Complete South Pacific

br />Meet a koala, toss a boomerang and learn to play the didgeridoo – do it all on The Complete South Pacific, an unforgettable 27-day journey to Australia and New Zealand, with two nights in Tasmania. Learn Aboriginal and Maori traditions. Toast the sunset on Ayers Rock with champagne. Discover the colorful world of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend 2 nights in geothermal Rotorua. Explore New Zealand’s Fjiordland and Milford Sound. Enjoy a home stay and dinner with a New Zealand family. Dine under the Outback stars. Visit the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Center. See the Penguins of Phillip Island commute home. Cruise the waters of Kakadu National Park, where the saltwater crocs splash!

Day 1 and Day 2: Depart from Home
Today you board your Qantas flight and begin the adventure of a lifetime to Australia and New Zealand. Crossing the International Dateline, you skip a day ahead.

Day 3: Cairns (Northern Beaches), Australia - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the northern beaches of Queensland. Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner with your new mates.

Day 4: Great Barrier Reef
Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting tour of the Great Barrier Reef - the most biologically diverse ecosystem in the world. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef in many ways. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride*, take a stroll in the rain forest, relax on the beaches, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving and an outer reef tour* are also available.

Day 5: Cairns
This morning you board the Skyrail Rain Forest Cableway for an unforgettable ride above the rain forest canopy. There are two stops where you may get off the cableway and experience the forest floor from specially designed boardwalks. The amazing diversity of plants, animals and birds will astound you. Your evening is at leisure to enjoy your tropical surroundings.

Day 6: Cairns - Ayers Rock
Fly to the heart of the Outback, arriving at Ayers Rock. Tour the sandstone domes of the Olgas and the area around the base of “The Rock.” Later, witness a stunning sunset as the colors of the Rock change dramatically.

Day 7: Ayers Rock - Alice Springs
This morning you depart for Alice Springs, located in the heart of the Australian Outback. A sightseeing tour of the area includes the Old Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill. Gain insight into the educational system in the Outback with a visit to the School of the Air - you may even see a class in session! A special experience is in store for you this afternoon as you will have the opportunity to meet the young Aboriginal group, Drum Atweme**. Supported by the Collette Foundation, Drum Atweme is a musical group comprised of at-risk youth from the local community. Tonight, enjoy dining and entertainment during a traditional dinner in the bush. You’ll experience Outback hospitality and entertainment under the Southern Hemisphere's stars.

Day 8: Alice Springs - Darwin - Kakadu National Park
Begin your day with a Dreamtime Tour. Experience the culture of the Australian Aborigines and learn about their ancient culture, folklore, customs and the concept of Dreamtime. You will have the opportunity to taste some of their traditional Aboriginal food. Later, board your flight to the northern tip of Australia and the city of Darwin. Then, drive into the heart of Kakadu National Park.

Day 9: Kakadu National Park
Today, experience the beauty and culture of Australia’s “Top End.” Kakadu National Park is home to wallaroos and wallabies, monitors and lizards, birds of every imaginable color, and crocodiles. See ancient Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock and enjoy an audio-visual show at the Visitors Centre. During your afternoon Yellow Waters cruise, you may see crocodiles as they bask in the sun, as well as waterfowl such as jabiru, egrets, herons, and eagles.

Day 10: Kakadu National Park - Darwin - Melbourne
Fly to the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne.

Day 11: Melbourne
This morning enjoy a city tour which includes Fitzroy Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and Parliament House. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore Melbourne independently. You may visit the elegant parks and gardens in this friendly city, take a ride on a streetcar or enjoy lunch at an outdoor café in the quaint Italian neighborhood of Carlton. This afternoon visit Phillip Island, a renowned nature reserve and home of the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins. The Little Penguin is protected on Phillip Island and rangers diligently study them. View the Little Penguin Parade as hundreds of them waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their burrows in the dunes. You will also visit the interpretation center to learn about the life of the Little Penguins and their significance to the area. Dinner is included at a favorite Phillip Island restaurant.

Day 12: Melbourne - Hobart
A flight to Hobart, Tasmania brings you to Australia's second oldest city. The rugged and pristine beauty of Tasmania provides the backdrop to your 2-night stay here.

