SOUTH PACIFIC ITINERARY

Depart San Francisco, enroute to Auckland, NZ

Transfer by private van to our hotel.

                                ASCOT METROPOLIS HOTEL                                                         IN:      JULY 13*

                                1 COURTHOUSE LANE                                                                     OUT:  JULY 15

                                AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND                                                        TEL:   011-64 (09) 300-8800

                                                                                                                                                FAX:  011-64 (09) 300-8899

2:00 p.m. Afternoon City Sights by private car:  Afternoon tour of the city takes you through the city past yacht-filled Westhaven Marina and over the summit of Mt. Eden for panoramic views.  In the Domain Park, visit the Auckland Museum to see the magnificent collection of Maori artifacts.  Pass through quaint Parnell Village and along the waterfront back to the city.

WED. JULY 14    IN AUCKLAND                   Day free for independent activities.

10:00 A.M. – Visit Landmark Office, 125 Vincent Street, 3^rd floor (no elevator).   Take taxi to the office.

THU.  JULY 15       AUCKLAND – WAITOMO – ROTORUA

8:00 a.m., leave by mini-van to Matamata, a rural town near Hamilton in the Waikato Region, a two-hour drive south of Auckland.  The filming of The Lord of the Rings movies in the area has created a lot of excitement and pride in the town.  The Alexander Farm near Matamata was used as the Hobbiton movie set.  To celebrate the launch of the first The Lord of the Rings film, the town changed it name to Hobbiton for a short time and Hobbiton burgers were on sale.

Tour the Hobbiton Village Movie Set (10:00 – 12:00) where you can see the remnants of the original Hobbiton Village set.  The remnants of the LOTR movie set are on picturesque private farmland near Matamata.  The Hobbiton Movie Set has been returned to its natural state; however, hobbit holes and some structures from the film set are still present.  After visiting Hobbiton, (around 12:00 Noon) drive to Rotorua (1 hour) arriving around 2:00 p.m., with time for lunch stop at Tirau.

Check into the Swiss Lodge situated near the tip of Kawaha Point, a leafy peninsula on the Western Shore of Lake Rotorua.  It is just 5 minutes’ drive from the city center, but far away from traffic noise and sulphur fumes.  The unique lakefront retreat nestles in a peaceful garden setting with panoramic views of the lake.  Guests can swim at the private beach.

                                SWISS LODGE                                                                     IN:      JULY 15

                                207 – 209 KAWAHA POINT ROAD                                OUT:  JULY 17

                                ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND                                           TEL:   011-64 (7) 348-5868

                                                                                                                                FAX:  011-64 (7) 348-5869

4:00 p.m. Driver will take us to Whakarewarewa and then he will return to Auckland.  Admission to Maori Arts & Crafts Institute and Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley.

5:15 p.m., see a Maori cultural performance of stirring songs and dances, and enjoy a “hangi” (ground oven) cooked dinner at the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve.  Return transfer will be provided by another driver.

FRI. JULY 16       IN ROTORUA

09:30 a.m. Transfer for sightseeing. 

09:45 a.m. Walk through the flora and fauna park at Paradise Valley Springs.

11:00 a.m. Visit the entertaining and informative Agrodome Sheep Show featuring sheep shearing demonstration.

Return transfer will be provided.

Remainder of the day at leisure.

SAT. JULY 17      ROTORUA – QUEENSTOWN

8:15 a.m. Transfer to the Rotorua Airport in time for departure.

On arrival, we will be met and will be taken to the Heritage Hotel where we are to leave our excess baggage while we spend the night at TeAnau.  En route, stop at Arrowtown for lunch.  In Arrowtown, trees planted by the goldminers line the streets and many old stores and cottages remain.  Visit the museum to see gold nuggets and the old tools and artifacts used by the miners.

