The Complete South Pacific

Departures & Pricing

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Itinerary

1. 1

   Melbourne, Australia

   Arrive in Melbourne. Set upon the shores of Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra River, the city exudes a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere. As travelers' arrival times will vary, we have no group activities planned during the day. Late this afternoon, we meet for a briefing about the journey ahead; tonight, we gather for a welcome dinner.

2. 2

   Melbourne

   Set out on a panoramic city tour, including a guided walk of the famed Royal Botanic Gardens. Then, it’s your choice! Enjoy panoramic views from above at Melbourne Skydeck, the Southern Hemisphere’s highest public vantage point -OR- unwind on a scenic cruise along the Yarra River, taking in Melbourne’s sights from the water. Afterward, the rest of the day is yours to explore Melbourne as you please. Soak in the atmosphere of this exciting city among the bustling laneways, at one of its many shopping boutiques, or along the waterfront.

3. 3

   Melbourne - Hobart

   A flight to Hobart, Tasmania brings you to Australia's second oldest city. An island state of Australia, Tasmania is surrounded by more than 300 scattered isles. Its rugged and pristine beauty provides the backdrop for your three-night stay. Enjoy a guided walk to get to know Hobart before dinner this evening.

4. 4

   Hobart

   Today, visit the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Center and learn about this unique marsupial, its fight for survival, and the plan to save it from extinction. Tour the Port Arthur Historic Site, the best-preserved example of Australia’s original penal colonies. En route, witness the coastal rock formations of Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen, and the Blow Hole.

5. 5

   Hobart

   Enjoy a free day to explore Tasmania’s capital city on your own. Perhaps you’ll indulge in the city’s up-and-coming café culture, meander along the lively harbor, or just take some time to relax. Food lovers may opt to join an optional Bruny Island Food Tour, a full day experience showcasing Tasmania’s celebrated local flavors.

6. 6

   Hobart - Adelaide

   Fly to Adelaide, South Australia’s bustling cosmopolitan capital known for food and wine. Settle into your home for the next 2 nights.

7. 7

   Adelaide - Barossa Valley - Adelaide

   Treat your taste buds to a full-day exploration of the Barossa Valley’s fine food and wine. Starting at Seppeltsfield winery where a wine educator will take you on a behind-the-scenes look through the estate’s treasure trove of historical buildings and spectacular surroundings. Learn of the Seppelt family history and their profound influence on the Australian wine industry. Following the tour enjoy a delicious Barossa-style lunch. Afterwards your vintner voyage continues at Chateau Tanunda for a private tour and tasting of their world-class wines.

8. 8

   Adelaide - Uluru (Ayers Rock)

   This morning, make your way to Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock) in the heart of the Australian Outback. Tour the beautiful area surrounding the base of “The Rock” and learn about its significance to the indigenous population. As the day draws to a close, sip a glass of champagne as Uluru’s hues change dramatically with the setting sun.

9. 9

   Uluru - Cairns

   Fly to Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef (UNESCO). This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring native ingredients.

10. 10

    Cairns

    Rise high on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for an unforgettable ride over the rainforest canopy. Embrace the opportunity to explore the forest floor up close with access to specially designed boardwalks. Afterward, visit Rainforestation Nature Park for lunch and unique encounters with Australian wildlife and indigenous culture. Experience a performance of indigenous dancing, and join a guided walk to explore Aboriginal traditions, seeing how spears were used for hunting and trying your hand at throwing a boomerang. In the Koala and Wildlife Park, wander the boardwalks seeing kangaroos, wallabies, reptiles, and cassowaries.

11. 11

    Cairns

    Board a high-speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the reef from your base on Green Island. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride, stroll the island’s walking trails, relax on the beach, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, an optional outer reef tour is also available.

12. 12

    Cairns - Sydney

    Fly to the dynamic city of Sydney. This evening, personalize your culinary experience with Diner’s Choice – choosing from a variety of local restaurants for an included dinner along bustling Darling Harbour.

13. 13

    Sydney

    See where English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney, featuring the Harbour Bridge, the Rocks, Circular Quay, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Take an expert-led tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. You’ll have the chance to join a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. Our city tour of Sydney will conclude around 3:00 p.m. You are free to explore the city for the remainder of the day perhaps booking a show at the Opera House.

14. 14

    Sydney

    Enjoy a full day at leisure. Marvel at the scenic vistas of the harbor showcasing Sydney’s magnificent skyline, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. As the most populous city in Australia, Sydney is full of endless ways to spend your day.

15. 15

    Sydney - Auckland, New Zealand

    Fly to New Zealand and arrive in Auckland, the “City of Sails.” Auckland has the highest Polynesian population in the world, imbuing its chic atmosphere with the vibrant feel of the Pacific Islands.

16. 16

    Auckland - Rotorua

    Get to know the best of Auckland during a panoramic city tour, passing by the America’s Cup Village, the War Memorial, vibrant Queen Street, and the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Next, travel to the dramatic geothermal landscape of Rotorua. Find culture behind every corner – over one-third of Rotorua’s population boasts Maori roots, making it known as the Maori capital of New Zealand.

17. 17

    Rotorua

    Discover Whakarewarewa – a Maori cultural and geothermal experience. Explore an authentic Maori village where people live using natural geothermal resources to cook, bathe and heat their homes as they have done for centuries. At the Agrodome, see a sheep-shearing demonstration and learn about the importance of agriculture to the nation. Enjoy free time starting from 1:00 p.m. to explore more of Rotorua independently. Tonight, you may wish to deepen your understanding of Maori culture with the optional Te Po at Te Puia experience, an atmospheric evening featuring cultural performances, storytelling and a hangi feast.

18. 18

    Rotorua - Wellington

    Make your way to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city and the world’s southernmost capital city. Built on the foreshore of a harbor and ringed by mountains, this gives the city the nickname “Windy Wellington.”

19. 19

    Wellington

    Come to know Wellington on a tour including the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament, Lampton Quay, and the Old Government Building – the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Explore the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongawera, a fascinating center dedicated to art, history and the Maori culture. Afterward, enjoy the afternoon and evening to explore Wellington on your own.

20. 20

    Wellington - Picton - Christchurch

    Today, experience what has been called “the most beautiful ferry ride in the world” as you sail across the Cook Strait on your way to the historic city of Christchurch, the “Garden City.” Dinner tonight will be at the hotel.

21. 21

    Christchurch

    This morning, enjoy a tour at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. A leader in the conservation of New Zealand species, Willowbank offers the chance to view New Zealand’s “Big 5” up close and personal. Learn about the local indigenous culture of the Maori, with a paddle on the Avon River in a traditional canoe or ‘waka.’ Spend the afternoon exploring the city independently and see how far it's come since the earthquakes of 2011. Our scheduled activities will conclude at 1:30 p.m. Continue your exploration of Christchurch with the rest of the day free.

22. 22

    Christchurch - Queenstown

    Make your way to Queenstown, nicknamed the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Nestled on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

23. 23

    Queenstown

    Enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley as you travel through a beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. Cruise the breathtaking Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on the South Island. Following your cruise, consider returning to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

24. 24

    Queenstown

    A free day in Queenstown offers limitless activities set amidst breathtaking Alpine scenery. Today, you have the opportunity to partake in an off-road tour through the rugged Queenstown countryside, showcasing the filming locations of many blockbuster movies and learning about the region's gold rush. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner and toast to a fabulous trip.

25. 25

    Queenstown - Tour Ends

    Your tour comes to a close in Queenstown.

Accommodation

Book this rail journey

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

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