South Pacific Wonders: Australia & New Zealand with optional 2-Night extension to Nadi, Fiji Departs on March 17, 2009 15 Days ● 19 Meals: 11 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 6 Dinners
	Highlights Cairns • Great Barrier Reef • Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park • Sydney Opera House • • Queenstown, NZ • Milford Sound • Mt. Cook National Park • Christchurch, NZ

Call 1-800-622-8977 to have a reservation packet sent to you. 
Deadline for reservation with $475 deposit due by 10/17/08. Final payment due on 01/16/09.

Rates… Double -  $4,999 per person Single - $5,999  per person Triple - $4,899 per person

Optional Extension ... Two Nights in Nadi, Fiji

Price Includes… Round Trip Air from San Antonio Intl, Cancellation Waiver and Insurance, Hotel Transfers, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $420 (subject to increase until paid in full)

Itinerary

Day 1: Tuesday, March 17, 2009 and Day 2: Wednesday, March 18, 2009 Depart From Home Today you board your flight and begin the adventure of a lifetime.  Crossing the International Dateline, you lose a full day.
	Day 3: Thursday, March 19, 2009 Arrive Cairns, Australia Your tour begins today in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Don’t forget to look up at the Southern Hemisphere's stars this evening after you join your mates for a welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included.

Day 10: Thursday, March 26, 2009 Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown En route to Milford Sound, enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley.  You’ll travel through beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. During a cruise of the breathtakingly beautiful Milford Sound you’ll see why this fjord is one of the most visited sites on the South Island.  With rock faces that rise nearly 4,000 feet on either side, the scenery will take your breath away.  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. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

Milford Sound

Day 14: Monday, March 30, 2009 Christchurch Visit a Canterbury farmyard to see the workings of the farm including a sheep shearing demonstration, herding, and learn first hand how this New Zealand family farm operates.  This afternoon, you may choose to participate in an optional tour of the International Antarctic Center, the gateway for both American and New Zealand Antarctic expeditions. Tonight, dine inside the restored Riccarton House mansion and learn the history of the first family of Christchurch. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Canterbury Farm

Riccarton House

Day 15: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 Christchurch - Tour Ends Explore the city of Christchurch this morning. Your tour ends today. Today breakfast will be included.

Options for South Pacific Wonders

Please note: the following is a list of suggested options, approved by Collette Vacations, which you may enjoy
during your trip. For your convenience, a brief description of each tour is provided. Your tour manager will host a welcome briefing at the beginning of your tour to outline all the activities during your stay. He/She will also make all the necessary arrangements for you. Availability is limited and reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Collette strongly suggests payment for optional tours be made by personal check payable to Collette Vacations or by credit card (Visa, Discover, Master Card, American Express). This will give you an accurate record of options purchased and facilitate our record keeping. All payments are in the listed currency and will be collected by the tour manager at the time of service.

Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef $ 97.00 USD

Experience the adventure and awe of the outer Great Barrier Reef!!! You will be transported by catamaran to the Outer Reef pontoon where the reef is yours to explore. View the world under water from the semi-submersible or from your own goggles while you snorkel along the reef. There will be many other adventurous activities to enjoy as well. Whatever your pleasure, you're sure to have a once in a lifetime experience exploring one of the seven natural wonders of the world! Duration: approximately 8.5 hours. Transportation is included. Scuba diving is an additional cost and if you are interested, some medical restrictions and a waiver of liability will apply.

Cairns: Skyrail $ 48.00 USD

Experience the beauty of Far North Queensland’s World Heritage Rainforest as you travel on Skyrail - the world’s longest gondola railway. Enjoy your gondola trip which takes you above the canopy of the ancient wet tropical rainforests of the Barron Gorge National Park. You are sure to find this to be one of the most diverse and fascinating areas of the world. The 4 1/2 mile journey from Caravonica Lakes Terminal at Smithfield to the Kuranda Terminal includes two stops en route where facilities have been provided to help you experience and discover what lies within the rainforest and how the indigenous people have utilized it for many years. Duration: approximately 2.0 hours. Transportation is included. Please note a minimum of 15 passengers is required.

