Pure New Zealand 2017 14-Day Land Tour{TRIPOperatedBy} Extend your trip Pre-Trip New Zealand s Bay of Islands Post-Trip Australia's Great Barrier Reef & Sydney Your Day-to-Day Itinerary
Overseas Adventure Travel Overseas Adventure Travel, founded in 1978, is America s leading adventure travel company. The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, The Los Angeles Times, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, US News & World Report, and others have recommended OAT trips. But our most impressive reviews come from our customers: Thousands of travelers have joined our trips, and 95% of them say they d gladly travel with us again, and recommend us to their friends. Included in Your Price International airfare, airport transfers, government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges unless you choose to make your own air arrangements All land transportation and 2 internal flights Accommodations for 13 nights 28 meals daily breakfast, 7 lunches, and 8 dinners (including a Home-Hosted Lunch) 14 small group activities Services of a local O.A.T. Trip Leader Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and luggage porters 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your next adventure an average of $336
What This Trip is Like Pacing 6 locations in 14 days with one 1-night stay International flights from Los Angeles to Auckland depart around midnight, losing one day en route as you cross the International Date Line, regained on the return trip, and internal flights require early wake ups Airport transfers in Auckland and Wellington take approximately 1 hour Physical Requirements Not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids Terrain & Transportation We ll travel over city streets on foot, with occasional uphill walks along uneven glacial and rocky mountain terrain Travel by 19-passenger coach and 20-150 passenger boats 4 overland drives 5-8 hours long; 2 internal flights Accommodations & Facilities Hotel rooms are smaller than those in the U.S. and offer simple amenities All accommodations feature private bathrooms You must be able to walk 3-4 miles unassisted and participate in 4-6 hours of physical activities each day Agility and balance are required for embarking boats in Milford Sound We reserve the right for Trip Leaders to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group s experience Climate Daytime temperatures range from 40-80 F depending on time of year New Zealand s climate is mostly temperate: December-February are the warmest months, May-September are the coolest months; weather conditions can change quickly
Pure New Zealand 2017 Extend your trip Pre-Trip New Zealand s Bay of Islands Post-Trip Australia's Great Barrier Reef & Sydney New Zealand is a land where wild rivers and glaciers flow through rain forests to the sea, pristine lakes and pastoral forests hug volcanic slopes, and snowcapped peaks pierce the sky. There s no better way to experience this magnificent beauty than in the pure open air and O.A.T. helps you do just that. We ll immerse ourselves in this magnificent setting from North Island to South, as we discover treasures as distinct as they are unforgettable. We ll view the thermal geysers of Rotorua, home to the Maori people for nearly 1,000 years admire Milford Sound from the deck of a boat hike to the foot of a glacier and so much more.
Detailed Itinerary An important word about your adventure In New Zealand, facilities for travelers are much as they are in the U.S. We enjoy the benefits of this well-developed infrastructure even as we venture off the beaten path to explore the unique natural beauty and history of this island nation. This program has a dual natural and cultural focus, with much of our time spent outdoors. Our adventurous approach to exploring New Zealand differs from more conventional tours in several ways. Our group size is limited to 16, allowing for a special camaraderie and a more personal experience at each site that we visit. Even in cities, we take an active approach to touring that immerses us more fully in the local scene, often walking 3-5 miles a day. As we go on to explore New Zealand s more remote natural wonders, you can choose the level of physical challenge you want. You can see plenty at a moderate pace, or choose to pick up the pace with elective activities. Overall, to enjoy this trip, you need an open curiosity, good health, and an adventurous spirit. DAY 1 Depart for Auckland You depart today on your flight to New Zealand. DAY 2 Cross International Date Line You continue your flight to Auckland, losing one day en route as you cross the International Date Line. You regain this day when you fly back home at the end of the trip. DAY 3 Arrive Auckland, New Zealand Your O.A.T. Representative will greet you at the Auckland Airport (on New Zealand s North Island), and transfer you to your hotel. There, you ll be joined by fellow travelers who took our optional pre-trip extension, New Zealand s Bay of Islands. This afternoon, we ll meet our Trip Leader who will lead us on an orientation walk, then we ll take a ferry across the harbor to Devonport for a Welcome Dinner. Dinner
