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Crescent 2026-27 Trips:     Steamboat Flag                     


Australia & New Zealand Fall Adventure Trip
May 7-25, 2027
Optional Pre- and/or Post-trip Excursions



Join the Nashville Ski Club and our friends from across the Crescent Ski Council for an epic autumn journey through the wonders of the South Pacific! This is an exciting trip exploring the landscapes, wildlife, and cultures of Australia and New Zealand.

Trip registration opens June 15, 2026 at 11 AM CT.

Download the Official Trip Flyer which includes a day-by-day itinerary.
Download the Trip Signup Form & Instructions
The last page of the signup form lists significant additional discounts you do not want to miss!


Main Trip Highlights

IMPORTANT: This exclusive adventure is limited to a maximum of only 42 travelers across the entire Crescent Council. We don’t want our Nashville club members to miss out. Be sure to submit your registration and deposit early!

Our 17-day journey (plus travel days) takes us through six iconic locations across two countries:
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Australia: Reefs & Harbors

Cairns: Visit a working crocodile farm at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures and explore the "underwater wonderland" of the Outer Great Barrier Reef.  Additional tours, such as skyrail and a hot air balloon ride, are available options.

Sydney: Walk the historic "Rocks" district, cruise the harbor, and take a guided tour of the world-famous Sydney Opera House. You can even climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge!
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New Zealand: Fiords & Culture

Te Anau: Journey into Fiordland National Park for a breathtaking cruise through Milford Sound, with the option of a jetboat ride.

Queenstown & Arrowtown: Explore a historic gold-mining town, visit local wineries, and board a historic steamer across Lake Wakatipu.

Rotorua: Discover natural geysers and thermal pools, learn about Maori traditions during a visit to the Ohinemutu community, and take Skyline Gondola to the top of Mount Ngongotaha for dinner taking in all the panoramic view.

Auckland: Finish with a hands-on sailing experience during a cruise in Auckland Harbor and a farewell dinner with your club friends.
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Optional Tours for the Main Trip



These optional tours may be booked on-site only, unless otherwise noted.

All tours accept the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover.  American Express is NOT accepted for any of these tours. Be sure your credit card does not charge foreign transaction fees!  (Many cards with no annual fees do charge a fee.  Discover is an exception to that.)

Tour Description Tour Length &
Included Meals
Approximate
Price in USD
Hot Air Balloon Cairns

Enjoy the picturesque landscape at dawn. Spend 30 minutes floating in your hot air balloon above
the Atherton Tablelands while you take time to really breathe in the wide-open spaces.
Early morning
5 hours
$315 pp 
Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight

Admire views of the Great Barrier Reef as you tour the natural wonder in a helicopter.
10 minutes $135 pp
Pamagirri Experience, Skyrail & Kuranda Village

Travel to Rainforest Station Nature Park to visit Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience including a dreamtime
walk and dance show. Explore Kuranda and have lunch at your leisure. Board the Skyrail to ride above
the canopy of the rainforest en-route to the village of Kuranda. Motor coach transfer back to the hotel.
Half Day $130 pp
Jet-Boat Ride

Explore the untouched wilderness in the heart of Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Area on the
South Island of New Zealand.
1 hour $110 pp
Te Pula

Enjoy a guided tour that includes a visit to the New Zealand national Carving and Weaving schools, Kiwi
House, and followed by a visit to the mud pools and geysers before the sun goes down. The evening
begins with the Te Po experience with an authentic Maori welcome ceremony, warrior's challenge, and
Kapa Haka (performing arts) concert. Tonight you will taste the traditional dishes of a Maori feast.
4 hours
with dinner
$162 pp

Optional Extensions: Go Further!

Pre-Trip: Melbourne & The Outback (5 Nights)
Depart U.S. on May 2nd.

Begin your journey with time in Melbourne, one of Australia’s most dynamic and culture-rich cities. While here, explore the city’s elegant gardens, lively markets, and iconic neighborhoods that reflect its blend of British heritage and modern flair. Guided sightseeing introduces you to Melbourne’s highlights, while free time allows you to explore cafés, museums, or the scenic Yarra River area at your own pace.

From Melbourne, travel into Australia’s Red Centre to experience the vast landscapes and cultural history of the Outback. In Alice Springs, gain insight into life in remote Australia through visits that highlight communication, medical services, and education across the continent’s interior. The journey continues to Uluru (Ayers Rock), where you’ll stand before this immense natural landmark considered sacred by the Aboriginal Anangu people. As the sun sets, watch the rock change colors across the desert horizon, a truly memorable Outback experience.

This pre-trip extension offers a deep contrast between Australia’s sophisticated city life and its rugged interior, adding cultural context and dramatic scenery before the main Australia & New Zealand itinerary begins.
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The Optional Outback Pre-Trip Extension



This optional tour may be booked on-site only, unless otherwise noted.

This tour accepts the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover.  American Express is NOT accepted for this tour. Be sure your credit card does not charge foreign transaction fees!  (Many cards with no annual fees do charge a fee.  Discover is an exception to that.)

Tour Description Tour Length &
Included Meals
Approximate
Price in USD
Desert Park Experience

Set in the foothills of the MacDonnell Ranges, 10 minutes from the center of
Alice Springs, the Desert Park uncovers the secrets of Australia's deserts, 
presenting the plants & animals within three unique desert habitals. It is
home to more than 400 animals and 400 species of plants including rare
and endangered species. One of the highlights of the park is feeding of
the birds of prey.

