Compare Highlights Of The South Pacific With Fiji by Tours4Fun vs Iconic Australia and New Zealand by G Adventures

Day 1 ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

Welcome to Auckland! Hotel check-in available upon arrival. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Schedule flights to arrive by 4:30 pm in time for a welcome meeting and dinner. (D)

Day 2 AUCKLAND. EXCURSION TO WAIHEKE ISLAND

AUCKLAND Guided sightseeing includes Queen Street, Auckland Domain (Auckland's oldest park), and historic Parnell Village. Ferry crossing to Waiheke Island. Free time this evening.
WAIHEKE ISLAND Guided sightseeing of the island includes a visit to an olive grove, plus a tour, tasting, and lunch at a [LF] local vineyard. (B,L)

Day 3 AUCKLAND - WAITOMO - MATAMATA - ROTORUA

Scenic drive through the pastoral region of Waikato en route to Waitomo.
WAITOMO Sightseeing with Local Guide at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves includes a boat trip through the Glowworm Grotto.
MATAMATA Guided tour of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Hobbiton movie set includes the hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and structures built for the filming. Continue to Rotorua.
ROTORUA Free time this evening. (B)

Day 4 ROTORUA

ROTORUA Guided sightseeing includes Te Puia with its geysers, boiling mudpools, and silica terraces. Visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park to see native bush and wildlife including the National Kiwi Hatchery. Free time this afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a traditional [LF] Hangi dinner (roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones), followed by an authentic Maori (indigenous Polynesian people) cultural performance with singing, dancing, and storytelling. (B,D)

ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME in Rotorua with a flightseeing excursion over volcanoes, lakes, and mountains. This and many more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.

Day 5 ROTORUA - QUEENSTOWN

Fly to Queenstown.
QUEENSTOWN A scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob's Peak includes dinner with amazing views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkable Mountains, Lake Wakatipu, and Queenstown. (B,D)

Day 6 QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND

MILFORD SOUND Full-day sightseeing in Fiordland National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) includes a scenic cruise on Milford Sound with the chance to see marine wildlife, waterfalls, glaciers, and rainforest. Late evening return to Queenstown. (B,L)

NOTE:
Please note that the excursion to Milford Sound may happen on Day 7 depending on weather and road conditions today.

Day 7 QUEENSTOWN

QUEENSTOWN Free day. (B)

Day 8 QUEENSTOWN - MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Fly to Melbourne.
MELBOURNE Free time the remainder of the day. (B)

Day 9 MELBOURNE

MELBOURNE Guided sightseeing includes Parliament House, the Shrine of Remembrance, Queen Victoria Market, and beautiful Fitzroy Gardens. A ride on the [LF] Melbourne Star Observation Wheel includes a sparkling drink, appetizers, and views of Melbourne and the bay. Free time the remainder of the day. (B,L)

Day 10 MELBOURNE

MELBOURNE Free day. (B)

Day 11 MELBOURNE - CAIRNS

Fly to Cairns, "Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef."
CAIRNS Visit to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures includes kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, and more native species. [LF] Have your photo taken with a koala or a crocodile. Dinner this evening at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 12 CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF

OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF Scenic catamaran cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) includes the option of snorkeling, a glass-bottom-boat tour, an underwater observatory, and watching a fish feeding.
CAIRNS Free time this evening. (B,L)

Day 13 CAIRNS

CAIRNS Free day. (B)

Day 14 CAIRNS - SYDNEY

Fly to Sydney
SYDNEY Free time the remainder of the day. (B)

Day 15 SYDNEY

SYDNEY Sightseeing includes a tour of the Sydney Opera House (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with a Local Guide. See the financial district, Mrs Macquarie's Chair, the botanic gardens, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Visit to world-famous Manly Beach includes free time, followed by ferry crossing to Sydney Harbour. Free time this evening. (B)

Day 16 SYDNEY

SYDNEY Free day before a farewell dinner at a waterfront restaurant this evening. (B,D)

ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME in Sydney with a guided climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This and many more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.