DAY 4 Auckland This morning, we ll embark on a Tamaki Hikoi a walking tour led by a Maori guide from the Ngati Whatua tribe, who will provide us with a uniquely Maori perspective. During this fascinating tour, we ll learn about the early settlement of New Zealand, ancient tribal traditions, and controversial issues confronting modern-day Maori. The afternoon is yours to make your own discoveries. Perhaps you ll visit the War Memorial Museum, which houses the largest collection of Polynesian artifacts in the world, and a volcano exhibit that explores these wondrous landscapes that have existed for more than 250,000 years. Additionally, Auckland also has many beautiful parks, trendy restaurants, and a revitalized waterfront area that contains the America s Cup Village for visitors to enjoy. Dinner is on your own this evening, and your Trip Leader will be able to provide plenty of restaurant recommendations. Breakfast, Lunch DAY 5 Overland to Rotorua Home-Hosted Lunch After breakfast, we drive to Rotorua. Our journey takes us through lush green pasturelands in the center of the North Island. Along the way, we ll stop in the town of Cambridge to join a local family for a Home- Hosted Lunch. This is a great opportunity to ask our hosts about what it s like to live in the town of trees and champions (the champs being thoroughbred horses). We continue on to Rotorua, arriving before dinner. Rotorua is still a center for Maori culture. It s believed that New Zealand s Maori people settled on the North Island about a thousand years ago, and they have held on firmly to their identity and traditions. Nearly a quarter of a million indigenous Maori still maintain their unique lifestyle and culture, adding to the rich heritage of New Zealand. We ll get the chance to relax this evening with an included dinner at our hotel. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 6 Explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley Optional Maori Cultural Experience Rotorua is often called a thermal wonderland because of its volcanic activity. The region is replete with bubbling mud pools, geothermal geysers, and steam vents a place where it s not at all unusual to spot the occasional small vapor stream rising from a crack in the pavement. Here, on the Volcanic Plateau, it simply comes with the territory. After breakfast, we transfer overland to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. This relatively young geothermal site was created by nearby Mount Tarawera s last eruption in 1886. We take a leisurely hike, descending into the lush valley of green vegetation, pink silica terraces, and blue waters. We ll discover the Inferno Crater, filled with brilliant turquoise water, and Frying Pan Lake, the world s largest hot spring. We ll also embark on a cruise of Lake Rotomahana, where our captain explains more about the history of Rotorua and shows us more geothermal sites that aren t accessible by land. Early this afternoon we ll return to our hotel, enjoying lunch en route. Upon arrival, you may choose to relax or set off to do some exploring, and dinner will be on your own.
Or, you may join our optional Maori Cultural Experience. Understanding Maori culture is essential to knowing New Zealand, and this enlightening tour will take place in the Maori village of Mitai. Upon arrival, we ll be greeted by a welcome ceremony and the unveiling of a hangi, a traditional Maori feast that s cooked underground. Next we ll be seated for a lively cultural performance that will showcase Maori heritage, and then we ll get to sample the hangi for ourselves. Afterward, we ll take a guided walk in the bush where we ll witness local fauna, like glow worms lighting the night. Breakfast, Lunch DAY 7 Rotorua Fly to Queenstown Today we set off for New Zealand s South Island, flying to Queenstown via Christchurch. Upon our arrival in Queenstown this afternoon, one of the first things you may notice is that its scenery is spectacular from the town s tranquil shoreline of Lake Wakatipu, to the majestic mountains in the distance which are aptly named The Remarkables. Queenstown has gained notoriety for being the adventure capital of the world, attracting skiers, white-water rafters, and other thrill-seekers who are drawn to its rapids and peaks. Yet it can also be seen as a rejuvenating retreat for those in need of some fresh mountain air. This evening we ll stroll to dinner at a local restaurant. Breakfast, Dinner DAY 8 Travel to Milford Sound Cruise Milford Sound We rise early this morning for a full day of adventure. Today we travel to Milford Sound dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World by Rudyard Kipling situated in the heart of Fiordland National Park. Dense forests, shimmering Lake Te Anau, and the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2-kilometer engineering wonder drilled through pure rock, mark our route. In the early afternoon, we ll board our tour ship for an unforgettable cruise of Milford Sound. We ll marvel at towering cliffs and the stunning perfect cone of Mitre Peak, and view thundering waterfalls, impressive beech forests, and unique flora and fauna as we cruise along the sound s famous fjords. A picnic lunch is included onboard. We end our cruise in the late afternoon and return to our hotel. Dinner is included this evening. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 9 Day at leisure Optional Dart River Jet-Boat Safari Spend today at leisure, or join a half-day optional tour for a jet-boat ride on the Dart River. We begin by traveling overland along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy, a frontier town at the base of the Southern Alps. Here we board a mini-coach for a journey through forests with huge snowcapped mountain backdrops made internationally famous by movies such as The Lord of the Rings. When the road comes to an end, we take a short walk through the forest and board our jet-boat. The Dart River wends within a historic valley that has fascinated explorers for centuries, and as we head upstream, we ll enjoy spectacular views in
an area so remote that few ever get a chance to experience it. On the downriver journey, our driver will demonstrate the maneuverability of the New Zealand-designed jet-boat and show you how this unique craft can spin and turn. After returning to Glenorchy we ride back to Queenstown. This evening, you are free to explore its quaint streets and discover a local eatery on your own. Breakfast DAY 10 Traverse Haast Pass Overland to Fox Glacier After breakfast at our hotel, we ll set off for Fox Glacier village. Along the way, we ll stop to discover some of New Zealand s famous wines and learn about the country s fine vineyards. We ll then travel over the Haast Pass, which is the only way to see and experience the west coast of New Zealand s South Island. The mountain pass takes its name from the geologist Sir Julius Von Haast, who incredibly explored the region on foot. The pass will take us along the longest single-lane bridge in New Zealand, taking us across the Southern Alps from the Wanaka District to Haast on the west coast. This remains a rugged, isolated, and harsh terrain, with remote farmhouses and sparse settlements tucked into the hillsides. After a stop for lunch en route, we continue along the west coast before arriving in Fox Glacier village by late afternoon. We ll have dinner at our hotel, with the rest of the evening at leisure. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 11 Explore Franz Josef Glacier Optional Helicopter Flight Over Mount Cook Region Overland to Hokitika This morning, if weather permits, you may choose to take in the region from a unique vantage point the air on an optional helicopter flight excursion. You ll enjoy a bird s-eye view of the Mount Cook region, with its pristine alpine scenery and the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. We don t usually think of glacial movement as something we can watch in action. In general, a snail s pace is considered faster. But then, most of us have never had the chance to experience the Mario Andretti of glaciers Franz Josef Glacier. This fast-moving mass of ice is the centerpiece of Westland National Park, a section of the UNESCO World Heritage Park on New Zealand s South Island. Today, after breakfast, we journey to neighboring Franz Josef Glacier Valley and take a tour of the valley with an expert naturalist guide. Located about 75 miles north of Haast, Franz Josef, as the locals refer to the glacier, is a world-famous site made all the more interesting by its recent history. After steadily advancing down the valley since 1982 at the astonishing rate of about 17 feet per week the Franz Josef Glacier reversed course in 2003 and is now in a slow retreat. The glacier has advanced to the point where the glistening ice can be seen from the rooftops of Franz Josef township. As you tour near the glacier, look back toward the ocean where several lines of low hills stand between the glacier and the water, moraines left by previous advances of the glacier. And because glaciers are among the planet s key indicators of global warming, it s no wonder scientists pay special attention to
the action of Franz Josef. For climatologists and geologists (and visitors like us) this glacier is a marvel to study and learn about. We ll view the glacier from ground level and learn about its geology and history from a knowledgeable guide. Afterward, we ll make our way to Hokitika, a small farming community with a rich history. It boomed in the 1860s with the gold rush, and was, at that time, the busiest port in the country. A sandbar at the mouth of the Hokitika River proved a dangerous impediment, claiming many ships and lives, but still the port bustled and was a major point of entry during the gold rushes of the 1860s and 1870s. Today, it s home to a coastal community, and author Eleanor Catton recently used the town as the setting for her Man Booker-award winning novel, The Luminaries. We ll arrive in Hokitika early this afternoon, and tonight, we ll gather for dinner at our hotel. Please note: The hotel for some departures is in Hokitika, while for others we stay in Greymouth or Punakaiki. The order of activities on Days 11, 12, and 13 will vary slightly depending on the hotel s location. Breakfast, Dinner Zealand s west coast. Afterwards, we return to our hotel. Dinner is on your own this evening. Breakfast, Lunch