Pilgrimage to Sydney & New Zealand
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Pilgrimage to Sydney & New Zealand
Pilgrimage Overview
Join us on a Pilgrimage to Sydney & New Zealand with Fr. Bruce Osborn and Alicia Policaprio!
DAY 1
Depart USA
Today we take our flights to Sydney with beverages and snacks served aloft.
DAY 2
Flight to Sydney
Flights cover multiple days due to time change. We will gain a day back on our flight home.
DAY 3
Arrive Sydney
Welcome to Sydney! We are greeted by our Holy Land Travel Center Representative and begin our pilgrimage by attending Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral before we transfer to our hotel for check in. Afternoon free to explore Sydney on your own.
DAY 4
Sydney
We begin our tour as we travel back in time to Sydney’s oldest village – the Rocks- where the Sisters of Saint Joseph had houses of providence. Australia’s most historic enclave sits in the shadow of the Harbor Bridge and exhibits the heritage of two centuries in its narrow twisting streets. While in the Rocks we will pass by St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and you’ll have the opportunity to stop for breathtaking views and photos from under the Harbor Bridge. Your route takes you past historic Paddington, a trendy artists’ haven of steep hills and Victorian homes, and then on to the Royal Australian Naval Base at Garden Island.
DAY 5
Sydney
Today we will spend time at Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney. We will tour the museum and attend Mass in the Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel. We take a harbor dinner cruise and tour the beautiful waterfront of Sydney before we end the day in Bondi Beach. Free time for souvenir shopping.
DAY 6
Depart Sydney
Today we board our flights to Christchurch. Flight time is around 3.5 hours nonstop but with time change, we will arrive in Christchurch in the afternoon. Upon arrival we are greeted by our Holy Land Travel Center Representative and transfer to our hotel for overnight.
DAY 7
Christchurch Highlights
Today we will explore Akaraoa and the Banks Peninsula. The well-signed posted tourist routes will guide us on a loop around the peninsula and through some spectacular and rugged farmland scenery. The town of Akaroa has a rather French feel with many flags flying and cottages and streets with distinctly non-kiwi names. Freetime here before returning to Christchurch.
DAY 8
Depart Christchurch
Leaving Christchurch early, you will cross the vast Canterbury Plains as you head South, crossing many braided rivers that start their life as glacial melt water high in the Southern Alps. New Zealand’s longest bridge at Rakaia crosses such an example. Pass through the towns of Timaru followed by Oamaru, most famous for its buildings constructed with the unique locally quarried white stone. Continue along the coast and into the city of Dunedin. Upon arrival in Dunedin we transfer to St. Patrick’s Basilica. Here we hold Mass before transferring to our hotel for overnight.
DAY 9
Depart Dunedin
We spend this morning at Larnach Castle & Gardens before travelling to Queenstown. Our road will follow the South Islands longest river, the Clutha River. The Kawarau River carves a steep and rugged gorge through to Gibbston where some of the finest Pinot Noirs can be samples. We continue through Lake Hayes and arrive into the bustling alpine adventure town of Queenstown.
DAY 10
Milford Sound
Today we drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. After a mass at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Te Anau, we continue along the spectacular Milford Road. We take time for photo stops and short walks along the way. On reaching Milford Sound, we board a modern, spacious vessel for a leisurely cruise in the fjord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy the waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and wildlife of Milford Sound, including Mitre Peak and Pembroke Glacier.
DAY 11
Queenstown
Today we will take an in-depth exploration of the Wakatipu Basin. Travel to the Shotover Gorge, Skippers Canyon Saddle and the Wakatipu Basin lookout at Coronet Peak for spectacular views. Take a break in historic and charming Arrowtown for a tea or coffee at one of the great local cafes, then wander the streets as you learn about the gold mining history and the Chinese settlement in the area. Next along to view those dare devils who enjoy jumping off bridges with only a bungy to keep them safe. You will also visit Kawarau Gorge and one of the vineyards in the renowned Gibbston region. This evening we enjoy a quintessential Kiwi dinner onboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship. Afterwards we will watch a sheepherding demonstration back on the farm before returning to our hotel for overnight.
DAY 12
Depart to Auckland
Today we board our flights to Auckland, upon arrival we transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 13
Auckland
Today we transfer to Hobbiton the Movie set from the popular franchise, The Lord of the Rings. On our drive there we go through lush farmland and dairy pastures of the Waikato Region. The Bombay Hills mark the outer boundary of the greater Auckland area. In Hobbiton we will be taken through Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and the Party Tree while our guide shares behind-the-scenes tales and insights into the making of the films.
DAY 14
Return Home
Today we board our return flights home with memories and keepsakes that will last a lifetime!
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Roundtrip Flights
- Excursions per itinerary
- 11 Nights Accommodation
- All Meals per Itinerary
- Professional Catholic Tour Guides
- Luxury Motor Coach
- Spiritual Director
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Passport and Visas (Refer to the section below for Passports or Visas help)
- Gratuities
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend that all travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect themselves and their trip investment. Travel protection plans can provide coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation, trip delay, baggage delay, and more. Please go to the link below to learn more Click here for Travel Insurance Details.
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