Australia & New Zealand: A Month Down Under - 38 Days

From £4,387£115 per day Save 27%

Who is this trip for

Genders

  • Female65%
  • Male35%

Average age

27
18 Min39 Max

Start / End

  • Auckland
  • Cairns

Physical rating

3/5

Group size

1 - 20

Meals included

36

Highlights

  • Get your adrenaline pumping in Queenstown
  • Snap a photo of the Sydney Opera House
  • Explore K'gari island.

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Summary

Get ready for the ultimate down-under road trip. This 38-day adventure through New Zealand and Australia dives straight into the heart of these two adrenaline-packed countries. Surf, kayak, and snorkel in world-famous spots, trek through stunning national parks, and cruise through the breathtaking Fiordland National Park and Great Barrier Reef. It’s the perfect blend of thrill and chill—action-packed days with plenty of time to kick back, relax, and soak in all the magic.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Auckland

    Arrive at any time. There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.

  • Day 2

    Auckland/Raglan

    Travel to Raglan, a cool coastal town famous for its black sand beach and surf break. You’ll kayak to a remote part of the harbour for a boat cruise and lunch, before heading to our accommodation, close to the action in Raglan this evening.

  • Day 3

    Raglan

    Head down to the beach for an included surf lesson. The afternoon is free to do what you choose.

  • Day 4

    Raglan/Rotorua

    Another day, another chance to explore! Today the group will begin journeying to Rotorua with a stop along the way in Waitomo. Here you can choose to go caving in the famous Waitomo Caves, where you will see glow worms light up the cave's ceiling just like stars in the night sky. Next up is Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity. In the evening you'll visit a thermal valley for an engaging cultural experience by night at the Te Puia Village.

  • Day 5

    Rotorua/Taupo

    Spend a free morning in fascinating Rotorua. Opt to explore hot springs, walking past bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools, or go on a white-water rafting excursion. Depart Rotorua in the afternoon and travel to Taupo. Along the way stop for a visit to the mighty Huka Falls, these impressive falls are not to be missed on the North Island. Arrive in Taupo, and experience an afternoon together sailing New Zealand's largest lake.

  • Day 6

    Taupo/Wellington

    Travel to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Arrive early enough for a visit to the National Museum, Te Papa.

    Take a short walk from our accommodation to see the sights of the central business district. Finish the day off with an optional night on the town.

  • Day 7

    Wellington/Abel Tasman National Park

    Catch a morning ferry and cross the scenic Cook Strait. Make sure to stand outside and enjoy the views of the Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island. Disembark and transfer to Abel Tasman National Park, well-known for its stunning white sand beaches.

  • Day 8

    Abel Tasman National Park

    Picture this: birdsong ringing from the treetops as you wander through the undergrowth stumbling upon occasional waterfalls nestled in the midst of the forest. You take a dip in one of the refreshing pools before finding your way to pristine coastline and turquoise bays where you can soak up the sun and relax in the sand.

    This is the kind of day that awaits you in Abel Tasman NP, you are free to explore the golden beaches and winding waterways any way you’d like! So have fun, build a sand castle for us, and let the adventures continue!

  • Day 9

    Abel Tasman National Park/Westport

    It’s off to Westport today! Breathe in the fresh air and soak in the beautiful views as the group heads south down the coast of black-sand beaches. Make a (very cool) pit stop to a seal colony in Cape Foulwind and watch these majestic animals in their habitat before continuing on to Westport for the evening. Once you arrive grab a beer, talk to some locals, and discover the true charm of this coal mining town.

  • Day 10

    Westport/Franz Josef

    Continue following the coastal road towards Franz Josef arriving at a unique wilderness lodge set in the rainforest for the night.

  • Day 11

    Franz Josef

    Enjoy a free day in Franz Josef. Today is all yours to spend as you please! From hiking to kayaking and walking on a glacier, there’s bound to be something you’ll want to check off that bucket list.

    If your goal is to make actual contact with the glacier then try a heli-hike or guided ice walk. Or you could let nature be your guide and lose yourself in the rainforests, lakes, and waterfalls that surround Franz Josef. If you’d rather stay in town, then grab a bite to eat before booking a spa treatment at the Glacier Hot Pools... the choice is yours!

  • Day 12

    Franz Josef/Queenstown

    Hit the road to the adventure capital of the world — Queenstown. Sit back, relax and gaze out the window as you drive away from Glacier Country and wind through lush forests back to the coast and into the mountains over Haast Pass. The photo opportunities will seem endless (make sure those cameras are charged.) Then gear up and get ready because the adrenaline is going to be pumping the next few days.

