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Sign up before December for special prices
Feb. 5-26 (only 7 spaces left) March 5-26 available Oct. 15 (Call if you are interested) Small Groups ONLY! All escorted by Liz and Mark Stoddard "Beyond fabulous! Liz & Mark are great tour guides and this is a wonderful, adventure-filled itinerary!" Michele and Bob Sundstrom 'A "don't miss experience." Liz and Mark are the best friends and tour guides. You see so much more doing a land trip than having to rush back to a cruise ship just as the fun begins! Sandee and Buddy Spencer Brief Itinerary for 2026
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$6,990 pp is a bargain because...
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our Itinerary -- New Zealand/australia
(NOTE: All itineraries are thoroughly curated but sometimes suppliers -- especially internal airlines -- and weather can change times and prices. We reserve the right to make adjustments to fit the new realities thrust upon us but you can know we always do what is in the best interest of our customers. See our Terms and Conditions on this website. )
Day 1 - Feb 5 & March 5 - Thursday Lose a day, but you’ll get it back!!! Relax and enjoy the flight with melatonin to keep yourinternal clock on schedule. Get as much sleep on the plane as you can so you stay awake when you arrive in New Zealand’s capital city. Fortunately, you usually depart late in the evening from the USA west coast and arrive before 8 AM the next morning – but it’s a day later. So adjusting to jet lag is much easier. NOTE: For ANY tour, arriving a day earlier is highly advised because you never know when airlines will delay you and make you miss the first day. Not good! We’ll give you the hotel contact information and you can pay for an extra night at our group rate hotel price and we will include a HopOn HopOff bus pass. Enjoy the hotel’s swimming pool, spa, and being so near the wharf. Be sure to see Kelly Tarleton’s Underwater Aquarium and you can do a session at the Auckland Temple if you plan ahead. |
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Day 2 - Feb 7 & March 7 Saturday Auckland
Arrive in the morning in Auckland. Enjoy a harbor sailing cruise tour of the famous “sailboat city”. Plus, enjoy lunch at the wharf and explore the Maritime Museum or see the new Auckland Temple grounds -- the afternoon is free time to explore. |
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Day 3 - Feb 8 & March 8 (Sunday) Hamilton Church & Options
Attend church in Hamilton followed by lunch in Hamilton and then a tour of the only Church History Museum outside SLC. The curator/director will give us a tour of the fascinating Maori member history rooms. We often have a special event with the members in the evening. |
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Day 4 - Feb 9 & March 9 (Monday) Waitoma Glowworm Caves, Agrodome Farm tour & Maori Dinner & Show
On to a boat ride in Waitomo at the famous Glowworm Caves before being treated to an excellent tour of the Agrodome farm/ranch. Time to personally feed the deer, alpacas and sheep. A Manuka Honey tasting in the Kiwi vineyard. We cap off today with a tour of the Matai Maori village followed by a Hangi BBQ and Maori Show in Rotorua. |
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Day 5 - Feb 10 & March 10 (Tuesday) Today is a free day with so many wonders to select from. We love the zip line through restored forests, exploring the thermal hot springs, viewing the old town built on the thermals, walking through giant redwoods with a guide, rafting Cat 5 rushing rapids to the lake, taking a duck boat tour or just enjoying the park by the hotel and lake. Yours to choose and enjoy. We’ll send you tour options later this year.
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We’ll enjoy lunch in the Hobbiton cafe with lots of sandwiches and sweets to choose from. We catch an evening flight to Queenstown, the crown jewel of the south island. |
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Day 7 - Feb 12 & March 12 (Thursday)
Kiwi Hatchery Park & Dart River Jet Boats We get a private tour of the indoor reserve where you’ll see live Kiwi’s darting in and out of the forests. |
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Then get ready for a ride on jet boats that shoot up the picturesque Dart River where Lord of the Rings was filmed.Our 2-hour safari is wonderful with skilled drivers who skim the surface of tributaries whose 6” depth changes daily. All around are spectacular mountains that were used as the backdrop to many films and commercials like the Coors Beer ads -- High in the Rockies!
Tonight we take the gondola up to Bob’s Peak for a fabulous “buffet dinner with a view!” Ride the luge if you like!
Tonight we take the gondola up to Bob’s Peak for a fabulous “buffet dinner with a view!” Ride the luge if you like!
