Exploring Australia & New Zealand

The Lands Down Under and small group touring – limited to 24 travelers – make for a perfect combination on this journey from Australia’s sophisticated Sydney to its storied Outback and Ayers Rock to the Great Barrier Reef; and from New Zealand’s Christchurch to towering Mt. Cook and breathtaking Milford Sound to high-spirited Queenstown and nautical Auckland.  The 22-day journey begins in Sydney.  Highlights include a catamaran cruise around Sydney Harbour; Featherdale Wildlife Park, where koalas roam; and the iconic Opera House. Enjoy leisure time to get better acquainted with this fascinating city.  Next fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Learn about the local Aboriginal people and their culture during a dot painting experience with an Aboriginal artist, and later, watch the sun rise over the fabled monolith.  In Cairns visit beautiful Mossman Gorge on a walk led by an Aboriginal guide, enjoy a Skyrail gondola experience, and swim and snorkel at the colossal Great Barrier Reef during a day-long excursion.  Discover Christchurch, New Zealand’s “Garden City,” with a two-night stay. Stop at a local farm to see sheepdogs at work then spend two nights in splendid Mt. Cook National Park.  On a day-long Milford Sound excursion, cruise through the stunning fjords.  Explore Queenstown, New Zealand’s “adventure capital.”  In geothermal Rotorua, experience Maori culture at a traditional hangi dinner and see kiwis at a nature park.  The journey ends with a two-night stay and sightseeing in vibrant Auckland.  Enjoy additional time in the sparkling “City of Sails” with an optional 3-day/2-night post-tour extension.