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, and pick up some great pointers for your free afternoon of exploration.
Map showing Melbourne
Day 3Continue your exploration of Australia's cultural capital before…
Continue your exploration of Australia's cultural capital 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.
Day 4Enjoy 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 5Hop 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 6Travel inland to Grampians National Park
Travel inland to Grampians National Park, known for its sandstone mountain range and impressive rock art.
Day 7Trek through the forest
Trek through the forest, lush with vegetation and wildlife. Visit the culturally significant MacKenzie Falls for a short hike. Walk to the stunning Balconies, then spend the afternoon relaxing with the locals - our resident wild kangaroos and emus.
Day 8Travel to Adelaide
Travel to Adelaide. Your CEO will point out important highlights of the city while driving in, before free time to explore the city.
Day 9Today is a free day to enjoy Adelaide
Today is a free day to enjoy Adelaide, capital of South Australia and famed for its churches and gardens. Opt to stroll the city streets, hop on a tram to the coastal village of Glenelg, take in a full day wine tour of the famed Barossa Valley, or for the truly adventurous, take a day trip to Kangaroo Island.
Day 10Board your flight to Yulara
Board your flight to Yulara, in the heart of Australia's Red Centre and only a short distance to Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. 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 Indigenous people that live in the area.
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. En route, stop by Port Douglas and opt to have lunch at a local market.
Day 16Depart early for a full day of travel…
Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way.
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 morning down at the beach…Pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional experience on your tour.
Pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional experience on your tour.
Day 20Spend the morning wandering the town checking out…
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 21Travel from Port Macquarie to the Blue Mountains today
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 22Travel deeper into the majestic 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 23Continue to Sydney and head out…
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 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. Take in an orientation walk with your CEO before enjoying a few hours to explore 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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