Cairns: Hot Air Ballooning Adventure $ 295.00 USD

What an adventure!! Experience the wide open spaces and crisp fresh morning air as you fly over the picturesque Atherton Tablelands/Cairns Highlands. Don’t forget your camera to be sure to capture the picturesque landscape at sunrise and perhaps spot a kangaroo or two. Prior to your flight there will be lots of activity and plenty to see as the balloons are prepared and inflated. After your 60 minute flight, return to the ground and feast on a delightful 'Aussie Style' champagne breakfast complete with a tropical buffet and bacon & eggs. Duration: approximately 4.0 hours. Transportation is included. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required.

Sydney: A Taste of Australia $ 95.00 USD

Begin your excellent evening at the largest Aquarium in the Southern Hemisphere. At the Sydney Aquarium
you will embark on a journey that will allow you to experience the enormous diversity of eight unique Australian environments and over 11,500 species of aquatic life that these environments support, including huge sharks, rays, seals, crocs and more! The variety will astound you - from the cold Southern Oceans to the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Later, enjoy a relaxing alfresco dinner at Nick's Restaurant, renowned for its fresh seafood and spectacular waterfront vistas. Duration: approximately 5.5 hours. Transportation is included. Please note a minimum of 15 passengers is required.

Sydney: Sydney By Bike! $ 65.00 USD

Experience one of the world's greatest cities, by bicycle! Gain an insider's perspective on this great, slow paced, easy riding tour. Pass The Rocks and ride over the Harbour Bridge!!! This ride has been tailor made for Collette Vacations and will be sure to leave you with great memories of the unforgettable city of Sydney! Duration: approximately 2.5 hours. Transportation is included. Please note a minimum of 2 passengers is required.


Sydney: Bridge Climb Adventure $ 165.00 USD Mon-Fri

Climb one of Australia's world renowned icons, The Sydney Harbour Bridge. Experience this incredible adventure as it takes you to the top of the Bridge some 440 feet (134 metres) above sea level offering views of the famous Opera House and Sydney’s breathtaking harbor. A specially designed "Bridge Suit" worn over personal clothing, harness and communications equipment will be issued to each climber before commencing preparation on the climb simulator. All climbers are attached to a static line for the duration of the climb. A professional trained Climb Leader will accompany each group and will be able to answer any questions you may have in regards to the Harbour Bridge and unforgettable Sydney sites. The Sydney Bridge Climb is centrally located within walking distance for all downtown hotels. Transportation is not included. Taxis are available at your own expense. Duration: approximately 4.0 hours.Please Note: Passengers who have consumed any alcohol will not be allowed to do the climb and will be tested by the Bridge staff prior to the climb. Absolutely no refunds will be authorized.

Christchurch: International Antarctic Center $ 40.00 USD

Experience the awesome and magical beauty of Antarctica first-hand as it is recreated with an interactive, fun
and exciting experience of the "Great White South.” Exhibits include the four dramatic seasons of Antarctica where you can feel the chill of winter and watch daylight return as the Antarctic summer approaches. In the Gallery Area, you will have the mysteries of Antarctica revealed to you. Learn about the Antarctic Treaty, transportation to and from Antarctica, the ozone layer plus the wildlife and their natural habitat. Enjoy a ride on a Hagglund vehicle designed for transporting people and equipment along the rugged Antarctic terrain. You will also enjoy the spectacular local penguin display; get up close and personal with the amazing little blue penguin. Duration: approximately 2.5 hours. Transportation is included. Please note a minimum of 15 passengers is required.

