Great Trains, Wineries & Cultures of Australia & New Zealand
Departure Dates
Tour Rates
Tour Itinerary
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$6199
09/19/2010
$6299
10/24/2010
= Tour operates in the reverse direction
= Select date for additional information about this tour
NOTE: Specials are marked with a *
Land Only
Door to Door - your free ride from home to the airport.
Click here for full details!
Fly with us! Check out the benefits of booking your air through Collette!
29 days, 43 meals
Air 1: Overnight Flight
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Australia and New Zealand. Explore diverse natural wonders from Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and the fjords of Milford Sound. Local specialists regale you with cultural history of the Aboriginal and Maori cultures as well as natural history of these destinations. Climb aboard trains like the Ghan and the TranzCoastal and enjoy wine tastings at vineyards in both Australia and New Zealand. En route, skip a day ahead as you cross the International Dateline.
Day 2: Arrive Cairns, Australia
Welcome to Cairns – the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a special reception and dinner.
Today dinner will be included.
Board a high-speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the outer Great Barrier Reef, where the magic of this natural wonder surrounds you. Snorkel or stay dry while checking out the marine life from the semi-submersible!
Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
A ride aboard the historic Kuranda Rail, constructed in 1882, awards you with views of the spectacular Atherton Tablelands. This afternoon enjoy a cruise on Hartley’s Lagoon in search of saltwater crocodiles as well as exotic birdlife. After the cruise, enjoy an authentic Aussie barbecue.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Fly to the heart of the Outback – Ayers Rock. Tour the sandstone domes of the Olgas and the area around the base of “The Rock.” Later, behold a stunning sunset as the Rock’s colors change dramatically.
Today breakfast will be included.
Depart for Alice Springs, the largest community in Central Australia. A sightseeing tour of this frontier town includes the Old Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill. Learn about the educational system in the Outback during a visit to the School of the Air - you may even see a class in session. Experience unique dining and entertainment during a traditional dinner in the bush.
Today dinner will be included.
Early this morning you may choose to take an optional hot air balloon ride over the Outback. Next, explore Aboriginal culture through site visits and native cooking. Board the legendary Ghan for an overnight journey through ancient mountain ranges, over red-baked earth, and across oceans of sand hills.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Your train journey concludes in the South Australian capital of Adelaide. Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Adelaide before traveling to Barossa Valley. Experience the Whispering Wall, listening as voices travel along a quarter-mile path powered by natural amplification. A wine tasting at one of the local wineries introduces the flavors of this region. Dinner at your hotel, in the serene Barossa Valley, overlooks the vineyards of well-known vintners such as Jacobs Creek.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Barossa Valley is Australia’s richest and best-known wine-making region. Enjoy tours and tastings at two of the area’s wineries. Your evening is at leisure.
Today breakfast will be included.
Travel through the southern Australian countryside, stopping at Naracoorte Caves National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Learn about the extensive fossil deposits of southern Australia while touring the fossil center. Continue to Coonawarra.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Enjoy a morning at leisure. Then learn more about Coonawarra, a rich wine making region known for producing world-class red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon during visits and tastings at two local wineries.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Traverse the spectacular Great Ocean Road, one of the world's most scenic drives. Pass through Port Campbell and discover the “12 Apostles,” a dramatic row of stone pillars rising from the ocean; the “London Bridge,” a magnificent stone arch formation; and Loch Ard Gorge. Arrive in Melbourne.
Today breakfast will be included.
A tour of Melbourne features the Shrine of Remembrance, Parliament House and a visit to Fitzroy Gardens. Travel to Phillip Island, home of the world’s largest colony of “Little Penguins.” Experience the Little Penguin Parade as hundreds of them cross the beach to their burrows in the dunes. Learn about the penguins’ significance to the area at the Interpretation Centre.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
This morning you’re off to Sydney for a panoramic tour of Australia’s capital, followed by a tour of the world-famous Sydney Opera House.
Today breakfast will be included.
This morning, visit Sydney Wildlife World which showcases over 6,000 native animals and Australia's flora and fauna through three floors of exhibits. Walk amongst the wallabies and birds in an interactive display. Visit the koala sanctuary viewing Australia's most famous species in its natural habitat. You can even pet one!This evening, sail Sydney Harbour during a dinner cruise offering spectacular views of Sydney’s renowned icons – the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Explore Sydney on your own.
Today breakfast will be included.
Fly to the resort town of Queenstown. Visit one of Otago’s best-known wineries for a tour and tasting, followed by a spectacular dinner paired with the local favorites.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Travel through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley to world-famous Milford Sound. Relax as you cruise this dramatic fjord. Return to Queenstown by coach or via a short optional flight* for spectacular views of the Southern Alps.
Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Explore Queenstown on your own. Perhaps you’ll enjoy an optional jet boat ride on the Shotover River.
