Australia & New Zealand Panorama
15 Days | February 13 – 27, 2025
$8955 per person, double occupancy
February 13 – 27, 2025
Highlights
- Explore Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures in Cairns and the National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua with a Local
Specialist - Visit Wendy’s Secret Garden in Lavender Bay, a geothermal valley at Whakarewarewa in Rotorua, and a farm in the Southern Alps
- Connect With Locals Eat well. Feel well. This lunch is made up of simple honest ingredients, nothing to hide.
- Connect with Locals Come and meet your host Southern Girl; Laura on her farm in the South Island, she will share her story of growing up on a sheep & deer farm.
- Dive Into Culture Get up close to farming on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the New Zealand high country.
Itinerary
DAY 1: 13 FEBRUARY 2025
Welcome to Melbourne
Begin your Australia and New Zealand tour discovering the style and spirit of Melbourne, your launch pad to an epic adventure through Australia and New Zealand (flights to arrive prior to 12pm). On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel on the Yarra River before celebrating the beginning of your journey at a Welcome
Reception at The General Assembly. Located on the Yarra River, this restaurant is known for its modern pub fare such as buttermilk fried chicken burger, Hopkins River Scotch fillet, and beer and miso lamb ribs. Dive in
and raise your glass to the adventure. Cheers!
Complimentary transfers from Melbourne
International Airport (MEL) will operate per
flight information details.
Meal(s):Welcome Reception
Hotel(s): Crowne Plaza Melbourne
DAY 2: 14 FEBRUARY 2025
Discover the Magic of Melbourne on Valentines Day! There’s so much to see both in and out of the city and you’ll get a jump on it this morning, joining your Travel Director for an exploration of Melbourne’s famous hidden laneways. Discover the city’s eclectic arcades, café society, and vivid street art Melbourne is famous for. See something you like? The rest of your day is free in town or to take an Optional Experience to Phillip Island to see the famous Penguin Parade watching the little guys emerge from the sea and waddle their way home to their beach burrows. If you’d prefer to stay in town and soak up city life, explore the galleries and museums such as the Centre for the Moving Image, poke around the Queen Victoria Market where vendors have been selling
fresh goods since 1878, or experience some of Melbourne’s celebrated eateries and sample the area’s world-class wines.
Meal(s):Breakfast
Hotel(s): Crowne Plaza Melbourne
DAY 3: 15 FEBRUARY 2025
North to Sunny Cairns
From city life to sunshine state of mind, today you’ll fly to laid-back Cairns. Get right into the action and meet your Local Specialist for a private wildlife journey at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Your boat cruise will take you through the woodlands and rainforest that provide sanctuary to koalas, tropical birds and, of course, crocodiles. See what critters are out today as your local guide shares their in-depth knowledge of the wildlife that call the sanctuary home. Continue your exploration of wildlife and wild places taking part in a Rainforest
Restoration project to protect the natural wonder of Notophyll Vine Forest. Join in and plant a tree knowing that your visit is part of a larger scale effort to restore the rainforest since the land was cleared and overgrazed.
Your contribution to the revitalization of this rare dry rainforest will help to bring back its native plants and birds. After a big day, enjoy an evening dining in one of the many restaurants in the nearby Cairns Marina. Or,
pop into the Cairns Night Markets, choosing your favourite dinner option from over 70 local vendors.
Meal(s):Breakfast
Hotel(s): Hilton Cairns
DAY 4: 16 FEBRUARY 2025
A Natural Wonder, the Great Barrier Reef
On a bucket-list, day-long excursion, immerse yourself in Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef boarding a high-speed catamaran for this underwater wonderland and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The choice is yours on how to explore: view the iridescent coral formations and colourful marine-life from your semi-submersible craft or get your feet wet and have an up-close encounter snorkelling with a rainbow of fish and coral (equipment provided). Whichever you chose, you’ll enjoy a full day of wildlife, insights from your local guide, and a tropical lunch as you bask in the glorious Australian sunshine. You’ll return to Cairns after a day of sun and fun with a greater appreciation for this beautiful and fragile part of the world.
Meal(s):Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel(s): Hilton Cairns
DAY 5: 17 FEBRUARY 2025
Time to Explore Tropical Cairns
Spend the day soaking up the sun discovering Cairns on your own terms. Relax in town or at the hotel pool or consider joining an Optional Experience such as the Scenic Rail journey to Kuranda to explore the remote and fascinating ‘village in the rainforest’. All aboard as your day begins taking a historic train through the rainforest
rich with gorges and waterfalls to Kuranda. The views alone are worth the trip, but you’ll also have time to explore this village’s unique shops and markets or experience more of this World Heritage rainforest taking
to the trails or visiting a wildlife sanctuary. Return to the lowlands on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway though and above some of the oldest rainforest in the world. Tonight, join your travel mates for a Regional Dinner at Ochre Restaurant for views of the inlet and mountains as you enjoy Australian cuisine featuring the best local produce and maybe a cocktail highlighting their largest selection of Australian spirits in the region.
