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Dive Australia and Ski New Zealand [CD943]

13 Days / 11 Nights

Cairns, Live Aboard Dive Experience & Snow Ski Adventure

Australia's northeastern town of tropical Cairns is the gateway for two of the world's greatest diving icons, the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. The Great Barrier Reef is a broad chain of 2,900 individual reefs and is the Earth's largest structure built by living organisms, being clearly visible from space. It is an ecosystem of unsurpassed marine diversity and presents the diver with a vision of exquisite natural beauty. Beyond the continental shelf that harbours the Great Barrier Reef, lie the isolated reef systems and crystal clear waters of Australia's Coral Sea. This is home territory for huge schools of pelagic fish and sharks in an undersea world of mountains, pinnacles and sheer walls laced with gorgonian fans and rising from thousands of feet below.

Your 4 day /4 night dive adventure offers a tantalizing taste of both the Ribbon Reefs and the Coral Sea. Commencing with the scenic reef flight, you will be delivered to the boat at Lizard Island to start your diving at sites such as the Cod Hole, before overnight travel to the spectacular Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea.

Queenstown is known as the Adventure Capital of the World. A reputation earned through the actions of a number of locally residing thrill seekers who have developed several unbelievable, adrenalin stirring, sanity-reducing adventures in a wildly exciting environment. Your 6 Day / 5 Night Ski Package offers you access to some of the best skifields in New Zealand - Coronet Peak & The Remarkables.

Travel Package Features

• Accommodation - Cairns (1 Night), Live Aboard Dive Boat (4 Nights), Cairns (1 Night) & Queenstown (5 Nights)
• International Flights - Los Angeles to Brisbane, Sydney to Queenstown, Queenstown to Los Angeles (via Auckland)
• Australian Domestic Flights - Brisbane to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney
• US Domestic Flights are not included.
• Shuttle Transfers - Cairns Airport to Accommodation (return), Live-Aboard Dive Pick Up from Cairns Accommodation (return), Queenstown Airport to Accommodation (Return), Queenstown Accommodation to Mountain & Return (3 days)
• All Other Day Tours are Optional and not included
• Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (US$15.00 per person)
• F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
• All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
• Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.
• Other Common Inclusions for Dive Packages:
• Live-Aboard Diving Expedition includes: Transfers to/ from Cairns city accommodation, One way flight - Cairns to Lizard Island, Opportunity for 13 to 15 dives, En-suite cabin with daily service, Chef prepared meals, Australian wine & soft drinks with evening meals.
• Ski Adventure Includes: Transfers to & from Queenstown Airport to Accommodation, 5 Nights Accommodation with Breakfast, Equipment (Skis or Snowboard) & Clothing, Lift Passes and 3 Day Ski Shuttle Bus Pass

Travel Package Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 (Mon) - International Flight from Los Angeles to Brisbane

Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing in Brisbane.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!

Please confirm with the airline at check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record (if applicable).

Day 2 (Wed) - Australian Domestic Flight from Brisbane to Cairns

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Brisbane to Cairns.

Day 2 cont (Wed) - Shuttle Transfer from Cairns Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Cairns Airport to your vacation accommodation in Cairns, Australia.

<b>Need to Know</b>
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.

Days 2 to 3 (Wed) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns

Travel to your accommodation Cairns, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Your 4.5 star accommodation combines contemporary decor with a tropical ambience. The magnificent location of this 176 room hotel is perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest or Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands. Other nearby highlights include: Cairns Casino, Marlin Jetty, the Esplanade and the Night Markets. Unwind with a cocktail by the pool or bar followed by a sumptuous meal at the award winning Bushfire Flame Grill.

