Hamden Rotary Club Tours - 2023 Pre-Convention Tour

Hamden Rotary Club Tours
2023 Pre-Convention Tour

Grand Australia & New Zealand
May 7-27, 2023

Sunday, May 7 -- Home/Enroute
Depart today from home on your flight to Auckland, New Zealand

Monday, May 8 -- Enroute
Cross the International Date Line

Tuesday, May 9 -- Auckland, New Zealand
Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand! Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Rooms will be ready upon arrival. This afternoon, enjoy an Auckland Highlights sightseeing tour including Queen Street and Viaduct Harbour, view of the Harbour Bridge, Parnell Village and Rose Gardens, Tamaki Drive and Mission Bay. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner with panoramic views of the city. (D)

Wednesday, May 10 -- Auckland / Waitomo / Rotorua
This morning, depart by private coach for Waitomo, a journey of approximately 3 hours across the lush farmlands of the Waikato region. World-renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glow-worm Caves are a highlight in almost everyone’s New Zealand vacation wish list. The Waitomo glow-worm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as our expert guides provide informative commentary on the Cave’s historical and geological significance.

Your guided tour will take you through over 250 meters of stunning underground scenery, commencing with the impressive Cathedral. The acoustics in this cavern are world-renowned. Acclaimed New Zealand diva, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, has sung here and was delighted with the purity of the sound. Your tour begins at the upper entrance of the cave and proceeds along a low narrow passage to the Tomo, a deep limestone shaft. You will learn about the formations and the history of the area. The highlight of your tour is an unrivaled boat trip through the spectacular Glow-worm Grotto. Marvel at Mother Nature’s light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glow-worm Grotto. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow-worm lights. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you will immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by the creatures that light your way.

This afternoon, enjoy a BBQ/buffet lunch at Roselands Farm Restaurant.

After lunch continue on to the Thermal Wonderland and center of Maori culture in New Zealand, Rotorua. Upon arrival there will be a brief orientation tour of the lakefront and Government Gardens followed by check-in to your hotel.

After some time to freshen up, depart your hotel for your evening ‘Mitai’ experience which will give you an authentic introduction to Maori Culture told in dance form. It's a Maori and Island-fusion extravaganza! You'll be enthralled by the natural bush setting. And you'll see warriors in traditional dress paddling an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Waiowhiro stream. During the cultural performance, you’ll learn about their past, carvings, and ta moko (tattoo art). You'll be captivated by the displays of weaponry and combat, coupled with the grace and beauty of the poi dance.  It's an indigenous cultural experience like no other! (B,L,D)

Thursday, May 11 -- Rotorua / Queenstown
After breakfast, check-out of your hotel for a tour of the Te Puia Thermal Reserve, where you will see the boiling mud pools and geysers typical of this geothermally active region. You will visit the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where you can see expert Maori weavers and carvers at work. After the tour, you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Queenstown. Upon arrival, you will be met by your South Island guide and transferred to the hotel. Balance of the day will be at leisure. (B)

Friday, May 12 -- Queenstown / Milford Sound
Travel along the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to Mossburn and Te Anau where there will be a brief stop for refreshment. Travel on through the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park. Photo stops will be made at the Mirror Lakes, the Chasm, Hollyford Valley, and the Homer Tunnel before reaching Milford Sound. Grand, brooding, serene and wild, Milford Sound draws visitors from all over the globe to cruise its length – in wonder. Luxuriant rain forest clings to sheer rock walls washed with waterfalls.  In the foreground stands Miter Peak, a majestic presence dominating the skyline. Enjoy a 2-hour Nature Cruise with an on-board nature guide who will provide an informative and entertaining commentary while you cruise along the majestic fjord, pointing out significant flora and fauna. A picnic lunch is included on board. At the conclusion of the cruise, rejoin your coach for the return journey to Queenstown, arriving in the early evening. (B,L)

Saturday, May 13 -- Queenstown / Dart River Wilderness Safari
This morning, you will head out on a Wilderness Safari that will take you on a spectacular 1.5-hour Jet Boat journey through the Dart River’s ever-changing braided river system. You’ll be thrilled by the Jet Boat’s capabilities including jet spins. Following the boat ride, you’ll have an easy, guided 30 to 40-minute walk through the Heritage Trail at Paradise before beginning a short journey on a 4-wheel drive coach via a scenic back-road route. Along the way, you will be able to view scenery that has formed the epic backdrop for many international films, including The Lord of the Rings.