Leave Queenstown at 3:00 p.m. and arrive at Te Anau at 5:00 p.m.  Check in at our hotel

                                TE ANAU HOTEL & VILLAS                                           IN:      JULY 17

                                LAKEFRONT DRIVE                                                          OUT:  JULY 18

                                TE ANAU, NEW ZEALAND                                             TEL:   011-64 (03) 249-9700

                                                                                                                                 FAX:  011-64 (03) 249-7947

6:25 p.m.  Report to Real Journeys Office (across the road).

6:45 p.m.  Board launch and cruise across Lake Te Anau to tour this spectacular limestone caverns and see the glittering glow-worm grotto.  (Tour is 3 hours).  Return to your hotel.

SUN. JULY 18      TE ANAU – MILFORD SOUND – QUEENSTOWN

Early morning, buy lunch from “Pop Inn” on Lakefront Drive across the road from the Great Sights Office.  The lunch on the cruise is not very good and it was recommended we take lunch with us.  Be sure to bring your overnight bag as we will be let off in Queenstown for our stay of next two nights.

9:30 a.m.  Report to Real Journeys Office (across the road).

9:45 a.m.  By Seat-in-Coach, leave Te Anau for a Full-day Excursion to Milford Sound, one way by coach and one way by air.  Travel to the Eglinton River Valley and Cascade Creek; climb to the Homer Tunnel and descend steeply to Milford Sound.  Cruise up the ten-mile fiord.  3:00 p.m. Return to Queenstown by scenic flight (weather permitting).  If weather is not good, we will return by motorcoach.  Arrival in Queenstown at 3:40 p.m.

On arrival, we will be transfer to our hotel, overlooking the awe-inspiring vistas of Queenstown, and a sophisticated European-style resort hotel.  It stands proudly above the shores of the picturesque Lake Wakatipu, with magnificent views of the majestic Remarkables Mountain Range. 

                                THE HERITAGE QUEENSTOWN HOTEL                                      IN:      JULY 17

                                91 FERNHILL ROAD                                                                           OUT:  JULY 20

                                QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND                                  TEL:   011-64 (03) 442-4988

                                                                                                                                                FAX:   011-64 (03) 442-4560

MON. JULY 19    IN QUEENSTOWN             Day free for independent activities

There is a courtesy bus (every hour) between the hotels and to the Gondola area.  Hotel provides free tickets for the bus.

Morning, Skyline Gondola & Luge – Luge Ride ends at 5:00 p.m. in winter. Take the gondola up to Skyline Building Complex.  Luge ride is at the rear of the building and it goes further up the hill.  There is a walkway up the hill to a little office where everyone gets a helmet and then they hop on their luge cart.  The ride is approximately 5 minutes.  One ride is never enough, according the agent.  The track runs just below the Skyline building and at the end you can take a ski lift back up to the top of the hill again for another ride down.  Lunch at the Chalet at 1:00 p.m.

TUE. JULY 20      QUEENSTOWN – CHRISTCHURCH

8:00 a.m.  Transfer to the airport.

Orientation Tour of Christchurch en route to hotel.  Christchurch is “the most English city outside of England” – you will understand why when you spy the gracious willow trees along the beautiful Avon River.  Highlights in the city features the inner city Victorian and modern buildings, including the Cathedral, Town Hall and Arts Center, Canterbury Museum, the tree-lined Avon River, Botanical Gardens and Hagley Park and a panoramic view of the city from the “Sign of the Takahe.” 

                                MILLENNIUM HOTEL                                                                       IN:      JULY 20

                                14 CATHEDRAL SQUARE                                                                OUT:  JULY 21

                                CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND                                                TEL:   011-64 (03) 365-1111

                                                                                                                                                FAX:  011-64 (03) 365-7676

Remainder of the day free for independent activities.  

WED. JULY 21    CHRISTCHURCH – SYDNEY

Early-morning wake-up call. 

4:40 a.m. – pick up at hotel for transfer to the airport for early-morning flight.

