Expedition Down Under

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Overnight Flight

Cross the International Dateline.

Day 3: Rotorua

Arrive in New Zealand and meet your ACIS Tour Manager. On the way to the hotel in Rotorua, drive to Waitomo, for an adventure through the Glowworm Caves, which are lit by thousands of glowworms. The journey continues to Rotorua, the heartland of Maori culture.

Day 4: Rotorua

This morning depart for local sightseeing of this popular tourist town. Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery Your visit here will showcase how Kiwi recovery programmes are playing their part to bring this treasured icon back from the brink of extinction on the New Zealand mainland. Waimangu Valley is the next stop on your journey. After a picnic lunch and a Lake Rotomahana boat cruise, visit Tamaki Maori Village and indulge in a traditional feast.

Day 5: Queenstown

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Then board your coach for a tour of Queenstown, which includes a visit to Arrowtown and the Lakes District Museum. A gondola takes you to the Skyline Restaurant for dinner today.

Day 6: Queenstown

Today head to Fiordland National Park, through Hollyford Valley and into Milford Sound. Experience the fiord in the best way—from the water—with a scenic cruise featuring spectacular views of Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls. Then return to Queenstown.

Day 7: Queenstown

A 4-wheel drive vehicle picks you up this morning for your Safari of the Rings tour. The safari brings you to the heart of New Zealand's high country and gives you a spectacular look at the diverse scenery of the area, where much of The Lord of the Rings was filmed.

Day 8: Christchurch

Your journey continues today along the inland route through New Zealand's beautiful hill country to Mount Cook, the highest mountain in the country. You'll continue along the coast of Lake Tekapo and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Day 9: Sydney

This morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Sydney. A Sydney Harbor Cruise aboard a luxurious ship will allow you to view the magnificent sights of the harbor. Enjoy a visit to Sydney Tower, where you will be treated to dinner and the 360-degree views of Sydney and the harbor from the revolving restaurant.

Day 10: Sydney

After a free morning to explore more of Sydney's treasures at your own pace, head on an Australian Bush Walkabout Tour for an interactive experience of bush tucker, bush medicine, friendly native animals and ancient Aboriginal sites. After an Australian BBQ dinner and bonfire, take a walk to meet Australia’s fascinating nocturnal creatures

Day 11: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Enhance your Aussie experience with a three-night extension to coastal Cairns—explore the nearby Great Barrier Reef and relax in breathtaking natural surroundings.