Australia & New Zealand Encompassed image
Operated by G Adventures

Australia & New Zealand Encompassed

From
Price on request
Duration
34 days
Countries
New Zealand, Australia
Activity
moderate

The adventure

The fascinating lands of Australia and New Zealand are waiting to be discovered on this in-depth 34-day tour. You'll cover not just the major cities (it wouldn't be a trip to Australia without a requisite snap of the Opera House) but venture into the country's Red Centre to explore the animal-filled bush and see Uluru at sunset. Save some room on that memory card for the last leg of your trip in New Zealand, where you'll visit a geothermal park, hike around Mt Cook, and cruise through Doubtful Sound, capturing incredible shots all along the way.

At a glance

Duration
34 days
Route
Melbourne → Queenstown
Countries
New Zealand, Australia
Activity level
moderate
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, National Parks & Wilderness, Sailing & Marine, Trekking & Hiking, Wellness & Yoga, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Australia & New Zealand Encompassed image

Day by day

Explore the breathtaking mountain landscape of New Zealand featuring rugged peaks and lush valleys.
Your journey through

New Zealand & Australia

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. If you arrive early enough, head into the city to take in the 'cultural capital of Australia'. Get lost in the city's famous laneways, go on the hunt for the perfect flat white (hint: Melbourne loves its coffee shops), catch the tram to St. Kilda, or wander around the über-cool Fitzroy neighbourhood.
There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. If you arrive early enough, head into the city to take in the 'cultural capital of Australia'. Get lost in the city's famous laneways, go on the hunt for the perfect flat white (hint: Melbourne loves its coffee shops), catch the tram to St. Kilda, or wander around the über-cool Fitzroy neighbourhood.
Day 2Tour Melbourne's iconic laneways and learn more about…
Stunning view of Melbourne's skyline featuring Princes Bridge and Yarra River.Melbourne
Tour Melbourne's iconic laneways and learn more about coffee culture before travelling to the Mornington Peninsula. Stop to see Brighton's brightly coloured bathing boxes, miniature beachfront cabins that are unique to the beaches in Port Phillip Bay.
Map showing Melbourne
Day 3Enjoy a free day in the Mornington Peninsula
Enjoy a free day in the Mornington Peninsula. Opt to visit a winery or hit one of the many incredible beaches in the area.
Day 4Hop on a ferry to Queenscliff before spending…
Hop on a ferry to Queenscliff before spending the day travelling along the Great Ocean Road. Pass world-famous surf beaches, enjoy views of the 12 Apostles, and walk through the rainforest in Great Otway National Park.
Day 5Travel inland to Grampians National Park
Travel inland to Grampians National Park, known for its sandstone mountain range and impressive rock art. Trek through the forest, lush with vegetation and wildlife. Walk to the stunning Balconies and visit MacKenzie Falls.
Day 6Visit the Brambuk Indigenous Cultural Centre before continuing…
Visit the Brambuk Indigenous Cultural Centre before continuing on to Adelaide. The CEO will point out important highlights of the city while driving in, before free time to explore the city.
Day 7Stop in the Clare Valley for a wine…
Stop in the Clare Valley for a wine tasting and light gourmet lunch featuring regional produce. Afterwards, drive through the Flinders Ranges.
Day 8Visit Wilpena Pound
Visit Wilpena Pound, a 800-million-year old natural amphitheatre, before enjoying free time for optional activities in the Flinders Ranges like hiking or a 4WD tour of the rugged area.
Day 9Travel to Coober PedyTravel to the unique opal mining town of Coober Pedy, where people live underground to avoid the heat. A guided mine tour gives insight to the mining process and the importance of opals to the area.
Travel to the unique opal mining town of Coober Pedy, where people live underground to avoid the heat. A guided mine tour gives insight to the mining process and the importance of opals to the area.
Day 10Travel further into the Outback and experience…
Travel further into the Outback and experience a colourful sunset at Uluru with a glass of bubbly in hand.
Day 11Enjoy the Mala Walk at Uluru to learn…
Enjoy the Mala Walk at Uluru to learn the importance of the rock to the Aborigines.
Day 12Fly to the oceanside city of CairnsGreat Barrier Reef
Explore the vibrant underwater world of a coral reef, teeming with colorful fish and marine life.Great Barrier Reef
Fly to the oceanside city of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Map showing Great Barrier Reef
Day 13Head north to Cape Tribulation
Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.
Day 14With a free dayGreat Barrier Reef
Explore the vibrant underwater world of a coral reef, teeming with colorful fish and marine life.Great Barrier Reef
With a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.