We will be met and will be transferred to our hotel set majestically on the eastern shore of Circular Quay, with spectacular views of Sydney’s famous harbor and harbor bridge, the Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens and city skyline.  Each Quay Grand Suite comprises a spacious sitting room, a choice of one or two bedrooms, a stylish, fully appointed bathroom with spa, and meticulously equipped gourmet kitchen..

WED. JULY 21 (CONTINUED):

                                QUAY GRAND SUITES SYDNEY                                    IN:      JULY 21

                                61 MACQUARIE STREET                                                 OUT:  JULY 22

                                EAST CIRCULAR QUAY                                                   TEL:   011-61 (02) 9256-4000

                                SYDNEY NSW 2000 AUSTRALIA                                   FAX:  011-62 (02) 9256-4040

Remainder of the day at leisure to explore the city.      Decide who will want to do the BridgeClimb on July 29.

THU. JULY 22      SYDNEY – CAIRNS – PALM COVE

07:50 a.m.  Transfer to the airport.

08:20 a.m.  Check in for flight.

We will be met and driven north along a spectacular 16-mile stretch of unspoiled golden beaches to the small seaside townships of  Palm Cove for accommodations at a hotel situated on the beachfront along Williams Esplanade in the heart of Palm Cove Village. In Palm Cove Village itself, where no building is higher than the coconut palms, one can find restaurants, village shopping, bars and cafes.

                                OUTRIGGER BEACH CLUB & SPA                                 IN:      JULY 22

                                123 WILLIAMS ESPLANADE                                                          OUT:  JULY 25

                                PALM COVE, 4879                                                                              TEL:   011-61 (07) 4059-9200

                                AUSTRALIA                                                                                        FAX:  011-61 (07) 4059-9222

FRI. JULY 23       AT PALM COVE

Full-day Excursion.  8:00 a.m., depart for the wonderful Rainforest Habitat where we will have breakfast with the many variety of birds, koalas, and crocodiles.    It is very compact and very consumer friendly, and about 30 minutes from Palm Cove.  After visiting the Habitat, continue to Port Douglas to stroll the village; then to the Mossman Gorge before arriving at Silky Oaks for lunch (lunch on own account).  Take a tour of Silky Oaks and return to Palm Cove in the afternoon.

SAT. JULY 24      AT PALM COVE

Full-day Great Barrier Cruise.  8:20 A.M. Join coach to transfer to Port Douglas to join the Vessel Quicksilver for a full-day Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, which is the only living structure visible on earth from the moon.  It is a national treasure and one of the true wonders of the world.  Agincourt Reef lies within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area.  The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most diverse and delicate ecosystems in the world.  The ribbon reefs north of Cairns are renowned for their excellent year round water clarity and coral formations.  Agincourt Reef is the only ribbon reef on the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef to be visited by a day cruise operator with platform facilities.  For your experience of a lifetime, Quicksilver’s friendly crew will take you to a reef at the very edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of color and brilliance.  Quicksilver takes you to Agincourt Reef, a magnificent ribbon reef where you can experience first hand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef.  You can choose to dive, snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a Quicksilver semi-sub, just one meter underwater.  Watch the fish feeding from Quicksilver’s unique underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory; or as an option, fly in a helicopter over the reef.  Return to Port Douglas and transfer back to your hotel, arriving around 5:30 P.M.

SUN. JULY 25      AT PALM COVE

Excursion to Tjapukai Cultural Park and Kuranda.  Transfer to The Tjapukai Cultural Park, for a presentation of aboriginal culture incorporating 4 cultural events.  The History Theatre on extensive audio visual presentation showcasing traditional culture telling of the last 120 years and depicts where the aboriginal stands today.  The Creation Theatre portrays the spiritual and traditional beliefs of the Tjapukai people.  And the Dance Theatre to witness a celebration of song and dance and

the traditional camp a chance to interact with the community with boomerang or spear throwing, or didgeridoo playing.  Walk to Skyrail and glide over the rainforest canopy and take advantage of the two stops en route to enjoy a walk through the rainforest.  On arrival in Kuranda, the “Village in the Rainforest,” walk to the Kuranda Station and board the Kuranda Train.  Depart for a breathtaking journey on one of the world’s most scenic operational rail journeys through hand hewn tunnels and across bridges with amazing views, arriving at Freshwater Station.  Transfer back to the hotel.