Day 17 SYDNEY - NADI, FIJI - CORAL COAST

Fly to Nadi, Fiji. Transfer to your resort on the Coral Coast.
CORAL COAST Free time the remainder of the day. (B)

Day 18 CORAL COAST

CORAL COAST This morning's highlight is a half-day Sigatoka River Safari. Be transported into the heart and soul of Fiji, aboard a custom-built jet boat. Cruise your way up the magnificent Sigatoka River to visit an authentic Fijian village and experience a day in the life of the real "Kaiviti" (Fijian). The remainder of your day is yours to explore the beautiful beaches or perhaps sample some local cuisine. (B,L)

NOTE:
If your included sightseeing is schedule to take place on a Sunday, it will operate on Monday instead. Your Local Host will have full details upon your arrival.

Day 19 CORAL COAST

. CORAL COAST Today is at leisure. Make sure to check the daily activities offered at your resort. You may wish to take a dip in the pool, enjoy a Fijian handicraft demonstration, spend some time in the water with kayaks or paddleboards, or simply enjoy an amazing sunset with a cool tropical drink. (B)

Day 20 CORAL COAST - NADI

Transfer from the Coral Coast to Nadi International Airport where your vacation ends. (B)

Day 1 Auckland

Arrive at any time.

Please make your own way to the joining hotel. Our CEO will have a welcome meeting this evening. Auckland is a fantastic city with so much to see and do. Should you want more time to explore on your own, we recommend booking pre-nights.

Jump right into your adventure by adding the 'Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience' extra to your tour. Work with a crew to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour on a competitive yacht, and take in the stunning views. PLEASE NOTE: If booking this extra, a pre-night in Auckland is highly recommended as this activity may start early in the morning on Day 1. If you are interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set, we recommended that you book additional pre-trip accommodations and purchase a day trip from Auckland on (or prior to) Day 1 of this tour.

Day 2 Auckland

Take an orientation walk in Auckland, one of the most multicultural cities in the Southern Hemisphere. We’ll then catch a ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island, a haven of world-class vineyards and idyllic beaches. Visit two wineries to learn about New Zealand's burgeoning wine industry and the history of viticulture in the country while sampling some of the local blends.

Day 3 Auckland/Rotorua

Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.

Rotorua sits over an active geothermal zone with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. This is a fascinating region with Maori history and culture tied directly to the geothermal aspects of the land.

Day 4 Rotorua

On a full-day excursion, head to the Maori-owned Kohutapu Lodge, our base for exploring New Zealand's indigenous culture. See ancient rock carvings and learn about their spiritual significance to the Maori people, both past and present. Watch as a hangi lunch is prepared the traditional way--buried in an underground pit—and enjoy the resulting feast with your Maori hosts. After lunch, take a walk through the 800-year-old podocarp trees in Whirinaki Rainforest, learning the history of the forest and spotting endemic birds and medicinal plants. Return to Rotorua for an optional evening meal or a well-deserved soak in the hot springs.

Day 5 Rotorua/Christchurch

Enjoy time at leisure this morning before catching a flight to Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island. Take some time to explore this small city on your own.

With free time in Rotorua this morning, opt to relax in one of the hot pools fed by water coming directly from the natural springs.

Day 6 Christchurch/Franz Josef

Board the TranzAlpine train—one of the world’s most scenic rail routes—for a breathtaking journey through verdant plains, beech forests, and majestic, misty mountains. After a whistle stop at Arthur’s Pass—the highest pass in the Southern Alps— continue to the end of the line in Greymouth, gateway to the West Coast. Continue on a private vehicle to a rainforest lodge near the town of Franz Josef, our home for the next two nights.

Please be aware that if you are traveling over the Christmas and New Year period the TranzAlpine train may not be operational. Instead your CEO will drive the group through the Southern Alps on a similar route. An additional group holiday dinner will be provided as a substitute for missing the train experience.

