Specials / Suggested
packages / Nature Tours / 18-35
year old tours
Active Tours / "Rail
Cruises" / Sydney / Cairns
/ Brisbane / Melbourne
Cruises / Alice/Ayers
Rock / Adelaide / Darwin
/ Hobart / Perth
19 Day New Zealand & Australia
Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Christchurch,
Sydney, Ayers Rock & Cairns
New Zealand; Auckland city
sights, Waitomo glow worm caves, Rotorua thermal activity, Agrodome
Sheep Show, Maori Hangi and Concert, Milford Sound, Queenstown,
Dart River Jetboat Safari, Mount Cook, Christchurch, Akaroa Day
Tour
Australia; Sydney Opera House,
Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Cruise, lunch at Doyles Restaurant,
Ayers Rock, champagne sunset at the Olgas, "Sounds of Silence"
bush dinner, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef
Package can be modified to suit
your needs. People from countries other
than U.S. can also buy land only package
Day 1 Fly from USA to Auckland,
New Zealand
Your flight will leave Los Angeles or San Francisco late in the
evening, allowing you easy connections from most US cities. During
the 12 hour non stop flight you cross the International Dateline
and arrive into Auckland in the morning of "day 3" (so
if you leave West Coast on Friday night, you land in Auckland
on Sunday morning).
Day 2 Cross the International
Dateline
Day 3 Arrival into Auckland
Located between two stunning harbors, Auckland, ‘City of
Sails’, enjoys a mild year-round climate. It is the country’s
most visited region and largest urban area, offering exciting
activities and great shopping. On arrival this morning, transfer
to your accommodation for 1 night.
Day 4 Auckland – Rotorua
Journey from Auckland to the thermal center of Rotorua, an area
to introduce you to Maori culture and heritage. Accommodation,
2 nights. (L)
Day 5 Rotorua
A morning tour to see some of the best of Rotorua's natural and
man-made attractions. Visit Rainbow Springs and Rainbow Farm for
a sheep show and working sheep dog demonstrations. Continue to
Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve to see bubbling mud pools, steaming
geysers and intricate Maori wood carvings. The afternoon is at
leisure, then this evening enjoy a Maori Hangi & Concert.
(D)
Day 6 Rotorua – Queenstown
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Queenstown, the activity
center of New Zealand! Accommodation for 3 nights.
Day 7 Queenstown
Travel along the edge of Lake Wakatipu beneath the rugged Remarkables
to Te Anau for a short break (morning tea own expense). Enter
Fiordland National Park pausing at the Mirror Lakes before passing
through Hollyford Valley. The road climbs to enter the Homer Tunnel,
emerging above the Cleddau Valley before descending to Milford
Sound. Here, we board a vessel for a cruise on the Sound itself.
You may see dolphins frolic alongside as you marvel at Mitre Peak
rising 6000 feet from the sound. Lunch is served on board before
returning to the wharf for the ride back to Queenstown. (L)
Day 8 Queenstown
Depart Queenstown to travel by coach to the mouth of the Dart
River where we board the 18 foot specially prepared jet boat.
We thread our way through a maze of channels, between river flats
in only inches of water. After an hour you pull into the bank
and explore the area by foot. Here you see an abundance of bird
life, lush green trees and waterfalls roaring from ahead. On the
return journey, we stop at Glenorchy for a quick snack before
heading back to Queenstown.
Day 9 You coach from Queenstown
to Christchurch
Continue your journey to Christchurch, home to Victoria Park and
the famous Avon River. Accommodation for 2 nights.
Day 10 Christchurch
Today we visit the extinct volcanoes of Banks Peninsula. We make
photo stops at scenic places and includes a cheese tasting at
the Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory. Once at Akaroa, included
in your tour is a nature and harbor cruise on the Canterbury Cat.
This cruise explores the volcanic harbor, and sightings may be
made of the world’s smallest dolphin. (L)
Day 11 Christchurch
Transfer to Christchurch airport to take your International flight
to Sydney, Australia. On arrival to Sydney, you will be transferred
to your hotel. You now have the next 3 days and nights to explore
this city. Ideally you should take a harbour cruise around this
one the most beautiful harbours in the world, take a short trip
to one of the wildlife parks to see the unique animals (koalas
and kangaroos) Australia has, climb to the top of the Harbour
Bridge for some awesome views, and after all that, enjoy the great
restaurants that Sydney has to offer. The local chefs take full
advantage of the fresh seafood and produce. Take a look at the
many tour options you have to choose in our Customized Tours section
and then contact your travel consultant to have them add them
to your trip.