Today breakfast will be included.
Travel through the picturesque countryside, stopping in the gold boomtown of Arrowtown. In Mt. Cook National Park, take a nature walk or enjoy an optional flightseeing tour*.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Travel to Christchurch for a short sightseeing tour highlighting its gardens, cathedral and downtown park district.
Today breakfast will be included.
Today is free to relax and unwind. Perhaps enjoy an optional journey through the Southern Alps aboard the Tranz-Alpine Express. This evening, enjoy a special dinner at a restored mansion that was once the homestead of Christchurch’s first settlers.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Enjoy a visit to the International Antarctica Centre, the base for all U.S. expeditions to Antarctica. This evening, dine with a New Zealand family in their home, learning about the customs of the “Kiwis” over a home-cooked meal.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Board the Tranz Coastal train for a scenic journey up the eastern coast of New Zealand's South Island taking in its beauty – flanked by the Kaikoura Mountain Range to the west and the Pacific Coast to the east. Sail by ferry from Picton through Marlborough Sound and across Cook Strait to the North Island. Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s harbour capital.
Today breakfast will be included.
A sightseeing tour of Wellington includes the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament, historic St. Paul’s Church, and the Government Building. This afternoon, tour the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, the national museum of New Zealand, and enjoy a discussion on the Maori culture.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Travel through the heart of the North Island to Rotorua, the center of Maori heritage. Tonight, discover the indigenous culture of New Zealand when you participate in an authentic Hangi and concert.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
This morning visit Te Puia for a Maori cultural and geothermal experience. Behold erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and other geothermal wonders! The Maori keep their customs alive by teaching the tribal youth the skills of traditional carving, weaving and dancing. Take part in an interactive demonstration on the art of weaving and the importance of the Maori dress. View the Kiwi bird and learn how New Zealanders are working to remove the Kiwi from the endangered species list. Next, a visit to the Agrodome offers you insight into how wool is produced during a sheep-shearing demonstration. Visit a jade factory to see how the raw product is transformed into a gemstone. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Drive to Auckland where your tour ends.
Today breakfast will be included.
Click here for full details!
Fly with us! Check out the benefits of booking your air through Collette!29 days, 43 meals
Air 1: Overnight Flight
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Australia and New Zealand. Explore diverse natural wonders from Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and the fjords of Milford Sound. Local specialists regale you with cultural history of the Aboriginal and Maori cultures as well as natural history of these destinations. Climb aboard trains like the Ghan and the TranzCoastal and enjoy wine tastings at vineyards in both Australia and New Zealand. En route, skip a day ahead as you cross the International Dateline.
Day 2: Arrive Cairns, Australia
Welcome to Cairns – the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a special reception and dinner.
Today dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 3: Great Barrier Reef
Board a high-speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the outer Great Barrier Reef, where the magic of this natural wonder surrounds you. Snorkel or stay dry while checking out the marine life from the semi-submersible!
Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Accommodations
Day 4: Cairns
A ride aboard the historic Kuranda Rail, constructed in 1882, awards you with views of the spectacular Atherton Tablelands. This afternoon enjoy a cruise on Hartley’s Lagoon in search of saltwater crocodiles as well as exotic birdlife. After the cruise, enjoy an authentic Aussie barbecue.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 5: Cairns - Ayers Rock
Fly to the heart of the Outback – Ayers Rock. Tour the sandstone domes of the Olgas and the area around the base of “The Rock.” Later, behold a stunning sunset as the Rock’s colors change dramatically.
Today breakfast will be included.
Accommodations
Day 6: Ayers Rock - Alice Springs
Depart for Alice Springs, the largest community in Central Australia. A sightseeing tour of this frontier town includes the Old Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill. Learn about the educational system in the Outback during a visit to the School of the Air - you may even see a class in session. Experience unique dining and entertainment during a traditional dinner in the bush.
Today dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 7: Alice Springs - The Ghan
Early this morning you may choose to take an optional hot air balloon ride over the Outback. Next, explore Aboriginal culture through site visits and native cooking. Board the legendary Ghan for an overnight journey through ancient mountain ranges, over red-baked earth, and across oceans of sand hills.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 8: The Ghan - Barossa Valley
Your train journey concludes in the South Australian capital of Adelaide. Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Adelaide before traveling to Barossa Valley. Experience the Whispering Wall, listening as voices travel along a quarter-mile path powered by natural amplification. A wine tasting at one of the local wineries introduces the flavors of this region. Dinner at your hotel, in the serene Barossa Valley, overlooks the vineyards of well-known vintners such as Jacobs Creek.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 9: Barossa Valley
Barossa Valley is Australia’s richest and best-known wine-making region. Enjoy tours and tastings at two of the area’s wineries. Your evening is at leisure.
