New Zealand
& Sydney, Australia
March 14 - 22, 2022
Day 1, Arrive Auckland
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The Adventure Begins!
You will receive a welcome package on arrival which will include a welcome letter, detailed itinerary, vouchers for each service, supplier contact list as well as various brochures of the destinations you will be visiting. A private vehicle with driver will provide a transfer between the Auckland airport and the hotel. After arriving at New Zealand from North America, guests often find that jet lag begins to set in by the afternoon. Today, recharge for the days to come with a half-day at leisure. Should you be feeling energetic, Auckland is a vibrant city that is easily explored on foot. Accommodation: Stamford Plaza, Superior room with Breakfast (2 nights) 
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Day 2, Auckland to Waiheke Island
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Sights and insights.
Nestled in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand, beautiful Waiheke Island offers a wealth of stunning beachfront and vineyards for you to discover. Embark on an exclusive journey through the island's pristine white sands with your own private local guide, dedicated to showing you the best the island has to offer. 
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Enjoy a private tour of Waiheke Island's vineyards, sampling flavorful wines amid backdrops of lush vegetation and crystal blue waters.
See for yourself how the sub-tropical Waiheke climate has allowed for a booming industry to be established on the island. Also known for its olive oil production, the island is home to an award-winning olive oil estate, the perfect place to sample delicious creations of this cooking essential. Break for lunch at a vineyard where the menu features a divine select ion of food and wine, served with picturesque sea views to match. Enjoy a scenic drive around the island's coastline, taking time to stop at breathtaking viewpoints for excellent photo opportunities. Visit the studio of a resident Waiheke Maori artist and enjoy a short native bush walk, where your guide will explain the traditional and medicinal Maori uses of native plants. To further explore the island, you may opt for a privately guided kayak excursion around island bays and rock gardens or choose to traverse the island on your own electric bicycle. Take the ferry to travel from Waiheke Island to Auckland Downtown. |
Day 3, Auckland to Rotorua to Waitomo Caves
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Lose yourself in nature!
This morning you will meet your private driver guide in the lobby of your hotel and begin your scenic journey from the city of Auckland to Rotorua. En-route the transfer will visit the Waitomo Caves that are famous for their glowworms. Lunch and entrance fees are not included. The transfer takes nine hours, depending on the type of touring in Waitomo. Ruakuri Cave is an experience that must be seen to be believed. Offering a captivating blend of the most compelling subterranean experiences (including glowworms), it will leave you open-mouthed, awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature. Begin the tour by journeying down through the spectacular, man-made spiral entrance, marvel at the softly folding shawl-like limestone formations and crystal tapestries while listening to the distant thunder of subterranean waterfalls. If you want to see glowworms up-close and personal and learn about their fascinating life, then this is the tour for you. Photography is permitted in Ruakuri Cave, but not in the Waitomo Glowworm Cave. Major features of the Ruakuri Cave tour include Holdens Cavern, named after James Holden, who first opened the cave to the public, The Drum Passage, The Pretties, and The Ghost Passage. With clever and innovative design, Ruakuri Cave has full wheelchair and push chair access and both the cave, and its visitor center is proudly powered by 100% renewable energy. Accommodation: Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, City View Twin Room with Breakfast (2 nights) |
Day 4, Rotorua
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Cultural immersion.
