Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

29 days
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Small Group Tour
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, Doubtful Sound day-cruises in Fiordland National Park, a cultural experience and visit to a Maori village, and heaps of other awesome experiences, this ...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Follow an indigenous guide through the daintree rainforest
    • Spend the day boating around the scenic whitsundays
    • 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
    • Discover maori culture

What's this trip about?

    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, Doubtful Sound day-cruises 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.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityCairns
End CityChristchurch

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Australia
  • New Zealand

Attractions

  • Auckland
  • Bar
  • Blue Mountains
  • Cairns
  • Christchurch
  • Daintree
  • Fiordland National Park
  • Queenstown
  • Rotorua
  • Sydney
  • Wellington

Activities

  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Trip includes

    • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Discover Moment: Franz JosefYour Discover Moment: Queenstown
    • Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk at Mossman Gorge
    • Whitsunday Islands Boating Excursion
    • Barrier Reef Visit
    • Blue Mountains Excursion
    • Byron Bay surf lesson
    • Jamison Valley Walk
    • Blue Mountains Scenic Railway
    • Winery Visit
    • Hanmer Springs
    • Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
    • Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visit
    • Internal flights
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Cairns

Arrive at any time.

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

Set sail for a day in 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

Spend the morning down at the beach with a morning yoga session and before hitting the waves for a surf lesson.

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. Take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world. Explore the area around Leura and Katoomba and view the Three Sisters.

Day 12 Blue Mountains/Sydney

Continue to Sydney and head out for an orientation walk. With some free time 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.

Please note that your flight from Australia to New Zealand and first night in Auckland will be unescorted.

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.

If you are interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set while in New Zealand we suggest you pre-book before arriving in New Zealand. G Adventures currently does not offer this as a tour add-on. Hobbiton is accessible as a day trip from Auckland or Rotorua.

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

Visit Rotorua and opt to check out the geothermal area or go whitewater rafting. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment.

Rotorua sits over an active volcanic zone with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured ...

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, stopping en route for a wine tasting at a local winery, then travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its diverse marine life.

Day 21 Kaikoura/Hanmer Springs

Opt to swim with dolphins or go whale watching during a free morning in Kaikoura before travelling 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

Enjoy a free day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt to explore the glacier with a heli hike.

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

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

With free time here, opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving or hiking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak.

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

Continue on to Christchurch and take in an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy one final night together with the group.

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.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,919
Price per day$239
Last Updated: 4/26/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
09 May 2024
06 Jun 2024
$6,919
Sold Out
23 May 2024
20 Jun 2024
$6,919
11 spots left
20 Jun 2024
18 Jul 2024
$6,919
Sold Out
18 Jul 2024
15 Aug 2024
$6,919
1 spots left
29 Aug 2024
26 Sep 2024
$6,919
6 spots left
12 Sep 2024
10 Oct 2024
$8,649
4 spots left
26 Sep 2024
24 Oct 2024
$8,649
1 spots left
10 Oct 2024
07 Nov 2024
$8,649
1 spots left
24 Oct 2024
21 Nov 2024
$8,649
Sold Out
31 Oct 2024
28 Nov 2024
$8,649
Sold Out

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with G Adventures.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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G Adventures

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G Adventures is an adventure travel pioneer offering the planet's most awe-inspiring selection of affordable small-group tours, safaris and expeditions. Our award-winning trips embrace authentic accommodation, exotic cuisine and local transport to put travellers on a first-name basis with the planet’s people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife.

Adventure travel is more than a vacation. It’s a chance to get to know your world better by putting yourself on a first-name basis with the people, places, and things that make it worth exploring. This is your planet. Come and get it.

All G Adventures tours share a common love of adventure, but life-altering experiences come in a variety of flavors. Here are some of the Travel Styles we offer:

"Comfort": “Adventure travel” doesn’t have to mean “roughing it.” Comfort tours offer the genuine experiences you want with more extras, frills, and upgrades.

"Classic": An unbeatable mix of uncommon experiences, insider access, cultural contact, and all the must-sees and -dos, Classic is adventure perfected.

"Active": Why just see the world when you could bike, hike, kayak, and multi-sport it? Why, indeed. Active tours keep travellers who like to move on the move.

"Yolo": You’re only young once. Make the most of it with Yolo tours, fun-filled and fast-moving adventures designed just for travellers aged 18 to 39.

"Family": Just because you settled down and had kids doesn’t mean your adventuring days are through. Family makes our big planet small enough for all.

"Local Living": Want to get under the skin of some of the most gorgeous and out-there places? Local Living tours grant access that even locals don't have.

"Private Groups": Got a group of eight or more and want to keep the fun to yourselves? Try a Private Group tour. You pick the who and where, we’ll handle the what.

No matter what kind of traveller you are, we’ve got a tour (or a dozen) that’ll fit you just right.

  • 100% Guaranteed Departures
  • Lifetime Deposits
  • 24/7 Service
  • Awards include one of National Geographic Traveler's Tours of a Lifetime and one of National Geographic Adventure's "Best Adventure Tour Outfitters." Several times named Canada's Favorite Adventure Tour Operator.

To speak with G Adventure Travel Specialist call 1-855-667-9514 

Why we love this operator
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
What they’re known for
Curated culturally immersive adventures for young adults and families that are tailored to a destination or specific theme.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotels/motels (25nts), holiday park cabin (1nt), Rainforest cabin (2nts).,Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure.

Transportation & Flights

Local flights are included in this itinerary. The max luggage allowance on domestic flights within Australia is 1 checked bag (20 kgs) and 1 carry on (7 kgs) per person. Private vehicle, plane, boat, walking,A variety of transport modes are used on this tour.

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle, plane, boat, walking A variety of transport modes are used on this tour.
Guides
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Requirements
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.,We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Visa requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here
Meals Included
13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information

Important Notes

1. Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes. 2. Please be aware that wifi and internet access is not as readily available in Australia as in other parts of the world. There are often additional charges to connect to the internet, and speeds may be slower than what you are used to. 3. Over public holidays in Australia and New Zealand (such as Christmas, New Years Day, Easter, and Anzac Day) there may be some limitations of services and disruptions to schedules. In general our tours still operate effectively over public holidays, but there may be closures of optional activities and restaurants, and slight itinerary adjustments in order to provide all tour inclusions. 4. ACCOMMODATION NOTE: Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our groups tend to eat together for most meals but there is no obligation to so. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. We love checking out what the locals are doing and what makes up their daily routines. In Italy that could be starting the day with an espresso and cornetto standing at the bar in a local café. in Australia it might include an iced coffee and sausage roll by the beach and in Vietnam it could be slurping a steaming bowl of pho sitting on a plastic stool on a busy street corner. Hey, variety is the spice of life!

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Trip ID
gadventure-25610

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