South Pacific Wonders including New Zealand's North Island - 2024
Overview
Highlights
- Enjoy a BBQ on the western shore of Lake Wakatipu.
- Take in the sights during a dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour.
- Experience a memorable authentic Hangi dinner celebration.
- Come to know Australia’s ancient traditions at the Rainforestation Nature Park.
- Take a guided tour of the fascinating Sydney Opera House.
- Paddle the Avon River in a traditional Maori waka (canoe).
- Board a catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef.
- See where the original colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Cross the International Dateline, skipping a day ahead, and begin your adventure of a lifetime.
Arrive in one of the world’s most inspiring and sought-after destinations due to its clean air, stunning scenery, and friendly culture - New Zealand. Arrive in Auckland, the “City of Sails.” Auckland has the highest Polynesian population in the world, imbuing its chic atmosphere with the vibrant feel of the Pacific Islands. Meet your travel companions at this evening’s welcome dinner.
Get to know the best of Auckland during a panoramic city tour featuring the America’s Cup Village, the War Memorial, vibrant Queen Street and the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Next, travel to the dramatic geothermal landscape of Rotorua. Known as the Maori capital of New Z...
This morning discover Whakarewarewa – a Maori cultural and geothermal experience. Explore an authentic Maori village on a private guided tour where people live using natural geothermal resources to cook, bathe and heat their homes as they have done for centuries. Then...
A short flight brings you to the historic city of Christchurch. Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see firsthand how the city known as “the Garden City” is recreating itself.
Start your morning with a city tour of Christchurch. 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 ...
Depart Christchurch and make your way south to Queenstown. Known as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” Queenstown is nestled against a picturesque bay and snowcapped mountains. Arrive in Queenstown in the afternoon and have time to explore independently before dinner.
Cruise Lake Wakatipu surrounded by Queenstown’s stunning landscape aboard an iconic coal-fired steamship. Then, enjoy a BBQ lunch lakeside followed by a sheepdog demonstration before sailing back. This evening is yours to enjoy charming Queenstown.
Enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley as you travel through an ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. Cruise the Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on the 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.
A free morning offers an optional tour taking you through the majestic Queenstown countryside showcasing many of the locations where blockbuster movies have been filmed, or perhaps you’ll want to shop or people-watch in the village. Later, it’s your choice! Go bird wa...
Fly 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.
Come to know the history of Australia’s original inhabitants at the Rainforestation Nature Park where an Indigenous Pamagirri guide will show you through some of their oldest customs and traditions. Enjoy an "Aussie" BBQ lunch before visiting Hartley’s Crocodile Adven...
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.
The morning is yours. Enjoy your last few hours in Cairns by relaxing and taking in the tropical atmosphere and surrounding neighborhood. Then, this afternoon, fly to the bustling city of Sydney.
See where English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney, featuring Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Darlinghurst. 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.
Embrace the exciting city of Sydney during a day of independent exploration. Tonight, say farewell to Australia while on a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the scenic vistas of the harbor, showcasing Sydney’s magnificent skyline, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge.
Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful adventure.
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Collette.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Collette Reviews & Ratings
Other Collette Reviews
It was a wonderful trip and experience!
It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...
we had an absolute wonderful time
My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First c...
Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company
This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...
Tour Operator
True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.
Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
Everyone at Collette believes travel is vital to a life well-lived and our executive team sets the tone. Drawing on a diverse set of skills that includes operations, sales, information technology, law and financial planning, they work across three offices to bring you the best experience possible.
Go Guided:
There are so many benefits to letting someone else take on all the details that come with having The Perfect Trip. See why more and more travelers choose to Go Guided — and why they never go back.
5 Reasons to Go Guided:
Go Tour Managers!
On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll meet a friendly person who sure does know a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. This highly skilled professional is your tour manage and from the moment you meet this key player on your tour, you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about language, currency, and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.
Go Culture!
Visiting a destination gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle like Old-World royalty…feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef envelop you as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise…or rolling dough with an Italian chef to make the perfect pizza. It’s not just about all the iconic spots that will make for the best photos, it’s about diving into another world that makes for the best memories.