Today breakfast will be included.
Accommodations
Day 10: Barossa Valley - Coonawarra
Travel through the southern Australian countryside, stopping at Naracoorte Caves National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Learn about the extensive fossil deposits of southern Australia while touring the fossil center. Continue to Coonawarra.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 11: Coonawarra
Enjoy a morning at leisure. Then learn more about Coonawarra, a rich wine making region known for producing world-class red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon during visits and tastings at two local wineries.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 12: Coonawarra - Melbourne
Traverse the spectacular Great Ocean Road, one of the world's most scenic drives. Pass through Port Campbell and discover the “12 Apostles,” a dramatic row of stone pillars rising from the ocean; the “London Bridge,” a magnificent stone arch formation; and Loch Ard Gorge. Arrive in Melbourne.
Today breakfast will be included.
Accommodations
Day 13: Melbourne
A tour of Melbourne features the Shrine of Remembrance, Parliament House and a visit to Fitzroy Gardens. Travel to Phillip Island, home of the world’s largest colony of “Little Penguins.” Experience the Little Penguin Parade as hundreds of them cross the beach to their burrows in the dunes. Learn about the penguins’ significance to the area at the Interpretation Centre.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 14: Melbourne - Sydney
This morning you’re off to Sydney for a panoramic tour of Australia’s capital, followed by a tour of the world-famous Sydney Opera House.
Today breakfast will be included.
Accommodations
Day 15: Sydney
This morning, visit Sydney Wildlife World which showcases over 6,000 native animals and Australia's flora and fauna through three floors of exhibits. Walk amongst the wallabies and birds in an interactive display. Visit the koala sanctuary viewing Australia's most famous species in its natural habitat. You can even pet one!
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 16: Sydney
Explore Sydney on your own.
Today breakfast will be included.
Accommodations
Day 17: Sydney - Queenstown, New Zealand
Fly to the resort town of Queenstown. Visit one of Otago’s best-known wineries for a tour and tasting, followed by a spectacular dinner paired with the local favorites.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 18: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Travel through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley to world-famous Milford Sound. Relax as you cruise this dramatic fjord. Return to Queenstown by coach or via a short optional flight* for spectacular views of the Southern Alps.
Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Accommodations
Day 19: Queenstown
Explore Queenstown on your own. Perhaps you’ll enjoy an optional jet boat ride on the Shotover River.
Today breakfast will be included.
Accommodations
Day 20: Queenstown - Mt. Cook
Travel through the picturesque countryside, stopping in the gold boomtown of Arrowtown. In Mt. Cook National Park, take a nature walk or enjoy an optional flightseeing tour*.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 21: Mt. Cook - Christchurch
Travel to Christchurch for a short sightseeing tour highlighting its gardens, cathedral and downtown park district.
Today breakfast will be included.
Accommodations
Day 22: Christchurch
Today is free to relax and unwind. Perhaps enjoy an optional journey through the Southern Alps aboard the Tranz-Alpine Express. This evening, enjoy a special dinner at a restored mansion that was once the homestead of Christchurch’s first settlers.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 23: Christchurch
Enjoy a visit to the International Antarctica Centre, the base for all U.S. expeditions to Antarctica. This evening, dine with a New Zealand family in their home, learning about the customs of the “Kiwis” over a home-cooked meal.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 24: Christchurch - Picton - Wellington
Board the Tranz Coastal train for a scenic journey up the eastern coast of New Zealand's South Island taking in its beauty – flanked by the Kaikoura Mountain Range to the west and the Pacific Coast to the east. Sail by ferry from Picton through Marlborough Sound and across Cook Strait to the North Island. Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s harbour capital.
Today breakfast will be included.
Accommodations
Day 25: Wellington
A sightseeing tour of Wellington includes the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament, historic St. Paul’s Church, and the Government Building. This afternoon, tour the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, the national museum of New Zealand, and enjoy a discussion on the Maori culture.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 26: Wellington - Rotorua
Travel through the heart of the North Island to Rotorua, the center of Maori heritage. Tonight, discover the indigenous culture of New Zealand when you participate in an authentic Hangi and concert.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 27: Rotorua
This morning visit Te Puia for a Maori cultural and geothermal experience. Behold erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and other geothermal wonders! The Maori keep their customs alive by teaching the tribal youth the skills of traditional carving, weaving and dancing. Take part in an interactive demonstration on the art of weaving and the importance of the Maori dress. View the Kiwi bird and learn how New Zealanders are working to remove the Kiwi from the endangered species list. Next, a visit to the Agrodome offers you insight into how wool is produced during a sheep-shearing demonstration. Visit a jade factory to see how the raw product is transformed into a gemstone. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 28: Rotorua - Auckland - Tour Concludes
Drive to Auckland where your tour ends.
Today breakfast will be included.