10 travelers are required in order to operate this tour.
Half Day $65 pp 

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Post-Trip: Fiji Tropical Paradise (4 Nights)
Return to U.S. on May 29th.

Conclude your adventure with a relaxing stay in Fiji, a South Pacific island nation known for its turquoise waters, palm-lined beaches, and warm hospitality. After the fast-paced discoveries of Australia and New Zealand, Fiji provides a peaceful setting to unwind and reflect on your journey.

While in Fiji, spend time enjoying the natural beauty of the islands and learning about local culture. Visits to a traditional village offer the opportunity to meet local residents and learn how Fijians live, work, and maintain long-standing customs. A visit to an ecological preserve introduces you to native wildlife and conservation efforts important to preserving Fiji’s natural environment.

A cultural cooking experience adds flavor to the extension, providing insight into local cuisine and everyday life. Ample leisure time allows you to relax by the beach or simply enjoy the laid-back pace that defines island living.

This post-trip extension is ideal for travelers who would like to end their journey on a calm and scenic note, combining cultural encounters with time to rest and recharge

Fiji Post-Trip Extension



This optional tour may be booked on-site only, unless otherwise noted.

This tour accepts the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover.  American Express is NOT accepted for this tour. Be sure your credit card does not charge foreign transaction fees!  (Many cards with no annual fees do charge a fee.  Discover is an exception to that.)

Tour Description Tour Length &
Included Meals
Approximate
Price in USD
Island & Reef Day Sail

Join us on an optional full-day tour within the Mamanuca Islands.  With crystal-clear turquoise waters,
soft white sands, and vibrant coral reefs, Kadavu Lailai Beach is the perfect spot to snorkel, dive,
paddle, or simply relax.  Join a Day Sail adventure departing from Denaru Marina in Nadi, complete
with a delicious lunch and the chance to learn from the resident Marine Biologists during guided
snorkeling and glass bottom boating as well as coral planting.  With an optional excursion to the 
breathtaking Treasure Sand Bar surrounded by even more aqua blue water and gorgeous coral reef,
this is Fiji's ultimate island-hopping experience.
Full Day
with lunch
$135 pp 

Air

Seat selection can vary depending on the airline and specific flights chosen. This is determined by the airlines themselves, as many prefer that seat assignments are handled directly through them, often as an additional purchase.

We will ticket flights approximately 45 days prior to departure. However, if someone is set on reserving a seat in advance and it is not available to purchase until the flight is ticketed, the traveler can request early ticketing through our Air Department and then go directly through the airline’s website to purchase their seat. Some airlines do allow advance seat selection through us, but it depends on the airline and specific flight.

One carry-on bag and one checked bag are included with the airfare.
Lodging & Meals for Pre- and Post-Trip Extensions

You can view full details for the extensions by visiting the trip webpage here: https://www.gct.com/ANZ

From there, click on “Trip Details,” then “Extensions,” and select “View Itinerary” for the specific extension. This will show the full daily itinerary along with exactly what meals are included and the type of meal.

If you click on “Accommodations,” it will also show the hotels we typically use.

Important Logistics & Member Savings
  • Crescent Member Double Savings: Act quickly to receive a $50 discount plus an extra 5% off the base tour and extensions.

  • What’s Included: 31 meals, 16 nights of accommodation, all internal South Pacific flights, and 12 guided tours.

  • Travel Protection: Please note travel protection is required for this adventure. You may purchase Grand Circle’s plan or provide proof of 3rd-party coverage acquired independently (see last page of the flyer).
    • Insurance can be purchased anytime until the final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
    • If a traveler has a pre-existing condition, travel insurance needs to be purchased within 10 days of making your deposit.
    • If you check YES on the reservation for Travel Protection, it will be purchased at the time the trip is made.
    • If you are going on another trip within the next year an Annual Travel Protection Policy may be cheaper.

  • The International Date Line: You will "lose" a day as you cross the International Date Line flying toward Australia, but you will "gain" it back upon your return home.

  • Am I eligible to attend? This trip is open to members of all Crescent Ski Council clubs, including the Nashville Ski Club! Not a member yet? Click on the JOIN item in the menu at the top of the page.

  • Pricing: Land-only packages from $5,395 (see club and prompt pay discounts at the end of the Registration Form); Nashville (BNA) air add-ons are available for $2,560 (see last page of the trip flyer).

    • Pre-trip Melbourne and the Outback extension from $2,495

    • Post-trip Fiji extension from $2,295

Final Payment

There is an initial deposit of $500 due at the time of booking. After that, no additional payments are required until the final payment, which is due 90 days prior to departure. The exact final payment date will vary depending on the specific departure date and whether travelers choose to add a pre- or post-trip extension.

If a traveler prefers to make payments in between the deposit and final payment, they are more than welcome to do so, but it is not required.

Passport & Visa Requirements (US Citizens)



Note: These were the requirements at time of trip publication. Please verify with State Department that the requirements have not changed: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories.html

Australia 🇦🇺


New Zealand 🇳🇿 


Fiji 🇫🇯 


  • Passport must be valid for six months beyond the planned departure date.

  • One page must be blank for your entry stamp.

  • No visa or ETA is required for stays of fewer than four months.

Questions?

Nashville's Crescent Ski Council Representative: Calita Richards - crescenttrips@nashvilleskiclub.com

Ready to Sign Up?




Download the Reservation Form. It contains full instructions on how to secure your spot as well as all the pricing options. Don't wait—this council-wide trip will fill up fast!

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