After our morning wilderness safari, the balance of the day will be at leisure. (B)

Sunday, May 14 -- Queenstown / Franz Josef
After breakfast you will leave Queenstown, passing through the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown and passing by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Dunstan, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea.

After a stop in Makarora on the border of Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park, you’ll travel through the Haast Pass, journeying through native beech forest and over the Southern Alps, before emerging on the West Coast. This remote area has a ruggedly beautiful landscape of vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. Skirt the coast and see waves crashing on rocky beaches before returning inland.

Continuing on, you will pass tree-fringed lakes before arriving in the late afternoon at the small village of Franz Josef where you will check into your hotel and enjoy the local area on your own. (B)

Monday, May 15 -- Franz Josef
The German explorer, Julius von Haast, named this glacier after Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. Located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, it is approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) long. You will visit the Franz Josef Glacier and Peter’s Pool on a leisurely walk. Your local guide will explain the local geography, flora, fauna, history and Maori legends.

This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers. (B,D)

Tuesday, May 16 -- Franz Josef / Christchurch
Enjoy a leisurely start to the day as you head north on a drive to Hokitika, a small township near the mouth of the Hokitika River. Enjoy a stroll through the historic town that was settled after the discovery of gold in the area, and visit a greenstone (pounamu) carving studio. You will have time for lunch (on your own) at one of the casual eateries in town.

After lunch, you will depart Hokitika, traveling alongside the Tasman Sea before turning inland at Kumara. You will start to start the climb towards Arthur’s Pass, traveling over the 440-meter Otira Viaduct with its epic views across the Southern Alps. The alpine Arthur’s Pass Village is at 2424 feet above sea level, and it is here that you will leave your coach to join the TranzAlpine train for the scenic 2-hour journey – described as one of the greatest train journeys in the world – to Christchurch. Upon arrival at Christchurch railway station, you your coach will meet you for the short transfer to your hotel. (B)

Wednesday, May 17 -- Christchurch
After breakfast, enjoy a morning city tour including Mona Vale, Hagley Park, Avon River, the Arts Center, Canterbury Museum and Botanic Garden as well as the views from the Cashmere Hills. Come aboard a classic punt, and an Edwardian punter will pole you quietly past trailing willows, woodlands, and the leafy banks of the Botanic Gardens. The balance of the day is for independent exploring.

Later, you will enjoy a “Farewell to New Zealand” dinner at The Curator’s House in the Botanic Gardens (or similar). (B,D)

Thursday, May 18 -- Christchurch / Sydney, Australia
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Sydney, Australia. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the hotel. You will have time to enjoy Sydney before joining the group for a “Welcome to Australia” dinner. (B,D)

Friday, May 19 -- Sydney 
Today you will enjoy a Sydney sightseeing tour. Driving through the city center, you will see many contrasts – from the traditional Victorian architecture of the Town Hall and the Queen Victoria Building to the modern skyscrapers of the business district; from the sweeping design of the Opera House to the modern developments of Darling Harbour. Drive through the Botanic Garden to Lady Macquarie’s Chair, see St. Mary’s Cathedral and then head out to the exclusive eastern suburbs, passing Kings Cross enroute to Vaucluse and Double Bay. Continue to The Heads, famous Bondi Beach, and historic Paddington with its iron-railed townhouses before returning to Sydney.

This afternoon, you will enjoy a spectacular Sydney Harbor lunch cruise. The cruise ends at Circular Quay, where you will board our waiting coach to the famed Sydney Opera House for our private tour. Visit inside the world's most recognizable sails; a work of art that has become one of the busiest performing arts centers in the world. Our day will end back at the hotel. (B,L)

Saturday, May 20 -- Sydney / Blue Mountains
Your day begins with a visit to the Featherdale Wildlife Park where you will hand-feed kangaroos, see koalas, wombats, emus, dingoes (the native Australian dog), crocodiles, owls, and more. Then we will travel on to the highlight of our day, to discover the dramatic scenery and remarkable beauty of Blue Mountains National Park. From the quaint little village of Leura, you will skirt around Cliff Drive to Katoomba where you will find yourself looking out over the magnificent Jamieson Valley (Australia’s Grand Canyon) and the Three Sisters.

