Tour Highlights Of Australia And New Zealand | Visit Australia, New Zealand

Guide

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

Others

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.

Hygieneprotocol

As of October 1, 2021 G Adventures’ Vaccinated Tours Policy applies:  All travelers must meet the G Adventures requirements for joining their tours.  The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour.  There are some tours and departures that are only ‘Travel-Ready’ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within 96 hours before the first day of the tour.  Please, double check with the G Adventures Support Team about the requirements of your tour and departure date. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 below** Travel with Confidence & Vaccinated Tours As we continue to see vaccine mandates shifting and countries evolving COVID-19 policies, we have continued to monitor and adjust our policies in line. Based on this, we will be making some adjustments to our Vaccinated Tours and Travel with Confidence policy in 2023. Tours departing on or after March 31, 2023 we will no longer be requiring all travellers to be vaccinated to travel with G Adventures. However, we still strongly recommend that all travellers are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to travelling. As per our existing policy, it is the travellers responsibility to ensure they are aware of and adhere to the regulations of the country they are visiting. Please remember to ensure that your travellers have adequate travel insurance to protect them should their travel plans change, this should include trip disruption and COVID-19 coverage. Our National Geographic Journeys, National Geographic Family Journeys and G Expedition will remain fully vaccinated for all departures . You can read more about these policies here: https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  Leading up to March 31, 2023 our tours will continue to be Vaccinated Tours and you can look for the Vaccinated Tours icon to indicate which departures are vaccinated and which will not require a vaccination as we move forward with this change. You can find more information on our Travel with Confidence landing page https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  or as well as on Sherpa.  Thank you for your continued support as we navigate these updates. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 above**

Transport

Private vehicle, plane, boat, walking

Accommodation

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

Meals

13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Not included:

Flights

International flights are not included

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included

Others

1. Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes. 2. Please be aware that wifi and internet access is not as readily available in Australia as in other parts of the world. There are often additional charges to connect to the internet, and speeds may be slower than what you are used to. 3. Over public holidays in Australia and New Zealand (such as Christmas, New Years Day, Easter, and Anzac Day) there may be some limitations of services and disruptions to schedules. In general our tours still operate effectively over public holidays, but there may be closures of optional activities and restaurants, and slight itinerary adjustments in order to provide all tour inclusions. 4. ACCOMMODATION NOTE: Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary. IMPORTANT NOTE: Bookings for the America’s Cup are at either 11am, 1pm or 2pm - this is dependant on the season and availability. Please be sure to reconfirm your sailing 24 hours prior by phoning Explore (while in New Zealand): 0800 397 567 or International: +64 9 359 5987.Cape Tribulation - Great Barrier Reef Visit (209AUD per person) - Daintree National Park Visit (Free) - Daintree Rainforest Night Walk (45AUD per person) Whitsunday Islands - Whitsunday Islands Snorkelling (Free) Byron Bay - Skydiving (409AUD per person) - Whale Watching (89AUD per person) - Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking Cape Byron - Cape Byron Lighthouse Visit (Free) Sydney - Sydney Opera House Visit (43-185AUD per person) - Jet Boat Ride (85AUD per person) Coogee Beach - Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach Coastal Walk Rotorua - Hot Springs (30-50NZD per person) - Whitewater Rafting (115NZD per person) - Rotorua Canopy Tours (179-249NZD per person) Wellington - Te Papa Museum Visit (Free) - Zealandia (25-95NZD per person) - Wellington Cable Car (6-11NZD per person) - Weta Workshop Tour (99NZD per person) Kaikoura - Hiking (Free) - Scenic Flight (225NZD per person) - Whale Watching (175NZD per person) - Dolphin Tour (230NZD per person) Franz Josef - Hiking (Free) - Heli Scenic Flight with Snow Landing (330-425NZD per person) - Franz Josef Kayaking (130NZD per person) - Guided Heli Hike (Heli Transfer) (698NZD per person) Queenstown - Vineyard Tour (210-230NZD per person) - Bungee Jumping (265-450NZD per person) - Gondola Ride (52-79NZD per person) - Earnslaw Steamship Cruise (99-120NZD per person) - Queenstown Jet Boating (159NZD per person) - Skydiving (420-520NZD per person)