Meal(s):Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Hotel(s): Hilton Cairns
DAY 6: 18 FEBRUARY 2025
Set your Sights on Sydney
Say farewell to Cairns and fly to Sydney this morning for the next leg of your Australia and New Zealand tour, you’ll have a free afternoon and evening. You could soak up the incredible city views on a ferry trip to Manly, wander around the Royal Botanic Garden, or get your adrenaline racing with an Optional Experience thrilling climb up (and over) the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Meal(s):Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Hotel(s): Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
DAY 7: 19 FEBRUARY 2025
Sydney Eclectic Sights
Kick off your day with the behind-the-scenes guided tour of the Sydney Opera House with a Local Specialist. Then experience the beauty of the city aboard a harbour cruise sailing past Circular Quay, Shark Island,
magnificent homes, beaches, and parkland, and the iconic white sails of the Opera House. Across the harbour Bridge visit Wendy’s Secret Garden at Lavender Bay, a peaceful hideaway with a special history, and a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Wind your way through the garden’s nooks and crannies, where shrubs. herbs, and towering trees line meandering paths. After a morning of touring, the rest of the day is yours to explore a bit more of the city. Take a stroll around the harbour or find a spot by the Opera House and perhaps raise a glass as you watch the sunset over the bridge.
Meal(s):Breakfast, Be My Guest
Hotel(s): Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
DAY 8: 20 FEBRUARY 2025
Sydney, It’s All Yours Today
Get your final fix of Sydney with a full day to explore. Consider joining an Optional Experience to discover the spectacular Blue Mountains for fresh mountain air and stunning natural scenery. Animals lovers will not want to miss a visit to the Sydney Zoo to see some of Australia’s unique native animals. On your last night in town, enjoy one last walk around the harbour before sitting down to a Regional Dinner. After so many incredible experiences in Australia, get excited for the next leg of your journey in New Zealand.
Meal(s):Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Hotel(s): Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
DAY 9: 21 FEBRUARY 2025
Fly into Fun in Queenstown
New Zealand’s adventure capital beckons as you fly to Queenstown this afternoon for the next leg of your journey. Get your bearings around town, including your first views of stunning Lake Wakatipu which frames the town. Reminiscent of alpine village, you’ll love the mountain-town vibe of this adventure hub. Lucky for you the
evening is free to explore the many walkable bars and restaurants before resting up in the cosy and contemporary central Millennium Hotel.
Meal(s):Breakfast
Hotel(s): Millennium Hotel Queenstown
DAY 10: 22 FEBRUARY 2025
Say Hello to Laura on Her Farm
An insider’s look at New Zealand rural life awaits as you meet Southern Girl Laura. Born and raised here in Central Otago, Laura will share her story of hunting, fishing, horse riding, and growing up on a family farm in the deep south of New Zealand at this immersive experience. Hear how after working in the corporate world, Laura traded her stilettos for gumboots and returned to her country roots. Now it’s your turn to have some fun as you have a go at sheep mustering, whip cracking, and the chance to feed and pet the sheep, horses, and goats. With Laura’s warm welcome and love of the land, know that you’ve experienced ‘the Real New Zealand.’ Jump
right into the region starting in gorgeous, quaint Arrowtown, a riverside town that boomed during the gold mining era of the mid-1800s. You’ll feel like the clocks been turned back as you stroll among the pioneer constructed cottages, churches, as well as the boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes. Be sure to have a look at the Chinese Settlement at the edge of the Arrow River made of restored shelters and buildings originally constructed in 1868. From land to water, Dive Into Culture and sit back on a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw before arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue Regional Dinner, piled high with ribs and salad. After dinner at this historic homestead, learn how it all comes together watching the sheep dogs in action before cruising back to your Queenstown hotel.
