ITINERARY
Day | 1
Arrive into Brisbane and then proceed towards Gold Coast – Australia’s entertainment capital. Today, get set to meet your aquatic friends at ‘Sea World’. What’s more, enjoy an exciting helicopter ride – truly an exhilarating experience.
On arrival at Brisbane, please reconfirm with your travel agent for exact timings and details about your tour, hotels and meeting place with the Tour Manager.
Proceed to Australia’s Surfers’ Paradise – Gold Coast with 70 kms coastline of seemingly neverending beaches, pristine rainforests, relaxed lifestyle and world famous theme parks it is fondly called the ‘Fun Capital of Australia’. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy an American breakfast. Later today we proceed to
spend the day at Gold Coast’s most spectacular theme park – Sea World. Make contact with marine life wonders and experience a whole world of exciting rides, shows and attractions! From the moment you enter Sea World, fun, laughter, excitement and entertainment reigns. Step back in time at Sea World’s water ski “Wipe Out”, an energetic show set in the Golden Era of Surfer’s Paradise. Be enthralled by some of the most spectacular sights as you fly over stunning Gold Coast
beaches – a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience on a scenic helicopter ride! Today enjoy lunch. Also visit Sea World’s attraction – the Polar Bear shores. Experience Imagine, an enchanting new interactive Dolphin Show. Take the ride of your life on the triple-loop Corkscrew roller coaster, or splash down on the Viking’s revenge flume ride, experience an underwater live shark show through the world’s largest aquarium window at Shark Bay. After loads of fun, laughter and entertainment, return to your hotel. Tonight enjoy a sumptuous Indian dinner at a local Indian restaurant.
Overnight at Hotel Mantra Legends/ Watermark or similar, in Gold Coast.
Day | 2
Today join us on a fun-filled day to Movie World - Hollywood in Gold Coast. Also enjoy a grand night out at the spectacular music and dance extravaganza at Conrad Jupiters.
After an American breakfast at the hotel, we proceed to Warner Brothers ‘Movie World’ where movie magic happens every day. It is the only Australian movie-related theme park. Meet your favourite stars and enjoy all the behind-the-scene actions, comedy stunts along with exhilarating rides, shows and attractions.
Get more speed riding the new Superman Escape. Have the time of your life on the suspended roller coaster ‘Lethal Weapon’ – where you will see your feet against the sky, encounter five complete upside down experiences. Go ballistic on Australia’s newest thrill ride - Batwing Spaceshot. Experience a hair-raising ogre
time at DreamWorks Shrek 4D Adventure. Today enjoy lunch. At this premier theme park, you also have a chance of meeting and taking off on the ultimate Batman adventure ride. Continue your fun-filled day with your favourite Looney tunes characters at ‘Looney Village’. Here, you can catch up with Bugs Bunny, Daffy, Tweety and the gang! Movie World is a fun place for all ages and is guaranteed to delight kids of all ages and adults too. After an early delicious dinner at a local Indian restaurant, we take you to experience Gold Coast’s most famous glamour and entertainment theatre at Conrad Jupiters. Here, take an aweinspiring journey through an exotic world of breathtaking colour, mesmerizing global rhythms and explosive energy at this live stage show. Prepare yourself for a fantasy journey like no other.
Overnight at Hotel Mantra Legends / Watermark or similar, in Gold Coast.
Day | 3
Enjoy a day at Dream World and WhiteWater World, which provide a one stop shop for thrills, spills and family fun. Today enjoy a unique amphibious ride touring Gold Coast on the Adventure Duck!
Today after an American breakfast at the hotel, we proceed to Dream World and WhiteWater World. Enjoy the tallest and fastest thrill rides, interactive shows and unique animal attractions, there’s something for everyone at Dream World. Ride the Big 6 Rides such as the Giant Drop, Tower of Terror, Wipe out, Cyclone roller coaster and Dream World’s latest scream machine - The Claw! Experience some more wonderful rides and attractions at Nick Central Wiggle’s World, World of Classics, IMAX Theatre and Gold Rush Country. Today enjoy lunch. Slide in to WhiteWater World for the ultimate water fest! Here there are thrills for all ages and the
hottest water rides on the planet. Woof it up on all four of the "world's best" water slides and the newest addition The Little Rippers. Plus, there's something for the whole family with Nickelodeon’s Pipeline Plunge and Wiggle Bay. Later this evening, get ready for some more fun and excitement as we take you on a great land
and water adventure with Gold Coast’s Adventure Duck ride. It's a great way to see what the glitzy Gold Coast is all about. After a fun-filled day, you can either return to your hotel or treat yourself with the dazzling nightlife that Gold Coast offers, on your own. Stepping out means stage shows, nightclubs, theatres, casinos and much, much more. Enjoy a delicious Indian dinner at a local Indian restaurant.
