Australia and New Zealand: Surf Camps & Kiwi Highlights - 15 Days

From £1,410£94 per daySave 26%

Trip Snapshot

Age range

18 - 39

Start / End

  • Auckland
  • Brisbane

Physical rating

3/5

Group size

1 - 20

Meals included

12

Highlights

  • Experience Maori culture in Rotorua. Explore Sydney with plenty of free time
  • Learn to surf in Byron Bay.
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What's inside the PDF

  • Day-by-day itinerary
    Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.
  • Packing & kit list
    Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.
  • What's included
    Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
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Summary

Get ready for a 16-day thrill ride through Australia and New Zealand's must-see spots. Dive into Māori culture on New Zealand’s North Island, and feel the rush with a surf lesson and kayaking adventure. Then, hop over to Australia to fine-tune those surf skills at Spot X surf camp. Don’t miss the chance for a close encounter with your fuzzy new friends — the koalas. This is the ultimate Oceania bucket list adventure.

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

    Begin your journey along backroads to Bridal Veil Falls where the group will head out on a short walk through north island native bush to this stunning waterfall. Continue onwards to the surf town of Raglan, first up it is time to get on the water for some sea kayaking. The group will then head to our accommodation right in the middle of the surf and arts town of Raglan for the next two nights. 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

    Spend the full day in Raglan, home to a world-famous surf break. There's no better way to live like the locals do, so grab a surf board and jump right in with an included lesson. You'll also have plenty of time to relax and soak up the laid-back coastal vibes while swapping stories with your travel buddies. 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

    Hit the road to the nation’s capital at the southern end of the North Island. Take in the ever-changing scenery, swap travel stories with your group, and simply reflect on your journey. The group will arrive early enough to visit the National Museum, Te Papa — home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. Then the choice is yours, so take that cable car ride to the hills overlooking the city, or make that stroll along the Oriental Parade happen because you're here now and you might as well take advantage of everything around you. The group will finish the day off with an optional night out on the town together in the central business district. 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/Sydney

    Today we say goodbye to New Zealand and fly to Australia. Departing out of Wellington, we'll touch down in Sydney after about 4 hours in the air. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Australia's biggest city. 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 8

    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 9

    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 10

    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 for some ideas as there is always something to do here.

  • Day 11

    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 12

    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 13

    Arrawarra/Byron Bay

    Adventure through lush national parks, stunning beaches, rolling green hills, and small but vibrant towns full of charm and authentic Australian culture as the group drives from Arrawarra to Byron Bay. Grab lunch in the surf and arts town of Byron Bay, before walking to Cape Byron Lighthouse to see the easternmost point in the country. If luck is on your side you may glimpse migrating whales and pods of resident dolphins. 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 14

    Byron Bay

    Welcome to Byron Bay… the city of surfing and sunbathing! The day is yours to explore; walk along hidden beaches, play in the surf, grab a massage. Want to get your adrenaline pumping? Go skydiving, try sea kayaking, or go on a dolphin watch. 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 15

    Byron Bay/Brisbane

    Venture north with your group to the capital of Queensland; Brisbane. Along the way, stretch those legs one final time on an included walk at the Daisy Hill Koala Centre. Nestled amongst eucalyptus trees, the centre features multi-level viewing of the resident rescue koalas and interactive educational displays, making it a unique place to learn about koalas and their conservation.

    Tour ends upon arrival to Brisbane in the afternoon, but we recommend extending to enjoy what this fun city has to offer. Besides, you probably aren’t ready to go home just yet.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hostels (14 nts, multi-share with 4-8 people). **All nights are multi-share on this trip.

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 8, Lunches: 1, Dinners: 3

    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

  • Aug 2026

    from £1,410
  • Sep 2026

    from £1,598
  • Oct 2026

    from £1,682
  • Nov 2026

    from £1,783
  • Dec 2026

    from £2,207
  • Jan 2027

    from £2,098
  • Feb 2027

    from £2,207
  • Mar 2027

    from £2,207
  • Apr 2027

    from £2,207
  • May 2027

    from £2,098
  • Jun 2027

    from £2,098
  • Jul 2027

    from £1,979
  • Aug 2027

    from £1,979
  • Sep 2027

    from £1,979
  • Oct 2027

    from £1,979
  • Nov 2027

    from £2,098
  • Dec 2027

    from £2,207
  • Save 21%
    Saturday 1 Aug 2026to Saturday 15 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 20 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £1,899£1,504
  • Save 26%
    Saturday 15 Aug 2026to Saturday 29 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 20 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £1,899£1,410
    Best offer
  • Save 21%
    Saturday 29 Aug 2026to Saturday 12 Sep 2026
    6+ spaces of 20 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £1,899£1,504

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.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the travel style for this tour?

