Cairns Winter Escape 2023

23 - 29 July 2023

We are thrilled to be venturing offshore once again, with a tour package specially designed to suit our valued clients.

If the boarders are open and it's safe to go we will be escaping the winter to Cairns in far North Queensland.

Comfortable temperatures and being based in one spot make this one of our best loved overseas adventures.  

We visit the Great Barrier Reef, a world heritage listed attraction, on a relaxing cruise.

We explore the Daintree Rainforest, take an excursion on a historic railway, check out the Atherton Tablelands and a host of other unique and exciting attractions.


Call or email to confirm your place.

Day 1

Sunday 23 July - New Zealand to Cairns

We pack our bags and have our passports ready for a late morning transfer to Wellington Airport. Here we
catch a connecting flight to Auckland for our evening departure to Cairns. Greeted with a smile and a wave
from our friendly coach captain on arrival to Cairns Airport, we are transferred to our hotel. Welcome to
paradise! On the doorstep of Cairns is the iconic Great Barrier Reef, thriving Atherton Tablelands and
untouched Daintree Rainforest, all waiting to be explored on our incredible tour.

Staying at: Pullman Cairns International (for 5 nights)
Meals included: in-flight meals

Day 2

Monday 24 July - Skyrail - Kuranda - Scenic Railway

Today we embark on a breathtaking experience on the Skyrail
Rainforest Cableway. From a truly unique perspective, we fly metres above the pristine jungle canopy and learn the secrets of the world’s oldest continually surviving tropical rainforests. Stopping during our ascent, we enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Rainforest Boardwalk Loop, visit the Rainforest Interpretative Centre and discover panoramic views
from The Edge Lookout including views of Barron Falls. Our journey finishes in the quaint village of Kuranda. Engage with local artists, indulge in wonderful food or browse the many stops that line the main street. After time at leisure, we meet up again to board the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway. Track through picturesque valleys and century old tunnels of the magnificent Barron Falls National Park.

This evening we enjoy a special Sunset Cruise. With your glass charged, stroll the deck and admire the view as the sky transforms from blue to orange and finally silky black filled with twinkling stars. The water is calm, the weather mild and the night is yours to enjoy with entertainment and a delicious dinner featuring some of the region’s best produce.

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel, dinner onboard cruise

Day 3

Tuesday 25 July - Great Barrier Reef

This morning we set sail to Michaelmas Cay onboard Ocean Spirit and discover the sheer magnificence of one of the seven wonders of the natural world, the Great Barrier Reef. The Cay is a picturesque reef sand island surrounded by magical coral gardens teeming with an incredible diversity of marine life. Ride a semi-submersible vessel for incredible coral viewing, listen to one of the interesting marine biologists and enjoy a delicious smorgasbord lunch. Some of us might like to get up
close and personal with a snorkel from the beach. What a fabulous day!

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel, lunch on cruise

Day 4

Wednesday 26 July - Daintree Rainforest

We have an early start to the day as we indulge ourselves in the ultimate “Breakfast with the Birds” at Wildlife Habitat at Port Douglas. Immersed within the wetland’s environment, enjoy an array of sounds and colours from the wildlife as they wander freely amongst us while we are treated to a fantastic tropical spread. From here we head to Mossman Gorge to learn the fascinating secrets of one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests. Feel the serenity while watching the river as it tumbles its way over and around huge granite boulders. Continuing on to the Daintree River, here we’ll cruise one of the most densely populated mangrove estuaries in the world. There is nothing quite like watching wildlife while cruising along the beautiful Daintree River.

Meals included: Breakfast at Wildlife Habitat, lunch at Mossman Gorge, dinner at the hotel

Day 5

Thursday 27 July - Atherton Tablelands

Our destination today is an area known as the Atherton Tablelands. Home to fabulous fresh produce and incredible scenery. First, we visit Jaques Australia Coffee for a delightful morning tea as we discover the world of coffee and how it’s grown. Continuing to Gallo Dairyland, we hear about the cheese making process and sample some of the yummy
cheeses before a lovely lunch overlooking the dairy farm. We then visit the remarkable Curtain Fig Tree, with its curtain of aerial roots that drop 15 metres to the ground. Large basalt boulders cover the forest floor which is probably why the forest here wasn’t cleared for farming and why the tree remains standing. Returning to Cairns, our beautiful dinner
this evening is at Dundee’s Restaurant on the Waterfront with views of the Trinity Inlet and surrounding mountainside.

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at Gallo Dairyland, dinner at Dundee's Restaurant

Day 6

Friday 28 July - Babinda Boulders and Paronella Park

This morning we visit the Babinda Boulders. Surrounded by lush rainforest, clear blue pools and unusual rock formations, we’ll be hard pressed not to be awed by this place. Afterwards, we head to the magical Paronella Park, where history and romance seamlessly fuse together. Be immediately struck by the immense natural beauty of this park and explore the enchanting grounds through a series of winding paths that snake through the forest and castle ruins. Following lunch,
take your time and wander the park at your own pace. We return to our hotel to pack and enjoy a farewell dinner before transferring to the airport. Here we say goodbye to Australia armed with wonderful memories of a winter escape to Cairns, boarding a night flight home to Auckland.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel, Lunch at Paronella Park

Day 7

Saturday 29 July - Flying Home

We arrive back in NZ early morning, with a connecting mid-morning flight back to Wellington. Here we farewell our fellow travellers, before being met by our transfer vehicles to return us to our home locations.