Experience the amazing geothermal activity, gushing geysers, boiling mud pools and the many colors of every tint and hue displayed in pools, lakes, craters, steaming vents and mineral terraces of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Then your private guide will take you on the Waimangu Volcanic Valley nature walk amidst a stunning volcanic landscape with spectacular views of hot crater lakes, steaming cliffs, hissing fumaroles, colorful silica terraces, rare thermally adapted plants and the opportunity to see some of New Zealand 's native birdlife. A representative of Te Puia will pick you up from your hotel this evening for a Maori Hangi dinner and cultural concert. Begin the experience with Te Po; an intimate time for sharing knowledge while enjoying food, culture and friendship. Taking place at TeHeketanga-a-Rangi (The Heavenly Origins), which is an area comprising of twelve monumental carvings reaching skywards - each one representing a Maori deity - you'll hear the stories of the past and see how these traditions live on today. Feeding guests is regarded by Maori as an honor and a sign of a tribe's Mana (standing), and as a result, you can expect a lavish banquet meal during the evening. This meal combines contemporary cooking techniques with traditional Hangi (earth - cooked oven meal), where Kai (food) is steam-cooked by hot rocks in the earth, giving it a delicious smoky flavor. Following dinner, you will be returned to your hotel. |
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Day 5, Rotorua to Queenstown
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A change of scenery.
A privately driven vehicle will provide a transfer between the airport and hotel today. Board a flight in Rotorua with service to Queenstown. Please note that your flight will require a connection. Approximate flight duration is three hours and 35 minutes. This flight is not included in the price and must be purchased separately. Meet your driver for a private transfer between Queenstown and the Domestic Airport. This evening consider dining at one of Queenstown's many excellent establishments. For a fine dining experience, we recommend Botswana Butchery, Rata or Eichardt's Bar. For something quick and casual, Ferburger is a local favorite. Accommodation: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, Standard Double Beds with Breakfast (3 nights) |
Day 6, Queenstown
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Chasing waterfalls.
Today you will be picked up from your hotel and travel from Queenstown along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, through the scenic rolling countryside to Te Anau. After a short break at Te Anau, continue via the spectacular Milford Road to Milford Sound. Here you'll board a vessel that hosts up to 150 guests, features three viewing decks, and embark on a relaxing cruise of Milford Sound. The cruise provides excellent opportunities to take in the incredibly scenery of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife, all while an on-board naturalist guide provides insights into the region throughout the journey. After the cruise, settle in for a coach transfer to Milford Airport to board a twin engine aircraft for the return flight to Queenstown (weather permitting). During this 35-minute scenic flight, take in panoramic views of the spectacular alpine scenery as you are returned to Queenstown. Milford Sound Nature Cruise viaz Coach & Flight with included picnic lunch. |
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Day 7, Queenstown
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Breath the mountain air.
Take part in the world-famous Dart River Wilderness Safari. The tour includes a jet boat ride, a short-guided bush walks and a backroad adventure in a 4-wheel drive coach. Always dress warmly, wear comfortable walking shoes/boot s and bring eyewear (sunglasses or prescription glasses). Bring a sunhat and sunscreen in summer and a warm hat and gloves in winter. Approximately 45 minutes are allowed for refreshments prior to the coach departing Glenorchy for Queenstown. The trip starts at 7.40 a.m. (weather permitting) and takes 6 hours. Upon completion of your tour, you will be returned to Queenstown. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel. |
Day 8, Queenstown to Sydney
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A change of scenery.
A private vehicle will provide a transfer between the airport and your hotel. Board a flight in Queenstown with service to Sydney. Approximate direct flight duration is 3 hours and 15 minutes. This flight is not included in the price and must be purchased separately. For your comfort, an assist ant will be waiting for you outside of Customs holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will assist you in meeting your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation in Sydney to assist with check-in. 