    This tour is specifically designed for travelers aged 18 to 39, falling under the "18-to-Thirtysomethings" travel style.
  • What type of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

    All 14 nights on this trip are in multi-share hostel accommodation, typically with 4-8 people per room. Rooms are generally split by gender, and bathroom facilities are shared and rarely en-suite. We cannot accommodate rooming requests, and you may need to bring your own towels and soap.
  • How many meals are included in the tour price?

    The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners. Most included breakfasts are simple, consisting of cereal, milk, bread, spreads, juice, tea, and instant coffee.
  • What are some of the key activities included in the tour?

    Included activities feature a sea kayaking excursion in Raglan, a surf lesson in Raglan, a Māori cultural experience in Rotorua, a visit to Huka Falls, a Lake Taupo sailboat trip, a ferry ride to Manly Beach, a Sydney orientation walk, a surf lesson at Spot X, a kangaroo trek, a visit to Cape Byron Lighthouse, and a walk at Daisy Hill Koala Centre.
  • What is the maximum group size for this tour?

    The maximum group size for this tour is 20 travelers, with an average group size of 16.
  • Who will be leading the tour?

    The tour will be accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who acts as the group manager, leader, and driver. Local guides are also used for specific activities to enhance the experience with specialized knowledge.
  • What modes of transportation are used throughout the trip?

    Transportation includes private vehicles (mini-coaches, sometimes 13-seater vehicles, all with air-conditioning and mandatory seatbelts), buses, boats, kayaks, trains, and walking.
  • Are international flights included in the tour cost?

    International flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, the flight between New Zealand and Australia (Wellington to Sydney) is considered a local flight within the itinerary and is included.
  • What is the luggage allowance for the included local flight?

    For the included domestic flight from Wellington to Sydney, the maximum luggage allowance is 1 checked bag (up to 20 kg) and 1 carry-on (up to 7 kg) per person.
  • Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

    No, there is no single supplement for group trips. Solo travelers will be paired in multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
  • What are the tipping customs in New Zealand and Australia?

    Tipping service providers is not customary in New Zealand or Australia. However, for outstanding service, especially in quality restaurants, a tip of no more than 10% is considered appropriate. Tipping local guides is not expected unless specifically requested by your CEO. A small tip of 5-10 AUD/NZD per person, per day for your CEO is not expected but can be considered for outstanding service.
  • Will Wi-Fi and internet access be readily available?

    Wi-Fi and internet access are not as readily available in New Zealand and Australia as in some other parts of the world. There may be additional charges to connect, and speeds might be slower than you are accustomed to.
  • How should I manage my money and what currencies will I need?

    The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), and in Australia, it is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are common (remember your 4-digit PIN). It's best to have a combination of local currency (small bills), traveler’s cheques, and credit cards. Currency exchange is easy to find in gateway cities and banks.
  • What safety precautions should I be aware of during the trip?

    We recommend using a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leaving expensive jewelry at home. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes. A lock for your luggage is also advised. Your CEO may amend the itinerary for safety concerns. During free time, use your judgment for optional activities and consider traveling in small groups or using taxis at night in major cities. Water-based activities involve inherent risks; participate with a guide if possible, and swimming is always at your own risk.
  • Are there specific considerations for LGBTQ+ travelers on this tour?

    The safety and well-being of all travelers, including those identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. Resources are available to help ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout your trip.
  • What if I experience problems upon arrival at the starting point?

    If you encounter problems upon arrival and cannot commence your trip as scheduled, contact the local office using the emergency numbers provided. If you have a pre-booked transfer and don't connect with a representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs, proceed to your starting hotel and seek a refund for the transfer from your travel agent upon return.
  • Are there rules regarding illegal drugs or sex workers on the trip?

    Illegal drugs are strictly not tolerated; possession or use will result in expulsion from the trip. Similarly, utilizing the services of paid sex workers is contrary to our travel philosophy and will also lead to expulsion.
  • How might public holidays affect the tour?

    During public holidays in Australia and New Zealand (e.g., Christmas, New Year's Day, Easter, and Anzac Day), you might experience limitations on services, disruptions to schedules, and potential closures of optional activities and restaurants. Slight itinerary adjustments may be made to ensure all tour inclusions are provided.
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