All rooms and suites have individual balconies, individually controlled air conditioning, refrigerator, television, broadband internet access, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, along with tea and coffee making facilities. Facilities include: 24 hr reception, tour desk, free wireless internet, Bushfire Flame Grill, bar, pool, business services on request, coin operated laundry on four floors, room service, laundry & dry cleaning.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Cairns Wildlife Dome

The Cairns Wildlife Dome is a spectacular all-weather wildlife exhibit, encased by a 20-meter-high glass dome right in the heart of Cairns. You’ll be immersed in a rainforest environment whilst parrots, cockatoos, lorikeets, and other birds native to the Wet Tropics region fly freely around, with the opportunity to observe free-roaming rainforest wallabies and view bettongs, curlews, frogmouths, kookaburras, frogs, turtles, pythons, crocodiles and lizards.

Enjoy included guided tours, daily interactive animal presentations, and great photo opportunities. You'll have a blast as you watch the afternoon feedings, get up close with a crocodile, watch the free flying birds, cuddle with furry friends and watch the nocturnal creatures awaken. Don't miss out on taking your photo with a koala (own expense)! If you do, “No worries!” – your ticket is good for re-entry for up to 4 additional days.

Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife Dome is home to the world's first Challenge Ropes Course in a wildlife park! If you are looking for some adventure, be sure to add-on a ZOOM activity.
 
<b>Included Wildlife Shows:</b>
Cockatoo Feeding Tour, Reptile Show, Koala Talk, Crocodile Show, Nocturnal Mammals Show

<b>Operates</b>
Daily (Excluding Christmas Day, December 25); 9:00am - 6:15pm Sunday - Friday & 9:00am - 8:00pm Saturday

<b>Need to Know</b>
Minimum age for any ZOOM activity is 6 years. Height & Weight Restrictions apply to ZOOM Activities (not included). Pre-existing medical conditions: It is your responsibility to assess whether you are fit enough to take part in ZOOM activities. A waiver will be required. Pregnant women ineligible to participate in ZOOM activities. Skirts and dresses not allowed. Enclosed footwear with good grip recommended – no sandals. Long hair must be tied back.

<b>Upgrades</b>
Koala or Reptile Photo; Private Wildlife Experience; Zoom Activities, choose 1 or more: Mid-ZOOM or Hi-Zoom - Experience adventure at varying heights and levels of difficulty on the Mid-ZOOM and Hi-ZOOM courses, with 65 elements of crossings and ziplines: including one which takes you directly over our 13-foot saltwater crocodile! The PowerJump - a free-fall adventure with a 13m drop; DomeClimb - offers spectacular views of the city, the Coral Sea and surrounding landscapes. The Pirate Climb; Commando Rope Climb; Slack Line

Days 3 to 7 (Thur to Mon) - 4 Nights Spirit of Freedom Liveaboard

For Live-Aboard diving enthusiasts this live aboard dive trip represents the ultimate dive vacation. Dives include Osprey Reef, on the Coral Sea with other sites such as Cod Hole, Dynamite Pass, North Horn, Bougainville Reef, Steve's Bommie, Temple of Doom and Flare Point. With Gourmet Meals and the Outstanding Level of Service you will feel like you are aboard your own private yacht.

<h3>Day 1: Scenic Flight to Live-Aboard Dive Boat</h3>
Transfer from Cairns Accommodation to Cairns airport to catch your twin-engine light aircraft for your amazing scenic flight over the reef to Lizard Island. You will be greeted on arrival and transferred to the Sleek and Stylish dive vessel to depart for the reef. This afternoon you will have the opportunity for two dives before departing in the late evening for Osprey Reef, in the Coral Sea. The dives may be at sites such as the famous Cod Hole and turquoise waters of the Ribbon Reefs.

<h3>Days 2 & 3: Diving Osprey Reef with Shark Dive </h3>
Australia's Coral Sea reefs are renowned for crystal clear water with an average visibility in excess of 100 feet. Two days can be spent diving at remote Osprey Reef, including North Horn for an unforgettable Shark Dive. You can expect to see grey whalers, silvertips, reef sharks, occasional hammerheads, schooling barracuda, trevally, and other pelagics are common. The landscape is amazing with sheer walls laced with gorgonians, sea whips, and bright yellow soft corals rising from thousands of feet below.

