South Pacific Explorer: Sydney, Cairns & Auckland
Three incredible cities in the South Pacific!
Experience the natural beauty of Sydney, Cairns, and Auckland! Spend 9 nights traveling through Australia and New Zealand, with incredible cityscapes, beaches, nature, and so much more! Visit the iconic Sydney Opera House, the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, and the Auckland city Sky Tower on sightseeing tours in each city. You'll have plenty of time to explore each city independently, too! Pack your bags and get ready for a dreamy South Pacific vacation!
You can find safety advice and alerts for Australia travel here.
What's Included
- Roundtrip economy class airfare into Sydney (SYD), out of Auckland (AKL)
- All airport transfers
- 3 nights in Sydney at the Vibe Hotel, or similar
- Half-day guided panoramic tour of Sydney & Bondi Beach
- Sydney Harbour Cruise with lunch
- One-way economy class flight from Sydney (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)
- 3 nights in Cairns at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, or similar
- Catamaran cruise on the Great Barrier Reef to Michaelmas Cay - includes snorkeling and lunch
- Kuranda tour with Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway & lunch
- One-way economy class flight from Cairns (CNS) to Auckland (AKL)
- 3 nights in Auckland at the Stamford Plaza Hotel, or similar
- Auckland city tour with admission to Sky Tower (half-day)
- Breakfast daily and 3 lunches
Helpful links for travel to New Zealand:
Great Ways to Explore
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Take a lunch cruise on the Sydney Harbour for amazing views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge!
Visit world-famous Bondi Beach and watch surfers hit the swells!
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Experience the Great Barrier Reef in a personal way by snorkeling while on a catamaran cruise!
-
In Cairns, take a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway to get to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park & Skyrail Rainforest Cableway!
-
Take a tour of Auckland and experience the whole city from the Sky Tower!
This vacation package brings you through Sydney, Cairns, and Auckland! Begin your adventure with a few nights in Sydney. Take a sightseeing tour of the city, a lunch cruise on the harbour, and bask in the beautiful views of this incredible destination! In your free time, visit the Taronga Zoo, Darling Harbour, and Hyde Park!
Continue on to Cairns, where history is plentiful. Considered the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns offers a number of activities in and around the city. Take a catamaran cruise to go snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway, visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, and so much more! Between your included tours, you'll have free time to shop and dine at leisure.
Your final stop is Auckland, New Zealand! Spend your last few nights here as you take a sightseeing tour of the city, visit the Sky Tower, and souvenir shop! Try New Zealand foods, chat with locals, and explore Auckland independently before it's time to fly home!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Roundtrip economy class airfare into Sydney (SYD), out of Auckland (AKL)
- All airport transfers
- 3 nights in Sydney at the Vibe Hotel, or similar
- Half-day guided panoramic tour of Sydney & Bondi Beach
- Sydney Harbour Cruise with lunch
- One-way economy class flight from Sydney (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)
- 3 nights in Cairns at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, or similar
- Catamaran cruise on the Great Barrier Reef to Michaelmas Cay - includes snorkeling and lunch
- Kuranda tour with Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway & lunch
- One-way economy class flight from Cairns (CNS) to Auckland (AKL)
- 3 nights in Auckland at the Stamford Plaza Hotel, or similar
- Auckland city tour with admission to Sky Tower (half-day)
- Breakfast daily and 3 lunches
Helpful links for travel to New Zealand:
-
Take a lunch cruise on the Sydney Harbour for amazing views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge!
Visit world-famous Bondi Beach and watch surfers hit the swells!
-
Experience the Great Barrier Reef in a personal way by snorkeling while on a catamaran cruise!
-
In Cairns, take a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway to get to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park & Skyrail Rainforest Cableway!
-
Take a tour of Auckland and experience the whole city from the Sky Tower!
This vacation package brings you through Sydney, Cairns, and Auckland! Begin your adventure with a few nights in Sydney. Take a sightseeing tour of the city, a lunch cruise on the harbour, and bask in the beautiful views of this incredible destination! In your free time, visit the Taronga Zoo, Darling Harbour, and Hyde Park!
Continue on to Cairns, where history is plentiful. Considered the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns offers a number of activities in and around the city. Take a catamaran cruise to go snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway, visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, and so much more! Between your included tours, you'll have free time to shop and dine at leisure.
Your final stop is Auckland, New Zealand! Spend your last few nights here as you take a sightseeing tour of the city, visit the Sky Tower, and souvenir shop! Try New Zealand foods, chat with locals, and explore Auckland independently before it's time to fly home!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Sydney!
Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Relax, unwind, and find a waterfront restaurant for dinner! Welcome to Australia!
Transfer from Sydney Airport to hotel
Check-in - Vibe Hotel Sydney
Vibe Hotel Sydney is conveniently located near Hyde Park, World Square, and the Queen Victoria Building. Guests can expect well-appointed rooms that include free WiFi, television, complimentary toiletries, and coffee/tea making facilities. There is an onsite restaurant open for all-day dining, featuring a great wine list and delicious menu. The hotel also features a pool, sauna, and fitness center. Vibe Hotel Sydney is about a 5 minute walk from Oxford Street, where the city comes alive day and night!
Day 2. Sydney
Today, you'll be treated to two tours of Sydney!
First, you'll take a tour of Sydney and Bondi Beach! This includes a guided walking tour of the historic Rocks district!
