16 Days • 15 Meals
This exceptional 16-day holiday will show you the enchanting island nations of Australia and New Zealand, where astounding scenic splendor, unique cultures and gracious hospitality combine to delight and fascinate even the most sophisticated traveler. Join us as we explore an underwater Garden of Eden, majestic glaciers, verdant rain forests, sun-dappled vineyards, Victorian hamlets, cosmopolitan cities and some of the world's most unusual wildlife. Come with us as we discover the unrivaled sights, sounds and pleasures of "The Lands Down Under.”

Welcome to Cairns, Australia Gateway to The Great Barrier Reef
Tropical rainforest or the Great Barrier Reef? Mayflower Tours has arranged for you to explore both! The North Queensland city of Cairns combines all the wonders of a tropical paradise with modern day sophistication. Situated between the Daintree Mountains rain forest and the sparkling blue waters of Trinity Bay, Cairns is a city of tidy homes, well-preserved colonial architecture and varied shopping opportunities. Palm-fringed beaches, exotic fauna and dramatic waterfalls will simply take your breath away. At night, Cairns pulsates with chic restaurants and nightclubs. Your stay in Cairns allows for just the right amount of time to take in the many scenic attractions of this quaint town.

Cruise to Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef, today recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This most astounding natural phenomenon with its crystal clear blue-green waters and colorful coral reefs stretches for 1,250 miles. This immense assemblage of cays, reefs and atolls is the dramatic home of marine and aquatic life of every type and description. Snorkel in the reef’s crystal clear waters or admire the underwater marvels in a glass bottom boat. Join us for an optional trip to the Tjapukai Cultural Theme Park for insights into Aboriginal culture and artifacts.

Your adventure continues aboard the scenic Kuranda Railway, with expansive views of Baron Falls and the Coral Sea. Recognized as a masterpiece of railway engineering, you'll thrill to the more than 15 tunnels from the comfort of a restored, historic mountain train. Next, drive to the oldest Aussie coffee plantation as well as Mango Winery, both for sampling as well as souvenirs

Sydney, Australia – A Vibrant City
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. Your city tour will take you through the Rocks District, a quaint old town area where the original European settlers first settled (along with convicts) and today considered the birthplace of modern-day Australia. See Australia's most recognized icon, Sydney's beautiful Opera House which is dramatically perched above the sea and rises like wind-filled sails. Then you'll move on to the Kings Cross District and a tour of the southern surf beaches, including famous Bondi Beach. Join us for a 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.

Every Mayflower Tour includes ample time to explore on your own. There will be time for an optional excursion to Featherdale Wildlife Park or to shop for Australia’s Aboriginal art, beautiful leather goods or magnificent opal.

New Zealand’s South Island – “Gems of Ice & Jade"
First impressions are the sheer physical beauty. There are those who say that New Zealand is the most beautiful land in the world. Timeless beauty, untroubled serenity, overwhelming grandeur, spectacular glaciers plummeting from Alpine mountains, peaceful mountain lakes and dramatic fjords.

Christchurch, New Zealand – The Garden City
Often described as the most English city outside England, Christchurch, the South Island's largest city is regarded as the gateway to New Zealand's incomparable Southern Alps. Christchurch will charm you with its tree-lined avenues, green parks and award-winning gardens. During your tour of the city, see the gothic spire of the 19th Century Cathedral dominating the town square, Town Hall

The Otago Peninsula – Lord of the Rings Country
The best way to view this expansive landscape is via a scenic two- hour train ride through Taieri Gorge from Pukerangi to Dunedin, one of the best preserved Victorian cities in the southern hemisphere. Some of the country’s most glorious Victorian buildings adorn its streets and more than a dozen cathedrals and churches of remarkable quality attract visitors from all over the world. Dunedin is also home to the University of Otago. Visit the Otago Heritage Museum for an understanding of immigration to the area and explore the Otago Museum which highlights culture, nature and science. If you loved March of the Penguins, you’ll want to join us for an optional excursion of the Otago Peninsula to see the rare yellow-eyed Penguin colony. You’ll also visit a giant albatross breeding colony and the 46-room Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle and one of the jewels in Dunedin's crown. Construction began in 1871 and no expense was spared - the best of materials and craftsmen were employed including ornate carved ceilings, Venetian glass and italian marble. A special feature of this optional tour is a chance to meet Neville Peat, prolific author and photographer, who will lecture about New Zealand's natural history.

Wildlife Abounds in Te Anau
Te Wahipounamu, located in the South West portion of the South Island is the Maori name given to the three million-acre UNESCO World Heritage site of the Westland, Mount Cook and Fjordland National Parks. Te Anau is located in the center of the Fiordland National Park. The entire area is filled with scenic wonders, serenity and an air of mystery.

Cruise on Milford Sound – The most striking Fjord in New Zealand
Admire majestic scenery as you drive through rain-forest canyons and descend to dramatic Milford Sound. See this ice age wonder, that only nature could sculpt and as the first explorers saw it - from the water. When the great glaciers that gouged out huge depressions in the granite rock receded, the sea flowed in and created a masterpiece. See nearly vertical granite faces rising sheer from the waters to heights of up to a mile at the top of Mitre Peak. This is nature at its grandest!

Glow Worm Grotto – The Ultimate Underground Adventure
Imagine riding through a cavern lit by millions of glow worms resembling blue stars on a ceiling. Only accessible by boat, 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.

Queenstown – Earth, Water and an Air for Adventure
You'll search in vain for a better adjective than picturesque to describe the city of Queenstown. Located on the shores of 52 mile long Lake Wakatipu, facing two great mountain peaks and backed by the Remarkables range. Named after Queen Victoria, this resort town is known as the adventure capital of the world as well as for showcasing New Zealand’s finest wine and cuisine. It’s recognized as one of the friendliest cities in the world. Cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw a turn-of-the-20th-century steamboat and enjoy a sumptuous farewell dinner at the hotel.

G-Day, Mate!
Let Mayflower Tours show you why travelers have long been fascinated with Australia and New Zealand. You'll definitely meet warm, friendly people, waiting to show you their “Land Down Under.”

Hotel Accommodations
Days Three and Four – Rydges Esplanade, Cairns, Australia
Days Six through Eight – Citigate Sebel, Sydney, Australia
Day Nine – Copthorne Central, Christchurch, New Zealand
Days Ten and Eleven – City Hotel, Dunedin, New Zealand
Days Twelve and Thirteen – Te Anau Villas, Te Anau, New Zealand
Days Fourteen and Fifteen – Rydges Hotel, Queenstown, New Zealand