Overview
Itinerary
Arrive in the historic city of Christchurch. Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see firsthand how the city known as “the Garden City” is recreating itself. Meet your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner and start your South Pacific journey off on the right foot. (D) Stay: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (2 Nights)
Start your morning with a city tour of Christchurch. Then, pay a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. A leader in the conservation of New Zealand species, Willowbank offers the chance to view New Zealand's “Big 5” - the Kiwi, the Kea, the Tuatara, the Kaka, and the Takahe - up close and personal. Then, learn about the local Indigenous culture of the Maori with a paddle on the Avon River in a traditional waka (canoe). (B)
Depart Christchurch and make your way south to Queenstown. Known as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” Queenstown is nestled against a picturesque bay and snowcapped mountains. Arrive in Queenstown in the afternoon and have time to explore independently before dinner. (B/D) Stay: Millennium Hotel (4 Nights)
Cruise Lake Wakatipu surrounded by Queenstown's stunning landscape aboard an iconic coal-fired steamship. Then, enjoy a "Kiwi" BBQ lunch lakeside followed by a sheepdog demonstration before sailing back.
This evening is yours to enjoy charming Queenstown. (B/L)
Enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley as you travel through an ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. Cruise the Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on the South Island.
Following your cruise, you may choose to return to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand's Southern Alps. (B/L)
A free morning offers an optional tour taking you through the majestic Queenstown countryside showcasing many of the locations where blockbuster movies have been filmed, or perhaps you'll want to shop and people-watch in the village.
Later, it's your choice! Go bird watching at the Kiwi Birdlife Park -OR- take a gondola to the top of Bob's Peak for stunning panoramic views of the area. Gather for a “farewell to New Zealand” dinner. (B/D)
Fly to Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world's most spectacular natural attractions and a World Heritage site - the Great Barrier Reef. Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds. (B) Stay: Bailey Crystalbrook Collection Hotel (3 Nights)
Come to know the history of Australia's original inhabitants at the Rainforestation Nature Park where an Indigenous Pamagirri guide will show you through some of their oldest customs and traditions. Enjoy an "Aussie" BBQ lunch before visiting Hartley's Crocodile Adventures to see crocodiles on a nature cruise. Head through rainforests on boardwalks to see animals such as birds, reptiles, and wallabies. Visit with a koala and chat with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these furry creatures. (B/L)
Board a high-speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the reef from your base on Green Island. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride, stroll the island's walking trails, relax on the beach, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, an optional outer reef tour is also available. (B/L/D)
The morning is yours. Enjoy your last few hours in Cairns by relaxing and taking in the tropical atmosphere and surrounding neighborhood. Then, fly to the bustling city of Sydney. (B/D) Stay: Novotel Sydney Darling Square (3 Nights)
See where English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney, featuring Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, and the Botanic Gardens. Take an expert-led tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Then, have the chance to join a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. (B)
Embrace the exciting city of Sydney during a day of independent exploration.
Tonight, say farewell to Australia while on a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the scenic vistas of the harbor, showcasing Sydney's magnificent skyline, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. (B/D)
Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful adventure. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Come to know Australia's ancient traditions at the Rainforestation Nature Park.
- Take a guided tour of the fascinating Sydney Opera House.
- Paddle the Avon River in a traditional Maori waka (canoe).
- Board a catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef.
- See where the original colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney.
- Enjoy a Kiwi BBQ on the western shore of Lake Wakatipu.
- Take in the sights during a dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Classic tours are for those who want to see the sights, taste the cuisine and experience the world. Read more
Purchase Collette's Travel Protection Plan, & you can cancel for any reason and get your money back! Read more
Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive Collette bookings. Read more
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Cairns.
- Jump in and explore a vibrant, colorful world teeming with life at the Moore Reef at the very center of the Great Barrier Reef. This massive reef system, the largest in the world, can actually be seen from space. Cruise across the water by catamaran to the Great Adventures pontoon where a diverse, bountiful ecosystem is yours to discover. You may enjoy the fish feeding from the unique underwater platform. You’re sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience exploring one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Duration approximately 9 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. You should be a confident swimmer, able to swim at a leisurely pace for 10 minutes without stopping, and be familiar with swimming in the open water for this option. The swell of the ocean on the pontoon can be high at certain times of the day and can be intimidating for swimmers who are not confident in the water. There are life jackets and lifeguards on duty, and rest stations in the water for when swimmers need a break. Lunch is included.
- Location: Christchurch.
- Travelers departing from Australia and New Zealand can choose to pre-pay gratuities for their Tour Manager, driver(s), cruise staff when applicable, and local guides including those on optional tours. Gratuities for airport transfers, tour extensions, and any services not purchased through Collette are the responsibility of the traveler. In select cases where partner cruise lines automatically charge gratuities for cruise staff to traveler staterooms, Collette does not collect or distribute crew tips on behalf of the traveler. Transportation is not included
- Location: Queenstown.
- Soar over the plunging cliffs, snowfields, and alpine lakes of the pristine Southern Alps on a flightseeing plane that carries you back from Milford Sound to Queenstown. Seeing Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park from the air will give you a whole new perspective on the overwhelming beauty of this region. You’ll be captivated by 9,000 foot peaks and frozen lakes that can only be seen from above. Enjoy amazing views and skip the lengthy return coach ride to Queenstown. A truly spectacular trip! Duration approximately 1 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Availability for flightseeing is limited. As of 9/20/24, this optional tour is available to book both pre-departure and on-site. This option operates on a weather-permitting basis only. Any travelers over 130kg/286lb will need pre-approval by the vendor. Duration: 40 minutes. This option does have a weight restriction of 130kg/286lb. Please advise your weight upon booking, as any travelers over 130kg/286lb will need pre-approval from the vendor.
- Location: Queenstown.
- Embark on a four-wheel drive off-road adventure through the primeval, mystical landscapes of the New Zealand high country. In the vastness of an unspoiled wilderness, become lost in the grandeur of New Zealand’s South Island – a world immortalized on film in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Trek to the place where the word “otherworldly” was tailor-made, the Remarkable Mountains, and the entrance to Skipper Canyon. Across roads created by pioneers 150 years ago, follow the miner’s old wagon trail along the Arrow River, and stop to try your hand at panning gold. Discover something incredible around every dramatic turn, narrow, and twist of this thrilling safari tour. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. If you choose to cancel this option within 48 hours of the excursion date, payment is non-refundable.
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2025-26)
Availability
USD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
