^{Highlights of}Australia & New Zealand

Day 1 - Monday

We will assemble at London Heathrow, Terminal 4, in the early evening in plenty of time to catch our non-stop Qantas flight to Bangkok. Flight QF 2 is scheduled to depart at 22.15 hours and shortly after take-off dinner will be served. Sit back and enjoy one of the world's most advanced in-flight entertainment systems on your personal seat back screen. Wine and other drinks with the compliments of Qantas.
(Meals: Dinner).

Day 2 - Tuesday - Bangkok, 2 nights

Our arrival into Bangkok is scheduled for 16.00 hours local time, and after customs clearance our waiting coach will transfer us to the first class Amari Watergate, situated in the heart of the city. This evening we shall gather for drinks so we may become better acquainted for our forthcoming travels together.
(Meals: Breakfast, Refreshments).

Day 3 - Wednesday

This morning visit the grounds of the former Royal Palace, a spectacularly ornate building still used for ceremonial occasions. You will visit the temple of Wat Phra Keo, where you will witness some of the finest murals in Asia. Its emerald Buddha is Thailand's most holy image. Afterwards we visit nearby Wat Po, site of Bangkok's famous Reclining Buddha. The rest of your afternoon and evening are left totally at leisure to spend as you please.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 4 - Thursday

At leisure in Bangkok prior to our mid afternoon departure to the airport. We make our way back to Bangkok airport in time for our flight, via Sydney to Christchurch. Flight QF 2 departs Bangkok at 17.40 hours.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 5 - Friday - Christchurch, 3 nights

We transit through Sydney and continue to Christchurch, New Zealand. Our estimated arrival into Christchurch is 14.20 hours local time, and after the normal immigration procedures we shall transfer to the Millennium Christchurch centrally located in Cathedral Square, in the heart of the city, where we spend our next three nights.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 6 - Saturday

This morning we take a sightseeing tour of Christchurch. Included are a visit to the provincial Government buildings and the colourful botanical gardens situated in Hagley Park. At the Sign of the Takahe enjoy spectacular views over the city, the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. Your afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 7 - Sunday

Today has been left completely free to enjoy the most English of New Zealand's cities, renowned for its beautiful parks and gardens. Take the cable car up Mount Cavendish for a panoramic view, or enjoy a tour by restored antique tramcar. You may wish to travel further afield to the original French settlement of Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula, or travel north to Kaikoura for the chance of spotting the mighty sperm whales? (Meals: Breakfast).

Day 8 - Monday - Queenstown, 4 nights

Today we head south through the Canterbury Plains. Pass through Ashburton and Geraldine as we make our way to one of the farms in the Fairlie district where we take a farm tour before lunch. We continue via the Mount Cook lookout, through the MacKenzie Country and over the Lindis Pass. We proceed through Tarras and Cromwell, where old gold workings can be seen. Soon after we reach cosmopolitan Queenstown where we spend the next four nights at the first class Gardens Hotel Queenstown, situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 9 - Tuesday

This morning we drive to nearby Arrowtown with its picturesque tree lined streets and miners cottages preserved as they were during the 19th century gold rush era. Perhaps visit Granny Jones Cottage, Arrowtown Jail and The Lakes' District Museum; alternatively relax with a Devonshire tea in one of Arrowtown's quaint tea rooms. This afternoon, explore Queenstown at your own pace.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 10 - Wednesday

Although today has been left at leisure you may wish to take an optional excursion (at an additional cost) to visit Milford Sound which could be one of your holiday's many highlights. Here you would take a launch trip on The Sound, viewing Mitre Peak and magnificent Bowen Falls. Stops are made en route to view various points of interest such as the Mirror Lakes and the Chasm.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 11 - Thursday

Your final day in Queenstown has been left at leisure to spend as you please. There are many activities available in Queenstown. Maybe go horse riding, white water rafting or take a four wheel drive safari over old mining tracks. For those requiring an easier day a garden tour could be more suitable or perhaps just stroll around this lovely township. This evening we relive a bygone era cruising on Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage steamer 'Earnslaw'. We cruise to Walter Peak Homestead where we enjoy our evening meal before returning back to Queenstown aboard Earnslaw.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 12 - Friday - Rotorua, 2 nights

This morning we make our way to Queenstown airport in time for our flight to the world-famous thermal region of Rotorua, on New Zealand's North Island. Our flight arrives into Rotorua early afternoon, and after a short transfer we arrive at the first class Millennium Rotorua, situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua, where we spend our next two nights. The rest of your day is at leisure to spend as you please.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 13 - Saturday

Rotorua sightseeing today includes the famous Rotorua bath house and a visit to Te Puia including the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve with its boiling mudpools and spurting geysers. Afternoon at leisure. This evening our dinner is followed by an entertaining Maori concert.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 14 - Sunday - Auckland, 2 nights

Our travels take us west this morning to the Waitomo Caves where we take a guided tour of the Glow- Worm Grotto. We continue to Auckland and our home for the next two nights, the first class Heritage Auckland, situated just a short stroll from Queen Street, Auckland's main shopping area.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 15 - Monday