You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (on your own), before our afternoon excursion. After lunch, ride on the Scenic Railway – the world’s steepest train – or the Sceniscender cable car down into the rainforest. Your tickets entitle you to one-way Scenic Railway and one-way Sceniscender. Once you reach the bottom, you will enjoy a walk in the forest and views of the beautiful Three Sisters. After you return to the top, you will head back into the city. (B,L)

Sunday, May 21 -- Sydney / Uluru (Ayers Rock)
This morning you will have breakfast and check-out of the hotel prior to your transfer to the Sydney Domestic Airport for your flight to Ayers Rock Airport.

Upon arrival, your will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, enjoy the Kata-Tjuta tour to learn about and appreciate the geological history of the area. Walk into Walpa Gorge (formerly known as Olga Gorge), a sacred area for aboriginal men, that is like an ancient temple crafted by nature. Walpa Gorge is a desert refuge for plants and animals, like wallaroo.

The rocky track gently rises along a moisture rich gully, passing inconspicuous rare plants and ends at a grove of flourishing spearwood. Experience the sheerness of the walls and the vastness of the landscape. This area is just as holy to its aboriginal caretakers as Uluru, located just 45 kilometers away. The rocks of Kata Tjuta are even more ancient than those of Uluru. They have been subject to so much tectonic stress over the millennia, that the mud bearing the hard nuggets of sandstone has also long been compressed into stone. The resulting conglomeration resembles chunks of candy studded with nuts and nougats.

You will travel back to the hotel and enroute stop at the Dune Viewing Area. Dune-top platforms provide seating, shade and visitor information. The area offers spectacular panoramic views of Kata Tjuta and the sand dunes.

This evening, enjoy the Sounds of Silence dinner. Entered into the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame, Sounds of Silence is a truly unique Outback experience – this is the best of the Red Centre distilled into a magical four hours. A special location is chosen and guests are escorted shortly before sundown into the desert. A didgeridoo echoes across the magical landscape as you enjoy canapes. Witness the spectacular sunset and feast on Northern Territory delights, including barramundi, kangaroo, emu, crocodile, bush salads, and classic Australian deserts. Attention then turns to some of the world’s best stargazing with the assistance of our resident astronomer. After dinner, you will be transferred back to the hotel. (B.D)

Monday, May 22 -- Uluru (Ayers Rock) / Alice Springs

Your spectacular morning begins before dawn, watching the sunrise over Uluru. Many describe this as a spiritual experience, and it is one you will not soon forget. The color changes result from the effects of the earth’s atmosphere on the sun’s incoming rays. The ash, dust particles, and water vapor in the earth’s atmosphere act as a filter that removes the blue light from the incoming rays of the sun, allowing the redder light through at different times of day. Reflections from the rock and clouds in the sky enhance the vivid colors.

You will return to the hotel for breakfast and get ready for the rest of your day.

After breakfast, you will head out on a Mala Walk, a 2-kilometer journey that takes about one hour. You will learn about The Mala people, who came from the north and saw Uluru, and decided to stay to have religious ceremonies there. You will learn about the Anangu culture along this walk and will take in examples of their traditional rock art. And, you will experience the sheer vertical walls of Uluru and the profound peacefulness of the area.

After leaving the Mala Walk you will continue to Alice Springs with stops enroute. This evening, enjoy a truly unique and authentic experience. Become immersed in the spirit and grandeur that is the Australian Outback. From the moment you step off the coach you'll be captivated by the setting sun exploding in a ray of color adrift the great expanse of the Northern Territory sky. Underneath a chandelier of stars, an authentic bush balladeer sings timeless Australian songs. The music delights and captivates all who listen. Throughout the night, the Aussie Bush Bar serves a supply of bottled red or white wine, beer, or soft drinks along with impeccable food, including a tantalizing selection of unique Australian cuisine. (B,D)