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A welcome package with a detailed itinerary, supplier contact list, various brochures of the destinations you will be visiting and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon arrival at the first hotel on your trip. One of the more vibrant and visually striking cities in the world, begin your tour of Sydney's essential highlights by meeting your private guide in the hotel lobby, then set out to explore the historic Rocks precinct - birthplace of Sydney - where you'll explore convict-built cottages, pubs and the first church in Australia. Heading east, make your way to the gorgeous Botanical Gardens situated in the heart of the city. En-route, pass through Macquarie Street -named after the fifth Governor of New South Wales, Lachlan Macquarie - where you'll also see Australia's first Parliament House, the Hyde Park Barracks and St Mary's Cathedral. The tour continues onward to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair - carved in sandstone and situated steps from the water - where you'll begin a walking tour of the harbor' s edge, taking in magnificent views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House before rejoining your vehicle. Continue through Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross and into Rushcutters Bay. Stop for lunch at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Australia's premier yacht club and home to what is considered yachting's 'Everest' - the Rolex Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race. Continue on through Darling Point, one of Sydney 's most affluent suburbs and see some of Sydney's most sought-after addresses. Pass by Double Bay, Ro se Bay, Vaucluse and Watsons Bay, before traversing along the coastline to Sydney's most famous beach, Bondi. Here you will have some time to soak up the atmosphere of this beachside Mecca before strolling down the esplanade. Returning to Sydney via vibrant Oxford Street and the suburb of Paddington, you’ll have time to admire this boutique shopping precinct and its charming Georgian and Victorian architecture before being returned to your hotel. Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Sydney, King/Twin Room with Breakfast (2 nights) |
Day 9, Sydney
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Sail the Seas!
From modern monuments to historic districts with excellent shopping in between, Sydney boasts a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy, including Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. During your free time, consider exploring the Harbour area with its many cafes, gift shops and gorgeous water front, or perhaps head to the Queen Victoria Building to shop at a few high-end designer boutiques. At Bondi Beach, whisk the shores barefoot, enjoying the soft golden sands beneath your toes. With so much to see and do, you're sure to enjoy your time at leisure in sensational Sydney. Hop aboard the M/V Ocean Blue, a luxury cruiser, to discover the beauty of Sydney Harbour and dine at a world-famous iconic harbor side restaurant. Your cruise will begin with a warm welcome from the crew, followed by refreshments which will be available from the time you step on deck. As you cruise past the world-famous landmarks of the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House your crew will be on hand to tell you about the past and modern-day history of the harbor. See glistening Sydney Harbour transform into a city of dazzling night lights whilst you enjoy your entree on board. Cruise past the opening of Sydney Heads with Manly off to the right and around Middle Head into Middle Harbour where you will stop at the Balmoral Jetty. Disembark for your main course at the Balmoral Public Dining Room, a staple of the Sydney culinary scene. Choose your main course from the menu accompanied by a select ion of beverages. After dinner head back to the boat where you will cruise past the Spit Bridge and the twinkling lights of homes perched on the cliffs of Sydney's upper class North Shore district, enjoying dessert and cheese platters along the way. Pass Taronga Zoo and the Prime Minister's House as you re-enter the main harbor and get set to disembark after an excellent long dinner while marveling at the beauty of spectacular Sydney Harbour. Please-note: Guests must make their own way to and from the King Street Wharf #8 or Circular Quay, which is the embarkation and disembarkation point for the cruise. |
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Day 10, Sydney
Bon Voyage!
You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Sydney Airport alongside a professional driver.
You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Sydney Airport alongside a professional driver.
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Pricing
$6,499 double per person.
$8,499 single.
$8,499 single.
Deposit
Deposit is $1,708.50 double, per person and $2,265 single.
Deposit is due March 15, 2021.
Full balance is due no later than December 15, 2021.
Deposit is due March 15, 2021.
Full balance is due no later than December 15, 2021.
Registration
OR click the link below to download the registration form.
| newzealand-sydneyaustraliaform.pdf |
Send it with your payment to:
Aviva Travel Group
PO Box 1155
Laveen, AZ 85339
Make your check payable to Aviva Travel Group.
Aviva Travel Group
PO Box 1155
Laveen, AZ 85339
Make your check payable to Aviva Travel Group.
Contact
Ruth Bridges
Aviva Travel Group LLC
PO Box 1155
Laveen, AZ 85339
Home: 602-907-5101
Fax: 630-559-8445
avivatravel@aol.com
Aviva Travel Group LLC
PO Box 1155
Laveen, AZ 85339
Home: 602-907-5101
Fax: 630-559-8445
avivatravel@aol.com