Highlights of Australia and New Zealand image
Save 15% off, auto-applied, ends 2026-06-19
Operated by G Adventures

Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

From
CAD 8,699
Duration
29 days
Countries
New Zealand, Australia
Activity
easy

The adventure

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, a Doubtful Sound day-cruise 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.

At a glance

Duration
29 days
Route
Cairns → Christchurch
Countries
New Zealand, Australia
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Highlights of Australia and New Zealand 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 activities planned until the evening welcome meeting.
There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting.
Day 2Head 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 3With 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 4Depart the Rainforest and return to Cairns…
The 1907 School of Arts building with palm trees in Cairns, Queensland, Australia.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.
Map showing Cairns
Day 5Depart 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 6Spend the day out on the water boating…Great Barrier Reef
Explore the vibrant underwater world of a coral reef, teeming with colorful fish and marine life.Great Barrier Reef
Spend 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.
Map showing Great Barrier Reef
Day 7Fly 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 8Spend 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 9Spend 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 10Before 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 11Travel 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 12This 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 13Get 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 14Say 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 15Enjoy 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 16Drive 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 17Today 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 18Take 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 19Enjoy 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 20Fly 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 21Enjoy 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 22Take 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 23Enjoy 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 24Continue 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 25With 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 26Enjoy 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 27Travel 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 28Continue 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.
Stunning architectural view of the Christchurch Arts Centre, a historic landmark in New Zealand.Christchurch
Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake.
Map showing Christchurch
Day 29Departure 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.

Upcoming departures

Last Minute 15% off OAQC260625 · ends 2026-06-19 · auto-applied
DatesPrice / personAvailability
25 Jun 202623 Jul 2026CAD 9,859On requestBook my trip
Operated by G Adventures

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