Exploring Australia and New Zealand

Begin your epic 22-day journey in Cairns. Ride the historic railway to the mountain village of Kuranda. Cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. Learn about the ancient Walpiri culture. Take a catamaran sail around Sydney Harbor and tour Featherdale Wildlife Park.Fly to New Zealand and explore Mt. Cook National Park. Sail through the breathtaking fjords of Milford Sound. Discover Rotorua and experience the Maori culture at a traditional hangi dinner and performance. Optional extension in Auckland.

Dates
Sep 2 - Sep 23, 2017  (22 Days)
Cost

$8,984, per person, double occupancy, including air from SFO

For more Information
travel@commonwealthclub.org

(415) 597-6720

    Saturday, September 2
    Depart U.S. for Cairns, Australia
    Sunday, September 3
    En route

    Cross the International Date Line and lose a day.

    Monday, September 4
    Arrive Cairns

    This afternoon we arrive in Cairns, gateway to Australia’s Far North and the Great Barrier Reef. We trans­fer to our hotel where tonight we enjoy a briefing and dinner. Cairns Pullman Reef Deluxe Casino (D)

    Tuesday, September 5
    Cairns / Kuranda

    We take an orientation tour of Cairns then board an historic railway to the mountain village of Kuranda. After time to explore here, we descend via the gondolas of Skyrail. We return to our hotel and the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Cairns independently. Cairns Pullman Reef Deluxe Casino. (B)

    Wednesday, September 6
    Great Barrier Reef

    This morning we board a boat for a day-long excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, at 1,200 miles long the world’s largest living organism and rich­est marine resource. We pull up at Michaelmas Cay where we can swim, snorkel, or view the reef from a semisubmersible vessel. Cairns Pullman Reef Deluxe Casino (B,L)

    Thursday, September 7
    Cairns / Alice Springs

    We take a morning flight to Alice Springs, where we see the Anzac Hill Monument to Australian and New Zealand soldiers, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and School of the Air, which provides schooling to widely scattered Outback children. Tonight we enjoy a traditional dinner in the “bush.” DoubleTree by Hilton (B,D)

    Friday, September 8
    Alice Springs

    This morning we embark on an Aboriginal “dreamtime” tour, to meet Walpiri tribespeople and learn about their ancient culture. Then we visit Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm, where we enjoy a pic­nic lunch and see the sheer rock walls aglow in reflected sunlight.  DoubleTree by Hilton (B,L)

    Saturday, September 9
    Alice Springs / Ayers Rock

    We reach our Ayers Rock hotel early afternoon. After lunch on our own, we visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is the traditional land of the Anangu Aboriginal peoples and home to the Olgas rock formations and Uluru (Ayers Rock). We watch the sun set over this fabled sandstone monolith that rises to a height of 1,114 feet.  Sails in the Desert (B,D)

    Sunday, September 10
    Ayers Rock / Sydney

    This morning we visit the base of Uluru and the interesting museum here. Mid-day we fly to Sydney, arriving late afternoon. Sir Stamford Hotel (B,D)

    Monday, September 11
    Sydney

    Today’s tour features the breathtaking Royal Botanic Gardens, Darling Harbour and Mrs. Macquarie’s Point, Rose and Watson’s bays, and popular Bondi Beach. Then we board a catamaran for a lunch cruise around Sydney Harbour.  Sir Stamford Hotel (B,L)

    Tuesday, September 12
    Sydney

    This morning we tour Featherdale Wildlife Park, where wombats, dingoes, and koalas (among other creatures) reside. Then the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to explore Sydney as we wish. Tonight we enjoy dinner together in the city’s popular “Rocks” area at the Waterfront Restaurant, with excellent sea­food and a beautiful setting.  Sir Stamford Hotel (B,D)

    Wednesday, September 13
    Sydney / Christchurch, New Zealand

    After a late morning tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House, this afternoon is free for independent exploration. This evening we board a flight to Christchurch, New Zealand’s “Garden City.”  Rydges Latimer Christchurch (B)

    Thursday, September 14
    Christchurch / Mt. Cook National Park

    This morning’s orientation tour features the acclaimed Botanic Gardens and “Re:START Mall,” the vibrant civic area that rose from the rubble of the 2011 earthquake. Then we board our motorcoach for the journey south to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, stopping en route at a farm to watch a sheep-shearing demonstration and to see the amazing sheep dogs in action. Upon reaching Mount Cook in the Southern Alps late today, we dine at our hotel.  Hermitage (B,D)