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Day 8 - Feb 13 & March 13 (Friday) Coach to Milford Sound and Fly over Fiordland National park. Our deluxe coach takes us to Lake Te Anau and then into Fiordland National Park. Time to walk through the forests before arriving at magnificent Milford Sound for a cruise up the fjord (or fiord) before we take prop planes back to Queenstown. This breathtaking scenic day will be one of the highlights of this trip. Both the flight and the cruise are unforgettable. If the weather requires a drive both ways, you won’t be disappointed as this is a fabulous drive. Hard to choose which to take. So we’ll leave it up to Mother Nature. (Again, dates and events are subject to change.) Milford Sound is a true fjord created by glacial action. Because of the enormous rainfall (25 feet per year) the fjord has a layer of freshwater floating on top of the saltwater. This unique environment allows the special communities of deep sea animals to thrive just a few metres below the surface
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Day 9 - Feb 14 & March 14 (Saturday)
FREE DAY (Depending upon weather, this may be the day we fly to Milford Sound,) Many choices including Shotover bungee jumping or jet boats, hiking, biking, kayaking to a wildlife sanctuary, biking, golf, 4-wheeling, Lord of the Rings tour to the backcountry, and more! We will send options before the tour for you to choose from. Be sure you’re to pier in Queenstown to board the Earnslaw steamship at 4:45 PM! It takes our group across Lake Wakatipu to the Walter Peak Sheep Station where a gourmet buffet dinner awaits followed by a quick walk to the amphitheater for sheep shearing and dog show. The Earnslaw takes us back to Queenstown later that evening. |
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Day 10 - Feb 15 & March 15 (Sunday) Mt. Cook with Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
Sadly we say goodbye to beautiful Queenstown, but quickly we’ll be into the “cold-water rainforests” of New Zealand’s west coast. We stop at Haas on the coast for lunch, and then drive to the town of Franz Josef arriving mid-afternoon. IF THE WEATHER cooperates, you may be able to take the optional helicopter to Fox Glacier, and then land in the snow fields of Franz Josef Glacier before flying around Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman – the highest points of New Zealand that grow taller each year by an inch or so. We spend the night at a lodge near Franz Josef.
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Fox Glacier by Helicopter
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Day 11 - Feb 16 & March 16 (Monday) If the weather was bad yesterday, it often clears and you can take the optional helicopter glacier rides this morning. We then drive up the west coast to the picturesque seaside town of Hokitika, ground zero for the mining and crafting of New Zealand pounamu or Green Stone (jade). Our hotel is on the beach so you can beach comb or swim. You’re also a block from greenstone workshops as well as other artisan shops, a quick ride to glowworm forest and a kiwi sight as well.
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Day 12 - Feb 17 & March 17 (Tuesday) Hokitika to Arthur’s Pass to Castle Hill to Christchurch
Our coach takes us east through the New Zealand Alps. We stop at Arthur’s Pass and the at Castle Hill where the final battle scene from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was filmed. Then we stop at World Famous Meat Pies for lunch before going to Christchurch for a city tour and our hotel in downtown. Christchurch has a great Botanical Garden.
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Day 13 - Feb 18 & March 18 (Wednesday)
Christchurch to Cairns, Australia We take an early morning flight direct to Cairns in Queensland, Australia. An hour or so from the airport, we stop for lunch at the beautiful Ellis Beach with some nice cafes for lunch. Then a short distance away we arrive at Hartley’s Wildlife Park. It has a large lake/pond in the middle where we board special boats that guide us through the lagoon. All around the guide will help you spot the crocodiles. He also dangles meat so the crocs leap out of the water to grab a meal. Then we have choices all around the heavily forested park of shows with live animals – snake shows, Cassowary feedings (guides say they look like an emu in drag), Koalas, and time to wander the grounds where kangaroos, wallabies, and other safe animals are there for you to feed. It’s a great place. We then head to Cairns and our hotel on the wharf. |
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Day 14 - Feb 19 & March 19 (Thursday)
Cairns mountains & Aboriginal experience We take the gondolas or SkyRail up the mountain, above the rainforests, stopping in the rainforest for a short walking tour, reboard the gondolas and go to Barron Falls (spectacularly huge) before arriving by gondola at the outback town of Kuranda and Rainforest Station Aboriginal Experience. Aborigines teach us to throw their spears, boomerangs and play the didgeridoo. They then perform their famous but simple dances. We head back to Kuranda to the Koala Gardens Park where they have lots of koalas you can get a picture with. Eat in town or at the Frogs Restaurant next to the Koala Gardens. Our coach takes us back to Cairns. Free evening to enjoy the many, many nearby cafes and shops. |
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Day 15 - Feb 20 & March 20 (Friday) Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Glass Bottom Boat What may be the most anticipated part of our trip is the catamaran ride out to the marvelous Great Barrier Reef's Green Island where we take a glass bottom boat or "submarine" to preview the reef. Later, you can explore the island or swim and snorkel this portion of the reef that is perfect for casual or beginning snorkeling to see exotic fish, fluorescent coral growths, giant clams, fish, etc. For those who like the challenge of "ocean snorkeling" or even scuba diving, on a free day you can take a sailboat back to another part of the reef. |
Day 16 - Feb 21 & March 21 (Saturday)
Free Day and River Tubing A free day to take balloon ride, or enjoy a wonderful aquarium, or rent a car to tour the outback, or enjoy downtown Cairns, go biking, see a crocodile show, run the rapids, find a beach and relax, rent a boat, or choose from many more amazing options we’ll share with you. But be back by 2 PM because we’re taking you to a nearby mountain’s gentle river for an optional tubing down the river. Refreshing, relaxing fun. Still time to grab a dinner cruise and/or visit the Night Markets for some of the best shopping. |
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Day 17 - Feb 22 & March 22 (Sunday) We have a early morning flight to Sydney. Our coach picks us up and we get a full afternoon tour of Sydney including the exteriors of the famous shelled Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Rocks (where the English convicts were dropped), Bondi Beach and more. We have selected a great hotel near the airport and next to the city train where you can hop aboard easily and in three stops end at Circular Quay – the hot spot of social life in Sydney. We provide a pass to get on and off and on and off a cruise ship that takes you all over the massive harbor.
