New Zealand Splendour: Visit the must see sights of New Zealand on AAT Kings' Low Cost New Zealand splendour, see Christchurch, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Rotorua, Auckland and more.
04 May: Arrive Auckland
Airport transfer and hotel check-in, then you're free to see Auckland for yourself. An evening welcome drink followed by dinner with your Tour Director. Hotel: Mercure, Auckland. D
05 May: Auckland - Rotorua
See Auckland on our City Sights tour. Tracing the Waikato River we travel to Waitomo Caves to tour the amazing Glow Worm Grotto and the limestone caves. At Rotorua, we'll take in views of Lake Rotorua and more on our orientation tour. Tonight enjoy a Maori Hangi feast and concert for an insight into Maori culture. Hotel: Ibis, Rotorua, 2 nights. B HD
06 May: Rotorua
We'll watch the Agrodome Sheep Show, complete with sheep dog demonstration then the afternoon is yours. Our option tonight is The Realm of Täne, a journey through Maori mythology and our story of creation. B
07 May: Rotorua - Wellington
Heading south, we'll view the Huka Falls. Visit Taupo. Drive along the shores of New Zealand's biggest lake, through the alpine scenery of Mt. Ruapehu. Tongariro National Park and the dairy farms of Manawatu. Then it's along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington for a City Sights tour. Hotel: Mercure Wellington Willis Street, Wellington. B D
08 May: Wellington - Picton
A morning of ?Free Time' in Wellington, then we visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Photos at Parliament House. Then we cruise Queen Charlotte Sound. Later we travel to the seaside village of Picton for an orientation tour. Hotel: Beachcomber, Picton. B D
09 May: Picton - Christchurch
En route to Christchurch, we'll get up dose and personal with some New Zealand fur seals at Ohau Point, watch whales at Kaikoura, (optional scenic Whale Watching flight), travel along the rugged Pacific Ocean coast, across the patchwork Canterbury Plains. A city tour of Christchurch is followed by ?Free Time'. Hotel: Ibis, Christchurch. B
10 May: Mt. Cook
After a morning at leisure travel over the patchwork countryside of the Canterbury Plains, where the spectacular sightseeing begins. Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki are first up. Next we'll visit the Church of the Good Shepherd before soaking up the sensational alpine landscape of Mt. Cook National Park (optional scenic flight). Hotel: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama. B D
11 May: Dunedin
Our day starts along the Waitaki River with the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam. We travel through Oamaru with its famous white limestone buildings to Dunedin, where we tour the city. Then you've got the afternoon to yourself - take a Wildlife Cruise, visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway. Hotel: Kingsgate Hotel, Dunedin. B D
12 May: Dunedin - Te Anau
After a morning of time to yourself, during which you might like to tour New Zealand's Larnach Castle, we head off across South Otago's fertile, sheep-filled farming land en route to Te Anau, on the shores of the largest lake in the South Island. Tonight you may choose to travel by boat to the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves. Hotel: Kingsgate Hotel, Te Anau. B D
13 May: Milford Sound
You'll be awe-struck by great sights from Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, where you will cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. Along the way to Queenstown, we'll see Mirror Lakes, Claudu Valley, The Chasm, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, travel along the Devil's Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu. At Queenstown we'll have an orientation tour on arrival and enjoy an alpine dinner with views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
Hotel: Mercure Queenstown Resort, Queenstown, 2 nights. B
14 May: Queenstown ?Free Time'
Explore exciting Queenstown your way, all day - from wine and garden tours to jet boat rides and white water rafting. A delicious buffet at the Skyline Restaurant on Bob's Peak is your spectacular dining option. Access is via the steepest Gondola in the Southern Hemisphere. Optional Kiwi Haka Maori Show post-dinner. B
15 May: Fox Glacier
First stop, Arrowtown, on the Arrow River. Second stop Cromwell and its sensational stone fruit. Then it's a trio of lakes - Lake Dunstan, Lake Hawea, Lake Wanaka. Through the Haast Pass, we view Thunder Creek Falls and enjoy a rainforest walk. Final stop, majestic Fox Glacier - a rare, still advancing glacier. Take the opportunity for an optional scenic flight over the glacier. Hotel: Fox Glacier Hotel, Fox Glacier. B D
16 May: Christchurch
We visit Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade), for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration first up. We travel through Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast, to experience the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki, before heading back to Christchurch. Hotel: Ibis, Christchurch. B D
17 May: Depart Christchurch
Today is yours, take your time exploring Christchurch - the Garden City - famous for its gardens and being the most English city outside of England. See Hagley Park and the Canterbury Museum - just make the most of it - it's your last chance to experience New Zealand before we transfer you to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. B
QF 206S May 17 Christchurch to Sydney 6:35 am to 8:05 am.
