Optional New Zealand Tour
February 24 - March 1, 2011

Day 1: Thursday, February 24 - Sydney, Australia / Christchurch, New Zealand

This morning we bid farewell to Australia and fly across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand. We arrive in Christchurch, the scenic South Island's largest city, which is considered the most "English" city in New Zealand. After completing arrival formalities, we tour this beautiful garden city, strolling past beautiful homes and through picturesque gardens, stopping for photos and listening to the ripple of the clear cool streams that wind through the backyards. Later, our coach takes us to our hotel, the Chateau on the Park - you'll love the beautiful setting including an indoor garden and ponds. Dinner tonight is in a restaurant at one of the most scenic spots on the Avon River in Christchurch. (B, In-flight meal service, D)

Day 2: Friday, February 25 - Christchurch / Queenstown

On today's journey we experience dramatic changes in the countryside with each passing mile. The terrain transforms from wide plains and swift rivers to mountains, glacial lakes and deep river gorges - all within a few hours. Mackenzie Country, named after a legendary sheep-stealer, is the home of hardy Merino sheep, which were bred to withstand the rigors of the central South Island's rough winter. Lake Tekapo, a stunningly beautiful highland lake, sprawls across the horizon against the backdrop of snowy mountains. The waters burst with colors of brilliant opaque turquoise, edged with gold and red-brown tussocks. We travel south over the Lindis Pass into Central Otago and the Southern Lakes district - the "Champagne Scenery" of the region. New Zealand's best known and most photographed tourist destinations are Milford Sound, Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, Lake Wanaka, and Lake Te Anau. Unforgettable scenery is found in the combination of these mountains, lakes, rivers, forests and fjords. Unforgettable scenery is found in the combination of these mountains, lakes, rivers, forests and fjords. En route to Queenstown, we visit the famed bridge where the first ever bungee jump was held. Queenstown, a scenic alpine resort, is our home for the next two nights. This evening we board the Skyline Gondola cable car and glide to the top of Queenstown Hill. Atop the mountain, we dine at the Skyline Restaurant where we enjoy a spectacular 220° panoramic view of Queenstown, the mountains, and Lake Wakatipu. (B, D)

Day 3: Saturday, February 26 - Queenstown / Milford Sound / Queenstown

Lovely Lake Wakatipu stays in view for miles as we drive to Kingston, a peaceful village nestled at the southern end of the lake. From here, we pass Five Rivers and Mossburn to arrive in Te Anau, the gateway to Fjordland National Park, home of Milford Sound. To enjoy Milford Sound's dramatic scenery in style, we board a modern, spacious vessel that offers excellent views of deep blue sky, emerald green water, dense green bush and long ribbons of steep mountainsides. A buffet lunch is served onboard this beautiful mid-day cruise. In the afternoon, we retrace this picturesque route as we make our way back to Queenstown. (B, L)

Day 4: Sunday, February 27 - Queenstown / Mt. Cook / Twizel

This morning we transfer to the Steamer Wharf to board one of the world's few operating coal-fired, vintage steam ships, the TSS Earnslaw. This charming old ship lumbers forward, as crew members shovel coal to produce steam that powers "the Lady" as she sails across beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Explore the TSS Earnslaw's bridge and decks, view the engine room, see historic displays in the Fo'c'sle Gallery, and join a sing-along with the ship's pianist. The captain provides informative commentary while we admire spectacular views of Walter and Cecil Peaks. Upon arrival, enjoy a Walter Peak freshly prepared Barbecue. Fresh salads and crusty bread perfectly complement the food sizzling on the grill. You'll also enjoy a special farmyard walking tour and sheep dog demonstration. Leaving Queenstown, we pass by the most southern vineyards in the world. As we enter the Kawarau Gorge, we see remainders of the gold rush from the end of the 19th century. We cross the Kawarau River and Lindis Pass before we catch a much anticipated view of Mt. Cook. The magnificent snow capped peak of Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, and the surrounding Southern Alps mirror in the crystal clear glacial waters beneath. We continue on to picturesque Twizel, in the heart of Mackenzie Country, where we overnight. A farewell dinner is served at the hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Monday, February 28 - Twizel / Christchurch

Enjoy a full breakfast before our final journey through New Zealand's beautiful countryside. Along the way we visit a domestic deer and alpaca farm, where we conclude our New Zealand tour and enjoy a lovely lunch served on the owner's garden terrace. We continue on, crossing the fertile farmlands and patchwork plains of Canterbury, and arrive in Christchurch where we will stay the night. (B, L)

Day 6: Tuesday, March 1 - Return to USA

Today we depart for the airport for our flight back to the U.S. Crossing the International Dateline, we regain the day lost on our way over - arriving home on March 1. (In-flight meal service)