Highlights of the South Pacific with Fiji

Day 1

ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND Kia Ora! Welcome to Auckland! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule flights to arrive by 4:30 pm in order to attend the evening’s welcome meeting and dinner. Enjoy 360-degree views of Auckland below as you dine atop SkyCity at the Orbit Restaurant. (D)

Day 2

AUCKLAND. EXCURSION TO WAIHEKE ISLAND New Zealand Treasures Enjoy an orientation tour of Auckland, including bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and the historic Parnell Village. Then, take a ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island, where we’ll visit an olive grove and a [LF] winery for a tour, tasting, and lunch. Return to Auckland where the remainder of the day is yours to explore. (B,L)

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES A hidden gem known to local New Zealanders and discriminating travellers, Waiheke Island is known to many as the jewel of the Hauraki Gulf. Just 40 minutes by ferry from Auckland, this oasis of white sand, rolling hills, olive groves, and world-class vineyards is yours to enjoy! Tour this island paradise and sample wines at Stonyridge Vineyards – named one of the top 10 must-visit wineries in the world. After all – queens, kings, and world dignitaries can’t be wrong!

Day 3

AUCKLAND–WAITOMO–MATAMATA–ROTORUA Home, Hobbits, Home Depart Auckland and travel through the green pastoral region of Waikato to the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Experience a guided tour through the limestone chambers and passages of the cavern. Take a silent boat trip through Glowworm Grotto as you glide quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. Next, stop at a picturesque farm near Matamata, which was transformed into the Hobbiton movie set of the Lord of the Rings films. Continue on to Rotorua for a 2-night stay. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM Step into the lush pastures of the Shire with a guided walking tour of Hobbiton, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. With the mighty Kaimai Mountain ranges towering in the distance, your guide will escort you through the 12-acre movie set, recounting details of how this location was transformed and how movie magic was made here. As you meander down the paths of the enchanted village, see the most iconic sites, the Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the world-famous Green Dragon Inn where you’ll enjoy a cold beverage. The perfect ending to your Middle-Earth adventure!

Day 4

ROTORUA The Living Earth This morning visit Te Puia, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area with New Zealand’s largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces. Next, visit Agrodome to experience New Zealand’s sheep industry. There’s time to watch a sheep shearing demonstration, visit the farmyard nursery, and see the remarkable farm dogs as they demonstrate their ability to respond to commands and keep the sheep in line. This evening, enjoy a traditional [LF] Hangi dinner. (B,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Explore an ancient culture of the Māori. You’ll learn the history of the area, hear storytelling, be captivated by songs and dance, and experience the famous Haka (war dance). Afterward, sit down in the Wharenui (ancestral meeting house) for an authentic Hangi dinner (roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones) and be entertained with music and dancing.

Day 5

ROTORUA–QUEENSTOWN Adventure Awaits! Fly to Queenstown, the “Adventure capital of the World.” In addition to the non-stop action available in Queenstown, you’ll find top-notch restaurants and cafes, art galleries, shopping, spas, and wine tasting rooms. Dinner tonight is served with a view. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE This evening, take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and breathtaking views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkable Mountains. Make sure to have your camera ready for fantastic photo opportunities.

Day 6

QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND Fjords, Forests & Falls Today, travel into scenic Fiordland National Park. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was famously described by author, Rudyard Kipling, as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Late evening return to Queenstown. (B,L)

NOTE:
Excursion to Milford Sound may happen on Day 7 depending on weather and road conditions today.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Cruise on the fiord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. Experience dense rainforest, towering mountains, glaciers and waterfalls. Have your cameras ready for marine life such as playful dolphins, seals, and penguins. It will be a day to remember as you experience New Zealand’s wild side at its absolute best!

Day 7

QUEENSTOWN Vineyards & Views A full day at leisure for your own discoveries. (B)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE with an optional visit to a local vineyard and sample some of the prize vintages – or maybe take a thrilling jetboat ride on the Dart River. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

Day 8

QUEENSTOWN–MELBOURNE Australia Bound This morning, board your flight across the Tasman Sea to Melbourne. Enjoy three nights in the city often referred to as Australia’s cultural capital. Melbourne is a blend of world-class restaurants, museums, shopping, and interesting hidden laneways. (B)

Day 9

MELBOURNE Sights & Heights Today’s sightseeing includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Drive past the lush Royal Botanical Gardens and then enjoy a [LF] guided tour of beautiful Fitzroy Gardens and a visit to Cook’s Cottage. Afterward, enjoy a delicious high-tea lunch. Enjoy free time the remainder of the day. (B,L)

LOCAL FAVORITE
BEAUTY BLOOMS Set aside as a reserve in 1848, Fitzroy Gardens follows a classic Victorian-era design. Your guided tour will explain the history of the gardens while highlighting a variety of flowers, ornamental shrubs and expansive lawns. There’s also time to explore Cook’s Cottage, originally built by the parents of Captain James Cook in Yorkshire, England and brought to Melbourne in 1934.

Day 10

MELBOURNE Cosmopolitan Cool Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this multicultural and cosmopolitan city. (B)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE in Melbourne with a trip out of town to sample award-winning wines in the Yarra Valley or drive along the spectacular Great Ocean Road to see the “Twelve Apostles.” You may also enjoy an optional visit to Phillip Island to see the famous Penguin Parade.

Day 11

MELBOURNE–CAIRNS Koalas, Crocs, & Roos, Oh My! Today, fly to Cairns, the “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” Upon arrival, a visit to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure introduces you to Australia’s native species. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. (B,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
THE WILD SIDE Walk the boardwalks and pathways through wetlands, woodland and rainforest at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure. You’ll have the chance to see a wide variety of native animals including wombats, echidnas, emus, kangaroos, wallabies, and of course, those famous salt-water crocs! A highlight of your visit is getting your [LF] photo with one of Australia’s iconic animals, a koala. A great souvenir and a great memory for years to come.

Day 12

CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF Under The Sea Prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran and cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of coral and sea creatures. Return to Cairns late this afternoon. Your evening is at leisure. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
BUCKET LIST. CHECK! The only living structure on Earth that can be seen from space, the Great Barrier Reef is a masterpiece of Mother Nature. Comprising over 3,000 individual reefs and spanning over 135,135 miles (350,000 square kilometres), your day at the Reef will be one to remember. After your scenic catamaran cruise, the day is yours to explore the Reef how you like. Choose to snorkel amid the dazzling hues of fish and coral, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, attend an informative presentation by a marine biologist, or just relax and enjoy the serenity of your surroundings.

Day 13

CAIRNS Sights & Bites Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore more of Cairns.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with a trip into the Daintree Forest, the world’s oldest living rainforest and to beautiful Cape Tribulation. Other activities include a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, relaxing by your resort’s pool, or checking out the shops and galleries along Cairns’ famous Esplanade. Don’t miss the Night Markets for a bite to eat and a special souvenir.

Day 14

CAIRNS–SYDNEY Aussie Adventures Today, fly to Sydney, Australia’s largest and oldest city. Known for its beautiful harbor, superb beaches, and iconic Opera House; Sydney is a city that dazzles. From its convict history to modern skyscrapers, you’ll discover a city with hidden gems, a thriving art and culture scene, unique shopping, beautiful gardens, and amazing opportunities for dining with a view.

Day 15

SYDNEY Spectacular Sydney Explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Visit the Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a guided tour of its interiors and theaters. Travel to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s Botanic Garden for a great photo opportunity and sweeping views of the harbor. Next, visit world-famous Manly Beach with time to explore the shops or perhaps go for a stroll on the beach. Afterward, take a ferry back to Sydney Harbour and enjoy some of the city’s best views. Make sure to have your camera ready!

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM The Sydney Opera House is one of the most well-known buildings in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building was designed by Jorn Utzon, a Danish architect, and was finally completed in 1973, after sixteen years of construction, at a cost of over $100 million dollars. You’ll enjoy a private guided tour of the Opera House and see its interiors and theaters. Hear untold stories, be awed by the acoustics, and learn the history and future of this amazing hall beneath the sails.

Day 16

SYDNEY Celebration in Sydney Enjoy a full day at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner at a waterside restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour. (B,D)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Sydney with an optional excursion to the Blue Mountains or to the Hunter valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge! This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

Day 17

SYDNEY–NADI, FIJI–CORAL COAST Island Dreams Board your flight and fly to Fiji for three nights in this tropical paradise. Arrive in Nadi and transfer to your resort on the Coral Coast. Composed of more than 300 islands, you are sure to enjoy the laid-back lifestyle and friendly Fijians. From white sandy beaches to tropical rainforests and mountain peaks, there is lot to explore on land as well in the water. Fiji is known as the Soft Coral Capital of the world with the Great Astrolabe Reef surrounding its islands and atolls. An underwater adventure should be high on your to-do list and will not disappoint. The remainder of your day is at leisure. (B)

Day 18

CORAL COAST Living on Island Time Today is at leisure. (B)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with daily activities offered at your resort. You may wish to take a dip in the pool, enjoy a Fijian handicraft demonstration, spend some time in the water with kayaks or paddleboards, or simply enjoy an amazing sunset with a cool drink. Your Local Guide and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

Day 19

CORAL COAST Sea Treasures This morning, cruise up the magnificent Sigatoka River to visit an authentic Fijian village. Return to your resort where the remainder of the day is yours to explore the beautiful beaches or perhaps sample some local cuisine. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Aboard a custom-built safari jet boat, you’ll be transported deep into the heart & soul of Fiji. As you journey up the river, hear the history of the region. Children from the villages that line the river and wave as you cruise past. When you reach the village, you are given a warm welcome by the villagers and then are escorted to the village Chief’s bure (house) or to the community hall. Take part in a kava ceremony, then tour the village before sitting down to a traditional Fijian lunch. Your visit ends with traditional Fijian singing and dancing. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked to join in! After heartfelt goodbyes, board your jet boat for the return trip. It’s sure to be a highlight of your time in Fiji. Bula!

Day 20

CORAL COAST– NADI Until We Meet Again! Transfer from the Coral Coast to the Nadi International Airport today where your vacation ends. (B)