Day 1: USA to Queenstown (Via Auckland)
Today you will begin your Swain Destinations customized itinerary. Please note, international air has not been included in this package.
Day 2: Cross the International Date Line
Cross the International Date Line, an imaginary line on the surface of the Earth that runs from the North to the South Pole - and defines one calendar day from the next. Crossing the International Date Line adds one day (24 hours) traveling west, and subtracts one day (24 hours) traveling east.
Day 3: Welcome to Queenstown, New Zealand
Upon arrival into Queenstown 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.
Lodging: Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Day 4 – Milford Sound 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 for your full-day tour, 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.
Lodging: Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Meal: Lunch
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 tovisit Milford or Doubtful Sound or the old gold mining town of Arrowtown.
Lodging: Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Day 6 – Coach from Queenstown to Christchurch (Via Mount Cook)
Experience an exceptional journey from Queenstown to Mount Coo kvia 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.
Lodging: Ibis Christchurch
Meal: Lunch
Day 7 – Akaroa Cruise
Today, visit the beautiful unspoiled old French whaling depot of Akaroa. Departing from your accommodation, travel to Akaroa via Sign of Takahe, Sign of Kiwi, Governers bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Forsyth and Little River. En route, we stop at the Hill Top to experience panoramic views of Akaroa Harbour, and visit the cheese factory at Barry's Bay to sample some fine New Zealand cheese. Lunch will be taken at Bully Hayes a popular restaurant on the water front in the heart of Akaroa with a wide choice of New Zealand food available. Following lunch, join a two hour cruise on the Canterbury Cat exploring the delights of Akaroa Harbour and sighting dolphins, penguins and seals. On the return journey to Christchurch a stop will be made at Birdling Flat on the Kaitorete Spit. This stony beach at the entrance to Lake Forsyth provides a commanding view of the southern facing cliffs of Banks Peninsula. An interesting selection of pebbles and semi-precious stones can be found on the beach.
Lodging: Ibis Christchurch
Meal: Lunch
Day 8 – 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.
Lodging: Cairns Colonial Club
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.
Lodging: Cairns Colonial Club
Meal: Lunch
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.
Lodging: Cairns Colonial Club
Day 11 – 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.
Lodging: Travelodge Sydney
Day 12 – Sydney City Touring
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.
Lodging: Travelodge Sydney
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.
Lodging: Travelodge Sydney
Day 14 – Sydney to USA (Via Auckland)
You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flights.