Go Product Team!
Our product experts are probably on the road right now — scoping out the best of our worldwide destinations. They go, take it all in, and find the moments they love best. Those are the moments they create for you. Those experiences and sights comprise each itinerary and make each one extra-special. Best of all, you don’t have to plan a thing. You just need to choose which itinerary best suits you.
Go Social!
Travel is social by nature. Guided travel is extra social. Meet a cast of characters: your fellow travelers, tour manager, driver, local guides and more. The social aspect of guided travel is one of the best parts! Many travelers on our tours have forged lasting friendships. Think of all the wonderful people waiting to meet you out in the world.
Go Worry-Free!
Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).
There are many ways to experience the world:
Among Collette’s worldwide collection of tours we offer a variety of guided travel choices. No matter where (or how) you want to go, Collette can take you there.
Small Groups, Big Experiences
From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.
Amazing Family Moments Included
Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.
Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan
The Traveling Well Experience
Our Commitment to Your Well-being and Enjoyment
There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.
From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is The Traveling Well Experience.
- Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
- More Physical Space – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
- Wellness Protocols – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
- Enhanced Tour Manager Training – our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies
Before Your Tour
Cancel for Any Reason Waiver
Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here
Pre-Tour Health Screenings
We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.
Private Sedan Service
Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.
Air Travel
Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.
On Your Tour
Smaller Groups
Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.
Your Tour Manager
We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.
Use of Face Coverings
Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.
Motor Coach
All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.
On-Tour Experiences
We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.
On-Tour Insurance Coverages
When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here
Self-Screening
We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.
Hotels
Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.
After Your Tour
Post-Tour Survey
After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.
Associations
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
What's excluded
- The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.
Flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown - $400
Queenstown Soar over the plunging cliffs, snowfields and alpine lakes of the pristine Southern Alps on a flightseeing plane that carries you back from Milford Sound to Queenstown. Seeing Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park from the air will give you a whole new perspective on the overwhelming beauty of this region. You’ll be captivated by 9,000 foot peaks and frozen lakes that can only be seen from above. Enjoy amazing views and skip the lengthy return coach ride to Queenstown. A truly spectacular trip! Duration approximately 1 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 4 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Availability for flightseeing is limited. This option is only available to purchase while on tour through your Tour Manager. This option operates on a weather permitting basis only. Duration: 40 minutes. This option does have a weight restriction, which your Tour Manager will advise as it varies by aircraft type.Gold Seeker - Metal and Movie Discovery Tour - $170
Queenstown Embark on a four-wheel drive adventure through the primeval, mystical landscapes of the New Zealand high country. In the vastness of an unspoiled wilderness, become lost in the grandeur of New Zealand’s South Island – a world immortalized on film in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Trek to the place where the word “otherworldly” was tailor-made, the Remarkable Mountains, and the entrance to Skipper Canyon. Across roads created by pioneers 150 years ago, follow the miner’s old wagon trail along the Arrow River, and stop to try your hand at panning gold. Discover something incredible around every dramatic turn, narrow and twist of this thrilling safari tour. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. If you choose to cancel this option within 48 hours of the excursion date, payment is non-refundable.Outer Great Barrier Reef - $160
Cairns Jump in and explore the vibrant, colorful world teeming with life at the very edge of the Continental Shelf of the Great Barrier Reef. This massive reef system, the largest in the world, can actually be seen from space. Cruise across the water by catamaran to the Outer Reef pontoon where a diverse, bountiful ecosystem is yours to discover. See the kaleidoscopic underwater sea life up close as you snorkel along the reef. You’re sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience exploring one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Duration approximately 7 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Guests should be confident swimmers, able to swim at a leisurely pace for 10 minutes without stopping and be familiar with swimming in the open water for this optional. The swell of the ocean on the pontoon can be high at times of the day and can be intimidating for guests who are not confident in the water. There are life jackets and lifeguards on duty, and rest stations in the water for when swimmers need a break. Guests choosing this optional will not visit Green Island.Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations