Australia and New Zealand (2010)

Download the Australia & New Zealand Brochure

From $5995.00, per person, plus air, based on double occupancy.

Operated by Thomas P. Gohagan & Company

Join this extraordinary 14-day journey, providing a perfect introduction to the best natural and cultural treasures of the great Down Under. Experience the rugged grandeur of New Zealand, famous for its magnificent landscapes, scenic windswept shores and warm Kiwi hospitality. Admire the mountainous fjords of Milford Sound and revel in the classic English charm of Christchurch. Marvel at the glittering architecture of Sydney, hear the primeval tones of the didgeridoo and delve into the age-old traditions of the Aborigines. Your journey culminates with an exclusive three-night cruise aboard the intimate CORAL PRINCESS along the Great Barrier Reef, one of nature’s greatest treasures.  

Day 1
Depart from the U.S.

Day 2
Cross the International Dateline

Day 3
Queenstown, New Zealand

Day 4
Queenstown

Day 5
Queenstown/Milford Sound/Te Anau

Day 6
Te Anau/Queenstown/Fly to Christchurch

Day 7
Christchurch/Fly to Sydney, Australia

Day 8
Sydney

Day 9
Sydney

Day 10
Sydney/Fly to Townsville/Embark Coral Princess/Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Day 11
Cruising/Family Islands Group

Day 12
Cruising/Nathan Reef/Dunk Island

Day 13
Cruising/Cairns/Disembark Coral Princess

Day 14
Cairns/Return to the U.S.

Activity Level
Moderately Active

Highlights

• From the soaring peaks of the Southern Alps and Sydney’s glittering skyline to the underwater jewels of the Great Barrier Reef, experience the stark contrasts, magnificent landscapes and dynamic cultures of the fascinating nations “Down Under.”
• Admire the spectacular fjord-like scenery of Milford Sound where towering mountains plunge into the sea as countless waterfalls cascade down their verdant slopes.
• Savor the charms of Christchurch, “the most English city outside of England,” where you will have a unique opportunity to join a local family in their home for dinner.
• Experience the magnificent architecture and cosmopolitan character of Sydney during a
  three-night stay, which includes a tour of the famous Sydney Opera House.
• Discover one of nature’s greatest spectacles, the Great Barrier Reef, during a three-night cruise aboard the intimate CORAL PRINCESS, a stylish and inviting vessel designed specifically to navigate remote reefs, inlets and small islands not accessible to larger ships.

Included Features

In Queenstown, New Zealand

• Two nights in a first-class hotel.
• Breakfast each morning.
• Tour of Queenstown, featuring a Gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak.
• Scenic transfer to Te Anau with lunch in a restaurant.
• Nature cruise on breathtaking Milford Sound.

In Te Anau

• One night in a centrally located hotel, with breakfast.
• Transfer to Queenstown and air transportation to Christchurch.

In Christchurch

• One night in a first-class hotel, with breakfast.
• City tour of Christchurch, featuring afternoon tea at the historic Mona Vale Homestead.
• Specially arranged dinner in the homes of local families.
• Air transportation from Christchurch to Sydney.

In Sydney, Australia

• Three nights in a first-class hotel with breakfast each morning.
• City tour including Bondi Beach, the Harbor Bridge, Chinatown and the Rocks area.
• Tour of the Sydney Opera House.
• Air transportation from Sydney to Townsville.

In Cairns

• One-night in a first-class hotel, with American breakfast.
• Visit to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.

On board the CORAL PRINCESS

• Three-night cruise along the Great Barrier Reef from Townsville to Cairns, with stops at Pelorus Island, Dunk Island, Nathan Reef and Thetford Reef.
• Outside cabins with private bathroom facilities and air conditioning.
• All meals throughout the cruise, featuring buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Lecture series focusing on the Great Barrier Reef by the ship’s knowledgeable marine biologist.
• Glass-bottom boat reef excursions featuring insightful commentary by the ship’s marine biologist.
• Authentic Australian barbeque on the shores of Pelorus Island.
• Rainforest hike on Dunk Island, the only island in the Great Barrier Reef with rainforests.

About the Coral Princess
Freshly refurbished and designed specifically to cruise the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, the impeccably crafted CORAL PRINCESS is the ideal vessel for exploring the wonders of the Australian coastal waters. With only 25 cabins, it offers the personal feel of a yacht, and its enhanced navigability enables it to call at remote reefs inaccessible to larger ships. Guests are accommodated in tastefully appointed outside cabins featuring private bathroom facilities and individual climate control. Delectable meals are served in the dining room in single, unassigned seatings. Public and recreational facilities include a fully-stocked bar, reference library, boutique, sun deck, spa pool, dive shop, glass-bottom boat for viewing the environment below the surface and an onboard display tank for enjoying a close-up look at some amazing aquatic life.

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Enhanced Travel Services

• All transfers and luggage handling abroad for all participants who have purchased their air tickets through Gohagan & Company and whose arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s).
• Intra- and inter-country flights during the program as outlined in the features above.
• All excursions and visits, as outlined in the itinerary, with experienced local guides.
• Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transers.
• Experienced Travel Director to accompany you throughout the travel program.
• Hospitality desk in the hotels and on the ship.
• Travel document wallet, name badge and pre-departure information for each participant.
• Automatic $250,000 flight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on flights by
  Gohagan & Company.

Auckland Pre-Program Option
Spend two nights in the picturesque port of Auckland, known as the “City of Sails” for its rich maritime heritage. Stay in a deluxe hotel in the heart of the city and learn about Auckland’s unique history and the fascinating culture of the indigenous Maori people.

Updated July 16, 2009.