Optional

Cape Tribulation - Great Barrier Reef Visit (149AUD per person) - Daintree National Park Visit (Free) - Cape Tribulation Horseback Riding (110AUD per person) - Daintree Rainforest Night Walk (45AUD per person) Whitsunday Islands - Whitsunday Islands Snorkelling (Free) Byron Bay - Whale Watching (89AUD per person) - Hinterland and Minyon Falls Tour (139AUD per person) - Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking - Surfing Lesson Cape Byron - Cape Byron Lighthouse Visit (Free) Port Macquarie - Koala Hospital Visit (2AUD per person) Sydney - Sydney Opera House Visit (37-165AUD per person) - Jet Boat Ride (85AUD per person) - Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb - Sydney Adrenaline Bundle Coogee Beach - Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach Coastal Walk Auckland - Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos Rotorua - Hobbiton Tour (112NZD per person) - Whitewater Rafting (89NZD per person) - Hot Springs (30-50NZD per person) - Mountain Biking (35-130NZD per person) - Zorbing (35-50NZD per person) Hahei - Hahei Boat Cruise (85NZD per person) - Sea Kayaking (115NZD per person) Wellington - Te Papa Museum Visit (Free) - Wellington Cable Car (4-7.50NZD per person) - Zealandia (9-95NZD per person) - Weta Workshop Tour (25-65NZD per person) - Martinborough Wine Tour (199NZD per person) Kaikoura - Scenic Flight (135-180NZD per person) - Hiking (Free) - Whale Watching (145NZD per person) - Swimming With Dolphins (170NZD per person) Franz Josef - Helicopter Hike (459-539NZD per person) - Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk (79NZD per person) - Franz Josef Quad Bike (65-160NZD per person) - Franz Josef Kayaking (99-129NZD per person) - Hiking (Free) Queenstown - Paragliding (210NZD per person) - Gondola Ride (35-56NZD per person) - Bungee Jumping (165-205NZD per person) - Vineyard Tour (185-230NZD per person) - Ziptrek (120-170NZD per person) - Earnslaw Steamship Cruise (55-95NZD per person) - Shotover Canyon Swing/Shotover Canyon Fox (169-299NZD per person) - Scenic Horse Riding Tour (165-325NZD per person) - Queenstown Jet Boating - Skydiving (299-459NZD per person)

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Cairns
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Cairns

Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting.

Included Activities:
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Day 2 Day 2: Cairns/Cape Tribulation (1B, 1L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Cairns/Cape Tribulation (1B, 1L)

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

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 03:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk
Day 3 Day 3: Cape Tribulation (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Cape Tribulation (1B)

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

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Day 4 Day 4: Cape Tribulation/Cairns (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Cape Tribulation/Cairns (1B)

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

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 03:30 Hr(s)
Day 5 Day 5: Cairns/Airlie Beach (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Cairns/Airlie Beach (1B)

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

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 09:00 - 10:00 Hr(s)
Day 6 Day 6: Airlie Beach (1L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Airlie Beach (1L)

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

Included Activities:
- Whitsunday Islands Boating Excursion
- Barrier Reef Visit
Day 7 Day 7: Airlie Beach/Byron Bay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Airlie Beach/Byron Bay

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

Transport:
- Plane: Airlie Beach to Brisbane 02:30 Hr(s)
- Private Vehicle 02:00 - 02:30 Hr(s)
Day 8 Day 8: Byron Bay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Byron Bay

Spend the morning down at the beach with a morning yoga session and before hitting the waves for a surf lesson.
Pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional experience on your tour.

Included Activities:
- Surfing Lesson

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking
Day 9 Day 9: Byron Bay/Port Macquarie
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Byron 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.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 05:00 Hr(s)
Day 10 Day 10: Port Macquarie/Blue Mountains (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Port Macquarie/Blue Mountains (1B)

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

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 06:00 - 07:00 Hr(s)
Day 11 Day 11: Blue Mountains
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: 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.