Day 13: Hobart
This morning you will get to see the Tasmanian Devil! Learn about this great creature and their plight for survival and the great efforts to save them from extinction. Later, take a guided tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site, the best-preserved example of Australia’s penal colonies. Dating back to 1833, the site features a large number of stabilized ruins and restored buildings. This afternoon, visit the interpretive center for a glimpse into the lives of the convicts. Later, witness the spectacular coastal rock formations known as Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and the Blow Hole.

Day 14: Hobart - Sydney
Return to mainland Australia today and arrive in the bustling city of Sydney.

Day 15: Sydney
A city tour of Sydney, where modern-day Australia was born, highlights Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Paddington. Discover one of the world’s greatest architectural achievements as you take a guided tour through the Sydney Opera House. Dinner is included at one of Sydney's revolving restaurants which offers spectacular views of the city.

Day 16: Sydney
This morning, visit Sydney Wildlife World which showcases Australia's fascinating flora and fauna with three floors of exhibits. Within its walls, over 6,000 native animals are protected. Walk amongst the wallabies and birds when you experience Sydney Wildlife World's new interactive walk-through. Visit the koala sanctuary where you can see Australia's most famous animal species in its natural habitat. Next, enjoy a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about opals during a special presentation at the National Opal Collection, one of Australia’s top jewelry companies. An amazing evening begins with a sail on Sydney Harbour's glistening waters during a dinner cruise offering spectacular views of Sydney’s greatest icons - the Harbour Bridge and world-famous Opera House.

Day 17: Sydney - Queenstown, New Zealand
Travel to New Zealand, arriving in the gorgeous town of Queenstown. Dinner is included at the Skyline Restaurant overlooking Queenstown, the Remarkable Mountains and Lake Wakatipu.

Day 18: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Journey through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley via the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise of Milford Sound fjord. Following your cruise, you return to Queenstown. You may choose to return via a short optional flight, weather permitting, for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Day 19: Queenstown
A leisurely day in this charming village offers several options to enhance your vacation. An optional thrilling jet boat ride on the Shotover River, or the ‘Safari of the Rings’ adventure into the spectacular Tolkian landscape, are two favorite ways to spend time here.

Day 20: Queenstown - Mt. Cook National Park
Traveling through New Zealand’s picturesque countryside you will learn about the 19th century gold rush when you stop in Arrowtown. Later today you will arrive at Mt. Cook National Park where you may take nature walks or, if weather permits, enjoy an optional flightseeing tour to the top of the rugged mountain range.

Day 21: Mt. Cook - Christchurch
A drive through the Southern Alps, which line the western side of New Zealand's South Island, brings you to the beautiful English city of Christchurch. Located on the Avon River, Christchurch is considered to be “the most English city outside of England.” Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour along the Avon River and view magnificent gardens, the Neo-Gothic Cathedral, and the downtown park district.

Day 22: Christchurch
Today is yours to explore the historic city of Christchurch at your leisure. This afternoon you may choose to take an optional tour to the International Antarctic Centre, the gateway for expeditions to Antarctica. Tonight join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 23: Christchurch - Wellington
Traveling north along the coast you'll pass scenic river valleys and vineyards. Arriving in Picton, you will ferry to the North Island on one of the most scenic trips the world has to offer. Cruising through the Marlborough Sounds and across the Cook Strait, your final destination is Wellington, the harbour capital of New Zealand.

Day 24: Wellington
According to Maori legend, Wellington Harbour was founded in the 10th century by the Polynesian navigator Kupe and first named Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui - or "head of Maui's fish." A tour of this city showcases the Beehive Parliamentary buildings and views from atop Mt. Victoria. Later, experience Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, New Zealand's national museum which has won worldwide acclaim for its innovative, exciting and diverse range of artwork and exhibitions which relay the captivating stories of the indigenous people.

Day 25: Wellington - Rotorua
Depart for the center of Maori culture - the city of Rotorua. Here you’ll see a unique landscape of bubbling and steaming geothermal springs. Tonight you will enjoy a home stay*** and dinner with a New Zealand family. This is a great way to meet the Kiwis and perhaps form lifelong friendships.