Map showing Great Barrier Reef
Day 15Return to Cairns in the afternoon with free…
Return to Cairns in the afternoon with free time to explore this laid-back city.
Day 16Depart early for a full day of travel…
Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach with time to explore the town.
Day 17Set sail for a day in the Whitsunday IslandsGreat Barrier Reef
Explore the vibrant underwater world of a coral reef, teeming with colorful fish and marine life.Great Barrier Reef
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.
Map showing Great Barrier Reef
Day 18Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay…
Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights in this "hippie" paradise.
Day 19Spend the day wandering the town or taking…
Spend the day wandering the town or taking part in a multitude of optional activities like skydiving, visiting Cape Byron Lighthouse, or relaxing on the beach.
Day 20Hit the waves with an included surf lesson
Hit the waves with an included surf lesson. Head 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 21En route to the Blue Mountains
En route to the Blue Mountains, opt to stop at the Koala Hospital to learn about vital wildlife conservation work in the area.
Day 22Explore the area around Leura and Katoomba including…
Explore the area around Leura and Katoomba including the Three Sisters. Visit the Jenolan Caves, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.
Day 23Day 23Itinerary details are available from G Adventures.
Tranquil coastal landscape at Kereta, Waikato, New Zealand. Rolling hills meet the serene ocean shore under a blue sky.Day 23
Itinerary details are available from G Adventures.
Day 24Get a feel for the city
Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group.
Day 25Fly to Auckland, New Zealand and enjoy free time in the city
Fly to Auckland, New Zealand and enjoy free time in the city.
Day 26Enjoy a free day to explore Auckland
Enjoy a free day to explore Auckland. Visit the Maritime Museum, walk the waterfront, or even take the ferry to Waiheke Island.
Day 27Visit the Waitomo Caves
Visit the Waitomo Caves, famous for their glow-worms and adventure activities. Continue to Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity and culture.
Day 28Take advantage of free time in the adrenaline…
Take advantage of free time in the adrenaline capital of the North Island, and opt to go whitewater rafting, check out a geothermal park with technicolour pools, hit up a nearby spa, or journey to Middle-earth on an excursion to the Hobbiton Movie Set. This evening, learn more about Maori culture with a local experience and dinner.
Day 29Catch a flight to Christchurch on the South Island
Catch a flight to Christchurch on the South Island. Walk around town with a local guide and learn about how communities have rebuilt after the earthquake in 2011. This evening, enjoy free time and get a feel for the city.
Day 30Drive to beautiful Lake Ohau with a stop…
Drive to beautiful Lake Ohau with a stop at Lake Tekapo along the way. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and admire the stunning alpine scenery that surrounds this local landmark. Spend the afternoon hiking the region around Aoraki/Mt Cook. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Aoraki/Mt Cook Visitor's Centre.
Day 31Drive to Queenstown
Breathtaking aerial view of Queenstown by Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by majestic mountains under clear skies.Queenstown
Drive to Queenstown, with a stop at Wanaka and a local vineyard for a wine tasting.
Map showing Queenstown
Day 32Take in the stunning scenery of Fiordland National…Queenstown
Stunning aerial shot of Queenstown, New Zealand with clear blue lake and snow-capped mountains.Queenstown
Take in the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound on a day cruise. Keep an eye out for the waterfalls and wildlife in this breathtaking area. Return to Queenstown in the evening.
Map showing Queenstown
Day 33Enjoy a free day in Queenstown
Vibrant suburban street in Queenstown, New Zealand, nestled against lush mountains.Queenstown
Enjoy a free day in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving, paragliding, hiking or mountain biking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak.
Map showing Queenstown
Day 34Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Discover New Zealand

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Tranquil coastal landscape at Kereta, Waikato, New Zealand. Rolling hills meet the serene ocean shore under a blue sky.
Picturesque landscape of Lake Pukaki with mountains and winding road at sunset in New Zealand.
Breathtaking landscape of a tranquil lake reflecting mountain views in Otago, New Zealand.
A stunning aerial view of Akaroa Harbor with lush green landscapes and surrounding hills in New Zealand.
Breathtaking aerial view of Queenstown by Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by majestic mountains under clear skies.
Operated by G Adventures

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