Tuesday, May 23 -- Alice Springs / Cairns

Enjoy a city tour during which you will hear how Alice Springs began as a radio repeater station along the Overland Telegraph Line. Visit the School of the Air, and explore the Telegraph Station - the site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs - and learn how it relayed messages between Darwin and Adelaide for 60 years. Visit the headquarters of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which delivers medical services to those who live and work in remote rural Australia. Your day in Alice Springs ends at the airport for your flight to Cairns. Upon arrival in Cairns, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (B)

Wednesday, May 24 -- Cairns / Kuranda

This morning, depart your hotel for a full day at Kuranda and Rainforestation. Arrive at Freshwater Rail Station and then it is “All Aboard” for the historic rail journey. The original Kuranda Scenic Railway is a spectacular trip comprising unsurpassed views of the World Heritage Listed rainforest, steep ravines and picturesque waterfalls within the Barron Gorge National Park. Constructed between 1882 and 1891 it is considered an engineering feat of tremendous magnitude. Hundreds of men were employed to build the 15 hand-made tunnels and 37 bridges that stand as a monument to the pioneers of tropical North Queensland. The journey takes in 34 kilometers of breathtaking tropical rainforest within the park. You will travel onboard original historic carriages passing spectacular waterfalls, deep ravines, winding tunnels, and views to the Pacific Ocean that are sure to create fantastic memories and great photographs. The journey ends in Kuranda, principal town of the Atherton Tablelands.

Once you arrive at beautiful Kuranda Station, you have ample time to explore the many and varied shops as well as the Heritage Markets which operate daily. Next, you will continue to Rainforestation, set in 40 hectares of lush gardens and tropical rainforest, and where  a number of unique attractions await you. Board the unusual amphibious Army Duck for a different look at the rainforest. An experienced guide will show you unique tropical fruits, ancient rainforest plants and point out a number of native animals as you meander through the rainforest.

Join the Dreamtime Walk for an insight into ancient Aboriginal Culture. The Pamagirri Dancers perform a range of native dances in the Rainforest Amphitheatre that reflects their humor and excitement about their culture. A delicious BBQ lunch is included.

At your pre-allocated time, you’ll journey over and through the World Heritage protected rainforest via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Your Boarding Pass is your ticket for this iconic rainforest experience that includes time at both Red Peak and Barron Falls stations, with spectacular lookouts. Or, you may choose to visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre. Complimentary guided boardwalk tours are offered throughout the day at Red Peak Station. After arriving at the Smithfield Skyrail terminal, you will be transferred to your hotel. (B,L)

Thursday, May 25 -- Cairns / Great Barrier Reef

This morning, transfer to Cairns Marina for your Great Barrier Reef Cruise. Set sail aboard your luxury 32-meter sailing catamaran, for a day to remember with a wide range of activities to fully experience Michaelmas Cay’s unique reef environment - a picturesque, vegetated sand cay encircled by a spectacular reef teeming with colorful marine life. A bird lover’s delight, it is also a most important protected National Park sanctuary for migratory birds. Snorkel, cruise in the semi-submersible for a diver’s view of the reef, watch the fish-feeding presentation, and explore the island. Soak up the tropical atmosphere under the sails and enjoy a leisurely day on the Great Barrier Reef! (B,L)

Friday, May 26 -- Cairns / Daintree & Mossman

Your day begins with a visit to Mossman Gorge where you will learn fascinating secrets of one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests. Sip morning tea before boarding your shuttle for the transfer into the gorge. Your driver/guide will take you for a guided walk, sharing their knowledge of this enchanting rainforest environment.

Next take a Daintree River Cruise to gain an understanding of this wildlife environment with its habitat of birds, tree snakes, unique plants and, of course!, the estuarine crocodile. With special access at a private rainforest property, enjoy a short walk along a delightful rainforest creek before a delicious tropical lunch. Choice of quality steak, fish or vegetarian meal with fresh salads and fruit platter, followed by coffee or Daintree Tea.  This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Saturday, May 27 -- Cairns / Melbourne

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Melbourne, site of the 2023 International Rotary Convention. Upon arrival in Melbourne, you will be required to make independent arrangements to transfer to your hotel.

Ask at the time of reservation and we will be happy to arrange ground transportation for you to your specific Rotary Hotel at an additional cost. (B)