Then, you'll board a lunch cruise and sail around Sydney Harbour while you dine!
Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Half-day guided panoramic tour of Sydney w/ Bondi Beach
Get swept up in the action of this half-day tour of magnificent Sydney! You'll be taken through the historic Rocks area and learn about its convict history. You'll also experience stunning views of the world-famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge! Enjoy the ride as you're taken through the heart of the city, where the Queen Victoria Building is home to fantastic shopping. Oxford Street is a trendy new district in Sydney that you'll pass through! From there, you'll be taken to world-renowned Bondi Beach! Here, you'll have time to enjoy a stroll along the shoreline as you absorb the stunning scenery around you. Return to the city center via Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for one final look at the harbour, with a view you won't soon forget!
Day 3. Sydney
Today is a free day in Sydney! Consider an optional excursion, or explore your own way. Stroll through Hyde Park, visit Darling Harbour, and have a drink at the Opera House bar as the sun sets!
Day 4. Sydney - Cairns
You'll be transferred to the airport today for your flight to Cairns! Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Transfer from hotel to Sydney Airport
Flight from Sydney to Cairns
Transfer from Cairns Airport to hotel
Check-in - DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Become immersed in peace and luxury at this rainforest oasis! Boasting a unique central rainforest atrium, DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns offers modern comforts in a stylish atmosphere. Check-in with the 24-hour reception team, then head up to your room. Find free WiFi, crisp air conditioning, flat-screen TV, plush bedding, and much more!
Once you're all settled in, unpack your swimsuit and make a splash in the sparkling outdoor pool! Take a stroll through the lush garden, then treat yourself to a delicious meal at the onsite restaurant. Too cozy to leave your room? Order room service 24/7! Don't worry about eating too much; you can always work it off in the fitness center.
Day 5. Cairns
Welcome to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef! Today, you'll board a high-speed catamaran cruise to snorkel and dine at this amazing wonder of the world. Make sure your camera is charged and ready to capture the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef!
Catamaran Cruise on the Great Barrier Reef to Michaelmas Cay - includes snorkeling and lunch
Great Barrier Reef, here you come! Set sail on a catamaran cruise to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef. This stunning national park also serves as a sanctuary for migratory seabirds! Rich with a myriad of marine life, you can expect to see brightly colored fish and green sea turtles swimming through the waters of this endless coral reef. Enjoy an unforgettable day of tropical cuisine, snorkeling, and wildlife exploration!Â
Day 6. Cairns
Today, you'll experience a tour of Kuranda, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway! Lunch is included during the tour. You'll enjoy spectacular views of the natural beauty of Australia while also learning about the culture of this region!
Kuranda Rainforest Village tour with lunch
Set off for the Kuranda Rainforest Village for a day of intrigue and discovery! Escorted by a multi-lingual private guide, you will enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Park, where entry is included. After a visit to the park, you will board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda. Once there, you will get some leisure time in Kuranda Village. After, you will ride the Scenic Railway from Kuranda to Freshwater station where a private transfer back to your hotel will be waiting.
Day 7. Cairns - Auckland
You'll be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Auckland, New Zealand! Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure!
Transfer from hotel to Cairns Airport
Flight from Cairns to Auckland
Transfer from Auckland Airport to hotel
Check-in - Stamford Plaza Hotel Auckland
Stamford Plaza Hotel Auckland is located just three blocks from the harbor and waterfront. Guests can expect comfortable rooms with free WiFi, bathrobes and slippers, coffee/tea making facilities, and more. The hotel offers a variety of dining options including Koa Restaurant, Kabuki Teppanyaki Restaurant, Grasshopper Thai Restaurant, and Koa Lobby Bar. Additional amenities include a swimming pool, fitness center, and meeting rooms.Â
Day 8. Auckland
Today, you'll take an Auckland city tour! This includes admission to the Sky Tower with incredible city views!
Once you have finished at the Sky Tower, spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Auckland city tour with admission to Sky Tower (half-day)
Experience the best of Auckland's city highlights with a half-day scenic tour, followed by a trip up the famous Auckland Sky Tower! Travel around the city centre and over the Auckland Harbour Bridge with its stunning views of the harbour and city skyline. Visit the Viaduct Harbour and Auckland's famous Queen Street, and enjoy the lush grounds of the Auckland Domain, the city's oldest park. Your tour will pause for morning tea (own expense) in charming Parnell Village, where historic buildings house an interesting range of boutique shops. The tour continues along the waterfront to the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, named after a much-respected Prime Minister of New Zealand. With panoramic views of the harbour and beautiful formal gardens, it's a great spot to take photos. After a scenic trip back along Tamaki Drive to the city, arrive at Auckland's Sky Tower, the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand at 328 metres high. Prepare yourself for breathtaking 360 degree views from the observation deck of this Auckland landmark. On a clear day you'll be able to gaze as far as 80 kilometres in all directions – it's the perfect way to get to know the city of Auckland and its surroundings.
Please note there is no hotel drop-off service following the Sky Tower. You are at leisure to spend as much time at the Sky Tower as you wish.
Day 9. Auckland
Today is your final full day in Auckland! Souvenir shop, try kumara wedges, and stroll through any remaining neighborhoods. Take a ferry over to Devonport for one last adventure, and dine on the waterfront!
Day 11. Depart New Zealand
Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home!