Overnight at Hotel Mantra Legends / Watermark or similar, in Gold Coast.
Day | 4
Proceed to Melbourne – the Victorian Capital. Explore the charm, history and character of Melbourne on an exciting city tour.
Today enjoy an American breakfast at the hotel , check out & transfer to the airport on your own for own to board your flight to Melbourne. On arrival after Lunch we proceed to discover the breathtaking landmarks and monuments of Melbourne on your city tour, which includes a visit to the famous and beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens, Town Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, National Tennis center, the 1956 Olympic venue, the Shrine of Remembrance, Bourke Street Mall and some beautifully-restored Victorian houses. Tonight, proceed for a sumptuous dinner at a local Indian restaurant.
Overnight at Hotel Sebel & Citigate/ Grand Mercure or similar, in Melbourne.
Day | 5
Enjoy a guided tour of the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground. Later proceed to Philip Island where we enjoy the Penguin Parade.
After an American breakfast at the hotel, we proceed to enjoy a guided tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground - one of Australia's greatest assets. Later the morning is free at leisure. After lunch sit back & relax in the coach as we proceed to Philip Island where more than a quarter of the island is devoted to nature. Enjoy the beautiful landscape as we drive past some of the most pristine beaches, majestic coastlines, natural realms and encounters with unique wildlife. Here you experience the sunset magic of the world’s smallest penguins as they waddle across the beach to their sand dune burrows – The Penguin Parade. Today enjoy a delicious dinner.
Overnight at Hotel Sebel & Citigate/ Grand Mercure or similar, in Melbourne.
Day | 6
Onto Cairns – The Tropical Paradise. Today, get set for a day of fun and excitement as you visit Kuranda – a village in the rainforest.
After an American breakfast at the hotel, check out & transfer to the airport on your own for your flight to Cairns. On arrival proceed to picturesque mountain retreat of Kuranda Village – a World Heritage Rainforest. Today enjoy a hot Indian lunch. We experience the Skyrail - the world’s most beautiful Rainforest experience. The kyrail experience, spanning 7.5 kms over pristine rainforest, allows you to explore the wonders of an ancient tropical rainforest. Explore the amazing environment from the forest floor on boardwalks, scenic look-outs and in the state-of-the-art Rainforest Interpretation Centre. After a day of excitement and fun we return to Cairns. The evening is at leisure. You can relax in the comfort of your hotel or you can visit some of the exciting shops at the ‘Cairns Night Market’. Enjoy a sumptuous Indian
dinner at a local Indian restaurant.
Overnight at Rydges Esplanade Resort/ Oasis Resort or similar, in Cairns.
Day | 7
Join us on an unforgettable experience to the outer Great Barrier Reef – the only living structure visible from the moon!
This morning after an early American breakfast at your hotel, we proceed to board the cruise liner to the Great Barrier Reef –most spectacular underwater experience imaginable. The Great Adventure cruise will take you to a reef at the very edge of Australia’s Continental shelf, to an underwater world that has a dazzling aleidoscope of colours. Escape into a world of surprises to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Outer Great Barrier Reef. The Reef is made up of countless varieties of coral in the clear blue waters, their colours surpassed only by the magnificent tropical fishes that make the reef their home. There’s an abundance of activities for
swimmers and non-swimmers to enjoy. A chance to Snorkel and dive, visit the underwater observatory or you can stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of an airconditioned semi-submersible. Savour a delicious lunch on board the cruise liner. Return home with fantastic memories of this living natural wonder.
Tonight, a delicious Indian dinner awaits you at a local Indian restaurant.
Overnight at Rydges Esplanade Resort/ Oasis Resort or similar, in Cairns.
Day | 8
Welcome to Sydney – one of the world’s easiest and most pleasant cities to visit. Have the time of your life as you get set for the most exciting, entertaining and fun night on a dinner cruise along Sydney Harbour!