Day 12 Sydney
Today you are driven to Watson's Bay where you will enjoy a 2-course
lunch at Doyle's Seafood Restaurant before an afternoon highlights
tour of Sydney, to include landmarks such as Mrs. Macquarie’s
Chair, Double Bay and Rose Bay. Finish the afternoon with a coffee
cruise around Sydney Harbour. This tour is one of SWAIN TOURS
exclusive signature small group tours in Sydney. (L)
Day 13 Sydney
Today is at leisure to explore Sydney on your own.
Day 14 Fly Sydney to Ayers Rock
You transfer to the airport and fly to Ayers Rock and transfer
to the Ayers Rock Resort. Later this afternoon travel to the spectacular
Olgas and explore this group of rocks sacred to the Aboriginal
people before stopping at a special viewpoint for a glass of champagne
as you watch the awe-inspiring sunset over The Olgas.
Day 15 Ayers Rock
Enjoy the Spirit of Uluru excursion this morning as you tour the
base of Ayers Rock, viewing native fauna and ancient Aboriginal
rock art. Tonight is a really special dinner at the Sounds of
Silence. This begins with a didgeridoo welcome, followed by a
barbecue buffet dinner in the bush. As you sit there and gaze
and the stars you are entertained by local musicians and learn
about the area. The view of Ayers Rock is just amazing! (D)
Day 16 You fly Ayers Rock to Cairns
You transfer to the airport and then take your 3 hour flight to
Cairns. Upon arrival you transfer to your hotel where you will
be for the next 3 days and nights. Cairns is the gateway to the
Great Barrier Reef, the rainforests and tropical islands. From
Cairns you can take day trip to snorkel and dive on the reef,
adventure safaris into the rainforests, hot air ballooning, whitewater
rafting or explore the village Kuranda and take the longest gondola
ride in the world over natural rainforest. Of course you can spend
some time on the beautiful white sandy beaches just to the north.
Day 17 Cairns
Cruise from Cairns aboard the Ocean Spirit catamaran, headed for
Michaelmas Cay, a picturesque reef sand island surrounded by coral
gardens which abound with a myriad of marine life. The island
is a protected seabird sanctuary, playing host to 27,000 migratory
sea birds – absolute heaven for any nature lover. Four hours
at the reef include snorkel equipment, demonstrations and tuition,
and guided snorkel tours with a Marine Biologist. Certified and
introductory diving excursions are available as an optional extra.
Hot and cold cuisine will be prepared on board for lunch, and
morning and afternoon tea are served during sailing. (L)
Day 18 Cairns
Day at leisure to shop and enjoy the tropical climate.
Day 19 Cairns
Transfer to Cairns airport for your flight (via Sydney) to the
west coast. You re-cross the International Dateline and arrive
back into the west coast the same morning. From there you can
make easy connections to most US cities.
Add a stopover in New Zealand, Fiji
or Tahiti.
Land Only Pricing per person double
in US$
|
Departure
|
Standard
|
Superior
|
Deluxe
|
Luxury
|
| Low Season |
$2786
|
$3346
|
$3848
|
$7425
|
| Shoulder Season |
$2900
|
$3458
|
$4072
|
$8162
|
| High Season |
$2900
|
$3458
|
$4072
|
$8162
|
| Peak Season |
$2900
|
$3458
|
$4072
|
$8162
|
| Single Supplement |
$1168
|
$1779
|
$2393
|
$4851
|
Land pricing includes accommodation
(in your choice of standard of hotels) and transfers, touring
and meals (if stated)
Air Pricing per person in US$
|
Departure Date
|
Domestic Australian
airfare required
|
International airfare
from Los Angeles
|
| Low Season |
$925
|
$1155
|
| Shoulder Season |
$951
|
$1245
|
| High Season |
$990
|
$1477
|
| Peak Season |
$983
|
$2067
|
Note: Domestic Australian
airfare as above has been quoted on using instant purchase non
refundable airfares. The costs are subject to seats being available
at that time at that fare. Your Travel consultant can advise you
the best fare available when you book.
International airfare has been based on known fares at the time
of preparing this website. Airfares do fluctuate and regularly
the airlines release specials. We will endeavor to take advantage
of these as they come out and will advise you of the most affordable
fare for your tour when you contact your Travel consultant to
book your trip. The fares above are to be used as a guide.
Excludes govt. fees and taxes on
airfares. These can be up to $135 per person, depended on your
trip itinerary.
SEASONS: To determine the
season in which you are traveling, the date of your flight from
Los Angeles or San Francisco is the "start date". Low
season April 26 - June 16; July 19 - August 26; Shoulder season
February 23 - April 25; June 18 - July 18; August 27 - December
4; High Season December 5 - 11; December 29 - February 22; Peak
season December 12 - 28; In some cases airlines also change their
seasons for special deals. Your consultant will advise you of
any changes in your trip at time of booking.
Prices are subject to fluctuations in currency exchange