MON. JULY 26    PALM COVE – CAIRNS – BRISBANE - NOOSA

09:15 a.m. Transfer to the airport for departure.

09:45 a.m. Arrive at airport and check in.

On arrival Brisbane, we will be met by a driver with a 15-seater coach for the drive to Noosa.  En route, visit Steve Irwin’s Australiana Zoo.  Arrive at NOOSA.

                                62 TINGIRA CRESC                                                                            IN:      JULY 26

                                SUNSHINE BEACH                                                                             OUT:  JULY 28

                                AUSTRALIA                                                                                        TEL:   011-61 (07) 5447-3546

TUE. JULY 27      AT NOOSA BEACH           Day free to relax and to swim

Suggested Restaurant:  “Spirit House” in a little village called Yandina, about 40 minutes drive from the house.  Features Asian Food with emphasis on Thai.  May need two maxi taxis for transport, if we decide to go.  Otherwise, will go to local restaurant.

Enjoy the beach.

WED. JULY 28    NOOSA BEACH – BRISBANE – SYDNEY

12:40 p.m.  Transfer back to Brisbane Airport.

  2:10 p.m.  Check in for flight.

On arrival in Sydney, we will be met and transferred to our hotel.

                                QUAY GRAND SUITES SYDNEY                                    IN:      JULY 28

                                61 MACQUARIE STREET                                                 OUT:  AUG. 01

                                EAST CIRCULAR QUAY                                                   TEL:   011-61 (02) 9256-4000

                                SYDNEY NSW 2000 AUSTRALIA                                   FAX:  011-62 (02) 9256-4040

THU. JULY 29       IN SYDNEY

Bridge Climb:

9:30 A.M.  Walk to Bridge Climb Office at 5 Cumberland Street.

9:40 A.M.  Commence Briefing for Bridge Climb,

9:55 A.M.  Commence Bridge Climb, which offers the ultimate experience of Sydney with an exhilarating climb to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Day and Night.  Professional Climb Leaders will take you all the way to the summit over ladders,

catwalks and arches.  The exhilaration and personal satisfaction achieved with BridgeClimb provides a unique and unforgettable experience of Sydney.  The Climb Leaders are equipped with the latest in digital photographic technology to capture this special moment.  All Climbers receive a complimentary photograph of their Climb group and commemorative Climber Certificate.

Bridge Climb Points to Consider:

-You will need to be physically fit.

-Wear enclosed rubber soled shoes, such as runner, track or hiking shoes.

  (PVC and leather-soled shoes are not suitable).

-Every climber is breath tested to comply with 0.05% blood alcohol or less.

-Be prepared to complete an indemnity form to satisfy BridgeClimbs’ terms and conditions.

-BridgeClimb operates in all weather with the exception of electrical storms.

-Pregnant women are not permitted to participate in the Climb.

1:55 p.m.  Walk to No. 6 Circular Quay for an afternoon coffee cruise.

2:15 p.m.  Sydney Harbour is commonly referred to as the most beautiful natural harbour in the world.  A large harbour with many bays, inlets and secondary harbours, it has not been built out like many of the world’s great harbours.  Although there are exclusive homes dotted around the water’s edge, there are large tracts of parklands, reserves and gardens that balance the harbour environmentally.

4:35 p.m.  At the conclusion of the cruise, walk to the hotel.

FRI. JULY 30       IN SYDNEY                          Day free for independent activities.

SAT. JULY 31      IN SYDNEY

SUN. AUG. 01   SYDNEY – SAN FRANCISCO