1. Arrive Melbourne
Tour departs: Melbourne Airport one hour after the arrival of our selected flights. Welcome to Melbourne, the sophisticated cultural capital of Victoria! You will be met upon arrival for a transfer to your city-center hotel where your Tauck Director greets you. Explore Melbourne's landmark architectural and historical attractions this afternoon, which feature spectacular buildings from the Victorian era as well as beautiful gardens and parks. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner. Meals LD

2. Sightsee Melbourne
Tour Melbourne this morning to see Fitzroy Gardens, Parliament House and St. Patrick's Cathedral; the afternoon is at leisure. Enjoy a fascinating dining experience aboard the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, traveling along the historic streets of Melbourne. Meals BD

3. Fly to Sydney / Cruise
Fly to Sydney; established as a settlement for British convicts over two centuries ago, today Sydney is Australia's largest city, located on one of the world's most beautiful harbors. Experience both old and new Sydney; see the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the "Rocks," and Mrs. McQuarie's Chair. Board a private boat for a cocktail cruise in Sydney Harbour, then enjoy a dinner of Australian specialties at the Waterfront Restaurant. Meals BLD

4. Explore Sydney
Sightseeing includes visits to the renowned beaches of Sydney, including Bondi Beach. Upon your return to Sydney, enjoy a visit to the Sydney Opera House. Remainder of the day is at leisure - your hotel is ideally located for discovering the city's attractions. Meals B

5. Rainforests / Coral Sea
Fly to Queensland to explore both rainforest and reef. Upon arrival in Cairns, travel a short distance to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park to witness the traditions of Aboriginal life. Continue to the coast, where your home for the next two nights is Kewarra Beach Resort, a tropical hideaway set on the shores of the beautiful Coral Sea. Meals BLD

6. Great Barrier Reef
You're off on an adventure along the Great Barrier Reef! Board Quicksilver, a high-tech catamaran that whisks you out over the reef, docking at an anchored platform. Swim and snorkel over coral gardens to see thousands of colorful fish, or explore the underwater world via a semi-submersible; return to the tropical oasis of Kewarra Beach Resort to spend some time at leisure. Meals BLD

7. Fly to New Zealand
Bid farewell to Australia and fly via Brisbane across the Tasman Sea to lovely New Zealand. Touch down in Auckland, the North Island's "City of Sails." One of New Zealand's premier cities, it is renowned as a center for the arts, commerce, and transportation. Meals BD

8. Explore Auckland
Visit Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World, built under the waters of the bay, as well as the intriguing Auckland War Memorial Museum - "Te Papa Whakahiku." The museum is well known for its extensive collection focusing on New Zealand's natural, human and cultural history, as well as her remarkable flora, fauna and geography. Remainder of the afternoon is free for you to pursue your special interests in and around Auckland. Meals B

9. Rotorua / Thermal Reserve
Take a picturesque journey through the scenic heart of the North Island to Rotorua; enjoy lunch at Longlands Farm in Matamata, where a combination of working farm and country gardens awaits. Visit the Agrodome to gain insight into the famed sheep industry of New Zealand. Arrive in Rotorua, once the site of what was considered the eighth wonder of the world, the "Pink and White Terraces." Visit Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve to view the extraordinary geothermal activity - bubbling mud pools, geysers, steam vents and hot springs, as well as exhibits depicting life in Maori villages. This evening, attend a special Maori "Hangi" dinner where traditional Maori cultural heritage is explored in dance and entertainment. Meals BLD

10. Private Charter Flight
Take a private charter flight to the charming town of Te Anau, gateway to New Zealand's Fiordland National Park. After lunch you are free to explore the village of Te Anau, which overlooks Lake Te Anau, the South Island's largest lake. The lake's deep, dark waters lie at the base of rugged mountains reflecting a forested beauty that is hard to surpass. There are many points of interest for you to explore, including superb walking tracks along the lovely lake, or sporting activities. Meals BLD

11. Milford Sound Cruise
Milford Sound is often regarded as one of New Zealand's most beautiful destinations, set amidst an amphitheatre of sheer cliffs, glacier carved inlets, tumbling waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. Your cruise through the magical waters will be one of the highlights of this journey. Depart this afternoon for the city of Queenstown, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The Remarkables, set in the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps, provide a truly dramatic backdrop for this all-season resort town. Named because it was "fit for a queen," Queenstown has twice been voted by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler as the "Friendliest Foreign City." Meals BLD

12. Queenstown / Jet Boat
Awaken to the crisp mountain air and a day filled with activity! Shoot the rapids through narrow gorges on the Shotover River aboard Shotover Jet, one of the world's most exciting jet boat adventures. Disembark your jet boat to board a helicopter for flightseeing over Queenstown and The Remarkables mountain range. Land on Bobs Peak for a panoramic vista before a gondola ride down to town. Visit the Kiwi and Birdlife Park, set on eight acres of lovely landscaped natural bush in the center of Queenstown. Experience the flora and fauna of New Zealand in their natural surroundings over lunch; view the native kiwi as well as other endangered bird species. The park is dedicated to both protecting New Zealand's endangered birds and rehabilitating injured birds to return to the wild. Meals BL

13. Fly to Christchurch
Enjoy a magnificent sightseeing journey up the South Island this morning on a flight to Christchurch, "the most English city outside of England." Your Tauck Director introduces you to landmark attractions and sights; the afternoon is at your leisure for you to explore what interests you most. We invite you to join us this evening for a special farewell reception followed by dinner. Meals BD

14. Depart New Zealand
Fly from lovely Christchurch back to the North Island and Auckland to connect with your international flight; your Tauck Director returns to Australia very early this morning. Tour ends: Auckland International Airport. Arrive back in the United States on the same day that you depart from New Zealand. If you would like to spend additional nights in Christchurch, inquire at time of booking. Meals B