17 May: with Kay & Audrey in Fassifern
19-21 May: Ibis hotel , Sydney
May 20: Sydney Opera House: Ballet "Coppelia"
Rail Australia: Ultimate Rail Adventure
Australia's best train holiday highlights including travel on both the Indian Pacific & The Ghan. 17 DAYS / 16 NIGHTS Includes:
Gold Service: All meals as specified in the itinerary (B) Breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner
Perth City Sights tour including Fremantle and Swan River Cruise
2 Day Kakadu National Park with wildlife and wetland cruises.
Aboriginal rock art Kata Tjuta, Uluru
Kings Canyon intimate Sounds of Firelight dinner [substituted by Aussie BBQ due to time]
Walking at Kings Canyon Alice Springs Entry Fees to National Parks
Northern Territory touring by luxury coach Quality accommodation
Note: The traditional owners would prefer that visitors do not climb Uluru.
May 22: Saturday Sydney, Indian Pacific, Blue Mountains 2:55 pm
You'll board the Indian Pacific in the afternoon at Sydney Central Station. Enjoy dinner as you head towards the far west of New South Wales. (D)
May 23: Sunday Broken Hill and Adelaide
Your first stop is Broken Hill 6:40am to 8:20am where you can explore this unique outback city on a Whistle Stop Tour before reboarding for the rest of the journey to Adelaide. Although you arrive in Adelaide Parklands Teerminal at 3:05pm in the afternoon, there's still time for another Whistle Stop Tour before you resume your transcontinental journey. (BLD) at 6:40pm
If you're starting your holiday in Adelaide, board the Indian Pacific. (D)
May 24: Monday Indian Pacific across the Nullarbor Plain
Throughout the day, your views will gradually change from the salt lake country to the vast Nullarbor Plain before you stop at one of the world's most isolated outposts, Cook. Feel free to stretch your legs and meet the locals - all seven of them! You then stop this evening in gold-rich Kalgoorlie 7:10pm to 10:40pm where you can take a Whistle Stop Tourt. (BLD)
May 25: Tuesday Avon Valley, arrive Perth
Take in the scenery of the Avon Valley over breakfast before you arrive in East Perth Terminal at 9:10am and transfer to the Medina Grand Perth - your home for the next 3 nights. Once you've checked in, the day is all yours to explore this beautiful city. (B)
May 26: Wednesday Perth, River Cruise, Fremantle 9:20am Pickup at Mill Street at the Parmelia Hilton Hotel Spend a full day discovering Perth's major tourist attractions on board The City Explorer Tour', a replica 1899 Perth tram. Cruise along the magnificent Swan River on your way to Fremantle. Enjoy a scenic tour of the historic port city before some free time to explore at your own pace. (B)
Visit with Collin and Susan Jeffery of Bridgetown Dorpers
May 27: Thursday Perth FREE DAY
Relax, explore at your own pace, or, to make the most of your time here, take one of our Optional Tours on page 65. (B)
May 28: Friday Perth to Darwin by Air QF 7920 leave 8:30 am arrive 1:30pm
Today you'll fly from Perth to Darwin (airfare additional cost) and check in to the SkyCity Darwin [1 night] ready for the next stage of this ultimate adventure.(B)
May 29: Saturday Kakadu, Nourlangie Rock, Yellow Water Billabong Cruise 6:10 am
Heading deep into Kakadu National Park you'll visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre, the famous Yellow Water Biliabong where you'll enjoy a fantastic wildlife cruise, and the impressive rock art site at Nourlangie. Stay overnight at Kakadu's Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn. (BL)
May 30: Sunday Ubirr Art Site, East Alligator River Cruise
This morning you have the option to take a scenic flight over the Arnhem Land escarpment (additional cost) before visiting the superb rock art site at Ubirr. You also join an Aboriginal guided cruise on the East Alligator River and take in the stunning views across the Kakadu Wetlands. Return to Darwin early evening where you'll stay at the SkyCity Darwin [w full breakfast] for 3 nights. (L) Note: The East Alligator River area is subject to seasonal conditions and occasionally it is necessary to alter touring to suit.