Day 7 Franz Josef

Discover the natural wonders of the Franz Josef area on your own today. Opt to embark on a walk in the area; soak in natural hot pools surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery; and more.

Please note that when in Franz Josef optional activities may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

Day 8 Franz Josef/Queenstown

Set out towards Queenstown on a drive along the South Island’s magnificent west coast. Stop at tranquil Lake Matheson, where, on a clear day, you can capture a postcard-perfect image of New Zealand’s highest peaks reflected in the water. Continue to Queenstown, pausing for short walks through the rainforest and visits to picturesque waterfalls.

Early start to travel to the picturesque Lake Matheson. When the weather is right, you can get a great photo of the Southern Alps reflected in the lake. Follow the wild West Coast Road, through the rainforest before stopping for some short walks and waterfall visits.

Day 9 Queenstown/Fiordland National Park

Discover the glacially carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park on a cruise. Glide past shimmering waterfalls and towering cliffs, and look out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and little blue penguins with our naturalist guides. Depending on the season, we’ll spend the night onboard in comfortable cabins, enjoying time to relax on deck and watch the stars.

In the evening, enjoy a delicious three course buffet dinner prepared by our onboard chef and served in the dining saloon. Mingle with fellow travellers, savour some of the fine wines at our licensed bar (additional price) and if the skies are clear in the evening, spend some time on the upper deck gazing at the stars. Please note: your accommodations onboard this vessel are private cabins with en-suite bathrooms. Amenities onboard include viewing decks, a dining saloon, a licensed bar and an observation lounge.

Day 10 Fiordland National Park/Queenstown

Rise early for a wildlife viewing cruise along the pristine fjord. Then navigate back to Queenstown and spend the rest of the day at leisure in this fun-loving lakeside town, known as the adventure capital of the world.

Day 11 Queenstown

The day is yours to explore Queenstown. Choose to cruise lake Wakatipu on a historic steamer; experience a thrilling jet boat ride; or visit a local winery to sample the region’s award-winning vintages. This evening, enjoy a cable car ride to the top of Bob’s Peak for panoramic vistas of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps.

Day 12 Queenstown/Melbourne

Fly from Queenstown to Melbourne, Australia, and enjoy free time in the city.

Day 13 Melbourne

Embark on a food tour of Melbourne with a local author and culinary storyteller. Home to many thriving immigrant communities, Melbourne has long been considered one of Australia’s gastronomic hubs. On this foodie walk through the city’s famed laneways, we’ll experience a range of flavors and cuisines over lunch at three popular venues. Start with an Asian entree with wine; move on to an Italian restaurant for a main dish accompanied with more wine, and finish off the tour with a gelato dessert at our third stop. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Occasionally Monique Bayer may not be available for the Melbourne Foodie Walk. In the event this happens, an equally qualified guide will lead the walk.

Day 14 Melbourne

Spend the day exploring vibrant Melbourne. Set out on an optional excursion on the Great Ocean Road, following spectacular sea cliffs along the windswept Southern Ocean. Visit some of the region’s top wineries or wander the city’s narrow cobbled lanes and alleys, discovering quirky cafés and colorful murals.

Due to exceptional demand, if you are interested in participating in the 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road optional activity, it must be pre-booked in order to secure a spot during your tour.

Day 15 Melbourne/Uluru

Catch a flight to Uluru, in the heart of the Australian outback. Visit the Cultural Centre of the Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and learn about the beliefs and customs of the Anangu, the area’s traditional Indigenous owners. Cap off the day with a glass of sparkling wine as you witness a crimson sunset over this fabled monolith.

Accommodations in Uluru are limited and of varying amenities. We do our best to secure a mid-range hotel, but on occasion a more simple accommodation with fewer amenities may be used.

