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Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

29 days, Cairns to Christchurch

A koala in a tree

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.

29 days

Cairns to Christchurch

From$67699HKD
Valid on May 23 2024
Trip Code: OAQC

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.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: Classic

All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

Service Level: Standard

Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

View our Entry Requirements tool

29 days

Cairns to Christchurch

From$67699HKD
Valid on May 23 2024
Trip Code: OAQC

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 29

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 83

Map of the route for Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

Places visited

Itinerary

Day 1Cairns

Arrive at any time.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Day 2Cairns/Cape Tribulation

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

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 3Cape Tribulation

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

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4Cape 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.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5Cairns/Airlie Beach

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

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Airlie 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.

Meals included:

Lunch

Day 7Airlie Beach/Byron Bay

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

Day 8Byron Bay

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

Day 9Byron 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 10Port 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.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 11Blue 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 12Blue 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 13Sydney

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

Day 14Sydney/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 15Auckland

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

Day 16Auckland/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 17Rotorua

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 18Rotorua/Wellington

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

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 19Wellington

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 20Wellington/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.

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 21Kaikoura/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 22Hanmer 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.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 23Franz Josef

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

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 24Franz 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 25Queenstown

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 26Queenstown

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 27Queenstown 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.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 28Tekapo to Christchurch

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

Day 29Christchurch

Depart at any time.

Meals included:

Breakfast
View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef
  • Your 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
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
  • Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visit
  • Internal flights
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

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

Meals

13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Allow USD1215-1580 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private vehicle, plane, boat, walking

Staff & experts

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience (Pre Tour) - From $959.00

As part of the boat crew, you'll work together with your teammates to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour in this competitive yacht. Either take the helm and participate or sit back and enjoy the spectacle - the choice is yours.

Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking - From $469.00

Slice through the waters of the iconic Byron Bay in the morning on this half-day kayaking adventure. Paddle past the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, see the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, and ride the waves into shore. On top of it all, keep a close eye for dolphins and whales (in season) who call these waters home. Epic? Definitely. This activity is in the ocean and conditions can sometimes be rough due to weather. This is a very fun activity but first time kayakers may find this challenging.

Queenstown Jet Boating - From $779.00

It's a jet boat ride along the Shotover River of Queenstown - need we say more? Okay, how about this - imagine a whitewater ride with sharp turns and fast pace expertly navigated by a trained driver. All you need to do is strap in and be ready to get wet.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

| 29 days - Cairns to Christchurch - from $67699 HKD