South Pacific Wonders

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To add your name to the waiting list, please email booking@jaybeetravel.com or call (218) 409-6188 with your name, contact information, and number of people in your party. We will contact you if and/or when a cancellation occurs.

South Pacific Wonders

January 4–18, 2028

See what life is like “Down Under” on this incredible journey along the coast of Australia and through New Zealand’s South Island. From the tropical splendor of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to the ethereal beauty of New Zealand’s glacial fjords, enjoy the best of the South Pacific.
Accommodations

We'll forward your room request to the hotel, but assignments are made at each property's discretion and can't be guaranteed. If your tour includes multiple stays, your preference may be honored at one property, all of them, or none. A standard double room usually consists of two small beds joined with a mattress topper to create a queen or king. A single room has one queen or king bed. Check-in is typically after 3:00 p.m., and early check-in is uncommon. If you arrive before your room is ready, the hotel may store your luggage — sometimes for a fee, and they aren't responsible for lost or stolen items. At check-in you may be asked for a credit card or passport for incidentals, with any extra charges settled at check-out. Hotel membership programs don't apply. Hotels are in city areas and generally offer a concierge, bars and restaurants, room service, pools, and gyms. Rooms may be smaller than you're used to at home. Air conditioning and heating are often centrally controlled and operate seasonally — not all hotels have air conditioning, and those that do may not cool to the degree you expect. Amenities vary by property. For specifics like hair dryers, safes, or Wi-Fi, check the hotel name in your final travel documents or look it up online.

On-Tour Transportation

Australia and New Zealand are large countries, and seeing the best of them means covering distance. This itinerary uses internal flights across Australia's regions, while most overland travel happens in New Zealand, where the scenic drives are part of the experience. Flights connect major cities so you can see more in a limited timeframe. Some depart early morning or later in the evening to protect your included experiences. Motorcoaches handle regional travel and scenic drives. Our coaches are temperature-controlled. Some have a toilet, but it's for emergency use only, and some local laws require the vehicle to stop. Charging outlets may not be available, so we recommend bringing a portable power bank. Expect several long drives, mostly in New Zealand — including two transfer days of eight hours or more, and a full thirteen-hour day at Milford Sound beginning early and ending in the evening. It's long, but it's also one of the most memorable parts of the tour. Change your seat, change your view. At least once a day, your Tour Manager will ask everyone to change seats, so every traveler enjoys a variety of views and gets to know the group. Single travelers may be seated next to another traveler depending on availability. In fairness to all, there are no exceptions.

Culinary Experiences

Dining Food is one of the best ways to experience a place, and your tour includes many meals as outlined in your itinerary. We've chosen restaurants that showcase local ingredients and regional flavors. Australia is known for fresh produce prepared in fusion styles drawing on European and Asian influences, often featuring native ingredients. Seafood is excellent along the coast, and locally grilled steak and lamb are everywhere — though you'll rarely see barbecue on restaurant menus, since "the Barbie" is more of a home tradition. Adventurous eaters can try kangaroo or emu. Australia is also the world's fourth-largest wine exporter, with outstanding bold reds like Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. New Zealand cuisine is often called "Pacific Rim," blending European, Asian, and Polynesian influences. The lamb is world-renowned, and the seafood is exceptionally fresh — salmon, mussels, scallops, and local shellfish like tuatua and pipi. Sauvignon Blanc is the standout wine, with excellent Pinot Noir and Riesling as well. For meals not included, your Tour Manager can recommend places that suit your taste.

Professional Tour

Your tour is designed to be comprehensive, stress-free, and memorable. The following are included in your guided journey. Tour Manager — oversees the daily operation of your itinerary and provides guidance and support throughout. Transportation — for all scheduled touring as outlined in your itinerary. Some areas are best explored on foot or aren't accessible by vehicle. Hotel luggage handling for one main bag. Admission to attractions as outlined in your itinerary. Meals as outlined in your itinerary. Water and soft drinks are included with all lunches and dinners, and dinners include a choice of beer or wine unless local customs prohibit alcohol. Additional beverages may be purchased. Gratuities for included meals and local guides. Gratuities for your Tour Manager and primary motorcoach driver are not included — see below. Tour documents bundle including your personalized name badge and luggage tags. Please wear your badge at your first group event and throughout the tour — it helps fellow travelers get to know you and lets your Tour Manager spot you in larger groups. Radio and headset — distributed by your Tour Manager at the start of the tour. Wear them on sightseeing so you can hear your guides clearly, and bring them with you each day. They're collected on your final evening, and you'll be charged a replacement fee if they aren't returned.