Free time in Darwin staying at SkyCity Darwin until 02 June 2010.
May 31: Monday Darwin With the whole day free, you can relax, shop, explore or take one of our fantastic Optional Tours on pages 25-26. (B)
June 1: Tuesday Darwin
June 2: Wednesdy The Ghan to Katherine
Complimentary transfer from SkyCity Darwin to Darwin Terminal at 8:05 am The Ghan, Gold Service Twin Cabin Depart Darwin Terminal at 10:00am
Join The Ghan as you travel south past lush, tropical scenery to Katherine and stop for around 4 hours giving you enough time to look around town or enjoy a spectacular Whistle Stop Tour-l- at Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. (BLD) Arrive Katherine at 1:40pm depart 6:20pm
June 3: Thursday Alice Springs 9:10am arrival
Awake to the lovely desert scenery of Central Australia before arriving in Alice Springs Rail Terminal and transferring to the Chifley Alice Springs Resort. This afternoon is free to explore Alice Springs at your leisure. (B)
June 4: Friday Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
Pick-up at Chifley Alice Springs Resort at 6:35 am
Board your coach and travel to Uluru through the West MacDonnell and James Ranges. Visit the Outback Camel Farm, pass Attila (Mt Conner) before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort. This afternoon, drive out to the magnificent domes of Kata Tjuta and walk deep into Walpa (Olga) Gorge. Travel to sunset strip to view Uluru at sunset. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and admire the magnificent light display before returning to Ayers Rock Resort, Desert Gardens Hotel. (B) Rise early and enjoy a tea or coffee as the sun casts its first rays on Uluru. Take a guided walk to Mutitjulu Waterhoie. Tour the base of Uluru and learn about the geology and flora of the region on the guided Mala Walk, or you can climb Uluru. Visit the Cultural Centre and the Maruku Arts and Crafts Cooperative. This afternoon travel to Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. Overnight at the Kings Canyon Resort. This evening dine in a wilderness setting under a canopy of the southern night sky at the sensational Sounds of Firelight dinner. ) [Changed to Aussie BBQ] [second pick up Kings Canyon Resort?] (D)
June 5: Saturday Kings Canyon & Alice Springs
Today you can enjoy a guided walk to the rim of Kings Canyon (requires a good degree of fitness). Alternatively, join an easier walk along the canyon floor. Continue on to Alice Springs, stopping en route at the Kings Creek Cattle Station, before returning to the Chifley Alice Springs Resort. (B)
June 6: Sunday Rejoin The Ghan to Adelaide
Transfer from Chifley Alice Springs Resort to Alice Springs Rail Terminal: The Ghan, Gold Service Twin Cabin: Depart Alice Springs Rail Terminal at 3:15 pm.
Your morning is free to relax or take in one of the fantastic morning tours listed on page 36 before your transfer to the station. Once aboard you'll enjoy Gold Service and the timeless outback scenery as you head south overnight to Port Augusta. (BLD)
June 7: Monday Arrive Adelaide
Enjoy one last breakfast on board before ending your holiday at Adelaide Parklands Rail Terminal. At 12:30 noon. Here we will be taking the bus to Melbourne to visit some other friends before our return home. 8:15 pm to
June 8 : Tuesday bus arrives at Melbourne 6:45 am
Train leaves at 7:51am to Bairnsdale at 11:30am. [the next train is at 1:25pm and gets in at 5:06pm] Here we will be visiting with Bob & Maureen for a couple days before flying home from Melbourne.
Please let us know if we can get to visit any one in this time period.
June 13: Sunday Melbourne to LA 10:10 am to 7:30 am
LA to Calgary 3:10 pm to 7:10 pm
Visit with Dawn & Richard.
June 14: Calgary to Winnipeg 5:25pm to 8:16pm