Meals included: in-flight meals

The cost of the tour includes

  • Return flights Wellington to Auckland
  • Return flights Auckland to Cairns
  • 5 nights’ accommodation, staying at Pulllman Cairns International
  • All breakfasts
  • All dinners
  • One way Skyrail Rainforest Cableway journey
  • One way Kuranda Scenic Railway journey (heritage class)
  • Dinner cruise with Spirit of Cairns
  • Michaelmas Cay Tour with Ocean Spirit Cruises including lunch
  • Entry, breakfast with the birds and guided tour at Wildlife Habitat
  • Visit to centre, shuttle entry and lunch at Voyages Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre
  • Cruise with Bruce Belchers Daintree River Cruises
  • Guided tour and morning tea at Jaques Australian Coffee
  • Tasting and lunch at Gallo Dairyland
  • Dinner at Dundee's Restaurant
  • Visit to Babinda Boulders
  • Entry, guided tour and lunch at Paronella Park

Departure Detail

Before you book a tour with Tranzit Tours, please take the time to read and understand these Terms and Conditions below.
These Terms and Conditions apply to bookings made from 12 October 2020 onwards, including new bookings made with credit vouchers issued following tour cancellations or postponements.
If you booked your tour prior to 12 October 2020, your original Terms and Conditions still apply.
Pricing Validity
All costs associated with each tour are outlined in full within each tour itinerary. All pricing quoted is valid for the dates of tour when booked.
Reservations and Payments
Bookings for all Tranzit tours can be made through any Tranzit Coachlines Reservations Centre or an approved Travel Agent. Any person making a booking for others shall be deemed to have accepted these Terms and Conditions on behalf of all individuals they are booking on a tour and it is the responsibility of the person making the booking to bring these Terms and conditions to the attention of those individuals booked.
A deposit as stated in the Tour Itinerary is payable to secure the booking.
The balance must be paid in full by the date stated in the Tour Itinerary.
Any reservation made within fourteen (14) days of the tour departure must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Cancellations, Postponements and Alterations
Cancellations by the Customer
 Cancellations 45+ days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 15% of your deposit, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.Cancellations 44 – 8 days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 15% of the total tour cost, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.
Cancellations within 7 days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 25% of the total tour cost, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.No refunds will be made for cancellations made within one day of departure or once travel has commenced. Refunds will not be provided for unused portions of a tour, unless the Customer can provide genuine reason and documentary evidence that services were unable to be utilised (and a refund if applicable is available from the other provider) in which case the company will review each request and may provide a partial refund at the sole discretion of the company.
Cancellations of one half of a twin share booking will result in the Customer cancelling being charged the cost of a single booking, if the Company is unable to match the twin share booking with another Customer.
Alterations by the Customer
The Customer may transfer their booking to another person for the same tour and commencement date, but only if the other person satisfies all of Tranzit Tours requirements in relation to the tour and provides us a completed Booking Form. The Customer must notify Tranzit Tours in writing of the intended transfer at least 30 days prior to the commencement date of the tour. A $60 transfer fee per person/per transfer will apply (in addition to any supplier change fees).
Cancellations or Postponements by the Company
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to cancel, reschedule or postpone a tour. With the exception of the Force Majeure section below, Tranzit Tours will:In the event of a tour being cancelled by the company prior to departure and not postponed – refund the total amount paid in respect of that tour or provide a credit, but will have no further liability to the Customer.
In the event of a tour being postponed – rebook the Customer for the new departure date or provide a credit, but will have no further liability to the Customer.
In the event of a Force Majeure event that occurs prior to, or during, a tour such as but not limited to fire, flood, volcanic eruption, earthquake, avalanche, severe weather, power outages, labour disruptions, pandemic, government controls or other events outside Tranzit Tours control that interrupts the ability to operate the tour in full or in part, or if Tranzit Tours determines that the quality of the tour or the health and safety of the Customer would be compromised, Tranzit Tours reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or shorten the tour and will be excused and released from its obligations without liability of any kind. Customers will receive a credit for postponed tours. For cancelled or shortened tours, refunds in these circumstances will be in full less any unrecoverable costs (i.e. expenses already incurred or fees charged by other providers).
The Customer will be advised of any increased tour costs as a result of the postponement. Credits will be equal to the value of the payment made and must be used within 12 months. Customers are strongly advised to take out travel insurance.
In the event of cancellation or postponement by the company, Tranzit Tours is not responsible for any consequential loss incurred by the Customer. Customers are again advised to take out travel insurance.
Alterations by the Company
Before Tour Commencement: If a major change to the tour needs to be made before departure, we will inform the Customer of the change as soon as practicable and will advise of any consequential price increase or decrease.Tranzit Tours reserves the right to alter a tour (including the itinerary) and substitute accommodation facilities should unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, the company reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control.  Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour.  The company will not be held responsible for weather-based cancellations, or those closures made at the tour provider’s discretion.