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Day 18 - Feb 23 & March 23 (Monday)
Free day in Sydney We recommend the following based on our customers’ happy reports: 1. Try an optional extensive Backstage Tour of the Sydney Opera House on a free morning (starts at 6:30 AM!). Must be booked well in advance. 2. The Rocks walking tour that tells the stories of The Rocks where the British penal colony was established -- the founding of Australia. 3. Walk the Harbour Bridge! 4. Spending time dodging the surf at Bondi Beach. 5. Taronga Zoo where Australia’s unique animals roam -- you’ll get there with a cruise from Circular Quay. 6. Sydney’s Botanic Gardens 7. The Opera House has been a favorite for those who planned ahead and booked an evening performance. This also must be booked well in advance. 8. Sydney Fish Market is a favorite spot for lunch or dinner. So much to do and so little time. With the easy-to-navigate train system, this is an easy city to explore. We added an extra day for you to enjoy this favorite city. These free days are on your own, but we help you make your plans and even let you talk to those who were on this year’s trip if you’d like some advice from previous travelers. 
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Day 19 - Feb 24 & March 24 (Tuesday)
Blue Mountains, Leura Village, Scenic World We take a beautiful drive into the outback – the most beautiful part – to the Blue Mountains where we stop first at the Three Sisters (like the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon) for a spectacular view. Then head to the outback town of Leura to shop and have lunch before heading over to take the Scenic World cogged train down the mountain into the rainforests. Also, take hikes in the forests to waterfalls, take a cable car up the mountain, and then the large gondola past a giant waterfall and rock face. 
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Day 20 - Feb 25 & March 25 (Wednesday ) Free Day in Sydney, Temple Option and Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise We have a bonus day to spend in Sydney doing all the things we didn’t get to on Monday; botanical gardens, whale watching, beaching, etc. In addition, for those who want to do a session at the Sydney Temple, we will help you schedule that for the afternoon and provide a bus to get there and deliver you to our special dinner reservations on the way back. Then join us to board a luxury cruiser for a final gourmet dinner. See all the Sydney Harbour sites during the sunset and then see all the lights as we cruise around the massive harbor while dining with you and all the new friends you’ve gotten to know during this Wonders Down Under experience. A wonderful evening to bid a fond farewell to this beautiful country.
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21 days elapsed time
INCLUDED:
Most events listed are included in the price including all internal air flights: + Sydney RT to Cairns, Sydney to Queenstown, NZ, Christchurch NZ to Rotorua. Plus:
-- entry fees for events stated in itinerary
-- Quality 4-Star hotels w/breakfast, ground transport and guides where needed. About 50 breakfasts and 4 special event meals included: Māori Hangi BBQ, Bob’s Peak buffet, Great Barrier Reef Lunch, and Sydney Harbor Dinner Cruise.
--Tips for guides & Bus Drivers
--Escorted by Mark & Liz Stoddard
NOT INCLUDED
INCLUDED:
Most events listed are included in the price including all internal air flights: + Sydney RT to Cairns, Sydney to Queenstown, NZ, Christchurch NZ to Rotorua. Plus:
-- entry fees for events stated in itinerary
-- Quality 4-Star hotels w/breakfast, ground transport and guides where needed. About 50 breakfasts and 4 special event meals included: Māori Hangi BBQ, Bob’s Peak buffet, Great Barrier Reef Lunch, and Sydney Harbor Dinner Cruise.
--Tips for guides & Bus Drivers
--Escorted by Mark & Liz Stoddard
NOT INCLUDED
- International air - Kayak.com is a good site for comparing airline prices.
- Travel Insurance - We recommend you check out https://www.travelinsurance.com/
- Visas - Australia and New Zealand both require visas, but don't worry, they are simple to get online and don't cost a lot. CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS
- Free-day events are optional. These are up to you and we’ll help you book them before departure. See OPTIONAL TOURS
- Souvenirs (everyone needs a spare boomerang).
- Less than half the meals are on your own - we find group meals take too much time and money and feed us too much. So we provide most breakfasts and 4 special meals (see above).
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Why You Need Trip Insurance
Travel Insurance is an investment in your peace of mind and security as you embark on your adventures. Recommend Travel Insurance Website: www.TravelInsurance.com |