South Pacific Wonder

br />Explore two great countries of the Southern Hemisphere -- Australia and New Zealand. From the tropical splendor of the Great Barrier Reef on Australia's northern coast, to the ethereal beauty of glacial fjords on New Zealand's South Island, this 16 day journey to the lands "down under" brings you the best of both countries at an enjoyable pace. Cruise Sydney Harbor and Milford Sound. Meet Australia's wildlife-up close. Discover the wonders of Aboriginal culture. Experience Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.

Day 1 and Day 2: Depart From Home
Today you board your flight and begin the adventure of a lifetime. Crossing the International Dateline, you skip a day ahead.

Day 3: Arrive Cairns, Australia
Your tour begins today in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Don't forget to look up at the Southern Hemisphere's stars this evening after you join your mates for a welcome dinner.

Day 4: Great Barrier Reef
Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. This is an immense series of 2,800 coral reefs which are home to amazingly diverse marine life. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef in many ways. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride*, a stroll on the walking trail to take in the rain forest, relax on the beaches, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving and an outer reef tour are also available. Whichever way you choose, you’ll see some of the world’s most fascinating marine and plant life.

Day 5: Cairns
Today visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Center. You’ll see traditional Aboriginal dances, learn about the Aboriginal lifestyle, and even throw a boomerang or play a didgeridoo, a traditional instrument. Browse the renowned art gallery and visit the interpretation center, which houses a collection of interesting artifacts. This afternoon a great experience awaits as you search for crocodiles in their natural habitat during a visit to Hartley's Croc Farm! Boardwalks take you on a path of adventure through rainforests and woodlands to see animals such as wild birds, reptiles and wallabies. While visiting you also have the chance to meet some of the local koalas and have a private talk with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these cuddly creatures. Then, enjoy an exciting cruise in the lagoon looking for crocodiles before enjoying a delicious Aussie barbecue.

Day 6: Cairns - Sydney
Your morning is at leisure for independent exploration. Later today, fly to the bustling city of Sydney.

Day 7: Sydney
This morning enjoy a city tour of Sydney where the English explorer James Cook first weighed anchor in 1770. Highlights of your tour include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens and the fashionable Paddington suburb. Then, discover one of the world’s most fascinating architectural wonders during a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Next, enjoy a unique opportunity to learn first-hand how raw opals are transformed from the dark mine shafts to beautiful works of art. This evening is free to explore Sydney’s many famous restaurants!

Day 8: Sydney
Enjoy a leisurely day to explore Sydney your way. Your Tour Manager will be on hand to offer suggestions. Tonight, experience the best of Sydney. Chat with new friends and take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour during which you’ll pass by two of Australia’s most famous icons: the renowned Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Day 9: Sydney - Christchurch, New Zealand
You leave Australia behind and fly to New Zealand and the historic city of Christchurch. Upon arrival enjoy a short sightseeing tour of "the most English city outside of England." Highlights include magnificent gardens, the Neo-Gothic Cathedral and the downtown park district.

Day 10: Christchurch
This morning visit a Canterbury farmyard where you’ll enjoy a sheep shearing demonstration and see the herding of the farm’s animals! It’s a great opportunity to learn how a New Zealand family farm operates. This afternoon you are free to explore Christchurch independently. Tonight join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 11: Christchurch
Today, enjoy a day of exploration on your own in beautiful Christchurch. This English city – the charming international gateway to New Zealand’s South Island – boasts countless cafes and boutiques. Stroll its cobblestone streets and enjoy the many sights that “the Garden City” has to offer. Make yourself right at home this evening when a New Zealand family welcomes you into their home for dinner! This is sure to be an unforgettable evening during which you will make new friends, learn about the customs of the “Kiwi’s” and enjoy a home-cooked meal.

Day 12: Christchurch - Mt. Cook Region - Queenstown
Traverse the spectacular countryside to New Zealand’s most famous national park, Mt. Cook. Mt. Cook is one of the most impressive mountains in the world. You may choose to view the massive glaciers and extensive snow-covered mountain top terrain on an optional glacier flightseeing tour (weather permitting), or perhaps enjoy the park during a nature walk. Continue to Queenstown and enjoy a stop at a local fruit stand to gain an inside look at the produce of New Zealand.

Day 13: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
En route to Milford Sound, enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley. You’ll travel through beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. During a cruise of the breathtakingly beautiful Milford Sound you’ll see why this fjord is one of the most visited sites on the South Island. With rock faces that rise nearly 4,000 feet on either side, the scenery will take your breath away. Following your cruise, you return to Queenstown. You may choose to return via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Day 14: Queenstown
A leisurely day in Queenstown offers several options to enhance your vacation. Shop or people watch in the village or perhaps take the optional "Safari of the Rings" which takes you through the majestic Remarkable Mountains and the breathtaking Queenstown countryside where the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed. This evening, take in the city of Queenstown from above and soak in the breathtaking views during a gondola ride to dinner at the Skyline Restaurant overlooking Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the mountains.

Day 15: Queenstown - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
2/20/2012 - 3/4/2012	$2,499
3/12/2012 - 3/25/2012	$2,499
4/9/2012 - 4/22/2012	$2,499
4/16/2012 - 4/29/2012	$2,499
4/23/2012 - 5/6/2012	$2,499
5/7/2012 - 5/23/2012	$2,949
5/14/2012 - 5/30/2012	$2,949
6/11/2012 - 6/27/2012	$2,949
7/23/2012 - 8/8/2012	$2,949
8/6/2012 - 8/22/2012	$2,949
9/10/2012 - 9/23/2012	$2,949
10/15/2012 - 10/28/2012	$2,949
10/29/2012 - 11/11/2012	$2,949
11/5/2012 - 11/18/2012	$2,949
11/26/2012 - 12/9/2012	$2,949
1/14/2013 - 1/27/2013	$2,949
2/4/2013 - 2/17/2013	$2,949
2/18/2013 - 3/3/2013	$2,949
3/4/2013 - 3/17/2013	$2,949
3/11/2013 - 3/24/2013	$2,949
4/8/2013 - 4/21/2013	$2,949
4/15/2013 - 4/28/2013	$2,949
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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