Tranzit Tours will inform the customer as soon as practicable and will advise of any consequential price increase or decrease.
Insurance
Tranzit Tours recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover against things like lost or damaged luggage, accident or sickness, loss or theft of personal belongings and documents, or the need to cancel or shorten your tour.  Please note that special conditions will apply for pre-existing medical conditions with all travel insurance policies.
Health and Fitness
Tranzit Tours are generally able to accommodate most fitness abilities; however, some tours may require a certain level of physical fitness for full enjoyment of tour activities. The Customer must inform Tranzit Tours, at the time of booking, of any health or fitness restrictions that may limit participation of tour activities or put the Customer, tour staff or other customers at risk. The Customer acknowledges that their suitability for a tour, or any activity within a tour, is wholly the Customer’s responsibility.
Payment of a deposit by the Customer to secure a Tranzit Tour acts as a warranty that:
o   the Customer is reasonably healthy and/or fit to participate in the tour, and
o   the Customer does not have a health, physical condition or disability that would create risk to themselves, tour staff or other customers, and
o   the Customer indemnifies Tranzit Tours from all actions, claims and demands arising out of any want of health or fitness.
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to decline a booking on medical, health or fitness grounds at its sole discretion.
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to remove a Customer from a tour, or quarantine a Customer on tour, if their health and/or fitness interferes with the tour or staff safety or other Customers safety or tour experience in any way. Any additional costs associated with a Customer’s removal from tour or placement into quarantine, shall be borne by the Customer. Refunds will be made in accordance with these Terms and Conditions. 
Authority on Tour
Tranzit Tours are operated by staff with decision making authority while on tour. By travelling with Tranzit Tours, you agree to accept the authority of the driver/guide and their decisions are final in all matters likely to affect the wellbeing, safety or experience of any customer or staff member on board. Failure to adhere to reasonable requests or any inappropriate behaviour that is degrading the experience of other customers, may result in the Customer being removed from the tour. If a Customer is asked to leave a tour, any costs associated with returning home will be borne by the Customer and any unused portion of the tour will not be refunded.
Responsibilities
Tranzit Tours include goods and services provided by other operators such as hotels, attractions and transportation companies. Customers are advised to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions on which these services are supplied. Accordingly, Tranzit Tours will not be responsible and will be excluded from liability for any loss, damage, omission or acts being negligent or otherwise, committed by other goods and service providers used in connection with the tour.
Tranzit Tours is not liable for any loss, damage, delay, or injury caused to the traveller or their baggage whilst under the care or control of a third-party provider. A Customer’s baggage and personal effects shall be carried at the owner’s risk as provided for under the Carriage of Goods Act.
Tranzit Tours is not responsible for any losses or additional expenses to the Customer due to tours impacted by Force Majeure events that occur prior to, or during, a tour such as but not limited to fire, flood, volcanic eruption, earthquake, avalanche, severe weather, power outages, labour disruptions, pandemic, government controls or other events outside Tranzit Tours control that interrupts the ability to operate the tour in full or in part, or if Tranzit Tours determines that the quality of the tour or the health and safety of the Customer would be compromised.
Acceptance of Risk
The Customer acknowledges that all Tranzit Tours may be subject to risks and dangers beyond that which might be experienced by the Customer at home. Except as provided in law, the Customer acknowledges that they assume all risk and Tranzit Tours is not liable for misadventure, death, injury, delay or loss which occurs during the tour.
Seat Rotation
For the enjoyment of all travellers Tranzit Tours operates a seat rotation system which all travellers must participate in as a condition of booking.
Photographs
Photographs used to market any Tranzit Tour depict typical scenes experienced, but the subject matter may not necessarily be seen or experienced whilst visiting a destination within a tour.
Whilst on tour, the Customer may be included in photographs and/or film taken by the guide or driver. These photographs may be used for future promotional advertising purposes and by booking on a Tranzit Tour the Customer authorises the use of any images they are captured in to be used without further consent or any payment of any kind. If the Customer does not authorise the use of their image for promotional purposes, they must make this known at the time of booking.
Privacy Policy
Any personal information that Tranzit Tours collects about the Customer may be used for any purpose associated with the operation of a tour or to send the Customer marketing material in relation to Tranzit Tour products. The information may be disclosed to our agents, service providers or other suppliers to enable Tranzit Tours to operate the tour. Tranzit Tours will otherwise treat your details in accordance with our privacy policy (available on our website).
Applicable Law
The laws of New Zealand govern these Terms and Conditions to the fullest extent allowable.

I bought our Tranzit tour to the West Coast as a birthday present for Mum. We loved travelling together and made so many memories. I have travelled this coast before and never seen the views I saw from the coach - just amazing! - Meg453, Trip Advisor