<h3>Day 4: Dive Bougainville Reef or in the Ribbon Reefs</h3> Depending on the weather and sea conditions you will dive the spectacular Bougainville Reef or perhaps return to the Ribbon Reefs to dive the sensational Steve's Bommie, Temple of Doom, Flare Point, and other spectacular dive sites. After dinner on Sunday evening you will cruise overnight back to Cairns.

<h3>Day 5: Arrive into Cairns</h3>
Arrive Cairns early morning. A fabulous Breakfast will be served on board and transfers will be arranged.

<b>Operates</b>
Departs Cairns every Sunday at 8:30am on Sunday & Returns 8:00am to Cairns every Thursday.

<b>Need to Know</b>
Please note that above itinerary is a sample only and sites may vary, or the sequence may change. Access to the Cod Hole and the Coral Sea is weather conditional and while every attempt will be made to keep to the advertised itinerary, the Coral Sea and specific sites on the Great Barrier Reef are not guaranteed.

Diver experience recommendation: Open Water certification with minimum 10 ocean dives including 5 dives in the last 12 months. Less experience may result in limited diving due to environmental conditions. We recommend a Scuba Diver Refresher course prior to your trip.

Diver Health: If you have a medical condition or are currently taking prescription medication, you will need a medical clearance. For further details refer to our Diver Information form or contact our Reservations team.

Luggage Restrictions: Due to light aircraft restrictions, your total weight of your luggage is limited to 20 kilograms/ 45 lb per person, including your dive gear and carry-on luggage.

Snorkelers: The (at times) deeper reefs tops and swift currents of the Coral Sea, make the Coral Sea reefs only suitable for very experienced snorkelers and strong swimmers with a high level of fitness. You may not be able to snorkel at every site. Please note that while you may be safe under the watchful eye of the 'look-out' crew, a snorkel buddy may not always be available and you may be required to snorkel alone and to wear floatation equipment.

<b>Inclusions</b>
<ul>
<li>Transfers to/from Cairns city accommodation </li>
<li>Low level reef flight - Lizard Island to Cairns </li>
<li>Opportunity for up to 15 dives </li>
<li>Cabin with private bathroom and daily service </li>
<li>Chef prepared meals </li>
<li>Australian wines & soft drinks with evening meals</li>
</ul>

Not-included (payable on board): Fuel & Marine Park Levies

<b>Upgrades Available</b>
Extend this trip to 7 day nights by including the world famous Cod Hole and Ribbon Reefs Adventure

Days 7 to 8 (Mon) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns

Travel to your accommodation Cairns, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Your 4.5 star accommodation combines contemporary decor with a tropical ambience. The magnificent location of this 176 room hotel is perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest or Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands. Other nearby highlights include: Cairns Casino, Marlin Jetty, the Esplanade and the Night Markets. Unwind with a cocktail by the pool or bar followed by a sumptuous meal at the award winning Bushfire Flame Grill.

All rooms and suites have individual balconies, individually controlled air conditioning, refrigerator, television, broadband internet access, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, along with tea and coffee making facilities. Facilities include: 24 hr reception, tour desk, free wireless internet, Bushfire Flame Grill, bar, pool, business services on request, coin operated laundry on four floors, room service, laundry & dry cleaning.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Cairns Night Zoo

Enjoy a great Australian night out at the Cairns Night Zoo!

<iframe width="350" height="197" class="alignleft" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/YXff2nriSG0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Enjoy a sumptuous Australian barbeque dinner including steak, sausages, chicken, and seafood with salads and delicious desserts then perhaps enjoy a drink from the licensed bar (not included). After your savory dinner, explore the creatures of the night by torchlight as you journey into the darkness. Learn how owls hunt, touch a possum, pat a koala and see the glowing eyes of the crocodiles in your torchlight as you enter their lair. If you have a clear night, look up towards the skies and star gaze to see the Southern Cross, the Big Dipper and other well known constellations. Cross paths with a "Swaggie" (an original Australian bushman), and join them for billy tea and damper with him by the campfire. Their friends, the kangaroos, will come down and maybe even share a bite to eat! After complimentary cold beer or wine, join in the fun as you lear

Day 8 (Tue) - Shuttle Transfer from Cairns Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your Cairns vacation accommodation to the Airport in Cairns, Australia.