    Friday, September 15
    Mount Cook

    This morning’s tour of alpine Mount Cook Village includes a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center, where we see a 3D planetarium movie about the region. We also visit the Hillary Gallery, commemorating Sir Edmund’s achievements, including the first ascent of Mount Cook’s difficult South Ridge in 1948. At 12,316 feet, Mount Cook is New Zealand’s tallest mountain. After time in the village for lunch on our own, this afternoon is at leisure to relax amid the breathtaking scenery, hike, or take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). Hermitage (B,D) 

    Saturday, September 16
    Mount Cook / Queenstown

    We depart this morning for Queenstown, stopping en route in historic Arrow-town for lunch on our own followed by a visit to Kawarau Bridge Bungy, the world’s first bungy jump operation open to the public. Mid-afternoon we reach Queenstown, New Zealand’s “adventure capital.” We dine tonight at our hotel.  Hotel St. Moritz (B,D)

    Sunday, September 17
    Milford Sound

    Our day-long excursion to Milford Sound includes a nature cruise through the breathtaking fjords. We have lunch on board then later have the opportunity to return to Queenstown on an optional scenic flight (weather permitting).  Hotel St. Moritz (B,L)

    Monday, September 18
    Queenstown

    Today is free to explore Queenstown independently. Lunch and dinner are on our own and the city boasts a robust dining scene.  Hotel St. Moritz (B)

    Tuesday, September 19
    Queenstown / Rotorua

    We depart today for Rotorua, with its geysers, bubbling mud pools, and hot thermal springs; and a center of Maori culture. Our tour here includes the government gardens and the acclaimed Rainbow Springs Nature Park. The park offers an up-close look at New Zealand’s biodiversity, featuring native trees and a host of endemic plant and bird species, along with a nursery pool for the noted New Zealand rainbow trout. Here we visit New Zealand’s largest kiwi hatchery, where the country’s famous birds are nurtured before being released into the wild.  Regent of Rotorua (B)

    Wednesday, September 20
    Rotorua

    This morning and early afternoon are at leisure; late afternoon we visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Maori Cultural Center for a traditional hangi dinner and performance.  Regent of Rotorua  (B,D)

    Thursday, September 21
    Rotorua / Auckland

    En route to Auckland, we stop this morning at Ruakuri Caves to see the unique glowworms that illuminate the underground grottoes and caves. We reach Auckland late this afternoon; we’re on our own for dinner tonight.  Stamford Plaza (B)

    Friday, September 22
    Auckland

    Our half-day tour of this city set atop 48 volcanic hills features glittering Auckland Harbour and the America’s Cup Village. We also visit the War Memorial Museum, with its prized Maori and Pacific Islander collections. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at our hotel.  Stamford Plaza  (B,D)

    Saturday, September 23
    Depart for U.S.

    Very early this morning we depart for the airport for the flight to Los Angeles (via Sydney) and our return flights home. (B)

    Main Program
    Departing from: 
    San Francisco: $8,984
    Los Angeles: $8,684
    Boston, Chicago: $9,084
    Washington D.C., New York: $9,184

    Please call if your city is not listed. Prices are per person based on double occupancy and include airline taxes, surcharges, and fees of $389, which are subject to change until final payment is made. All tour prices above (excluding airline taxes, surcharges, and fees) are guaranteed.

    Land Only: $7,595 (transfers not included)

    Single Room Supplement: $1,995 

    Airline upgrades on round-trip Trans-Atlantic flight:
    Business Class - $6,595 per person; Premium Economy - $2,895 per person (upgrades are subject to availability and pricing is subject to change). Upgrade prices are in addition to the costs above. 

    Included:
    Round-trip air transportation from listed cities; 19 nights’ accommodations: 33 meals: 19 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 10 dinners, and bottled water; Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees;  Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director; Educational lectures/study leader with a minimum of 15 guests; Additional Commonwealth Club representative at 20 guests; Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip; Luggage handling for one bag per person; Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers.