  • Day 13

    Queenstown

    Let’s put it this way, if you’re the sort of person that loves adventure mixed with adrenaline all while exploring one of the most scenic places in the country, then Queenstown is for you!

    Gear up for a free day that is sure to leave you breathless. Opt to be a dare devil and get ready to have those hearts pumping with some adrenaline-filled options like jet boating, bungee jumping, or skydiving.

  • Day 14

    Milford Sound Day Trip/Queenstown

    Let your breathing return to normal today as the group heads out for a visit to Fiordland National Park. After arriving, soak up the chill vibes on a boat cruise through one of the most iconic places in New Zealand — Milford Sound. Marvel at the views of one of the wettest places on Earth before we make our way back to Queenstown for the night.

  • Day 15

    Queenstown

    Gear up for round two of free time in Queenstown that is sure to leave you breathless. Choose to be a dare devil and get ready to have those hearts pumping with some adrenaline-filled options like jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking or skydiving or simply take in the breathtaking scenery and vibrant atmosphere as you find restaurants to try and cafes to wind down and relax.

  • Day 16

    Queenstown to Tekapo

    Depart Queenstown and travel to Aoraki/Mt Cook National park. Once in the park enjoy free time for hiking and visiting the Sir Edmund Hillary Visitors Centre. Afterwards, travel to Lake Tekapo where we will be staying for the next two nights.

  • Day 17

    Tekapo

    Start the day with a relaxing 21km bike ride along the canals with stunning mountain views. Spend the rest of the day exploring Tekapo on your own. Opt to visit the hot springs, relax on the shores of Lake Tekapo, or hike to the Mt John Observatory and check out the incredible Dark Sky Reserve.

  • Day 18

    Tekapo to Christchurch

    Scoot on up to Christchurch to explore the South Island’s largest city and one of the places in New Zealand with the strongest English influences. Enjoy free time to explore and see what the nightlife is all about with your travel tribe, and grab some shut eye in a converted jailhouse to finish the evening.

  • Day 19

    Christchurch/Kaikoura

    Spend the afternoon swimming with dolphins or taking a scenic flight over the peninsula.

    Bird watchers will be pleased to know that big ocean birds such as albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters frequent the area.

  • Day 20

    Kaikoura/Wellington

    Reminisce and reflect on your time in New Zealand as you and the group travel to Picton to catch a ferry back to Wellington. Watch the majestic scenery of this country unfold before you and simply appreciate the moment (we know you’re probably already making plans to return.) Once back in the city grab some grub with your travel crew and let the good times roll for one last night out together in New Zealand.

  • Day 21

    Wellington/Sydney

    A great way to start your time in the city is to head down to the harbour's edge to 'The Rocks' historic area.

  • Day 22

    Sydney

    Join your CEO as you climb aboard the local ferry and travel from Sydney to Manly Beach. Manly is one of Australia's most famous beaches, which is quite the praise for a giant island nation. With world class surfing, beautiful water and lined with pine trees, you'll quickly learn why its so popular amongst locals and travelers alike. Take a surf class, relax on the beach or hit one of the many shops or restaurants in the town.

  • Day 23

    Sydney

    There is so much to do in Sydney. Even though just a few free days aren't enough to see it all, it's still worth it! Opt to visit the Sydney Opera House, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, check out some of the famed museums or eat at some incredible restaurants.

  • Day 24

    Sydney

    Enjoy one last day in Sydney! Make sure to tick off those last few must do's in this amazing city. If you need ideas for today, make sure to ask your CEO, as there is always something to do here.

  • Day 25

    Sydney/Arrawarra

    It's all aboard today as you take the train north to Coffs Harbour. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views. After pulling into Coffs Harbour station, the group will travel to Spot X Surf Camp, our base for the next few days.

  • Day 26

    Arrawarra

    As the sun rises along the ocean hit the beach for an included surf lesson with Spot X. Located in one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the country they are completely devoted to the surf lifestyle.

    Spend some time in the sun and laughing in the waves with your travel tribe before heading out on a kangaroo trek. Then it’s time for a free afternoon to enjoy your surroundings. Soak up views of Solitary Islands Marine Park, embark on a rockpool scramble to look for fish traps and sea creatures, or wander over to Mullawarra beach for a picnic. Your only real job today is to have fun!

