G’day and welcome to Australia! Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special welcome dinner at your hotel. (Dinner)

Board a fast catamaran for a CRUISE to Green Island, one of the many tropical islands on Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef. Here you can choose to SNORKEL, take a GLASS-BOTTOM BOAT TOUR, or walk through the island’s cool rainforest. This afternoon, your Tour Director can assist you with a variety of optional activities, including crocodile spotting. Tonight, dinner will be held at TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL PARK—an interactive and entertaining portrayal of the culture, dance, and folklore of this indigenous tribe. (Breakfast, Dinner)

This morning offers a special treat as you visit CAIRNS TROPICAL ZOO for your chance to meet Australia’s native animals. You’ll also enjoy breakfast in the park, a talk by a wildlife keeper, and the opportunity to have your picture taken with a koala! Later, fly to Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city. Cosmopolitan yet relaxed, Melbourne is renowned for its shopping and streetside cafés. (Breakfast)

Today’s tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful FITZROY GARDENS and then drive past the lush Royal Botanic Gardens. You’ll soon discover the differing architectural influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings of significance. Also stop at one of the country’s leading OPAL COMPANIES to discover how the beautiful gems are mined. The afternoon is at your leisure. Tonight, consider an optional excursion to see the world-famous Penguin Parade, or for a unique dining experience, join an outing on a historic tramcar restaurant as it winds its way through the streets of Melbourne. (Breakfast)

Fly to Sydney, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Upon arrival, tour the world-famous BONDI SURF BATHERS’ LIFE SAVING CLUB and enjoy a lifesaving demonstration! Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous sunset DINNER CRUISE on one of Sydney’s most prestigious cruise ships. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Explore Australia’s largest city. Visit the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see its amazing interior and theaters. Then, a great photo stop at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s BOTANICAL GARDENS, offering sweeping views of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. The balance of the day is free to enjoy all Sydney has to offer. This evening, enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant with fantastic views of Sydney. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Today, enjoy a day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps join one of our optional excursions to the Blue Mountains for a wilderness experience or to Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge! (Breakfast)

Today, fly across the Tasman Sea to Christchurch, New Zealand. Upon arrival, continue on to MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK, named after the highest peak in New Zealand. Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

This morning, visit the SIR EDMUND HILLARY ALPINE CENTER for unique insight into the history and culture of this region. Weather permitting, don’t miss the chance to take an optional ski-plane flight that actually lands on the 18-mile-long Tasman Glacier. It’s an unforgettable experience! Later, stop at a SHEEP FARM in Omarama to learn more about one of the country’s major industries—sheep! Continue on to Dunedin, one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. (Breakfast)

This morning, sightseeing starts with a quick orientation to see the historic sights of the city, including St. Paul’s Cathedral and a photo stop at the Dunedin Railway Station with its old Flemish Renaissance-style structure. Next, visit the OTAGO MUSEUM, established in 1868 and housing the best Pacific and southern Maori collections in New Zealand. Head past the steepest street in the city, Baldwin Street, where you may see locals making the walk up the 270 steps to the BOTANIC GARDENS. Here, visit the Rhododendron Dell, featuring over 3,000 Rhododendron plants. Later, enjoy fantastic views as you journey through rugged Otago region of New Zealand en route to Queenstown, nicknamed the “Adventure Capital of the World.” (Breakfast)

More beautiful scenery today as you travel into FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK through the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has been honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. CRUISE on the fjord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. (Breakfast, Lunch)

A full day at leisure for your own discovery. Consider an optional visit to a local vineyard and sample some of the prize vintages or maybe a thrilling jetboat ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you plan your day to explore, shop, and enjoy optional activities. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner at Walter Peak, including a CRUISE aboard a vintage steamship on stunning Lake Wakatipu. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)