The Complete South Pacific - 2023
Overview
Highlights
- At sunset, enjoy a champagne toast while gazing at Uluru.
- Taste world-class wines during a private tour of Chateau Tanunda in the Barossa Valley.
- Learn about the endangered Tasmanian Devil and the conservation efforts aimed at its survival.
- See koalas in their natural setting during a stop at a koala conservation center.
- Explore the Great Barrier Reef from a glass-bottom catamaran and choose from a collection of included activities.
- Witness the Little Penguins on the beach at Phillip Island.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Cross the International Dateline as you begin a comprehensive adventure through Australia and New Zealand.
Your tour opens in Melbourne. Set upon the shores of Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra River, the city exudes a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Set out on a panoramic city tour, including a guided walk of the famed Royal Botanic Gardens. After, enjoy time to explore this lively city on your own before heading to Phillip Island, where you’ll visit koalas in their natural setting at a conservation center. Conti...
A flight to Hobart, Tasmania brings you to Australia's second oldest city. An island state of Australia, Tasmania is surrounded by more than 300 scattered isles. Its rugged and pristine beauty provides the backdrop for your 3-night stay.
Today, it’s your choice! Embark on an early morning walking tour of the city -OR- take the morning to relax and enjoy a walking tour in the afternoon. No matter how you start your day, visit the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Center and learn about this unique marsupial...
Enjoy a free day to explore Tasmania’s capital city on your own. Perhaps you’ll indulge in the city’s up-and-coming café culture, meander along the lively harbor, or just take some time to relax.
Fly to Adelaide, South Australia’s bustling cosmopolitan capital. Settle into your home for the next 2 nights.
Treat your taste buds to a full-day exploration of the Barossa Valley’s fine food and wine. Begin with a tour and tasting at the famous Seppeltsfield Winery, one of the oldest in the Barossa Valley, followed by lunch. Your vintner voyage continues at Chateau Tanunda for a private tour and tasting of their world-class wines.
This morning, make your way to Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock) in the heart of the Australian Outback. Tour the beautiful area surrounding the base of “The Rock” and learn about it’s significance to the indigenous population. As the day draws to a close, sip a glass of champagne as Uluru’s hues change dramatically with the setting sun.
Fly to Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef (UNESCO). Before your departure, perhaps you will choose to partake in an optional excursion where you will enjoy a camel ride, taking in the magnificent Uluru at sunrise.
Rise high on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for an unforgettable ride over the rainforest canopy. Embrace the opportunity to explore the forest floor up close with access to specially designed boardwalks. This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring native cuisine.
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.
Fly to the dynamic city of Sydney. This evening, personalize your culinary experience with Diner’s Choice – choosing from a variety of local restaurants for an included dinner along bustling Darling Harbour.
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, ...
Enjoy a day at leisure. Marvel at the scenic vistas of the harbor showcasing Sydney’s magnificent skyline, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. As the most populous city in Australia, Sydney is full of endless ways to spend your day.
Fly to New Zealand and arrive in Auckland, the “City of Sails”. A city tour features the America’s Cup Village, the War Memorial, vibrant Queen Street, the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and spectacular views from the harborside.
Head to Rotorua’s dramatic geothermal landscape. Find culture behind every corner – over one-third of Rotura’s population boasts Maori roots, making it known as the Maori capital of New Zealand.
Discover Whakarewarewa – a Maori cultural and geothermal experience. Explore an authentic Maori village where people live using natural geothermal resources to cook, bathe and heat their homes as they have done for centuries. At the Agrodome, see a sheep-shearing demonstration and learn about the importance of agriculture to the nation.
Make your way to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city and the world’s southernmost capital city. Built on the foreshore of a harbor and ringed by mountains, this gives the city the nickname “Windy Wellington.”
Come to know Wellington on a tour including the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament, historic St. Paul’s Church, and the Old Government Building – the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Explore the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongawera, a fascinating center dedicated to art, history and the Maori culture.
Today, experience what has been called “the most beautiful ferry ride in the world” as you sail across the Cook Strait on your way to the historic city of Christchurch, the “Garden City.” Enjoy some free time to explore. Perhaps you’ll stroll through the city’s gardens or learn about its more recent history at the Quake City exhibition.
This morning, enjoy a city tour that highlights the city’s magnificent gardens and elegant park district. Then, visit Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. A leader in the conservation of New Zealand species, Willowbank offers the chance to view New Zealand’s “Big 5” up close ...
Make your way to Queenstown, nicknamed the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Nestled on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley as you travel through a beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. Cruise the breathtaking Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on the South Island. Following your cruise, consider returning to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
A free day in Queenstown offers limitless activities set amidst breathtaking Alpine scenery. Today, you have the opportunity to partake in a tour through the charming Queenstown countryside, showcasing the filming locations of many blockbuster movies. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner and toast to a fabulous trip.
Your tour comes to a close in Queenstown.
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
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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.
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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.A Camel Ride, the Rock and a Sunrise - $120
Yulara Experience the majesty of sunrise on Ayers Rock from a unique vantage point – the back of a camel! A peaceful one-hour camel ride brings you across the red sand dunes in the cool, clear morning air. Watch the sunrise over Ayers Rock bring the warm hues of the monolith alive. Learn about the flora and fauna of this UNESCO World Heritage Site from your friendly cameleer. After the ride, enjoy fresh-baked damper bread and hot, fresh tea and coffee. Duration approximately 2.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. During winter months this option may not be available due to timing of sunrise. Due to the nature of this option, we require advance notice for any guest weighing 120kg/264lbs or more. Please enquire at time of booking.Become a member
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