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Cruise · Collette · 12 nights

South Pacific Wonders

  • Guided tour of the Sydney Opera House included
  • Paddle the Avon River in a traditional Maori waka
  • Dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour with skyline views
From
$10,399 pp twin share
$12,649 pp solo share
12 nights
When & how much

Choose your departure

Cruise Snapshot
12 Nights

A 12-night journey through New Zealand and Australia, from Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef to Queenstown's glacial lakes and fjords

  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu with a lakeside barbecue
  • Explore the Great Barrier Reef by catamaran
  • Discover Aboriginal culture at Rainforestation Nature Park

Trip Details

Departs
Thu 30 Sep 2027
Returns
Tue 12 Oct 2027
Embarks
Cairns
Disembarks
Queenstown
Operator
Collette

See what life is like “Down Under” on this incredible journey through New Zealand and Australia. Experience Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Cruise Lake Wakatipu and enjoy a lakeside barbecue. Cruise Milford Sound and Sydney Harbour. Discover the wonders of Aboriginal culture. From the ethereal beauty of New Zealand's glacial fjords to the tropical splendor of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, enjoy the best of the South Pacific.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Cairns, Australia

    Thu 30 Sep
    Welcome to 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. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently.
    Dinner
  2. 2

    Cairns

    Fri 1 Oct
    Come to know the history of Australia’s original inhabitants at the Rainforestation Nature Park, where an Indigenous Pamagirri guide will show you some of their oldest customs and traditions. Enjoy an "Aussie" barbecue lunch before visiting Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to see crocodiles on a nature cruise. Head through rainforests on boardwalks to see animals such as birds, reptiles, and wallabies. Visit with a koala and chat with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these marsupials.
    BreakfastLunch
  3. 3

    Cairns - Great Barrier Reef - Cairns

    Sat 2 Oct
    Board a high-speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the reef from your base on Green Island. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride, stroll the island’s walking trails, relax on the beach, snorkel, or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, an optional outer reef tour is also available.
    BreakfastLunch
  4. 4

    Cairns - Sydney

    Sun 3 Oct
    The morning is yours. Enjoy your last few hours in Cairns by relaxing and taking in the tropical atmosphere and surrounding neighborhood. Then, fly to the bustling city of Sydney.
    BreakfastDinner
  5. 5

    Sydney

    Mon 4 Oct
    See where English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, and the Botanic Gardens. Take an expert-led tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Then, have the chance to join a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. Our city tour of Sydney will conclude around 3:00 p.m. You are free to explore the city for the remainder of the day, perhaps booking a show at the Opera House.
    Breakfast
  6. 6

    Sydney

    Tue 5 Oct
    Embrace the exciting city of Sydney during a day of independent exploration. Tonight, say farewell to Australia while on a dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour, departing from the hotel at 4:30 p.m. Marvel at the scenic vistas of the harbor, showcasing Sydney’s magnificent skyline, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. Tomorrow, the journey to New Zealand begins.
    BreakfastDinner
  7. 7

    Sydney - Christchurch, New Zealand

    Wed 6 Oct
    This morning, catch a flight to Christchurch. Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, you’ll see firsthand how the city known as the "Garden City” is recreating itself.
    BreakfastDinner
  8. 8

    Christchurch

    Thu 7 Oct
    Start your morning with a city tour of Christchurch. Then, pay a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. A leader in the conservation of New Zealand species, Willowbank offers the chance to view New Zealand’s “Big 5” - the Kiwi, the Kea, the Tuatara, the Kaka, and the Takahe - up close and personal. Then, learn about the local Indigenous culture of the Maori with a paddle on the Avon River in a traditional waka (canoe). Our scheduled activities will conclude at 1:30 p.m. Continue your exploration of Christchurch with the rest of the day free.
    Breakfast
  9. 9

    Christchurch - Queenstown

    Fri 8 Oct
    Depart Christchurch and trek south to Queenstown during a full day of travel. Known as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” Queenstown is nestled against a picturesque bay and snowcapped mountains. Arrive in Queenstown in the evening in time for dinner.
    BreakfastDinner
  10. 10

    Queenstown

    Sat 9 Oct
    Cruise Lake Wakatipu surrounded by Queenstown’s stunning landscape aboard an iconic coal-fired steamship. Then, enjoy a lakeside "Kiwi" barbecue lunch, followed by a sheepdog demonstration, before sailing back. Later, take a gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for stunning panoramic views of the area. This evening is yours to enjoy charming Queenstown. Get some good rest ahead of a long day of travel tomorrow.
    BreakfastLunch
  11. 11

    Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

    Sun 10 Oct
    Enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley as you travel through an ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. Cruise Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on South Island. Following your cruise, you may choose to return to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
    BreakfastLunch
  12. 12

    Queenstown

    Mon 11 Oct
    A free day offers an optional tour taking you through the majestic Queenstown countryside, showcasing the region’s gold mining history and many locations where blockbuster movies have been filmed, or perhaps you’ll want to shop and people-watch in the village. At 6:00 p.m., we will depart from the hotel for our farewell dinner.
    BreakfastDinner
  13. 13

    Queenstown - Tour Ends

    Tue 12 Oct
    Your tour ends today in Queenstown.
    Breakfast
What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • Come to know Australia’s ancient traditions at the Rainforestation Nature Park.
  • Paddle the Avon River in a traditional Maori waka (canoe).
  • Take a guided tour of the fascinating Sydney Opera House.
  • See where the original colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney.
  • Board a catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Enjoy a "Kiwi" barbecue on the western shore of Lake Wakatipu.
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

  • Bailey Crystalbrook Collection Hotel, Cairns
  • Novotel Sydney Darling Square, Sydney
  • Distinction Christchurch Hotel, Christchurch
  • Millennium Hotel, Queenstown
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 13 days and 12 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 24 Jun 2027 and 23 May 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Can I travel solo?
Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
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Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

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From (twin) $10,399 pp
From (solo) $12,649 pp
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