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VANTAGE DELUXE WORLD TRAVEL
Detailed Day by Day Itinerary
Wonders from Down Under
Sydney to Auckland
View Days: [1-5] [6-10] [11-15] [16-20] [21-23]  print friendly version
Day Schedules and Accommodations
1-2
[top]
U.S. Gateway / In-Flight / Cross International Date Line

  • Depart Home City to Los Angeles
  • Depart Los Angeles Airport
  • Cross International Date Line


3
[top]
Sydney, Australia

  • Arrive Sydney
  • Transfer to hotel
  • Arrive at hotel
  • Welcome orientation and briefing
  • Evening at leisure


Hilton Sydney      
4
[top]
Sydney

  • Panoramic city tour of Sydney
  • Evening at leisure


Hilton Sydney      (B)
5
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Sydney

  • Day at leisure or Optional Featherdale Wildlife Park & Blue Mountains Tour, with lunch
  • Evening at leisure


Hilton Sydney      (B)
6
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Sydney / Embark ship

  • Morning at leisure, or choose to take the Optional Sydney Harbour Coffee Cruise Tour
  • Transfer to ms Statendam


ms Statendam   (B,D)
7
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At Sea




ms Statendam   (B,L,D)
8
[top]
Melbourne, Australia

During your full day in this diverse, sophisticated city, strike out on an urban walk-about — visit one of the world’s oldest zoos or take in 360-degree views from the Melbourne Observation deck. For a true taste of Australia, do a kangaroo watch or an Aboriginal Heritage Walk.

ms Statendam   (B,L,D)
9
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Burnie, Tasmania, Australia

You’ll have a “devil” of a time deciding what to do first here. The parks, gardens, and old downtown are the pride of this key commercial city. Not far away are the Gunns Plains Caves and local cheese-makers’ workshops.



ms Statendam   (B,L,D)
10-11
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At Sea




ms Statendam   (2B,2L,2D)
12
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Cruising New Zealand South Island coast

The stunning, glacier-carved coast of New Zealand’s South Island offers terrific fjord cruising. Slip through this wonderland, crossing the Dusky, Doubtful, Break Sea, and Milford Sounds. Behold the panorama of mountains, glassy lakes, and waterfalls from a well-positioned deck chair.


ms Statendam   (B,L,D)
13
[top]
Dunedin, New Zealand

Have fun exploring Dunedin, a “Kiwi” city with a Scottish heart. Brimming with well-preserved charm, it’s a fine example of a Victorian and Edwardian city. Use your full day to stroll the Botanic Gardens (a treat when it’s winter at home!) or visit Larnach Castle.


ms Statendam   (B,L,D)
14
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Christchurch, New Zealand

  • Note: US departure Jan. 14, 2008 visits Timaru, New Zealand from 7am to 4pm in place of Christchurch.


ms Statendam   (B,L,D)
15
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Picton, New Zealand

Picton, a tiny township at the end of Queen Charlotte Sound, has an unparalleled setting. And, despite its size, Picton is a hub of activity — it’s where the ferry runs between the North and South Islands. This is a great starting point for exploring the South Island’s wild beauty.


ms Statendam   (B,L,D)
16
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Wellington, New Zealand

New Zealand’s capital features brightly painted wooden houses and a red cable car that takes you up for fine harbor views. A must-see is the Te Papa Tongarewa National Museum and Art Gallery. And keep your eyes peeled for the beehive-resembling government offices!


ms Statendam   (B,L,D)
17
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Napier, New Zealand

This “Miami Beach of the Southern Hemisphere” boasts art deco-style buildings and a wide ocean beach fronting Hawke’s Bay. Here you’ll find the world’s largest mainland gannet colony and what is arguably the country’s most photographed monument, the Pania of the Reef statue.


ms Statendam   (B,L,D)
18
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Scenic Cruising Mercury, Alderman, Mayor & White Islands

Enjoy a day of scenic cruising. These islands, off the North Island, are part of the greater New Zealand archipelago. While not really populated these islands are important for scientific endeavors and tourism.

ms Statendam   (B,L,D)
19
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Tauranga, New Zealand

Tauranga, rich in Maori culture and healing hot springs, is a lovely provincial city of pristine beaches, orchards, and fresh air. You can cruise the open-air mall of the Mid City Center or learn about kiwifruit cultivation.


ms Statendam   (B,L,D)
20-22
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Auckland, New Zealand

You'll disembark the ms Statendam to start your three-night stay in this vibrant City of Sails, which straddles an isthmus between two lovely volcano-ringed harbors. Orient yourself on an included panoramic tour — from Harbour Bridge to Okahu and Mission Bays to Mt. Eden’s summit. The time is yours to enjoy — maybe check out Albert Park or visit the Auckland City Art Gallery.

Later in your stay, you may choose to enjoy the Optional Gannet Colony & Countryside Tour, the Optional Matakana Wine & Craft Trail Tour, or both!





Crowne Plaza Hotel Auckland      (B)
23
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Auckland / Return U.S. Gateway

You may choose to end your stay Down Under with an optional morning Mountain, Museum & Maori Culture Tour. All too soon, it's time to depart the airport in Auckland for Los Angeles. After arriving at the Los Angeles airport, you will continue to your home city.

(B)