  • Day 27

    Arrawarra/Byron Bay

    Travel the coastal road to the stunning surf and arts town of Byron Bay. Enjoy plenty of free time to experience the hippie surfing town.

  • Day 28

    Byron Bay

    At the end of it all hop on that surfboard for one last ride because as the locals say, “You haven’t surfed until you’ve surfed Byron Man!"

    Opt to pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

  • Day 29

    Byron Bay/Brisbane

    Travel from Byron Bay to another seaside city in Australia, Brisbane! Today you have the whole day to explore this awesome city. Opt to visit the City Botanic Gardens, hike mount Coot-Tha or hit up some of the many amazing bars and restaurants. In the evening, we recommend exploring Eat Street Northshore night market, or grab a beer under the lit up Story Bridge in Fortitude Valley.

  • Day 30

    Brisbane/K'gari (Fraser Island)

    This unique stay on K'gari is hosted by the Traditional Owners of the land who are keen to share their experiences with you and welcome you. This is an incredibly unique experience and a thrilling opportunity to gain insight into Australia's Indigenous culture-both past and present.

  • Day 31

    K'gari (Fraser Island)/Noosa

    Today you'll climb sand dunes, see the Maheno shipwreck and swim in the crystal clear Eli Creek that pumps millions of litres of spring-fed fresh water into the ocean every hour. In the afternoon, say goodbye to K'gari and head to your next beachy destination, Noosa.

  • Day 32

    Noosa

    Picture rocky coast against perfect turquoise water. Now head out with your CEO and see it first hand. Catch the ferry and start your easy hike in Noosa National Park along the waterways to end up at the secluded beach, Hell's Gate. While it sounds intimidating, it is well worth it, and really quite spectacular. Keep your eye out for koalas along the hike too. Enjoy the afternoon free in Noosa. Opt to get lunch on Hastings Street and enjoy some relaxing beach time or rent a surfboard. Then take the ferry back before dinner.

  • Day 33

    Noosa/Airlie Beach

    Enjoy a free day in cute beachfront town of Noosa! Do some shopping along Hasting Street in search of souvenirs, have a coffee on the beach, or go for a surf. Many consider Noosa to be the best place for surfing in all of Australia. You can also choose to spend time back at the hostel or participate in some of the optional activities offered in the area. In the afternoon, we'll pack our bags and head to the train station. Tonight we sleep on an overnight train as we head north to some of the most beautiful parts of the country. Fall asleep in Noosa and wake up by the Whitsundays!

  • Day 34

    Airlie Beach

    Hop off the train and board a bus for a short ride to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier reef. After dropping your bags, do your thing in Airlie Beach. Relax on a gorgeous beach, take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef or get some shopping in on the town. Airlie Beach is your oyster.

  • Day 35

    Whitsunday Islands/Airlie Beach

    Get ready for an amazing day at sea! Today, we'll climb aboard an ocean raft and zoom around the wispy turquoise waters. With time to snorkel, go on bushwalks, and chill on the beach, today will be as close to perfect as one can get.

  • Day 36

    Airlie Beach/Cairns

    With an early morning departure, admire the scenery on the bus ride north to Cairns. We'll make a few pit stops along the way to stretch your legs, see some sights and check out some of Australia big things!

  • Day 37

    Cairns

    Opt to pre-book the "Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

  • Day 38

    Cairns

    Depart at any time.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hostels & basic lodges (37 nts, multi-share with 2-10 people),

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 23, Lunches: 4, Dinners: 9

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Sep 25

    from £4,387
  • Oct 25

    from £4,387
  • Nov 25

    from £4,972
  • Dec 25

    from £5,247
  • Jan 26

    from £5,080
  • Feb 26

    from £5,977
  • Mar 26

    from £5,624
  • May 26

    from £5,624
  • Jun 26

    from £5,193
  • Jul 26

    from £5,193
  • Aug 26

    from £5,193
  • Sep 26

    from £5,624
  • Oct 26

    from £5,624
  • Nov 26

    from £5,624
  • Dec 26

    from £5,977
  • Save 27%
    Sat 13 Sep 2025 > Mon 20 Oct 2025Guaranteed Departure
    £5,969Best offer£4,387
  • Save 27%
    Sat 27 Sep 2025 > Mon 3 Nov 2025Guaranteed Departure
    6+ spaces of 20 left
    £5,969Best offer£4,387

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

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