Australia: Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney | New Zealand: Te Anau, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Rotorua, Auckland
Includes airfare
During your trip, you will have the opportunity to join optional tours to further your discoveries—all of which are noted below. Most of these tours can only be reserved onsite with your Program Director, however due to limited space and other special requirements, some optional tours must be reserved before your departure from the U.S. If this trip has optional tours that need to be purchased in advance, they will be noted with a disclaimer below.
Day 6 | $130 per person
Day 6 | $130 per person
Ride to Rainforestation Nature Park, where you'll enjoy a Pamagirri Aboriginal dance performance which incorporates didgeridoos, showing you the the techniques used to play this ancient instrument by imitating the noises of Australian animals. You'll also go on a Dreamtime walk where you can observe spear throwing and, after a demonstration and lesson, test your skills at throwing a boomerang. Then, you'll visit Kuranda, a picturesque village nestled in one of the planet's oldest rain forests, and board the Skyrail and glide above the pristine jungle canopy before returning to Cairns.
Day 15 | $162 per person
Day 15 | $162 per person
Located in an area of vast geothermal activity, Te Puia was a naturally formed fortress first occupied by the Maori people in 1325. Serving as New Zealand’s first cultural tourism attraction, it now houses the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute and remains one of New Zealand’s premier Maori cultural experiences. The native peoples of this region are known as the “tribe of hospitality,” and they are famed for their performing arts. Tonight we’ll join an exclusive guided tour of the center and discover many Maori legends and traditions. Afterward we enjoy a special dinner featuring a local specialty cooked in a hangi (underground oven). Then enjoy a performance of Maori song and dance during a Mai Ora celebration.
Day 5 | $135 per person
Day 5 | $135 per person
Fly above the waves and enjoy the sweeping panorama of the Great Barrier Reef aboard a helicopter. You’ll soar for 10 minutes, taking in incredible views of the cerulean waters and colorful coral formations that make up this expansive aquatic wonder before rejoining your fellow travelers at sea level to participate in the activities of your included tour of the reef.
Day 5 | $315 per person
Day 5 | $315 per person
Rise early this morning and float away from the city for a dawn balloon ride over the Queensland countryside. You’ll fly gracefully above the wilderness of the Atherton Tablelands, a lush expanse of rain forests, lakes, mountains, and emerald fields, and marvel as the morning sun lifts the shroud of mist from the tropical tableau below.
Day 12 | $110 per person
Day 12 | $110 per person
A native New Zealand invention, the jet-boat takes in water and ejects it from the stern under great pressure to create the propulsion. It needs very little room to maneuver, making it capable of handling twisting channels with ease (not to mention impressive moves like 360-degree spins!). With a skilled jet-boat driver at the controls, you'll fly through the waters of the Upper Waiau River, discovering the breathtaking scenery if Fiordland National Park—including several locations used in the filming of The Lord of the Rings.