DAY 13 Discover a local farm Christchurch tram tour Fly to Wellington After breakfast at our hotel, we experience rural New Zealand life with a visit to Toby Hill, a working sheep station (ranch) in the Southern Alps. Here, we ll see the impressive teamwork of sheepdogs and sheep. Afterward, we ll travel overland to Christchurch with a stop for lunch en route. When we arrive, we ll explore Christchurch s Central City both its geographical center and cultural heart on a tram tour. As we ll learn, this section of the city sustained heavy damage during earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, and resilient locals are still striving to return the area to its former glory. Later in the day, we ll fly to Wellington, New Zealand s cosmopolitan capital, where we have the evening at leisure and you get dinner on your own. Breakfast, Lunch DAY 12 Discover Hokitika Following breakfast this morning, we ll meet local artists and craftspeople in Hokitika. We ll see how they use natural materials and draw inspiration from the surrounding landscape as they create works in a variety of media. Then we ll enjoy an included lunch featuring local produce and regional specialties. In the afternoon, our Trip Leader will take us on a walk through one of the numerous scenic areas on this part of New DAY 14 Explore Wellington After breakfast we ll embark on a half-day city tour of Wellington. This bustling capital city, which locals affectionately call Welly, is situated at the crossroads of the two islands, on North Island just across the Cook Strait from South Island. Wellington offers an energetic, big-city feel and a beautiful harbor surrounded by steep hills. A true walking city, downtown Wellington packs a lot into a small area. It is divided into four
quarters. Willis Street and Lambton Quay are the main business and commercial districts. Courtenay Place and Cuba Quarter are the hubs for entertainment and nightlife, where we ll find a dynamic cultural scene and a variety of bars and restaurants. After lunch on your own, the afternoon is free for you to make your own discoveries. You can take a cable car to the Botanical Gardens, where the exhibits of flora and fauna span 67 acres; visit the Museum of City & Sea (free of charge); or take a relaxing stroll along the waterfront. Tonight, we ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. DAY 16 Return to U.S. or begin your trip extension to the Great Barrier Reef & Sydney Later this morning, we have breakfast and then check out of the hotel. We then transfer to the airport for your flight home, or, if you are taking the Australia s Great Barrier Reef & Sydney post-trip extension, to Palm Cove and Sydney, Australia. Breakfast Breakfast, Dinner DAY 15 Wellington Visit National Museum of New Zealand After breakfast, we ll walk to Te Papa Tongarewa, the National Museum of New Zealand, where we ll enjoy a guided tour. This innovative museum offers a variety of exhibits on the country s art, history, natural environment, and Maori culture. We ll also learn how this museum focuses on education about community development and crosscultural interaction. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to further explore Wellington. Perhaps you ll visit bohemian Cuba Street and browse eclectic shops and art galleries. Or take part in Wellington s popular café culture by relaxing and people-watching at one of the many coffee shops. We ll enjoy a Farewell Dinner together tonight. Breakfast, Dinner
Pre-trip New Zealand s Bay of Islands Included in Your Price Accommodations for 3 nights in the Bay of Islands 5 meals 3 breakfasts and 2 dinners 3 small group activities Services of a local O.A.T. Trip Leader Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and luggage porters All transfers Itinerary, Pre-Trip Extension Whet your appetite for New Zealand travel in the exotic Bay of Islands: the historical crossroads of European and Maori cultures. Explore one of New Zealand s most unique ecosystems in this subtropical archipelago of nearly 150 islands. Revel in the pristine natural environment and stunning coastal scenery as we cruise along crystal-clear turquoise waters, keeping watch for whales, dolphins, marlins, and penguins. DAY 1 Depart for Auckland You depart today on your flight to New Zealand. DAY 2 Cross International Date Line You continue your flight to Auckland, losing one day en route as you cross the International Date Line. You regain this day when you fly back home at the end of the trip. DAY 3 Transfer from Auckland, New Zealand to Paihia From Auckland, our O.A.T. Trip Leader will meet us and transfer us to our hotel in Paihia, the main town in the Bay of Islands. On our way, we ll stop for an included tour of Parry Kauri Park, where we ll explore the native bush and 800-year-old kauri evergreen trees. We ll also stop for lunch on our own in Whangarei, the northernmost city in New Zealand. When we arrive in Paihia,
we ll enjoy an orientation walk with our Trip Leader, followed by a Welcome Dinner at our hotel. Dinner DAY 4 Catamaran Cruise to Bay of Islands After breakfast, enjoy leisure time and lunch on your own. In mid-afternoon, we explore the beauty of the Bay of Islands aboard a catamaran. Weather permitting, we make a passage through the naturally sculpted Hole in the Rock. We may spot local marine wildlife including dolphins, which inhabit these waters year-round, as well as seals, penguins, and even whales. Our cruise will end at the peninsula town of Russell, New Zealand s first capital. Russell, a community with early ties to Europe, boasts many historic buildings such as Christ Church, which is the oldest church in New Zealand. We enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before our return trip on the ferry. We return to the hotel in time for you to have lunch on your own. You have the afternoon free to continue exploring this delightful seaside area. You can choose to visit a museum, browse a bookstore, or just savor the quiet nature of a local walk. Outdoor activities include kayaking, snorkeling, golf, and swimming in the surf on one of the spectacular beaches. You can also follow one of the many enticing walking trails that lead you to views that will encourage you to linger. Dinner is on your own tonight. Breakfast DAY 6 Transfer to Auckland This morning after breakfast we transfer to Auckland and meet our group of travelers on our Pure New Zealand adventure. Breakfast Breakfast, Dinner DAY 5 Tour Waitangi Treaty House After breakfast, we take a short ride to the Waitangi Treaty House and tour this historic site. The house was originally built as a simple four-room cottage in 1834 but has been restored and altered several times since then. It was here that representatives of the British Crown and many leading Maori chiefs of the North and South islands signed the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. The Treaty is seen as the founding document that transformed the homeland the Maori called Aotearoa into the nation of New Zealand. The Treaty Grounds include period homes and a war canoe so large it is capable of carrying more than 80 warriors.
Post-trip Australia s Great Barrier Reef & Sydney Included in Your Price Airfare between Wellington and Cairns, and Cairns and Sydney Accommodations for 3 nights in Palm Cove and 3 nights in Sydney Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and luggage porters All transfers 9 meals 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners 3 small group activities Services of a local O.A.T. Trip Leader Itinerary, Post-Trip Extension A visit Down Under isn t complete without the natural splendors of Australia s Great Barrier Reef and the gems of cosmopolitan Sydney. Revel in the myriad colors and vibrant life of the Great Barrier Reef Stroll along iconic Sydney Harbour and discover its fascinating history This trip combines the best of both worlds. DAY 1 Fly to Cairns, Australia Travel to Palm Cove Today we conclude our Pure New Zealand adventure and begin our journey to the Great Barrier Reef, located off the northeastern coast of Australia. Our OAT Trip Leader, who has been with us throughout our New Zealand trip, continues with us on our extension. We transfer to the airport for our flight to Cairns via Sydney or Brisbane. We arrive in Cairns in the evening and transfer by coach to Palm Cove, known for its pristine beachfront, where we stay for the next three nights. We have dinner at our hotel this evening. Dinner DAY 2 Explore Palm Cove Optional Kuku Yalanji Dreamtime Gorge Walk After enjoying a leisurely breakfast at our hotel this morning, you ll have the rest of the day to explore idyllic Palm
Cove independently. This quiet beachside village is renowned for its calm waters, clean beaches, swaying palm trees, and exceptional restaurants one of which you may choose to try tonight for dinner on your own. Or, join our optional Kuku Yalanji Dreamtime Gorge Walk, where an experienced guide will show you how the local aboriginals are connected to the land and the unique wet tropical rainforest. Breakfast DAY 3 Great Barrier Reef Exploration Following breakfast, we make a full-day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. We cruise to Michaelmas Cay, a low-lying vegetated coral reef island that is also a national park and protected sanctuary for migratory birds. We linger for most of the day, having lunch onboard. Possibly the best description of the Great Barrier Reef we ve ever heard comes down to five simple words: the world s largest living thing. Its nomination for World Heritage status stated, The Reef supports the most diverse ecosystem known to man... an ecosystem which has evolved over millions of years. But even facts like these can only hint at the sheer immensity and awesome beauty of the Reef. Our first peek, through diving masks or a glass-bottom boat, will bring into view its otherworldly character. It s a true sensory explosion, an azure scene of non-stop activity. We ll witness brilliant tropical fish darting about amid sea fans and anemones swaying with the waves. You may well feel as if you ve dropped into a scene from the animated movie Finding Nemo. But no computer could generate such a spectacle. And it s all mere inches from the water s surface. There s no one right way to explore the Reef, so we ll be given a choice. You can swim or snorkel among the fish and wide array of corals, or, if you wish to observe this spectacular underwater world without getting wet, you can view parts of the reef from a semi-submersible sub. An experienced guide will point out the astonishing tropical fish and giant clams here. However you do it, you are in a prime spot to experience the nature of the largest coral reef in the world. After cruising back to shore, we return to our hotel in Palm Cove. Dinner tonight is on your own. Please note: On Day 3, some May departures will visit Agincourt Reef instead of Michaelmas Cay. Breakfast, Lunch DAY 4 Fly to Sydney We fly to Sydney today following a leisurely breakfast. After we transfer to our hotel, our Trip Leader will take us on an orientation walk. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the relaxed lifestyle in one of Australia s most exciting cities. Dinner is on your own tonight. Breakfast DAY 5 Tour Sydney Opera House Explore Sydney Optional Sydney Harbour Cruise This morning, we explore Sydney, beginning with The Rocks, one of the first parts of the city to be settled. We continue to Sydney s eastern suburbs, a modern fashion center
boasting 19th-century architecture, and Bondi Beach, long known as the playground of the Pacific and the center of Australia s robust surfing culture. By mid-day we arrive at the world-famous Sydney Opera House, whose distinctive architecture has made it the city s signature attraction. This visually spectacular performance facility boasts four auditoriums that host symphony concerts, theater productions, and opera. After touring the Opera House, you ll have time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, enjoy free time or join us for an optional Sydney Harbour Cruise. We begin at Circular Quay, at the hub of Sydney Harbour, where we ll board our vessel and cruise for over two hours. We ll get striking views of the memorable city skyline as we blend into the perpetual bustle of waterborne activity. Dinner is on your own this evening. Breakfast DAY 6 Discover Sydney Independently Today is yours to explore the city. You might want to start by strolling through Sydney s Royal Botanic Gardens, a beautiful park that showcases the flora of the South Pacific. Founded in 1816 as the First Farm of colonial times, it is a humble vegetable plot still maintained here as a piece of living history. There is one site near the gardens that has such wonderfully scenic views that a former governor Macquarie had a seat built here for his wife, and it is now known as Mrs. Macquarie s Chair. Enjoy the scenery from her special vantage point. Or visit the historic Rocks district. The Rocks boasts some of the oldest buildings in Sydney. Some of the original European settlers camped here amid the rocks of the sandstone ridges, hence the area s name. Because many of the first Europeans to arrive were exiled convicts, the history of this part of town is unusually colorful. Imagine a Wild West-like collection of bars and houses of ill repute where drunken brawls were common. Today, The Rocks is an amiable neighborhood that invites visitors to stroll its cobblestone lanes and take refreshment in its tearooms. You can also revisit Circular Quay at the heart of Sydney s waterfront. Circular Quay is a hub of activity where a constant flow of ferries and water taxis transport commuters and day-trippers to their destinations all around the harbor. You can board a vessel and cruise around Sydney Harbour, getting striking views of the city skyline and the perpetual bustle of water-borne activity. Take in the sights and fragrances of Chinatown, with its characteristic street lanterns and graceful archways. However you spend your day, you re sure to find your own ways to mingle with Sydneysiders, who are not known for being shy. In the evening we gather together again for our Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant, where we share stories, laughter, and memories from our adventure Down Under. Breakfast, Dinner DAY 7 Sydney Return to U.S. This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home. You ll cross the International Date Line en route and regain the day you lost at the beginning of your trip. Breakfast
optional tours on Post-trip Kuku Yalanji Dreamtime Gorge Walk (Day 2 $147 per person) Mossman Gorge, part of Daintree National Park, was originally inhabited by the Kuku Yalanji known as the Rainforest People. The Gorge consists largely of steep mountain ranges, which maintain the rainforest environment by trapping moisture from the Coral Sea. Here, you ll interact with Australia s Indigenous population, who will explain the history and significance of Dreamtime stories. During your explorations, you ll take in crystal-clear water and tropical plants. You ll also enjoy lunch and a guided wildlife tour, where you ll get the chance to spot species that can only be found in the rainforests of northern Australia including musky rat-kangaroos and Boyd s forest dragons. Sydney Harbour Cruise (Day 5 $33 per person) We board our vessel at the hub of Sydney Harbour, Circular Quay, and cruise for over two hours, getting striking views of the memorable city skyline as we blend into the perpetual bustle of water-borne activity.