Meal(s):Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Hotel(s): Millennium Hotel Queenstown
DAY 11: 23 FEBRUARY 2025
Queenstown to Spend as You Wish
Good morning, Queenstown! You have a final day in New Zealand’s adventure capital and the choice is yours on how to spend it. Nature lovers can take advantage of an Optional Experience on a cruise of breathtaking Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Experiencing this world heritage listed national park and majestic fiord carved by glacial ice will bring you up close to sheer cliffs, white-capped peaks, and waterfalls. Each turn of the boat will have you “oohing” and “aahing” at this dramatic landscape but be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins, penguins, and seals. If you’d prefer to stay on dry land sample flavours of this worldrenowned wine region, join an Optional
Experience touring three premium boutique vineyards in the Otago region. You’ll enjoy vineyard and barrel hall tours complete with early history and, of course, tastings of the area’s famous Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and
Sauvignon Blanc paired with a platter lunch.
Meal(s):Breakfast
Hotel(s): Millennium Hotel Queenstown
DAY 12: 24 FEBRUARY 2025
Fly North to Auckland
Today you’ll say farewell to Queenstown as you fly north to Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’. You’ll easily see how the city got its nickname soaring in over the islands and boats in the harbour. In fact, one in four New Zealanders owns a boat! Auckland is also known for being built on 53 dormant volcanoes each rich with Maori history for
you to uncover. And if you’re seeking a cosmopolitan vibe, Auckland will not disappoint. The city’s melting pot of cultures means there are a variety of restaurants, from the glamorous to the local hot spots, for you to sample both international and New Zealand fare. This evening is free and this is your chance to explore the city, so why not dine in the heart of the city Federal Street, a hotspot for food lovers right on your doorstep?
Meal(s):Breakfast
Hotel(s): The Grand by SkyCity
DAY 13: 25 FEBRUARY 2025
Culture Capital Rotorua
Begin your dive into the rich culture and natural beauty of Rotorua journeying through King Country, the centre of the New Zealand Wars in the 1860s, to the starry wonderland of the Waitomo Caves. Your underground
exploration begins joining a Local Specialist to descend a spiral staircase past curving limestone formations and crystal tapestries as you listen to the distant waterfalls. In the cave, you’re enveloped in a galaxy of twinkling green and blue glowworms lighting up the walls – a dazzling and unforgettable experience you’ll carry with you outside of this magical cave. This evening you’ll Dive Into Culture and Maori traditions at Te Puia. Your Regional Dinner, succulent meats and vegetables cooked in a Hangi, is served while you overlook the spectacular geothermal valley. Cap it off with a moving Māori cultural performance in the beautifully
carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua.
Meal(s):Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Hotel(s): Millennium Hotel Rotorua
DAY 14: 26 FEBRUARY 2025
Delve into Maori Culture
It may be the last day on tour, but there’s still so much more to see. Begin the last day visiting the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa for a tour with a Local Specialist. You’ll love this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience,
learning all about New Zealand’s national bird and the work being done by this leader in kiwi husbandry to save the iconic creature. See kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process, and newly hatched kiwi chicks as you get an insider’s look at this fascinating bird. Next up Dive Into Culture at the Living Māori Village Whakarewarewa where you’ll gain an even deeper insight into the lives of the Māori and the special bond they share with this ancient land. You’ll learn about the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people who lived on top of a volcanic crater since 1886. Explore the trails winding through geothermal fields past steaming lakes. Later, join your Travel Director and companions for a Farewell Dinner.
Meal(s):Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Hotel(s): Millennium Hotel Rotorua
DAY 15: 27 FEBRUARY 2025
Farewell Rotorua and Auckland
Your Australia and New Zealand tour concludes this morning after breakfast. Savour one hearty breakfast in this beautiful place and say farewell to your newfound friends before your transfer from Rotorua to Auckland Airport for your onward flight (flights to depart after 3pm). Complimentary group transfer by motorcoach
will travel from Rotorua to Auckland with stops at Auckland International Airport (AKL) between 1130-1200
Meal(s):Breakfast
PRICE based on double occupancy
$8955
Single Supplement $2215
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 14 Breakfasts (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 4 Regional Dinners (RD)
- 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and
trusted - All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- A Trafalgar bonus – all Intra-Air Flights:
Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to
Sydney, Sydney to Queenstown,
Queenstown to Auckland
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- No early check in/late checkout included.
- Travel insurance, visas and items of a personal nature.
- Gratuities to Travel Director, Coach Drivers and Local Experts.
- Airfares (unless otherwise stated)
- Applicable visa fees, charges imposed by third parties
- Laundry, phone calls, items of a personal nature, beverages, meals and sightseeing not detailed on the itinerary, excess baggage, travel insurance.
Sharon Carr Travel can help with your air reservations – please call our office at 972-233-3300 for assistance.
INSURANCE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Payments: A deposit of $500 per person, is due at time of reservation and the balance is due on August 1st, 2024. We accept MC, VISA, and AX. This trip is non refundable and travel insurance is highly recommended.