After a delicious American breakfast at the hotel, check out & transfer to the airport on your own for your flight to Sydney. Today enjoy lunch. Arrive into the Harbour City. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore this free spirited, vibrant and cosmopolitan city on your own. Tonight, get set for a life time experience on a board the spectacular Showboat dinner cruise. Delight on a three – course Indian dinner followed by a dazzling sensational theatre cabaret featuring professional Australian show girls in their glamorous costumes! Join in on the choruses with the immensely talented and charming songstress!
Overnight at Hotel Citigate Sebel/ Vibe or similar, in Sydney.
Day | 9
Explore the landmarks of Sydney - the Rocks area, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach on your exciting city tour. Discover stunning underwater life at the Sydney Aquarium, enjoy a spectacular guided tour of the world-renowned Sydney Opera house and visit the famous Sydney Tower and Oz Trek.
After an American breakfast at the hotel, we proceed on an exciting and interactive city tour of Sydney which includes highlights like the Darling Harbour, one of the world’s greatest waterfront destinations, experience a slice of the city’s history at the Rocks area, the busy CBD area, Hyde Park, the Harbour Bridge, Mrs. Macquarries Chair, Eastern suburbs – home to the city’s rich and famous and the world famous Bondi beach. Today enjoy lunch. Later take a journey through the world famous Sydney Aquarium. Discover the world’s largest collection of all- Australian aquatic life. Walk underwater and come face to face with over 11,500
animals including fearsome sharks and rays, platypus, seals, fairy penguins, crocodiles and much more at the Sydney Aquarium. We also take you on a guided tour of one the world’s most spectacular landmark – the Sydney Opera House. Remain enthralled as you go on a fascinating journey through the extraordinary history, breathtaking architecture and the unseen workings of its daily life. Also visit the famous Sydney Tower, the tallest free standing structure in Sydney. Here you enjoy a visit to the observatory deck for the most spectacular 360° aerial view of the beautiful harbour city and experience the largest simulated virtual reality ride in the southern hemisphere across Sydney to the Australian bush and beyond – ‘Oz Trek’. Tonight enjoy a delicious Indian dinner at a local Indian restaurant.
Overnight at Hotel Citigate Sebel/ Vibe or similar, in Sydney.
Day | 10
Day at leisure at the most happening city of Australia. You can enjoy the many adventures in Sydney on your own or take an optional day trip The Blue Mountains.
After a delicious and leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you have the opportunity to spend time at your own pace by exploring some of the good cafes and restaurants, gardens and parks, museums galleries, dazzling beaches and many more tourist attractions. You can shop at the classic Queen Victoria building – the most beautiful shopping centre in Sydney or visit Paddy’s Market – a good place for some bargain shopping. You also have the opportunity to experience Sydney the ultimate way - Bridge Climb, where you get to walk on this amazing structure. Or you can take a full day excursion to the scenic Blue Mountains. Enjoy a delicious Indian dinner at a local Indian restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Citigate Sebel/ Vibe or similar, in Sydney.
Day | 11
Arrive into Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’. Visit the International Antarctic Centre and also enjoy your city tour.
After an American breakfast at the hotel, check out & transfer to the airport on your own for your flight to Christchurch. On arrival at Christchurch airport, please reconfirm with your travel agent for exact timings and details about your hotel and meeting place with the Tour Manager. .After lunch we visit the International Antarctic Centre – recreating the atmosphere of the Antarctic - the Frozen Continent. The Snow & Ice Experience is great fun for all ages - where you will slide down an icy slope, shelter in the ice cave, brave the wind chill machine at minus 18° Celsius. Later we proceed for a city tour of the ‘Garden city’ – Christchurch, see The Cathedral, museums, Hagley Park, the famous Gothic-style University building. Drive past the city’s beautiful parks, gardens and proceed to the Cashmere Hills for a breathtaking view of Christchurch and the Southern Alps. Later check into your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local Indian restaurant.
Overnight at Hotel Grand Chancellor / Copthorne or similar, in Christchurch.
Day | 12
Get set for the ride of your life on the Tranz Alpine Express – the most scenic route in New Zealand. Onto Franz Josef.
After a delicious American breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed to board the Tranz Alpine Express to Arthur’s Pass. On this train ride you will pass through some of the most scenic sights of the South Island. On arrival proceed to Franz Josef. Enroute enjoy an Indian Lunch. On arrival at Franz Josef,
check into your hotel. The rest of the evening is free. Enjoy a sumptuous Indian dinner. Overnight at Hotel Franz Josef or similar, in Franz Josef.