Christchurch: Tramway Dinner $ 97.00 USD

You are invited to sit back in the luxury of a colonial-style dining tram and be treated to the finest service and cuisine that New Zealand has to offer. Indulge in a delicious 4-course dinner with unlimited drinks as you travel along in the beautifully restored tram following the loop around central Christchurch, taking in some of the most interesting sites including Cathedral Square, Aquarium of Discovery, the Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Victoria Square and New Regent Street. No trip to Christchurch would be complete without dinner aboard this historic tram. Duration: approximately 2.5 hours. Transportation is not included. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required.

Christchurch: Punting in the Park $ 16.00 USD

Punting in the Park gives you an authentic Edwardian punting experience in keeping with the special English character of the city of Christchurch. All you need to do is sink back into the velvet cushions and let the Edwardian punter propel you past the trailing willows and leafy banks of the Botanic Gardens, the prettiest stretch of the Avon River. Refined, relaxing, romantic - punting is an iconic Christchurch attraction that is not to be missed. Following your punt enjoy a leisurely stroll through the spectacular botanical gardens! Duration: approximately 0.5 hours. Transportation is not included.

Queenstown: Shotover Jets $ 92.00 USD

Queenstown is known as the centre for adventure tourism! Experience this excitement aboard the award winning Shotover Jets, “Catch the Canyons” tour! From the moment the accelerator hits the floor your adrenaline hits the roof as you speed in mere centimeters of water along the famous Shotover River and deep into the spectacular Shotover River Canyons. This thrilling adventure is safe and enjoyable for all ages. You may get a little wet, but it is a unique and fun way to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the South Island of New Zealand. No visit to Queenstown is complete without it! Duration: approximately 0.5 hours. Transportation is included. Weather may be cold and you may get wet during this option.

Queenstown: Safari of the Rings $ 118.00 USD Travel beyond the "Lord of the Rings" and delve into the spectacular scenery of New Zealand's South Island. Prepare to be amazed as the majestic landscape unfolds around you! Journey by 4x4 up into the Remarkable Mountains and across the Arrow River. This adventure into the countryside shouldn't be missed! Duration: approximately 4.0 hours. Transportation is included.

Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Evening Dining $ 99.00 USD

Enjoy a relaxing and nostalgic cruise on the TSS Earnslaw to the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak. Enjoy high country hospitality and a carvery style buffet, featuring the best of New Zealand meats and seafood, along with fresh vegetables and garden salads. You are sure to find the house dessert specialties hard to resist! After dinner enjoy an entertaining show providing a glimpse into farming life. Relax on your return cruise to Queenstown and perhaps partake in a lively sing-along. This is a sure evening of great food and fun. Duration: approximately 4.5 hours. Transportation is included.

Queenstown: Milford/Queenstown Flightseeing $ 259.00 USD

After your Milford Sound excursion you may choose to fly back to Queenstown aboard a flightseeing plane. The scenery is breathtaking as you enjoy a birds-eye view of both the rugged coastal region and the Southern Alps. This trip should not be missed. Duration: approximately 0.5 hours. Transportation is included. This option is weather permitting. As this option operates on a weather permitting basis only, we regret to inform you that it is not available for sale prior to departure. Should weather conditions allow for the operation of this option, it is available.

Mt. Cook Region: Glacier Highlights by Ski Plane $ 299.00 USD

Spectacular!! This is truly an unbelievable experience. You will enjoy magnificent views as you fly over the Tasman Glacier and view Mt. Cook and Mt. Cook National Park. The scenery is breathtaking; enjoy panoramic views of New Zealand's mountains and wildlife. You top off your adventure by walking on the high snowfields after your ski-plane has landed on the Tasman Glacier. Duration: approximately 0.5 hours. Transportation is included.

Duration: flight time: 40 minutes. As this option operates on a weather permitting basis only, we regret to
inform you that it is not available for sale prior to departure. Should weather conditions allow for the
operation of this option, it is available.

Important Reservation Information

Passports are required for this tour at your expense. 

For more information on this vacation, contact:
Laverne Pitts • Texas Public Radio • 1 (210) 614-8977

(Note: Photos by Dan Skinner)

Information about Other Trips Being Offered by Texas Public Radio