Australia and New Zealand Tour 14 Days / 13 Nights from $3299 Email this Page to a Friend!   Duration: 14 days, 13 nights     Description Explore these two great countries of the Southern Hemisphere—Australia and New Zealand! From the tropical splendor of the Great Barrier Reef on Australia’s northern coast, to the breath taking beauty of glacial fjords on New Zealand’s South Island, - this 16 day journey brings you the best of these countries at an enjoyable pace. Cruise Sydney Harbour and Milford Sound. Meet Australia’s wildlife-up close. Discover the wonders of Aboriginal culture.   Included: 13 nights deluxe accommodations Transfers Most meals Tours in itinerary     Itinerary   Day 1: Arrive Cairns, Australia Your tour begins today in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Don't forget to look up at the Southern Hemisphere's stars this evening after you join your mates for a welcome dinner. Dinner is included. Stay Three Nights: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns   Day 2: Cairns Today visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Center. You’ll see traditional Aboriginal dances, learn about the Aboriginal lifestyle, and even throw a boomerang or play a didgeridoo, a traditional instrument. Browse the renowned art gallery and visit the interpretation center, which houses a collection of interesting artifacts. This afternoon a great experience awaits as you search for crocodiles in their natural habitat during a visit to Hartley's Croc Farm! Boardwalks take you on a path of adventure through rainforests and woodlands to see animals such as wild birds, reptiles and wallabies. While visiting you also have the chance to meet some of the local koalas and have a private talk with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these cuddly creatures. Then, enjoy an exciting cruise in the lagoon looking for crocodiles before enjoying a delicious Aussie barbecue. Breakfast and dinner included. . Day 3: Great Barrier Reef Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. This is an immense series of 2,800 coral reefs which are home to amazingly diverse marine life. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef in many ways. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride*, a stroll on the walking trail to take in the rain forest, relax on the beaches, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving and an outer reef tour are also available. Whichever way you choose, you’ll see some of the world’s most fascinating marine and plant life. Breakfast and lunch included.   Day 4: Cairns - Sydney Your morning is at leisure for independent exploration. Later today, fly to the bustling city of Sydney.  Breakfast is included. Stay Three Nights: Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour    Day 5: Sydney This morning enjoy a city tour of Sydney where the English explorer James Cook first dropped anchor in 1770. Highlights of your tour include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens and the fashionable suburb of Paddington. Then, discover one of the world’s most fascinating architectural wonders during a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Next, enjoy a unique opportunity to learn first-hand how raw opals are transformed from the dark mine shafts to beautiful works of art. This evening is free to explore Sydney at your leisure. Maybe try one of Sydney’s eclectic restaurants!   Day 6: Sydney Enjoy a leisurely day to explore Sydney your way. Your tour manager will be on hand to offer suggestions. Tonight, experience the best of Sydney. As you say your farewell to Australia, chat with new friends and take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. The cruise takes in the beauty of Sydney’s skyline and passes by Australia’s two most famous icons: the renowned Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Breakfast and dinner included.   Day 7: Sydney - Christchurch, New Zealand You leave Australia behind and fly to New Zealand and the historic city of Christchurch. Upon arrival enjoy a short sightseeing tour of "the most English city outside of England." Highlights include magnificent gardens and the elegant park district where you learn why Christchurch is referred to as the "Garden City." Breakfast and dinner included. Stay Three Nights: Novotel Cathedral Square