Day 26: Rotorua
This morning visit Te Puia, New Zealand's premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. You'll be truly amazed by the landscape of erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and other geothermal wonders. Here, the Maori keep their culture alive by teaching the tribal youth traditional carving, weaving and dancing. Learn about this unique culture as you partake in a demonstration about the importance of the Maori dress and the weaving process. Before leaving you will get to view the national bird - the Kiwi. A visit to the Agrodome will give you insight into how wool, one of New Zealand’s premier products, is processed. You will also view a special sheep shearing demonstration. Later this afternoon, meet jade carvers and discover how jade is transformed to make beautiful jewelry. This evening you receive a traditional Maori welcome at a Hangi meal followed by a traditional performance of songs, dances and other festivities.

Day 27: Rotorua - Auckland - Tour Ends
Travel through the majestic countryside of the North Island, arriving in New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, "The City of Sails." Your tour ends in Auckland.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
2/9/2012 - 3/5/2012	$5,649
3/8/2012 - 4/2/2012	$5,649
4/12/2012 - 5/7/2012	$5,649
5/17/2012 - 6/13/2012	$6,699
8/2/2012 - 8/29/2012	$6,699
9/20/2012 - 10/15/2012	$6,699
10/11/2012 - 11/5/2012	$6,699
11/1/2012 - 11/26/2012	$6,699
1/10/2013 - 2/4/2013	$6,699
1/17/2013 - 2/11/2013	$6,699
1/31/2013 - 2/25/2013	$6,699
2/14/2013 - 3/11/2013	$6,699
2/28/2013 - 3/25/2013	$6,699
4/11/2013 - 5/6/2013	$6,499
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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Loves-To-Travel rated this tour a 3 on 12/14/2009 5:26:43 PM and says:

"We recently took the Collette "Complete South Pacific" tour. Using the A-F grading scale, I would classify this trip as a "C". We did enjoy our trip; but there are a few cons/warning worth mentioning to others considering this tour. - The city sightseeing tours definitely weren't what we expected. Primarily, they consisted of driving around town on a big tour bus for about an hour. Our tour manager would point to buildings and landmarks and tell us a little about them, as we drove past them. Depending on which side of the bus you happened to be sitting on, you may or may not even see the building/landmark. And forget about trying to take photos ... the glare/reflection on the bus window made that almost impossible. In most cities, we did make 1-2 stops at churches, parks, etc. My advice: Unless the Collette itinerary specifically says that you will stop and visit something, don't count on it happening. - Next, the hotels are promoted as being 4-5 star rated; but they didn't come close to that by US standards. Most of them reminded us of a slightly upscale Holiday Inn or Best Western. The rooms had a mini refrigerator and pay-as-you-go bar; but otherwise they were only average. None of the hotels had free Wifi or other Internet service; and to purchase internet access cost an average of $10/hour. Most of the hotels had a conference facility, restaurant, bar/lounge, swimming pool, etc; so they were ore upscale than a Super 8; but nowhere on par with a Marriott or Sheraton in the states. - The breakfasts were ALL terrible (raw bacon & runny powdered eggs). The coffee was instant and way too strong (more like espresso). Of course, there was also toast, fruit and cold cereal; which is what we ate most mornings. As for the dinners, some of the locations were very nice; but the food was really only average. Also, most places, we had to purchase our drinks (coke, milk, etc.) since they weren't included as part of the dinner. - For most of the activities, we had ample time to enjoy ourselves; but we felt that a few of the activities were far too rushed. - One more thing. Plan on adding about $500 to the tour cost for gratuities. When you get your travel documents (a couple weeks before your departure date), you'll discover that Collette suggests tipping your tour manager $4-6/ per person, per day. Likewise, they recommend a $3-5 for the bus drivers. On a tour of this length, that adds up to about $500 for a couple taking this trip. Without trying to sound cheap, I thought that the higher cost we paid for an escorted tour should have fully covered the tour manager's services. Of course, these gratuities were suggested amounts; but they really are sort of expected. - Last con: By the time you finish this tour, you will be more than ready to come home. By the second week, the constant packing and unpacking, going to the airport and flying to the next city, etc. starts to get real old. On a more positive note, our tour manager had a great personality and did a superb job of handling all of the mundane travel details. Most of the group activities were fun experiences. In most cities, we had just about the right amount of free time to explore/sightsee on our own. I will say that my agent at Atlas suggested shorter trips, but I thought I was only going once so why not try to see it all.  In retrospect, 25 days was a bit too long."