Today has been left completely free for meeting friends, looking at New Zealand's largest and most populous city at your own pace, or merely relaxing with your fellow travellers.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 16 - Tuesday - Sydney, 4 nights

Your morning is at leisure until we depart for Auckland airport. Flight QF 190, to Sydney, is scheduled to depart at 13.45 hours and to arrive into Sydney at 15.05 local time. After clearing customs we shall transfer to the Sydney Harbour Marriott, a luxury grade hotel perfectly located for enjoying Sydney's major attractions. The world famous Opera House, Sydney's magnificent harbour, the historic Rocks district, as well as some of Sydney's finest restaurants and shops are all just a short stroll away. The rest of your day is at leisure for you to take your first look at this truly magnificent city.
(Meals: Breakfast, Refreshments).

Day 17 - Wednesday

Today's full day tour takes in some of Sydney's most spectacular sights. They include a guided tour of the famous Opera House, Bondi beach, and a Captain Cook Luncheon Cruise around Sydney's magnificent Harbour. Following lunch we depart Circular Quay and travel via The Spit and Middle Harbour to Manly. Here you will have the opportunity to stroll The Corso or go for a swim. Return to our hotel by coach mid afternoon, or stay in Manly a little longer and return at leisure via the Manly ferry.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 18 - Thursday

A day left completely free to spend as you please to explore 'The World's Friendliest City' at your own pace.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 19 - Friday

Your last day in Australia's 'Olympic City' is left free. Visit the shops, take a tour or just relax with your fellow travelling companions.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 20 - Saturday - Cairns, 4 nights

This morning we make our way to the airport for our flight to Cairns. Upon arrival at approximately 14.20 hours we shall transfer to the deluxe Cairns Hilton hotel.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 21 - Sunday

A day at leisure to relax by the pool side, or perhaps, an opportunity for some retail therapy! (Meals: Breakfast).

Day 22 - Monday

A holiday to Australia would not be complete without a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Today we have arranged an excursion which could be the highlight of your tour. Travel by catamaran to the Reef - the largest living organism in the world. Our catamaran will anchor next to a floating pontoon at Agincourt Reef where you will have plenty of opportunity to see the colourful marine life via the glass windowed underwater walkway, or closer still by using snorkelling equipment, which is provided for you. Lunch included.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 23 - Tuesday

Although today has been left free, it is hoped that we will arrange an optional tour to take us along the Kuranda scenic Railway through spectacular scenery, past Stoney Creek and Barron Falls to Kuranda Village. Once at Kuranda you will have free time to tour the village and visit the Kuranda Markets. The journey home down the Kuranda range will give us superb views of the Coral Sea.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 24 - Wednesday - Alice Springs, 2 nights

Today our mid-morning flight takes us to Alice Springs in Australia's Red Centre. On arrival we shall transfer to the first class Alice Springs Resort. Your evening is left at leisure.
(Meals: Breakfast, Refreshments).

Day 25 - Thursday

This morning we shall arrange for those that so wish, an optional hot air balloon ride over Australia's outback (at an additional cost). A morning at leisure prior to an afternoon tour of this little town. Visits include the Royal Flying Doctor Base and the Old Telegraph Station, now a museum and site of the old springs from which Alice gets its name.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 26 - Friday - Uluru (Ayers Rock), Overnight

This morning we board our coach which will take us along the Desert Oak Drive to Uluru (Ayers Rock), the world's largest monolith and an enduring symbol of Australia and during this afternoon's tour we learn more of its myths and legends. Later we tour the nearby Olgas, a series of dramatic red rock domes sculpted by the elements. Finally, whilst enjoying a glass of wine, witness ever-changing colours and moods as the sun sets over Ayers Rock.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 27 - Saturday - Perth, 3 nights

This morning we make our way to the airport in time for our flight to Perth in Western Australia. Upon arrival we shall transfer to the Parmelia Hilton, a luxury grade hotel situated in close proximity to Perth's Swan River.
(Meals: Breakfast, Refreshments).

Day 28 - Sunday

Named "The friendly city" by tourists from all over the world, Perth is the most isolated city on earth. This morning we have arranged a tour to explore it's beauty further. We will also visit the nearby port of Fremantle and see the Millionaire's Mansions on the Swan River. We return to our hotel early afternoon and the rest of your day is at leisure.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 29 - Monday

A day to spend as you please in this fabulous city.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 30 - Tuesday

An early afternoon transfer takes us back to Perth Airport in time to catch our Qantas flight via Singapore to London Heathrow. Our departure is scheduled for 16.50 hours and during our flights meals will be served and drinks are provided with the compliments of Qantas.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 31 - Wednesday

Before our arrival breakfast is served. Flight QF 9 arrives into London Heathrow, Terminal 4 at 05.20 hours. After clearing customs it is time to say "Farewell" to our new-found friends, bringing our antipodean adventure to an end.
(Meals: Breakfast).