Cancellation:
- Over 60 days prior to departure will forfeit per person deposit. See brochure for details
- 60 – 1 day(s) prior to departure cancellation penalties will mirror the penalties listed in the Trafalgar brochures and sometimes vary based on destination and itinerary
- If additional services have been added to the booking (i.e. extra hotel nights, meals, group transfers, sightseeing additions) additional penalties may apply.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Please note that travel insurers are not offering Coronavirus/COVID-19 protection against destination closure. However, covid illness is covered and Cancellation Insurance is highly recommended and must be booked within 15 days of your initial deposit in order for pre-existing conditions to be covered. “Cancel at Any Time” insurance is available but must be booked at the same time as deposit (same day) and typically only covers 80%. In the unlikely event that Canada closes due to covid, you will receive a full future travel credit from Rocky Mountaineer.
A valid passport is required for this trip.
Your passport cannot expire for at least 6 months after your return.
PAYMENTS: A deposit of ______ per person is due with reservation. We will need a copy of the inside of your passport and birthdates for each passenger. Final payment is due no later than June 15, 2024. All fares are subject to fuel/tax increases. For all guests booking air travel with Uniworld, a separate non-refundable airfare deposit of $450 per person is required at time of booking. Upon receipt of air deposit your airfare, tax and fuel surcharges are final. Uniworld accepts MC, VISA, & AX.
CANCELLATIONS: If cancelled before June 15, 2024, a $______ per person fee is assessed. If cancelled on or after June 15, 2024, trip is non refundable. Please understand that vendors are very strict with regard to cancellation. No exceptions can be made. If you are not an American Citizen, you are responsible to have proper documentation. Failure to do so may result in being denied boarding.
FULL LEGAL NAMES: must be given as stated on passports. (No nicknames). Name changes may be made up to 120 days prior to departure for $200 per name. Please understand that vendors are very strict with regard to cancellation. No exceptions can be made.
INSURANCE: Cancellation insurance is highly recommended. Insurance information will be provided to you. If for some reason you have not been given an insurance application, please call our office immediately. Please read the information brochure carefully. Please understand that insurance does not cover a pandemic.
RESPONSIBILITY: Sharon Carr Travel/Journey House offers retail travel services to customers, which are provided by separate and independent vendors of travel services. Sharon Carr Travel/Journey House does not operate, control, or otherwise provide the services of the independent travel vendors. Hence, customer agrees that Sharon Carr Travel/Journey House acts only as agent for the client in acquiring transportation, hotel accommodations, sightseeing, and other privileges, or services for the clients’ benefit, and on the express condition that Sharon Carr Travel/Journey House shall not be responsible for any loss, accident, injury, delay, defect, pandemic, omission or irregularity which may occur or be occasioned, whether by reason of any act, negligence or default of any company or person engaged in or responsible for carrying out any of the arrangements, or otherwise in connection there with. The suppliers reserve the right to make minor adjustments to the itinerary. Sharon Carr Travel /Journey House will not be held responsible should any of these suppliers fail to provide the travel services purchased, whether through default or any other cause. Sharon Carr Travel/Journey House is not responsible for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air schedules or other causes. All such losses or expenses will be the responsibility of the member of the tour. Sharon Carr Travel /Journey House is not responsible for any loss or damage to luggage during the tour. Also, Sharon Carr Travel /Journey House is not liable for any illnesses contracted during or after travel, is not liable for medical care or the adequacy of any care that may be rendered during or after travel. Acceptance of the Tour Contract will serve as a Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement. This agreement is binding on your heirs, legal representatives and assigns. If, for some reason, a trip must be rescheduled due to any of the above reasons, participants are bound by the new dates of travel, and can only obtain a refund if insurance has been purchased and insurer is contractually bound. SHARON CARR TRAVEL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR WEATHER RELATED OR MECHANICAL DELAYS.
NOTE TO TRAVELER: The traveler assumes and understands that there is a risk involved with travel and travel activities and/or excursions. The traveler is responsible for reading and abiding by all Health and Safety protocols of the vendor & the destination prior to travel, has reviewed the travel itinerary for accuracy, has been advised of all applicable fees imposed by Sharon Carr Travel/Journey House Travel and the suppliers, and has been offered the option of purchasing trip cancellation/interruption insurance. The traveler also understands that discounted fares and vacation packages typically involve restrictions and that changing any aspect of any travel arrangements may result in the payment of additional money.
Sharon Carr Travel will charge a fee commensurate with the trip cost if client cancels his/her trip and commission is not paid by the vendor.
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