11 Days:  Take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour, discover the underwater rainbow of coral and fish as you explore the Great Barrier Reef from aboard a glass bottom boat and relax during a three-night stay at a beautiful Fijian resort.

Tour departs from Melbourne and returns to Christchurch.

Please Note: Itinerary, departure dates & prices may be subject to change.

Premium holiday inclusions

Professionally Escorted

• Tour with an experienced, professional tour guide

Accommodation

• Twin share rooms with private facilities in centrally located hotels

Dining Inclusions

• 16 Meals

Itinerary

Days 1-5 in Cairns

4 Nights, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Day 1: Welcome to Cairns

Your tour opens in Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions and a World Heritage site – the Great Barrier Reef. Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds.

Dinner included

Day 2: The Great Barrier Reef

Set out on 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. Explore the reef from your base on Green Island. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride,* stroll the island walking trails, 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.

Breakfast & Lunch included

Day 3: Explore the Rainforest

Today, visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park to meet Australia’s original inhabitants. See the traditional dances, learn how to play a didgeridoo or even throw a boomerang. Browse the renowned art gallery and visit the interpretation center which houses a collection of interesting artifacts. Visit Hartley’s Croc Farm for a chance to get up close and personal with crocodiles in their natural habitat! Boardwalks take you on a path of adventure through rainforests and woodlands to see animals such as wild birds, reptiles and wallabies. 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. Take a dramatic cruise on the lagoon looking for crocodiles before enjoying a delicious Aussie barbecue.

Breakfast & Dinner included

Day 4: Cairns ‘Free Time’

Spend your day at leisure enjoying the tropical surroundings. Or, explore the rainforest canopy this morning with an optional ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway; make a few stops on the ascent to experience the beauty of this World Heritage site and experience the forest floor from specially-designed boardwalks.

Breakfast included

Day 5: Cairns to Sydney

Today you fly to the bustling city of Sydney, first settled by English colonists in 1788.

Breakfast & Dinner included

Days 5 – 8 in Sydney

3 Nights, Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour

Day 6: Sydney Highlights

This morning enjoy a city tour of Sydney. Highlights include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens and the fashionable suburb of Paddington. Discover one of the world’s most fascinating architectural sights as you take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Next, learn how raw opals mined from the depths of the earth are transformed into beautiful works of art at the National Opal Centre. The evening is free to explore Sydney at your leisure. The opportunities are endless!!

Breakfast included

Day 7: Sydney ‘Free Time’

Come to know the exciting city of Sydney during a day of independent exploration. Perhaps you’ll choose to walk around the city and do some shopping…or find a local café and relax. Tonight, experience the best of Sydney. As you say your farewell to Australia, chat with new friends and take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the scenic vistas the harbour has to offer including Sydney’s magnificent skyline and iconic attractions: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Breakfast & Dinner included

Day 8: Sydney to Nadi, Fiji

Today you arrive in the beautiful tropical paradise of Fiji to complete your South Pacific experience. Fijians are warm and friendly, with a welcoming, vibrant culture. For centuries, Fiji’s expansive sandy beaches and clear ocean waters have drawn travelers and explorers alike.

Breakfast included.

Days 8 -11 in Fiji

3 Nights, Sofitel Fiji Resort Spa

Day 9: Nadi ‘Free Time’

Your day is free to explore everything that your resort has to offer. Savor the island lifestyle. Relax by the beach or pool; or choose one of the many fun, adventurous activities available to you from the hotel activities desk.

Breakfast included

Day 10: Enjoy Fiji

Enjoy another day in paradise. Your Tour Manager will help you get the most out of your time. Join your fellow travelers this evening at a farewell dinner where you will toast the end of a wonderful trip!

Breakfast & Dinner included

Day 11: Farewell

Today, journey into Nadi’s scenic hinterland to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. This garden, started by famed Hollywood actor Raymond Burr, now houses one of the largest and most varied orchid collections in the world. Travel to Viseisei Village – the legendary landing site of the first Fijians – where you will enter the village and have a chance to peruse the local handicraft displays. See the work that the Collette Foundation** is supporting in the local community at Koroipita. You will also make a stop in the bustling township of Nadi to experience the modern style of Fiji living. This evening, depart for home with treasured memories of your jaunt through the South Pacific.

Breakfast Included