Australia and New Zealand 2013

Highlights

• 16 Meals (11 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners)
• Airport transfers when air is provided by Mayflower
• $70 in Mayflower Money

Description

Your Journey Begins in Sydney

Built around one of the most spectacular harbors in the world, Sydney, Australia's oldest and largest city, is full of wonderful sights, sparkling sophistication and soaring skyscrapers. Sydney served as host to the 2000 Summer Olympics. Your city tour will take you through the Rocks, a quaint old town area where the original European settlers first settled (along with convicts) and is considered the birthplace of modern-day Australia. Today, elegantly restored buildings hold a delightful collection of cafes and shops. See Australia's most recognized icon, Sydney's beautiful Opera House (UNESCO World Heritage Site) which is dramatically perched above the sea and rises like wind-filled sails. To give you a unique perspective of Sydney, join us for an included dinner cruise on the harbor where you can view the multi-colored sailboats, admire the skyline of the famous Opera House, Sydney Harbor Bridge and exquisite waterfront homes of the rich and famous.

Canberra, Australia's Capital

One of the unique benefits of a Mayflower tour is an opportunity to experience a real slice of "Aussie" life. On the way to Canberra, we'll stop at a local sheep station for a sheep-shearing demonstration. After this amazing experience, we'll enjoy an authentic BBQ lunch on the "barbie!" The capital city of Canberra is modeled after Washington, DC and boasts a wealth of cultural treasures, national monuments and lush parks including the Gallery of Australia, the Australian War Memorial and Parliament House.

Marvelous Melbourne

Melbourne's Yarra River is the focal point of the city as it winds its way through English gardens and lovely parks. Your tour will include visits to the Italian Quarter, the Shrine of Remembrance, the Botanic Gardens, a view of Captain Cook's Cottage and Fitzroy Gardens. You'll also have ample time to explore Melbourne on your own. Don't miss Federation Square with its museum, art gallery and sidewalk cafes. Melbourne will please food aficionados with a selection of cuisine that rivals any international desire.

Auckland – The City of Sails

Your tour includes two fabulous days in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. With its many charms, Auckland boasts beautiful harbours, beaches, hiking trails and island retreats. Blending a background rhythm of Maori culture with a contemporary city environment makes Auckland an enviable place to visit. Highlights of your tour include the Victoria Park Market and the Westhaven Marina. Get a whole new perspective on Auckland as we enjoy a fabulous dinner and take in the sights from atop the Auckland Tower.

New Zealand Home Hospitality

Mayflower offers another opportunity to experience a slice of country life with friendly New Zealanders who open their homes for an overnight visit. Stay in one of their guest rooms and become part of a traditional New Zealand family. Enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal, and share a unique cultural experience.

Waitomo Caves – An Underground Adventure

Imagine riding through a cavern lit by millions of glow worms resembling blue stars on a ceiling. The famous Glow Worm Grotto invites you on a mysterious, magical world of rushing waters as you drift in darkness along this stream of luminous shimmer.

Rotorua – A Geothermal Wonderland

Rotorua is a major spa resort, well known for its geysers, thermal springs and hot mud pools. Mayflower Tours gives you an insightful look at this unique area of the world.

We visit Te Puia for a closer look at Maori life showcasing the very best of Maori culture. We also visit the Agrodome, a working sheep and cattle farm for a real hands-on, live experience of farming. Rainbow Springs National Park, famous for its trout and wildlife, is our next adventure.

As our final celebration, Mayflower Tours has arranged for a delicious Maori Hangi Feast, complete with traditional music and dancing to give you a multitude of memories that will last a lifetime.

Day-by-Day

Accommodations

Lodging

Days Three and Four

The Menzies, Sydney, Australia

Day Five

Mercure Canberra or Rydges Eagle Hawke, Canberra, Australia

Days Six through Eight

Citigate Hotel, Melbourne, Australia

Days Nine and Ten

Rydges Hotel, Auckland, New Zealand

Day Eleven

Stay in the home of a local New Zealand Family

Days Twelve and Thirteen

Rydges Hotel, Rotorua, New Zealand

Dates & Rates

2013 Departure Dates	Per Person Twin	Single Room Add
May 4	$2,599	$999
October 19	$2,699	$999

Call for air rates and schedules from your city. Inter-country air between Australia and New Zealand is not included in the land price

Destination Map