Highlights of Australia and New Zealand - 29 Days

From £6,033£208 per day Save 16%

Who is this trip for

Genders

  • Female69%
  • Male31%

Average age

42
12 Min100 Max

Start / End

  • Cairns
  • Christchurch

Physical rating

2/5

Group size

1 - 16

Meals included

18

Highlights

  • Follow an Indigenous guide through the Daintree Rainforest
  • Hike and stay overnight in the Blue Mountains
  • Cruise around the fjords of Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park
  • Soak in the scenery of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
  • Spend the day boating around the scenic Whitsundays
  • Discover Maori culture at a hangi meal

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Summary

No one should ever have to choose between adventuring across Australia or New Zealand — so we created this 29-day tour that hits the highlights of both. Featuring guided walks through the Daintree Rainforest, a Doubtful Sound day-cruise in Fiordland National Park, a cultural experience and visit to a Maori village, and heaps of other awesome experiences, this tour is proof you really can have the best of both worlds. Well, countries. But you get what we mean.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Cairns

    There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting.

  • Day 2

    Cairns/Cape Tribulation

    Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.

  • Day 3

    Cape Tribulation

    With a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.

  • Day 4

    Cape Tribulation/Cairns

    Return to Cairns in the afternoon with free time to explore this laid-back city. En route, stop by Port Douglas and opt to have lunch at a local market.

  • Day 5

    Cairns/Airlie Beach

    Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way.

  • Day 6

    Airlie Beach

    Spend the day out on the water boating around the Whitsunday Islands, visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Opt to swim or snorkel, and hike to an island lookout over Whitehaven Beach, known for its stunning white sand. Return to Airlie Beach for the night.

  • Day 7

    Airlie Beach/Byron Bay

    Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights in this "hippie" paradise.

  • Day 8

    Byron Bay

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

  • Day 9

    Byron Bay/Port Macquarie

    Spend the morning wandering the town checking out the local shops or having one last coffee on the beach before heading to the coastal township of Port Macquarie, featuring all the beauty of the beach set alongside gorgeous national parks. Enjoy an evening in Port Macquarie.

  • Day 10

    Port Macquarie/Blue Mountains

    Travel from Port Macquarie to the Blue Mountains today. These mountains in Australia are best known for their soaring sandstone ridges. As you drive, pass by charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, lush green valleys, and loads of craggy cliffs. It doesn’t matter if the journey is shrouded in clouds or glowing in the sinking sun, you’ll still spot beauty around every turn.

  • Day 11

    Blue Mountains

    Travel deeper into the majestic Blue Mountains and experience the natural beauty of this World Heritage Area. Explore the landscape around Leura and Katoomba, view the Three Sisters, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.

  • Day 12

    Blue Mountains/Sydney

    This morning, leave the Blue Mountains behind and continue onward to Sydney. Once you arrive head out for an orientation walk before taking advantage of some free time to keep exploring. Opt to rent a bike, stroll the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.

  • Day 13

    Sydney

    Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group.

  • Day 14

    Sydney/Auckland

    Say goodbye to Australia and hop on a flight to Auckland, New Zealand. After transferring from the airport, enjoy some free time to explore this vibrant city.

  • Day 15

    Auckland

    Enjoy a free day to explore Auckland. Visit the Maritime Museum, walk the waterfront, or even take the ferry to Waiheke Island.

  • Day 16

    Auckland/Rotorua

    Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.

  • Day 17

    Rotorua

    Rotorua sits over an active volcanic zone with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. Opt to visit one of the sites, or go whitewater rafting nearby.

  • Day 18

    Rotorua/Wellington

    Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island and travel to the capital, Wellington.

  • Day 19

    Wellington

    Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city. After an orientation walk, enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to visit the Te Papa Museum or take the cable car up to the botanical gardens.

  • Day 20

    Wellington/Kaikoura

    Fly to the South Island and travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its diverse marine life. Stop en route for a wine tasting at a local winery.

  • Day 21

    Kaikoura/Hanmer Springs

    Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura. Opt to go on a whale watching tour and search for giant sperm whales. Or head out on a tour to swim in the open ocean in a place often visited by wild dolphins. In the afternoon, travel to Hanmer Springs. Opt to take a soak in the hot springs.

  • Day 22

    Hanmer Springs/Franz Josef

    Take in the stunning scenery while travelling across the Southern Alps to the rugged and remote West Coast, before staying in the rainforest near the world's fastest moving glacier.

  • Day 23

    Franz Josef

    There are plenty of optional activities in the area to suit just about any budget and preference. Try heli hiking, scenic helicopter flights, skydiving or lake kayaking.

  • Day 24

    Franz Josef/Queenstown

    Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. With beautiful scenery and tons of activities, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the great night life.

  • Day 25

    Queenstown

    Opt to pre-book the "Queenstown Jet Boating" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

  • Day 26

    Queenstown

    Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound on a day cruise. Take in the waterfalls and wildlife, then return to Queenstown for the night.

  • Day 27

    Queenstown to Tekapo

    Travel north through the centre of the South Island to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, named after New Zealand's highest peak. Spend the afternoon hiking the region, taking in the alpine scenery. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Visitor's Centre, before a short but scenic journey to Tekapo Village.

  • Day 28

    Tekapo to Christchurch

    Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake.

  • Day 29

    Christchurch

    Depart at any time.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hotels/motels (26nts), Rainforest cabin (2nts).

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 13, Lunches: 3, Dinners: 2

    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 £6,385
  • Nov 25

    from £6,731
  • Dec 25

    from £6,033
  • Jan 26

    from £7,464
  • Feb 26

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  • Mar 26

    from £7,464
  • Apr 26

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  • May 26

    from £6,711
  • Jun 26

    from £6,711
  • Jul 26

    from £6,711
  • Aug 26

    from £6,711
  • Sep 26

    from £6,711
  • Oct 26

    from £6,711
  • Nov 26

    from £7,107
  • Dec 26

    from £7,464
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Customer reviews & ratings

(4.45 out of 5)
Based on 51 reviews
  • Good trip

    Desiree Sep, 2024 Verified
  • Thomas Aug, 2024 Verified

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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