    Not Included:
    Airfare when purchasing a Land Only package; Costs of passports and visas; Personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, room service, communication charges, and meals not specified; Airport transfers when purchasing a Land Only package; Gratuities to your Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director, which are at your discretion (suggested gratuities: $10-$15 per traveler, per day); Optional sightseeing; Travel protection insurance; Additional baggage fees may apply and are subject to change at any time. You should confirm directly with your airline prior to departure.

    Auckland - On Your Own
    Cost: 
    $265, per person, based on double occupancy
    Single room supplement: $165

    Included:
    2 nights’ accommodations at Stamford Plaza (Superior First Class); 2 breakfasts; Transfers to/from airport

    Cancellations, Refunds and Changes
    If you must cancel your trip, the effective date of cancellation will be upon our receipt of your written notification. Refunds for cancellations are subject to the following per person charges:

    Cancel 95 days or more before departure: $200 charge
    Cancel 94-65 days before departure: 25% of tour price
    Cancel 64-45 days before departure: 50% of tour price
    Cancel 44-30 days before departure: 75% of tour price
    Cancel 29-0 days before departure: No refund.

    If a guest makes any changes to their reservation within 94 and 30 days prior to departure, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. will apply a $100 per person administrative fee, in addition to any fees or penalties imposed by third parties. Changes are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. If your reservation changes from double occupancy to single occupancy for any reason, you will be charged the single supplement. No changes are allowed within 30 days of departure. Upon reservation you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport as well as your date of birth and gender. In the event an airline ticket is issued with incorrect information you have provided, you will be responsible for charges associated with the ticket’s reissue.

    Eligibility
    We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a worldwide membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415)597-6720.

    Insurance
    We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event you must cancel your participation in the travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Information will be sent upon registration and can be viewed Travel Insurance Services website

    Responsibility
    The liability of the Commonwealth Club, as sponsor, and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., as tour operator, is strictly limited. Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. purchases transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant and other services from independent suppliers not under our control. We serve only as agents for these suppliers in securing tour arrangements, and therefore will not accept responsibility for wrongful, negligent or arbitrary acts or omissions of these independent contractors, their employees, agents, servants or representatives. The Commonwealth Club and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. are not liable for injury, damage, loss, accident or delay that may be caused by events not within our control, including without limitation, acts of terrorism, war, strikes, the defect of any vehicle, or the negligence or default of any third party. All coupons, receipts and tickets issued are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the air carriers, cruise line and other independent suppliers. We will make every effort to operate our tours as planned, but we reserve the right to make itinerary changes as necessary. If unforeseen circumstances require us to change a hotel, we will select alternative accommodations of the same or better quality.

    Health and Medical Issues 
    We request that you be in good health to participate in an Odysseys Unlimited tour. There is a reasonable amount of walking, and you must be able to get on and off motorcoaches on your own. We regret that we cannot offer individual assistance; in such cases you must be accompanied by a companion who will assist you. Please note that our itineraries cannot accommodate wheelchairs. We reserve the right to remove anyone whose physical or mental condition, in our opinion, compromises the operation of the tour or detracts from the enjoyment or safety of the other passengers. In that event, Odysseys Unlimited and the Commonwealth Club assume no financial responsibility for any unused portion of the tour.

    Air Transportation – Important Information
    Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. includes in its tour price round-trip economy air from designated gateway cities as shown and contracts with those airlines the company feels provide the level of service, routings, and value necessary for your entire trip. While another airline may offer a more direct con­nection, it may be at a price unavailable at the lower group rates. You will receive your preliminary air schedule approximately 2½ months prior to departure. Please note that seat assignments on your international flight are usually done at airport check-in. Odysseys Unlimited is unable to guarantee any seat assignments. Due to the nature of tour operator tickets, other restrictions apply, including, but not limited to, frequent flyer mileage accrual, stopovers, alternate travel dates, upgrades, and airline taxes and fees. If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, Land Only is available on most tours. Since international and domestic air schedules are subject to change at any time, we recommend that if you choose to make your own airline reservations, you do not purchase non-refundable tickets or those with high penalties for changes. If you choose to make your own flight arrangements for an alumni tour and not use those provided by the tour company, we recommend that you do not do so until making your final payment to the tour company confirming details of your trip’s scheduled departure. However, if you choose to make your own flight arrangements, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. shall not have any liability for any loss resulting from tour cancellations or changes to tour dates.

    Registration
    Commonwealth Club of California-CST# 2096889-40