For additional information and reservations on voyages and leisure destinations, contact us at voyages@1st-air.net.
Cairns * Brisbane (Gold Coast) * Melbourne * Sydney * Auckland * Rotorua/Lake Taupo * Milford Sound Christchurch * Queenstown
The highlights of this tour, which showcase the best of Australia & New Zealand, are:
Australia
- Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef and explore this unique underwater theatre
- The beautiful Kurinda Rain Forest
- A visit to Movie World
- A visit to Sea World
- Breakfast at Currumbin Bird Sanctuary
- A showboat dinner cruise at the Sydney harbor area
- A day visit to Canberra - the capital city
- The Blue Mountains OR the wine tour
- Get transported to the 1850s with a full day tour to the Sovereign Hill
New Zealand
- Visit the World famous Waitomo Caves
- A day cruise on Milford Cruise
- Drive via Mt. Cook (New Zealand's highest point)
- A day visit to the massive glaciers at Franz Joseph Glacier
YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 1: Cairns
Upon arrival at this tropical coastal city, you will be met and transferred to the Radisson
Plaza at the Piers. Take the rest of the day free to rest and relax.
Day 2: Cairns
After an early morning breakfast we have in store for you one of the natural wonders of the world -
The Great Barrier Reef - the world's largest living reef. We take you on a wave cruiser to small
islands for an unrestricted view of the underwater life. Snorkel or dive your way to explore an
enchanting seascape of unequal beauty. Return to your hotel in the evening.
Day 3: Cairns - Brisbane (Gold Coast)
After breakfast leave for the half-day tour of the famous area of Kuranda rain forest. Go to the top
of this unique Eco system by a scenic train. After lunch you will be driven to the airport to board
your flight for Brisbane. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Gold Coast. This area is a
shopping and entertainment paradise. In Brisbane you will be the guest of the Marriott.
Day 4: Gold Coast
The Gold Coast offers some of the most picturesque landscape in the world. You can enjoy a day at
Movie World where you catch the stunt shows, special effects stages and adventures in the 4th
Dimension. See your favorite Looney Tune cartoon characters and tour through the live working
studio. The evening is free to be spent at your leisure.
Day 5: Gold Coast
This day is meant for Sea World. Marvel at the dolphin, whale and sea lion aquatic show. See divers
hand feed the sharks, stingrays and groopers. Visit the 3D theatre or enjoy the dozens of thrilling
rides including the famous corkscrew roller coaster. The evening is free to be spent at your leisure.
Day 6: Gold Coast - Brisbane - Melbourne
After a hearty breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Melbourne. Upon arrival, you will
be transferred to your hotel LeMeridian. Melbourne is the quaint old city with history and fine old
buildings - a very romantic place. In the afternoon visit the Phillip Island, a Koala sanctuary,
and literally cuddle with the bears. Hand feed the kangaroos and the wombats and see the fairy penguins
waddle to their burrows in the sand dunes. The evening is free to spend at your leisure.
Day 7: Melbourne
A full day tour, which takes you to the famous Sovereign Hill, an authentic recreation of the 1850
gold mining town. Try your luck at gold panning and visit the gold museum to view the molten being poured
to make ingots. Visit the Ballarat wildlife park famous for it's fauna. Complete the day with a visit to
the Great Southern Woolshed for afternoon tea and to a Ram Parade.
Day 8: Melbourne - Sydney
This will be your final morning in Melbourne before you depart for Sydney. This vibrating city is the
essence of "Down Under". The Grand Harbour bridge and the Opera house are world famous landmarks. After
arrival at your hotel visit the historic rocks area; the Opera house and Royal botanic gardens and visit the
Bondi Beach - famous for it's surf and bronzed bodies. In Sydney, we offer the following hotel partners
from which to choose:
- The Hilton
- The Quay West
- The Regent
- The ANA
- The Marriott
Day 9: Sydney
After a hearty breakfast, enjoy a tour through the famous Blue Mountains and the caves. This day tour
is very popular with people of all ages. The Jenolan Caves are real a treat. The tour takes to Kutoomba,
Echo Point, Three Sisters and the Limestone Caves. Overnight at Sydney hotel.
Day 10: Sydney
This day is totally at your own discretion. We recommend a day tour of the famous Australian wine growing
area at Hunter Valley. Or else just take a 3-hour harbor cruise around the Sydney Harbor where you will be
able to view some of Sydney's most elite real estate.
Day 11: Sydney - Auckland
Transfer to the airport to connect to your flight to New Zealand's capital city of Auckland. Upon arrival you
will transfer to your hotel Sheraton.
Day 12: Auckland Rotorua
After breakfast depart southwards to the Waitomo through the lush green Waikato region. View the world
famous Glow Worm Caves after which you continue onwards to Rotorua. You will be a guest at the Royal
Lakeside Hotel.
Day 13: Rotorua - Whakarewarewa Thermal reserve - Queenstown
After breakfast set out on a sightseeing tour of Rotorua including the thermal reserve, Paradise Springs
and the Agricultural Show. Later transfer to airport to fly to the most beautiful city in the South Island
at Queenstown. Upon arrival transfer to Lakeland Hotel.
Day 14: Queenstown
Explore this town with it's colorful history of it's goldmining days.
Day 15: Queenstown - Milford - Queenstown
Today will feature a sensational tour at the Fiordland National Park, the Eglington Valley and through the
Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. This natural wonder undoubtedly is the grandeur of Milford Sound with its
sheer rock walls rising from the ocean floor to the mountain peak.
Day 16: Queenstown - Mt. Cook - Christchurch
After breakfast leave for a very scenic tour of Mt. Cook. We drive through old gold workings as we travel
through the Lindis Pass into Mackenzie Country's awe-inspiring Mt. Cook - New Zealand's highest mountain.
Later continue onwards to Lake Takapo and through rich farmland to reach Christchurch. This city is known
as the garden city and it could not have a more apt name as the city has so many beautiful gardens. The
city is really a blend of the old world charm and the new. Overnight at Heritage Park Royal.
Day 17: Christchurch
Day at leisure or the opportunity for any last minute shopping. In the evening you will be transferred to
your onwards destination or your home city.