Sample some of the South Pacific’s great wines in New Zealand & Australia!

Known as the ‘City of Sails’ and nestled between two harbors and a gulf full of islands, Auckland is as much about the sea as it is about the land. As New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland has a population of approximately one million people and thrives as a hub of creative colorful local culture with an eclectic mix of people. 
See first hand why Auckland is known as the City of Sails as you enjoy a trip over the Harbour Bridge. Visit the famous Auckland landmark of Mount Eden, a dormant volcano whose summit offers excellent panoramic views of the city and harbors. From this fantastic vantage point you will see evidence of Auckland’s volcanic history, the most significant being the youngest volcano of Rangitoto Island at the entrance to the Waitemata Harbour .  Enjoy a ferry ride across to Waiheke Island for a guided tour of three wineries where you can sample the wines and enjoy delicious finger food.
From Auckland, fly to Sydney.  Sydney is a cosmopolitan world city surrounded by iconic beaches, World Heritage areas, lush hinterland and acclaimed wine regions.  A trip to Sydney is not complete without a visit to the world class wineries of the Hunter Valley. Travel through the historic Rocks area before crossing over the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge. Wind your way through the leafy Northern Suburbs, and then escape through the brilliant sandstone outcrops of Ku-ring-gai National Park to reach the mighty Hawkesbury River. Stop for a traditional Aussie morning tea deep in the bush and then continue on to the historic township of Wollombi, famous for its local brew called Dr Jurd’s Jungle Juice.  From Mt View descend into the Hunter Valley and begin wine tasting at a few of the very special boutique wineries in the area. Chat to the owners, admire their cottage locations and let them show off the best of their vintages.  At the foothills of the Broken Back Range, enjoy a sumptuous lunch and then spend the afternoon visiting some of the larger vineyards for more superb wine tasting.
There is plenty of leisure time to discover a bountiful of experiences that each city offers.

INCLUSIONS

• Round-trip airfare on Qantas Airways from Los Angeles to Auckland & Sydney
• Three nights Hyatt Regency Auckland, Guest Room
• Three nights Sydney Harbour Marriott, City View Room
• Full-day Auckland City, Harbour & Waiheke Island Wine Tour
• Full-day Hunter Valley Vintage Wine Tour
• Applicable fuel surcharge

Departures June 9, 2010 - July 23, 2010
Price per person Twin Share from $1789

Departures July 24, 2010 - September 21, 2010
Price per person Twin Share from $1569

Gateway add-ons:
$125   Las Vegas (NV), Reno (NV), San Diego (CA)
$240   Phoenix (AZ),  Tuscon (AZ)
$255   Seattle (WA)
$290   Eugene (OR), Spokane (WA), Portland (OR)
$365   Albuquerque (NM), Boise (ID), Denver (CO), Houston (TX), Oklahoma (OK), Billings (MT), Dallas (TX)
$400   Cleveland (OH), Columbus (OH), Chicago (IL),  Detroit (MI),  Minneapolis (MN)
$425   Jacksonville (FL),  Orlando (FL), Washington (DC), Birmingham (AL), New York (NY), Memphis (TN), Charlotte (NC), Boston (MA), Atlanta (GA), Philadelphia (PA), Charleston (SC)
Please ask for applicable add-on when booking.  Other cities available

REF:  Frommers