<b>Need to Know</b>
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.

Day 8 cont (Tue) - Australian Domestic Flight from Cairns to Sydney

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Sydney.

Day 8 cont (Tue) - International Flight from Sydney to Queenstown

After departing from Sydney, this short International Flight takes you overseas to Queenstown, New Zealand.

Day 8 (Tue) - Shuttle Transfer, Airport to Accommodation in Queenstown

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

Days 8 to 13 (Tue - Sun) - 5 Nights Accommodation

Travel to your accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 5 nights.

It's all about location! Your 4 star accommodations sits in a tranquil lakefront setting only a minute's walk from the heart of Queenstown with shopping, restaurants, nightlife and activities all within easy reach. This fresh, modern hotel features rooms and facilities furnished with the finest comforts and conveniences. A place where you can relax with surperb uninterrupted views of the lake, mountains and adjoining gardens. Comfortable and serene you will surely enjoy your stay here!

Upgrades Available: Garden View Room, Lakeview Room

Day 9 to 11 (Wed - Fri) - Shuttle transfer, Hotel to Mountain (Return)

Take a shuttle from your Queenstown hotel to Coronet Peak or The Remarkables for the 3 days you are skiing or snowboarding.

Forget about fitting chains, driving on icy roads, navigating the corners of the mountain roads, or finding a car park. Let door to door transport service take you to the mountain faster and hassle free! Drivers have not only been driving the roads for years but are friendly, knowledgable, and as excited as you to be skiing and snowboarding. Mountain transfers are from Queenstown area hotels to Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, but you don't have to decide what you want to ski until the day before! Choose which mountain you want service for by 7pm the night before, and you'll have a guaranteed seat on that bus service.

Day 9 to 11 (Wed - Fri) - 3 Day Rental of ski or snowboard

Rent ski or snowboard equipment while you visit Queenstown.

Rent skis or snowboards from a centrally located and local shop in downtown Queenstown. Staff who are knowledgeable about skiing and riding will help you find the perfect gear to take to the slopes. Better yet, you can swap out your skis for a board (or vice versa) if you decide you want something a little different during your trip. To make sure you save your energy for the slopes, equipment can be delivered to most major hotels the evening before your first day to the ski resorts.

Upgrade to executive ski or snowboard equipment for an additional charge.

Day 9 to 11 (Wed - Fri) - 3 Day Rental of ski jacket and pants

Rent snow jacket and pants in Queenstown so you don't have to bring them from home.

Rent quality snow jackets and pants for your skiing trip in Queenstown. Gear is laundered after every rental and ranges from sizes XS to 5XL. Ski experts help ensure you find the best fit so you all you have to worry about is having a great time out on the slopes!

Please Note: For hygienic reasons, hats, gloves, goggles, etc., are not rentable. Please be sure to bring your own or you may choose to purchase hats, gloves, and more once you arrive in Queenstown.

Day 9 to 11 (Wed - Fri) - 3 Day Ski Pass

Three day ski pass to Coronet Peak and The Remarkables with lift pass, 2 group lessons for the first day of skiing, equipment rental and transfers.

Ski or snowboard for 3 days while you visit Queenstown! Visit the South Island's most popular mountain resort at Coronet Peak which has high speed chair lifts, extensive trails, several eateries, outdoor heated deck, restaurants, and coffee and bar facitilies. You can also go to The Remarkables which is known for its true alpine environment and includes everything from beginners slopes to big mountain possibilities, as well as a tubing park.

