It was the first site of European settlement on the Australian continent – one vastly different from today’s cosmopolitan showcase. The city’s most famous landmarks include Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and the Centrepoint Tower. With the harbour as the Sydney’s heart, the city proper is bounded by water to the north and west and fringed to the east by the extensive green parklands of the Botanical Gardens and the Domain. Sydney is an exciting and interesting city to experience.

Enjoy lunch (own expense) before taking a harbour cruise this afternoon on beautiful Sydney Harbour.

Day 19       SYDNEY, Blue Mountains or wine tasting  (CB/L)

A choice today of a full day excursion up to the Blue Mountains, or a full day excursion to the Hunter Wine Valley.  

Day 20       SYDNEY, at leisure  (CB)

The last day of your trip – go slowly and take in the sights, shopping – postcards!

Relax, people watch at Darling Harbour in one of the outdoor cafes for lunch. 

Sydney should be savored.  

Day 21 HOME!          

You are transferred to the airport for your afternoon flight home, arriving back into North America across the dateline this same day.  

Inclusions/cost

    21 Days Wonders of Downunder  

NEW ZEALAND

All transfers throughout between hotels and airports and/or rail stations 

One night Auckland accommodation with breakfast

Half day sightseeing tour of Auckland with local guide

Coach excursion Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo and including hotel pickup, lunch,

            tour of Waitomo Caves and Rotorua sights

Two nights Rotorua accommodation with breakfast

Full day excursion into Waimangu Valley or full day Maori nature trek, both with lunch

Evening Maori hangi on traditional marae including hotel pick up and return

Three nights Queenstown accommodations with breakfast

Lake cruise on Wakitipu

Half day jetboating or nature hike

Full day coach tour to Milford Sound including cruise and lunch

Two nights Christchurch accommodation                              

Afternoon tour of Christchurch including afternoon tea         

Dinner on wildlife reserve in Christchurch, Maori performance                            

Full day high country excursion including guide, transport, rail travel, lunch, touring

AUSTRALIA 

All tranfers throughout between airports and hotels

Three nights Melbourne accommodation with breakfast daily  

Afternoon sighteeing excursion of Melbourne with local guide  

Full day nature excursion with guide, including transport and lunch

Late afternoon coach trip to Philip Island including entrance penguin observatory                                               

Three nights Palm Cove accommodation with continental breakfast daily                                               

Full day Great Barrier Reef cruise including transfers to/from wharf, boat trip, lunch,

            snorkel equipment, semi-submersible excursion (note:  diving extra)

Full day small group rainforest excursion with lunch

Four nights Sydney accommodation with continental breakfast daily

Half day private guided tour of Sydney sights

Afternoon Sydney Habour cruise

Full day Blue Mountains or Hunter Wine Valley excursion including guide, transport, lunch, touring

Cost per person, USD, based on two sharing twin or double:    $5918.00

Plus airfares:    International and/or internal domestic air flights and fares can be arranged through this office.   Fare vary throughout the year and change frequently.   We strive for the best fares to meet your budget, and also arrange Business and First Class fares.    Frequent fliers using mileage travel are welcome to take ‘land only’ arrangements.

Bookings and inquiries:

Destinations Downunder, Travel Specialists to Australia and New Zealand

3712 N. Broadway, PMB #251, Chicago, Il.  60618   USA

Ph:(773) 832-1699  Fax: (773)832-1699   Email:  travel@koalakiwi.com  Web: koalakiwi.com

Specializing in travel to New Zealand and Australia

for over 23 years!

…Creating memories