Recommended Experiences

Suggested
Itineraries

Australia New Zealand Encounter

11 nights from $2030

Highlights

Destinations
Queenstown, Christchurch, Cairns, Sydney

Your Itinerary Includes

Internal coach class air in Australia and New Zealand
Round trip airport transfers
3 nights Queenstown
Milford Sound full day tour
Coach transfer from Queenstown to Christchurch
2 nights Christchurch
3 nights Cairns
Great Barrier Reef full day tour
3 nights Sydney
Sydney half day city tour
3 lunches

>> Back to the Top

Day-By-Day Itinerary

This itinerary can be fully customized; to tailor this package to your specific requirements please call one of our travel specialists at 1-800-22-SWAIN.

Day 1 Fly USA to Queenstown (Via Auckland)
Please note international air from the USA has not been included in the package price.

Day 2 You cross the International Dateline
The International Date Line is an imaginary line on the earth’s surface that approximately coincides with the 180th meridian (LONGITUDE), and separates the calendar date. Traveling east across the line takes the traveler back one day; traveling west, takes the traveler forward one day.

Day 3 Welcome to Queenstown, New Zealand
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Located in Central Otago in a lakeside bay, Queenstown is New Zealand’s premier alpine resort. Rich in history and abundance of recreations and a breathtaking natural beauty that lends each season its own distinct complexion, Queenstown has long been the inspiration for artists and nature-lovers from all over the world eager to capture its dramatic beauty.

Nestled beside the deep blue waters of Lake Wakatipu, at the foot of the Remarkables Mountain Range, Queenstown is a year round resort, where you can be as active as you want, or just leisurely enjoy the magnificent scenery.

Day 4 Milford Sound full day tour
An early start as you leave your hotel and coach through some of the most beautiful countryside in New Zealand. On arrival at Milford Sound, board the vessel for a leisurely cruise along the sound to the Tasman Sea. The vessel stops at various points and plenty of time is available to view waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and seals. You may even see dolphins frolic alongside the boat. A buffet lunch is included during the cruise.

Day 5 At leisure, Queenstown
At your leisure to explore the adventure capital of New Zealand. Set between the towering Remarkable Ranges and the bottomless Lake Wakitipu, Queenstown has it all - bungee jumping, jet boating, rafting, amazing scenic helicopter flights. You may wish to visit Milford or Doubtful Sound or the old gold mining town of Arrowtown.

Day 6 Coach from Queenstown to Christchurch (Via Mount Cook)
Experience an exceptional journey from Queenstown to Mount Cook via the Lindis Pass and then down the Southern Alps to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch. Lunch is included en route.

Christchurch, the city of parks and gardens, trees and beauty, is also buzzing with street life. Wine bars, street cafes and exciting entertainments give the central city vitality unique to New Zealand. Christchurch is said to be the most English city outside England. The downtown district focuses on Cathedral Square, where you'll find buskers, speakers and the eccentric Wizard of Christchurch (who is classified as a living work of art). You can sedately cruise the Avon River by punt, on its meandering course through town, under many bridges and past historic landmarks, or do your own thing by canoe. Vintage car, horse and carriage, hot air ballooning and guided walking tours. These are just a few ways to explore the Garden City.

Day 7 At leisure, Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city on New Zealand's South Island and is known as New Zealand’s “Garden City”. Don’t miss the Botanic Gardens located along the banks of the placid River Avon in the middle of Hagley Park. This is just a short walk from downtown. While in that area, you should also visit the McDougal Art Gallery and Museum.

For a romantic interlude, try punting on the Avon. The centerpiece of the city is Cathedral Square and the beautiful Christchurch Cathedral. Time permitting you should also visit the Christchurch Antarctic Museum, located near the airport. This is probably the most comprehensive collection of information and exhibits in the world on Antarctica. Christchurch could be summed up as a little piece of England planted between the blue South Pacific and the snowcapped Southern Alps.

Day 8 Fly Christchurch to Cairns (Via Sydney)
On arrival to Cairns, you will be transferred to your hotel.

The major center in Tropical North Queensland is Cairns, a popular gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The city is fringed by lush rainforests and, to the north and south, are miles of white sandy beaches and turquoise oceans teeming with marine life.

Day 9 Great Barrier Reef tour
This morning, transfer to the wharf for your full day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. You will have four hours at the reef site, to explore what makes the Great Barrier Reef one of the wonders of the world.

The day trip has been designed with the water enthusiast or novice alike - snorkel gear and instruction is provided for all guests, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible vessel, just one meter underwater.

Introductory and certified dives are run in conjunction with snorkeling day trips at an additional cost, and guided snorkel trips with a marine biologist are also available for a nominal fee. A tempting hot and cold buffet lunch is included, as well as morning and afternoon tea on board.