Wallet & Backpack

Deluxe documents wallet and backpack to keep you organized.

Trip Itinerary

*times are subject to change, please watch for emails close to the event for updated information.
(B) Breakfast | (L) Lunch | (D) Dinner

January 04, 2028: Depart from Home
Cross the International Dateline, skipping a day ahead, and begin your adventure of a lifetime.
Jan 06, 2028, Cairns, Australia | Bailey Hotel
Welcome to Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions and a World Heritage site, the Great Barrier Reef. Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. (D)
Jan 07, 2028, Cairns | Bailey Hotel
Come to know the history of Australia’s original inhabitants at the Rainforestation Nature Park, where an Indigenous Pamagirri guide will show you some of their oldest customs and traditions. Enjoy an “Aussie” barbecue lunch before visiting Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to see crocodiles on a nature cruise. Head through rainforests on boardwalks to see animals such as birds, reptiles, and wallabies. Visit with a koala and chat with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these marsupials. (B, L)
Jan 08, 2028, Cairns - Great Barrier Reef - Cairns | Bailey Hotel
Board a high-speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the reef from your base on Green Island. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride, stroll the island’s walking trails, relax on the beach, snorkel, or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, an optional outer reef tour is also available. (B, L)
Jan 09, 2028, Cairns - Sydney | Novotel Sydney
The morning is yours. Enjoy your last few hours in Cairns by relaxing and taking in the tropical atmosphere and surrounding neighborhood. Then, fly to the bustling city of Sydney. (B, D)
Jan 10, 2028, Sydney | Novotel Sydney Darling Square
See where English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, and the Botanic Gardens. Take an expert-led tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Then, have the chance to join a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. Our city tour of Sydney will conclude around 3:00 p.m. You are free to explore the city for the remainder of the day, perhaps booking a show at the Opera House. (B)
Jan 11, 2028, Sydney | Novotel Sydney Darling Square
Embrace the exciting city of Sydney during a day of independent exploration. Tonight, say farewell to Australia while on a dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour, departing from the hotel at 4:30 p.m. Marvel at the scenic vistas of the harbor, showcasing Sydney’s magnificent skyline, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. Tomorrow, the journey to New Zealand begins. (B, D)
Jan 12, 2028, Sydney - Christchurch, New Zealand | Distinction Christchurch Hotel
This morning, catch a flight to Christchurch. Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, you’ll see firsthand how the city known as the “Garden City” is recreating itself. (B, D)
Jan 13, 2028, Christchurch | Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Start your morning with a city tour of Christchurch. Then, pay a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. A leader in the conservation of New Zealand species, Willowbank offers the chance to view New Zealand’s “Big 5” – the Kiwi, the Kea, the Tuatara, the Kaka, and the Takahe – up close and personal. Then, learn about the local Indigenous culture of the Maori with a paddle on the Avon River in a traditional waka (canoe). Our scheduled activities will conclude at 1:30 p.m. Continue your exploration of Christchurch with the rest of the day free. (B)
Jan 14, 2028, Christchurch - Queenstown | Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Depart Christchurch and trek south to Queenstown during a full day of travel. Known as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” Queenstown is nestled against a picturesque bay and snowcapped mountains. Arrive in Queenstown in the evening in time for dinner. (B, D)
Jan 15, 2028, Queenstown | Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Cruise Lake Wakatipu surrounded by Queenstown’s stunning landscape aboard an iconic coal-fired steamship.* Then, enjoy a lakeside “Kiwi” barbecue lunch, followed by a sheepdog demonstration, before sailing back. Later, take a gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak** for stunning panoramic views of the area. This evening is yours to enjoy charming Queenstown. Get some good rest ahead of a long day of travel tomorrow. (B, L)
Jan 16, 2028, Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown | Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley as you travel through an ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. Cruise Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on South Island. Following your cruise, you may choose to return to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. (B, L)
Jan 17, 2028, Queenstown | Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
A free day offers an optional tour taking you through the majestic Queenstown countryside, showcasing the region’s gold mining history and many locations where blockbuster movies have been filmed, or perhaps you’ll want to shop and people-watch in the village. At 6:00 p.m., we will depart from the hotel for our farewell dinner. (B, D)
Jan 18, 2028, Queenstown - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Queenstown. (B)

For even more information about this tour click HERE  

NOTE: The features, itinerary, and hotels shown for this tour are based on 2026 departures and may be subject to change for 2028 departures.

