G Adventures
Save 25%Australia & New Zealand: A Month Down Under
New Zealand, Australia · 38 days · Moderate
fromCAD 6,749
Next: 20 JunThe adventure
We don’t just say any trip is the “best of”. But when you’re 38 days in length and loaded with the best experiences Australia and New Zealand have to offer, well, that’s the only way to do this level of adventure justice. Starting in Adelaide, you’ll make your way to the beaches of Victoria, Grampians National Park, the Daintree Rainforest, the Blue Mountains, Fiordland National Park, and a unique Maori experience — and that’s not including a million-ish other places in between. If you’re looking for the total Down Under experience, this is it.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
New Zealand & Australia
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore your surroundings.
There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore your surroundings.
Day 2Travel inland to Grampians National Park
Travel inland to Grampians National Park, known for its sandstone mountain range.
Day 3Trek 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 4Travel south to the ancient volcanic crater…
Travel south to the ancient volcanic crater of Tower Hill, with the opportunity to spot some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife. Afterwards, begin your journey along the Great Ocean Road as far as the township of Port Campbell.
Day 5Spend the day exploring the Twelve Apostles
Spend the day exploring the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and surrounding natural attractions. Opt for a walk along any number of short paths available to immerse yourself in nature. If the luck of weather is on your side, round out the day by watching the light become golden over the Twelve Apostles on the drive to Port Campbell.
Day 6Spend the day travelling along the Great Ocean Road
Spend the day travelling along the Great Ocean Road. Pass world-famous surf beaches, and walk through the rainforest in Great Otway National Park. Travel by ferry across Port Phillip to the Mornington Peninsula.
Day 7Spend the morning exploring the Mornington PeninsulaAlthough fairly small in size, the Mornington Peninsula packs a big punch with the amount of things to do here. Be awed with the stunning coastal scenery while driving through quaint towns and past stunning beaches.
Although fairly small in size, the Mornington Peninsula packs a big punch with the amount of things to do here. Be awed with the stunning coastal scenery while driving through quaint towns and past stunning beaches.
Day 8Continue on to Melbourne but first make…
Continue on to Melbourne but first make a few stops along the way. Stop to see Brighton's brightly coloured bathing boxes, miniature beachfront cabins that are unique to the beaches in Port Phillip Bay.
Day 9Tour Melbourne's iconic laneways and learn more about…
Tour Melbourne's iconic laneways and learn more about coffee culture, and pick up some great pointers for your free afternoon of exploration.
Day 10Fly to the oceanside city of CairnsGreat Barrier Reef
Great Barrier ReefFly to the oceanside city of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Day 11Head north to Cape Tribulation
Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take a Dreamtime walk through the Daintree Rainforest.
Day 12With a free dayGreat Barrier Reef
Great Barrier ReefWith a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.
Day 13Depart the Rainforest and return to Cairns…
Depart the Rainforest and return to Cairns in the afternoon with free time to explore this laid-back city. En route, stop by Port Douglas for lunch and opt to check out the local market.
Day 14Depart 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, including some of Australia's 'Big Things' such as Tully's Golden Boot & the Big Mango.
Day 15Spend the day out on the water boating…Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier ReefSpend 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 16Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay…
Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights. A blend of laid-back surf culture and stunning natural beauty, it is Australia’s easternmost point and the first to see the sun each morning.
Day 17Spend a free morning exploring Byron or opt…
Spend a free morning exploring Byron or opt to prebook a kayaking tour. In the afternoon, you'll head to the beach for a surf lesson with a trained surf instructor. Enjoy a few hours of instruction before hitting the waves for some practice rides.
Day 18Spend 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 19Before departing Port Macquarie stop at Guulabaa -…
Before departing Port Macquarie stop at Guulabaa - Place of Koala, to see the work they are doing to protect the local koala population. Then travel from Port Macquarie to the Blue Mountains. 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 20Travel deeper into the majestic 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 21This morning
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 22Get 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 23Say goodbye to Australia and hop…
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 24Enjoy 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 25Drive to the lakeside town of 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 26Today is yours to explore Rotorua
Today is yours to explore Rotorua, opt to check out the geothermal area, go whitewater rafting, or one of the many other activities in the area. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment.
Day 27Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North…
Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island as you travel to the capital, Wellington. Stop along the way places like the mighty Haka Falls and the 'Gumboot capital of NZ', Taihape.
Day 28Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city
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 29Fly to the South Island and travel…
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 30Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura
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 31Take in the stunning scenery while travelling across…
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 32Enjoy a free day to explore the area…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.
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 33Continue to 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 34With free time here
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.
Day 35Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park…
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 36Travel north through the centre of the South…
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 37Continue on to Christchurch and take…Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake.
ChristchurchTravel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake.
Day 38Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
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