Koala & Kiwi

An independent vacation to Australia, New Zealand or both

22 days - Australia & New Zealand
13 days - Australia only
8 days - New Zealand only

Independent

Travel any day

Your Travel Value Includes

Meet & Greet on arrival in Australia and New Zealand

All transfers

Choice of accommodation in twin-bedded rooms

Independent itinerary offering flexibility of departure dates

Meals - Lunch (L) and dinner (D) - as indicated in the itinerary, including a Maori Hangi feast and concert in Rotorua

Sightseeing program as detailed in the itinerary including admission charges where applicable

All local taxes

Brendan flight bag and portfolio of travel documents

Itinerary

Day 1 DEPART LOS ANGELES.
Board your overnight flight for Sydney

Day 2 EN ROUTE.
During your flight, cross the International Dateline.

Day 3 ARRIVE SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Take advantage of your included Sydney Explorer Pass which will take you to all the highlights of the city. The double decker "Red" Sydney Explorer connects 26 of the city's top attractions. Get on and off as you like; the continuous service operates every 20 minutes until 7 p.m.

Day 4 SYDNEY.
View the parklands, stately harborside mansions, city skyline and Opera House as you cruise on Sydney Harbour. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Day 5 SYDNEY.
A day at leisure. Perhaps join an optional tour to the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, or one of the many other choices available.

Day 6 SYDNEY / CAIRNS.
This afternoon fly to the tropical wonderland of Cairns in Far North Queensland.

Day 7 BARRIER REEF CRUISE.
Board a luxury catamaran bound for the outer edge of the Barrier Reef. Enjoy your day with rides in the semi-submersible, guided snorkeling tours, swimming or just relaxing. As your catamaran sets sail for the journey back to Cairns, enjoy the live music on the open deck. (L) Day 8 CAIRNS. A full day at leisure. Optional trips include the Kuranda Rainforest and Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, river rafting, kayaking, a rainforest walk, scuba diving or perhaps an outing to spot crocodiles.

Day 9 CAIRNS / AYERS ROCK.
Fly to the "Red Center" of Australia, Ayers Rock. This afternoon, travel to the Olgas, 36 giant red rock domes which dominate the Western sky. Tonight, travel to Sunset Strip to watch the subtle color changes as the sun sets over Ayers Rock.

Day 10 AYERS ROCK / ALICE SPRINGS.
This morning, take a walking tour around the rock base where you will discover many fine examples of ancient Aboriginal rock art. Later, depart by coach across the desert to the very center of Australia. Arrive in Alice Springs in the late afternoon.boomerang and spear throwing, learn of the people's survival techniques and experience a "Central Australian Corroboree" performed by members of the Walpiri tribe. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight to Adelaide.

Day 12 ADELAIDE.
A free day for independent sightseeing. Optional trips are available to Kangaroo Island as well as the wine-growing region of the Barossa Valley.

Day 13 ADELAIDE / MELBOURNE.
Melbourne is your destination today. This afternoon, take a tour of Australia's second largest city and the surrounding countryside. Stroll through the giant timbers and lush ferns of the Dandenong Mountains. Head back to the city and see Chinatown, the beautiful gardens of Flagstaff and Queen Victoria Markets.

Day 14 MELBOURNE.
A free day. Perhaps take an optional tour to the Great Ocean Road or to Phillip Island to see the fairy penguin parade.

Day 15 MELBOURNE / CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to New Zealand's "Garden City" - Christchurch.
13 day Australia only
passengers transfer at this point of the itinerary to Melbourne airport to connect with your onward flight.
8 day New Zealand only
passengers arrive in Christchurch today and will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Day 16 CHRISTCHURCH.
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour. Your afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the "most English city outside of England."

Day 17 CHRISTCHURCH / QUEENSTOWN.
Fly to Queenstown, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Upon arrival, you are taken to your hotel. There are plenty of optional activities to choose from including the Shotover Jet boat and dinner at the world famous Walter Peak Sheep Station.

Day 18 MILFORD SOUND EXCURSION.
Drive through the rolling countryside and beech forests before entering Homer Tunnel and descending into Milford Sound. Cruise on the tranquil waters of this ancient fjord, past Bowen Falls and majestic Mitre Peak. This afternoon, return to Queenstown via Te Anau. At an additional cost, you may wish to fly from Milford back to Queenstown. (L)

Day 19 QUEENSTOWN / ROTORUA.
This morning, fly to Rotorua on the North Island. Upon arrival, visit the thermal reserve. Then on to Rainbow Springs. Tonight, attend a traditional Maori Hangi (feast) and concert. (D)

Day 20 ROTORUA / WAITOMO / AUCKLAND.
Depart for Waitomo this morning and visit the Glow Worm Grotto to see the tiny blue glow worms reflected in the stillness of the underground river. Then, travel across the Waikato farmlands to the "City of Sails," Auckland.

Day 21 AUCKLAND.
This morning, your tour includes visits to Mount Eden and Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World. The balance of the day is free to explore New Zealand's most cosmopolitan city.

Day 22 DEPART AUCKLAND.
The day is free for last minute shopping. Your hotel room is reserved for an afternoon checkout. Evening transfer to the airport.

You can modify this itinerary to suit your exact travel needs.