Day | 13
Onto Queenstown – New Zealand’s adventure capital. En route visit “Puzzling World” at Wanaka.
After a delicious breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed to Queenstown. Drive via Haast Pass, a long one-lane bridge over the Haast River which leads into the settlement of Haast, We visit the Puzzling World at Wanaka, a unique attraction specializing in puzzling eccentricity. Today enjoy a delicious Indian Lunch
On arrival into Queenstown, we proceed to the hotel for check in. Enjoy a sumptuous Indian dinner at a local Indian restaurant.
Overnight at Hotel Novotel/ Millennium or similar, in Queenstown.
Day | 14
Today we set out for the most spectacular cruise to the Milford Sound.
After an American breakfast, depart from Queenstown and travel via Te Anau through the aweinspiring Homer Tunnel and the stunning glacier-carved Eglington Valley, to arrive at Milford Sound. Enjoy the full-day on an unforgettable Milford Sound cruise, which sails right up to the mouth of the Tasman Sea (weather permitting). Enjoy a delicious vegetarian/non-vegetarian lunch on board the cruise. Journey into the untouched paradise of Milford Sound, exploring the natural wonders and history surrounding this deep fjord. Later tonight, enjoy a sumptuous Indian dinner awaits you at a local restaurant.
Overnight at Hotel Novotel/Millennium or similar, in Queenstown.
Day | 15
Day Free. Later in the evening experience the Gondola ride that gives you the best view of this city.
Today after an American Breakfast at the hotel, the morning is at leisure for you to explore this beautiful city on your own. You have the opportunity to enjoy Bungee Jumping, Sky diving etc. Later this evening get ready to experience the famous Gondola ride - a fast convenient access to the best views in the region, which is reputed to be the steepest lift in the Southern Hemisphere. Tonight a delicious Indian dinner awaits you at a local restaurant.
Overnight at Hotel Novotel/ Millennium or similar, in Queenstown.
Day | 16
Today proceed to the North Island, onto Rotorua – “The Thermal city”. On arrival proceed to enjoy the sheep shows at Agrodome. Today we also visit the Te Puia Thermal Reserve.
After a delicious breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed to the airport on your own to board your flight to Rotorua. On arrival proceed to Agrodome to witness the Agrodome Agricultural Show, where you will be entertained by New Zealand’s performing sheep and other attractions. Today enjoy a lunch. Later, proceed to the Te Puia Thermal Reserve where you can wander around the bubbling mud pools and see the famous ‘Pohutu’ Geyser. Later check into your conveniently located hotel. Tonight, enjoy a delicious Indian dinner at a local Indian restaurant.
Overnight at Hotel Novotel/ Millennium or similar, in Rotorua.
Day | 17
Onto Auckland, en route visit to the beautiful Waitomo Caves. Later today sit back and enjoy the spectacular views of the city on your city tour of Auckland – the City of Sails.
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, proceed to visit the Waitomo Caves through the lush Waikato region. Marvel at Mother Nature's light display, as you glide silently through the starry wonderland caves of Glow-worm situated underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow-worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you'll immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way. Enroute enjoy a delicious lunch. Later we proceed to Auckland – The City of Sails. On arrival we take you for a city tour of Auckland. Visit Mt. Eden where you will enjoy the spectacular view of the city and harbour and many more interesting sights. Drive past the Victoria Park market, the West Haven Marina, the War Memorial Museum and through the Parnell, onto Bastion Point amongst Auckland’s most expensive residential area. The view of the Waite Mata Harbour and beaches are unmatched. Tonight a delicious Indian dinner awaits you at a local restaurant.
Overnight at Hotel Skycity/Crowne Plaza or similar, in Auckland.
Day | 18
Return home with wonderful memories of your holiday.
This morning after an American breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport (on your own), where your memorable Thomas Cook tour comes to an end. Do spare a few minutes to fill in the feedback form and hand it over to your Tour Manager. Your valued suggestions will be most appreciated. Arrive home with pleasant memories of your New Zealand tour.
Departure Dates
Month
October ’09 : 11, 18, 25
November ’09 : 1, 15, 22
December ’09 : 6, 13, 20, 27
January ’10 : 3, 17, 31
February ’10 : 14, 28
March ’10 : 14, 28
Note: For certain departures we may re-route the itinerary. However all sightseeing & inclusions will remain the same.