Pricing

Single Traveler
Occupancy
$12,579/person
Double Traveler
Occupancy
$10,979/person

*Pricing includes land only, airfare will be available in September of 2026.

Additional Activity Options

Jan 08, 2028 | Cairns - Great Barrier Reef - Cairns

Hot Air Balloon Over the Hinterlands | +$349

5.5 Hours Transportation Included

Float in a hot air balloon over blue gum and paperbark trees, taking in the wide-open landscapes of the Atherton Tablelands in the early morning light. Watch in wonder as the balloons inflate and rise into the sky. Have your camera ready to capture the colors of dawn as they illuminate the lush rainforest and pastureland below. Keep an eye out for birds and wildlife, which are most active in these tranquil hours.

This option can be booked up to 24 hours prior to departure.

Departures for hot air ballooning vary by season. Travelers flying between October and March will leave the hotel at 3:45 a.m. Travelers flying between April and September will depart at 4:15 a.m. After the ballooning experience, travelers will continue directly to the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal for the Great Barrier Reef tour. There will be no opportunity to return to the hotel beforehand, so please bring your swimsuit, towel, water, and sunscreen with you. You will need to be able to climb in and out of the balloon basket unassisted to participate in this option. The basket is 1.2 meters in height with two foot holds in the side to use like a step ladder to aid in climbing into and out of the basket.

The Outer Reef Experience | +$169

9 Hours 1 Passengers Minimum Transportation Included

Jump in and explore a vibrant, colorful world teeming with life at the Moore Reef at the very center of the Great Barrier Reef. This massive reef system, the largest in the world, can actually be seen from space. Cruise across the water by catamaran to the Great Adventures pontoon where a diverse, bountiful ecosystem is yours to discover. Snorkel straight off the pontoon into crystal-clear waters, surrounded by coral gardens and tropical marine life or enjoy watching the fish feeding from the unique underwater platform. Explore the vibrant reef from the comfort of the air-conditioned semi-submersible coral viewing tour with informative commentary. You’re sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience exploring one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

The swell of the ocean on the pontoon can be high at certain times of the day and can be intimidating for swimmers who are not confident in the water. There are life jackets and lifeguards on duty, and rest stations in the water for when swimmers need a break. Lunch is included. The journey to and from the pontoon from Cairns is 120 minutes each way.

Scenic Flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown | +$329

1 Hours 2 Passengers Minimum Transportation Included

Soar over the plunging cliffs, snowfields, and alpine lakes of the pristine Southern Alps on a flightseeing plane that carries you back from Milford Sound to Queenstown. Seeing Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park from the air will give you a whole new perspective on the overwhelming beauty of this region. You’ll be captivated by 9000-foot peaks and frozen lakes that can only be seen from above. Enjoy amazing views and skip the lengthy return coach ride to Queenstown. A truly spectacular trip!

Availability for flightseeing is extremely limited and we highly recommend booking this experience in advance, as space cannot be guaranteed whilst in destination. This optional tour is available to book both pre-departure and on-site. This option opera

Availability for flightseeing is extremely limited and we highly recommend booking this experience in advance, as space cannot be guaranteed whilst in destination. Please advise us of your weight upon booking, as plane and seat allocations require this. Any travelers over 286 pounds/130 kilograms will need pre-approval from the vendor. Duration: 40 minutes.

Gold Seeker - Metal and Movie Discovery Tour | +$189

4 Hours 10 Passengers Minimum Transportation Included

Embark on an off-road adventure in a four-wheel jeep through the primeval, mystical landscapes of the New Zealand high country. In the vastness of an unspoiled wilderness, become lost in the grandeur of New Zealand’s South Island – a world immortalized in film in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Trek to the place where “otherworldly” feels like the only fitting word – the Remarkable Mountains, and the gateway to Skipper Canyon. Across roads created by pioneers 150 years ago, follow the miner’s old wagon trail along the Arrow River, and stop to try your hand at panning for gold. Brace yourself for heart-pounding moments as you drive along narrow mountain roads with sheer drops, a route as thrilling as it is scenic. Discover something incredible around every dramatic turn, narrow, and twist of this thrilling safari tour.