Airline schedules and flight availability are outside of our control and are always subject to change without notice. While we do our best to book direct flights, on occasion we may have to connect though another city. The Mala Walk at Uluru is not permitted if temperatures exceed 36°C (98°F). During these hot months, we try to offer all walks early in the day to avoid the midday sun. Our CEOs will monitor the weather conditions to gauge the safety of any included walks and may need to call off a given day's walk due to extreme heat.

Day 16 Uluru

Awaken at dawn to witness the sunrise over Uluru and see the famous Field of Light installation. Then delve into a full-day exploration of the ancient, red-hued landscapes of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. After breakfast, make your way to Kata Tjuta, Uluru’s neighboring natural wonder for a morning of exploration. Later set out on a guided walk around the base of the monolith, gaining insight into its sacred significance to the Anangu.

Between November and March, there is extreme heat with temperatures averaging between 43-46°C (109-115°F) in the middle of Australia, especially around Uluru. This can lead to heat exhaustion and potentially become very dangerous. Be sure to drink plenty of water and replenish electrolytes by drinking sports drinks, coconut water or water mixed with electrolyte powder packets.

Day 17 Uluru/Sydney

Enjoy free time on our final morning in the Red Centre. Then pack up and head off to the airport for an afternoon flight to Sydney. Check in to our hotel and opt to join our CEO for a dinner out on the town in one of Sydney's famous neighbourhoods.

Day 18 Sydney

Take it slow with a leisurely morning, or get up early and join your CEO for a walk around the Rocks area, a waterfront neighborhood that marks the spot of the first European settlement in Australia. It also holds a spiritual significance for the area’s indigenous people. Around midmorning, circle back and meet for a private tour of the Sydney Opera House. This afternoon, step aboard a private catamaran for a sunset sail around Sydney's famous harbor. Tuck into a delicious Australian Barbecue dinner as the sun sets in the background.

Day 19 Sydney

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the best of Sydney. Walk the Rocks and stop by Maybe Sammy for a drink, which happens to be one of the best bars in Sydney. Take the ferry to Manly Beach or walk the Bondi Coastal walk and snap some photos. Or, spend a full day exploring the Blue Mountains on an optional excursion.

Day 20 Sydney/Port Douglas

Fly to Cairns today and travel up the scenic coastal road to Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark on an interpretive walk with an indigenous guide at the lush Mossman Gorge, learning about the traditional ways of life of the region’s Kuku Yalanji people. Continue to the resort town of Port Douglas, our home for the next three nights.

We catch a very early flight to ensure we make the most of the day.

Please note that the max luggage allowance on domestic flights within Australia is 1 checked bag (20 kgs) and 1 carry on (7 kgs) per person. Any additional luggage is subject to airline fees and is not included.

Day 21 Port Douglas

Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day catamaran tour to the Outer Reef. Immerse yourself in the largest coral reef system in the world, which teems with 1500 species of tropical fish, as well as whales, dolphins and porpoises. Hop into the warm waters off Australia's east coast and experience this marine wonderland for yourself. Lunch will be served onboard. Back in Port Douglas the evening is yours to do as you please.

Day 22 Port Douglas

Enjoy a free morning in charming Port Douglas. Stroll the town’s boutique-lined streets and idyllic beaches or head to the Sunday markets to browse the stalls. Later in the day, join your fellow travelers for an exclusive cultural experience at Cooya Beach. Meet Indigenous guides for a welcome ceremony, and get acquainted with members of the Kuku Yalanji people. Our CEO will organize an optional farewell dinner to toast your adventures down under.

Day 23 Port Douglas/Cairns

After one last breakfast in Port Douglas, transfer back to Cairns where our tour ends at the airport mid-morning. Alternatively, extend your stay in Port Douglas.

Please book your departing flights no earlier than 1pm out of Cairns. The tour will end at the airport in Cairns. If you have booked extra nights you will be staying at the final hotel in Port Douglas about an hour north from the airport. Please note that should you book extra nights you will be responsible for getting yourself to the airport in Cairns from Port Douglas.