Day 10 At leisure, Cairns
Cairns is the gateway to Tropical Far North Queensland, a region of contrasts and surprises. It is home to the Great Barrier Reef, palm-fringed isolated beaches, Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands, World Heritage listed rainforests and the sun burnt outback. This dynamic area serves as a diverse hub for many attractions and activities of the Tropical North. Apart from the major tourism attractions of the Reef & Rainforest, there are many adventure sports such as white water rafting and bungee jumping, as well as other activities such as golf and trail riding.

Day 11 Fly Cairns to Sydney
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel.

Sunny, sexy, sophisticated – Sydney basks as the shining star of the southern hemisphere. The stunning Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are the pride and joy, but there’s much more to offer.

Sydney’s sparkling harbor is the jewel in the city’s crown. It’s flanked by golden beaches and bush land, and is bisected by one of the most famous bridges in the world. Islands sprinkle its waters, and it’s crisscrossed by all manner of craft, from water taxis and yachts to tour boats and ferries.

Day 12 Sydney city tour
Travel over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, stopping at Milson's Point for a great photo opportunity of the Sydney Opera House. Visit Middle Harbour before a stop is made at Manly beach with time for afternoon tea (own expense). Travel Sydney's northern coast line and see beautiful white sandy beaches.

Day 13 At leisure, Sydney
At your leisure to explore Sydney. Most of the major attractions of the city are within easy walking distance of your accommodation – Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, Centrepoint Tower, Circular Quay, The Rocks etc.

Day 14 Fly Sydney to USA (Via Auckland)
You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flights.

>> Back to the Top

Hotels

For more information about the hotels visited in this itinerary please click the hotel name below.

City	Standard	Superior	Deluxe	Luxury

Queenstown	Scenic Circle A-Line Hotel	Heartland Hotel	Sofitel Queenstown	-

Christchurch	Ibis Christchurch	Copthorne Hotel Central	The George	-

Cairns	Cairns Colonial Club Resort	Pacific International	The Sebel Reef House & Spa	-

Sydney	Travelodge Sydney	Holiday Inn Darling Harbour	Sheraton on the Park	-

>> Back to the Top

Pricing

Please note all prices listed below are subject to current rate of exchange adjustments. Please call for exact price quote for your travel dates.

To determine pricing for your tour select the appropriate travel season and desired accommodation level from the table below.

	Standard	Superior	Deluxe	Luxury
Reference #	SWSP4204	SWSP4205	SWSP4206	-

4/1/10-6/30/10	$2030	$2540	$3500	-

7/1/10-9/30/10	$2030	$2585	$3790	-

10/1/10-11/30/10	$2105	$2720	$3890	-

12/1/10-3/31/11	$2105	$2720	$3825	-

Upgrade to a Harbor View Room at Four Points Darling Harbor in Sydney

4/1/10-6/30/10	-	$130	-	-

7/1/10-9/30/10	-	$150	-	-

Upgrade to an Opera View Premier Room at Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney

4/1/10-6/30/10	-	-	$90	-

7/1/10-9/30/10	-	-	$400	-

Single Supplement
4/1/10-6/30/10	$695	$1170	$2230	-

7/1/10-9/30/10	$715	$1210	$2520	-

10/1/10-11/30/10	$745	$1325	$2610	-

12/1/10-3/31/11	$745	$1325	$2545	-


International Airfare Pricing
Depart Tue, Wed or weekend surcharges apply.
Routing: LAX-AKL//SYD-LAX

4/1/10-6/16/10, 7/18/10-11/30/10				$1445

6/17/10-7/17/10, 12/1/10-12/9/10				$1745

12/10/10-1/22/11				$2195

>> Back to the Top

Terms & Conditions

*Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. Travel may be restricted to certain days of the week and be available from one or multiple US departure points. Add on fares are available from most US cities and surcharges may be applicable for travel on particular days of the week. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. US and Foreign Govt. taxes and fees vary depending on the itinerary selected and may range from $90 to $395 per person. Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18 per person and the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per person, are not included. After ticketing changes may not be permissible in some circumstances, or a change fee may be applied. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note that some air segments may be served by an associated carrier. Full payment for special deals may be required within a number of days of the reservation being made as nominated by your consultant at the time of booking (or 60 days prior to departure). Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Group inquiries are welcome however specials remain subject to hotel and airline capacity control and therefore may not be applicable for group travel. The best deal available for group travel will always be given in lieu of the offer indicated. Unless otherwise indicated all travel must be completed by March 31, 2011 if not before. CST #2012413-20 See our Complete Terms and Conditions.

>> Back to the Top

Find out More

Please read our Privacy Policy

>> Back to the Top