If you choose to cancel this option within 48 hours of the excursion date, payment is non-refundable.

This tour is not exclusive to Collette, and there may be up to 6 travelers per jeep. This excursion travels over bumpy and uneven terrain. Travelers should be prepared for a rough, but exciting, ride.

Pre-Tour Extensions

Bailey Hotel by Crystalbrook Pre-Night
1 Night
230/person
  • Jan 05, 2028 | Wednesday

*Pricing includes land only, airfare will be available in September of 2026.

Post-Tour Extensions

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Post Night
1 Night
480/person
  • January 18, 2028 | Tuesday
3-Night Fiji Post-Tour Extensions
4 Days | 3 Nights
1,699/person
  • January 18, 2028 | Tuesday

3-Night Fiji Post-Tour Extensions

Included in this extension:

3 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner Room: Double Transportation: Land & Air Inclusive
Jan 18, 2028: Queenstown, New Zealand - Nadi, Fiji
Arrive in the beautiful tropical paradise of Fiji. Fijians are warm and friendly, with a welcoming, vibrant culture. The expansive sandy beaches and clear ocean waters draw travelers from around the world. Now’s your time to sit back and recharge from your South Pacific journey.
Jan 19, 2028, Fiji
Your day is free to discover everything that your resort has to offer. Relax by the beach and pool, or choose one of the many fun, adventurous activities available to you from the hotel activities desk. The friendly concierge will help you get the most out of your time. Tonight, enjoy a lovely dinner.
Jan 20, 2028, Fiji
Enjoy another day of rest and relaxation. Today is your final day in Fiji to unwind before returning home.
Jan 21, 2028, Fiji - Extension Ends
Your time in Fiji comes to an end today. Enjoy your day room until 6:00 p.m., before you board your flight back home.

Please Note

The overall activity level of this extension is a level 1. This means you can handle at least one flight of stairs, board a coach, and walk unassisted at a relaxed pace for up to 60 minutes without difficulty, covering up to one mile. You can easily handle altitudes up to 5,000 feet.

This is a Hosted Extension. Enjoy a mix of time on your own and some planned tour activities. A local expert is available during part of your stay to guide you during scheduled activities and provide recommendations. In addition, your accommodations, daily breakfast, and any transfers to connect with your main tour are included.

We reserve the right to cancel this extension if a minimum of 6 travelers is not met to operate.

Extensions are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request.

If you require any special assistance while on tour, please make us aware at the time of reservation so the necessary request form can be sent to your attention.

Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Single rate subject to change based on availability.

Departures traveling from June to September have a limited number of day rooms available per departure. These will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

A local representative will accompany you from the airport to the hotel and be available at designated times.

Air inclusive rate is valid for travelers who have purchased our air package for the full tour, depending on the air schedule selected. Rate may vary for those who have purchased their own air.

For air-inclusive reservations, the name provided at time of booking must match your government-issued ID that will be used during travel. Name changes are subject to penalties.

Due to flight schedules, on some departures the optional Fiji extension is 2 nights and is slightly lower priced.

Collette will provide all necessary information, updates, and supporting documents for your travel requirements, including visa and Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs), if required, approximately 60-90 days prior to your departure.

Breakfast is not provided on the last morning for travelers leaving before the hotel breakfast room opens.

Price Drop!

$10,979+/person

Based on double occupancy

To reserve your seat, please fill out the below reservation form to JayBee Travel with a $698 deposit per person. Include an additional $769 if you wish to purchase Travel Insurance.

Booking Payment

If you chose to pay online, you will receive an invoice by email from JayBee Travel to pay electronically. *A 3% service fee will be added for all credit card transactions. Otherwise please send your check to JayBee Travel, 600 E. Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55802.

Cancellation Waiver and Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance is recommended. Optional Travel Protection Insurance is available and due at time of deposit. *Please call for rates (218) 409-6188.

The travel protection program provides comprehensive coverage to safeguard your travel investment - from trip cancellation and interruption, to medical emergencies and baggage protection. For a small additional cost, you can have the invaluable peace of mind knowing you're covered if the unexpected occurs during your travels. per passenger +$769

Have a Question?

Feel free to reach out and we're happy to answer any questions you may have.

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