Lift passes provide full access to all operating chairlifts and surface lifts at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables for the days specified between the hours of 9am and 4pm, weather and conditions permitting. The passes are flexible and allow a one day grace period so you can ski 3 out of 4 days (just in case you need a break one day). The lift pass is also good for use at Mt. Hutt in Canterbury, New Zealand if used within the 4-day period.

(Day 12) - Free Day to Explore Queenstown

Spend a day to relax or explore dynamic Queenstown.

This region is renowned for its incedible adventure activities and spectacular outdoor terrain. You could try skiing, snowboarding, bungy jumping, paragliding, jetboating, sky diving and more! Or, if you want something a little more relaxed, you can choose from numerous family activities, nature experiences, tours and beauty spas. One hundred and forty years after our establishment as a gold mining camp, central Queenstown has transformed into a sophisticated cosmopolitan town, tucked into a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, beneath majestic mountains. There's a permanent buzz in downtown Queenstown, where you'll find a fantastic choice of restaurants, a lively bar scene and excellent shopping.

Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Doubtful Sound

Doubtful Sound is a beautiful fiord; three times longer than Milford Sound and a surface area ten times larger with twisting arms. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your breath away.

<a href="//youtu.be/QTgJ0qbDd-0" target="_blank"><img src="//abt-aus-images.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Doubtful-Sound-New-Zealand.jpg" width="350" height="197" class="alignleft"></a>

The only way you can to get to Doubtful Sound is to cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, followed by a bus trip over Wilmot Pass - New Zealand's most expensive (and majestic) road.
Pause along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening below. This isolation makes this fiord a very special place, only those in the know get to see.
Once you arrive, you will board the Patea Explorer for a 3-hour cruise on Doubtful Sound - a spectacular pristine fiord. During the cruise, your knowledgeable and friendly skipper or nature guide will share with you their passion for the region. They’re always ready to answer questions, point out landmarks and provide all the information about the varied wildlife you may see, including dolphins, fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.
Following the cruise, return to your Queenstown hotel by luxury coach.

<b>Operates:</b>
Daily
Departs 6:55am, Returns 7:30pm (approx.)

<b>Includes:</b>
- Transport by coach to/from Queenstown accommodation
- Lake cruise
- Fjord cruise
- Wildlife viewing
- Insightful commentary by nature guide

<b>Need to Know:</b>
Wear waterproof/warm clothing and non-slip shoes. Please bring sunglasses, sunscreen and camera. Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility. Because of the length of the tour, please bring a packed lunch. Food and drink available for purchase onboard.

Photo Credit: Tourism Media

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Bungy Jumping

The Bungy that got the whole thing started in Queenstown; and then, set Queenstown up as the adventure-tourism capital of the world.

<a href="//youtu.be/gYqjEfa-XG8" target="_blank"><img src="//abt-aus-images.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Nevis-Bungy-Jump-Queenstown-New-Zealand.jpg" width="350" height="197" class="alignleft"></a>

</b>
With the Nevis Highwire Bungy, getting there is half the fun! The experience kicks off with a rugged 35 minute back-blocks 4x4 drive before you get harnessed up and board a shuttle which ferries you to the the Bungy Pod. For many, this would have to be the ultimate challenge. Make no mistake, the Nevis Highwire Bungy is not for the nervous - with a wild 134 metres (440 feet) drop, the river seems to rush towards you faster than you're rushing towards it!

</b>
Once off the edge it's simply a matter of basking in the glory of what you have achieved, as well as coming to grips with the 8 ½ seconds of freefall! Tour is 4 hours in duration.

Day 13 (Sun) - Shuttle Transfer, Hotel to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand, to the Airport.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

Day 13 (Sun) - New Zealand Domestic Flight from Queenstown to Auckland

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Queenstown to Auckland (North Island).

Day 13 cont (Sun) - International Flight from Auckland to Los Angeles

Today depart Auckland and fly to the USA. Enjoy an in-flight dinner and movie with arrival in the USA. Note: you will be traveling back across the International Date Line. Gain that day back you lost on the way over, you actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Auckland.

Note: Flight may include a stop over in Australia.