Included Activities:
- Blue Mountains Excursion
Day 12 Day 12: Blue Mountains/Sydney
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Blue 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.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Blue Mountains to Sydney 02:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Jamison Valley Walk
- Scenic Railway
- Orientation With CEO
Day 13 Day 13: Sydney
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Sydney

Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group.
Day 14 Day 14: Sydney/Auckland
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Sydney/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.

Transport:
- Plane 03:00 Hr(s)

Additional Notes: Please note that your flight from Australia to New Zealand and first night in Auckland will be unescorted.
Day 15 Day 15: Auckland
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Auckland

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

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Auckland Sailing: America’s Cup Experience (Pre Tour)

Additional Notes: If you are interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set while in New Zealand we suggest you pre-book before arriving in New Zealand. G Adventures currently does not offer this as a tour add-on. Hobbiton is accessible as a day trip from Auckland or Rotorua.
Day 16 Day 16: Auckland/Rotorua
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Auckland/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.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 07:00 - 08:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Waitomo Cave Excursion
Day 17 Day 17: Rotorua (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Rotorua (1B, 1D)

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.
Rotorua sits over an active volcanic zone with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. Opt to visit one of the sites, or go whitewater rafting nearby.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Included Activities:
- Mitai Experience

Additional Notes: If you are interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set while in New Zealand we suggest you pre-book before arriving in New Zealand. G Adventures currently does not offer this as a tour add-on. Hobbiton is accessible as a day trip from Auckland or Rotorua.
Day 18 Day 18: Rotorua/Wellington (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Rotorua/Wellington (1B)

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

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 07:00 - 08:00 Hr(s)
Day 19 Day 19: Wellington
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Wellington

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.

Included Activities:
- Orientation With CEO
Day 20 Day 20: Wellington/Kaikoura (1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Wellington/Kaikoura (1D)

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

Transport:
- Plane
- Private Vehicle 02:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Winery Visit
Day 21 Day 21: Kaikoura/Hanmer Springs
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Kaikoura/Hanmer Springs

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.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 03:00 Hr(s)
Day 22 Day 22: Hanmer Springs/Franz Josef (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Hanmer Springs/Franz Josef (1B)

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

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 08:00 Hr(s)
Day 23 Day 23: Franz Josef (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Franz Josef (1B)

Enjoy a free day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt to explore the glacier with a heli hike.
There are dozens of optional activities in the area to suit just about any budget and preference. Try heli hiking, scenic helicopter flights, skydiving, lake kayaking or a hot pools visit.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Day 24 Day 24: Franz Josef/Queenstown
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 24: Franz 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.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 08:00 - 09:00 Hr(s)
Day 25 Day 25: Queenstown (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 25: Queenstown (1B)

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.
Opt to pre-book the "Queenstown Jet Boating" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Optional Extras to chose from:
- Queenstown Jet Boating
Day 26 Day 26: Queenstown (1B, 1L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 26: Queenstown (1B, 1L)

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

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 03:00 Hr(s)
- Private Vehicle 03:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Day 27 Day 27: Queenstown To Tekapo (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 27: Queenstown To Tekapo (1B)

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

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 01:15 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre
- Aoraki/Mount Cook Visit
Day 28 Day 28: Tekapo To Christchurch
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 28: Tekapo To Christchurch

Continue on to Christchurch and take in an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy one final night together with the group.
Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake.

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 03:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Orientation With CEO
Day 29 Day 29: Christchurch (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 29: Christchurch (1B)

Depart at any time.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

+26

29 days tour

Highlights Of Australia And New Zealand

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Highlights Of Australia And New Zealand

Day 1: Cairns

Day 2: Cairns/Cape Tribulation (1B, 1L)

Day 3: Cape Tribulation (1B)

Day 4: Cape Tribulation/Cairns (1B)

Day 5: Cairns/Airlie Beach (1B)

Day 6: Airlie Beach (1L)

Day 7: Airlie Beach/Byron Bay

Day 8: Byron Bay

Day 9: Byron Bay/Port Macquarie

Day 10: Port Macquarie/Blue Mountains (1B)

Day 11: Blue Mountains

Day 12: Blue Mountains/Sydney

Day 13: Sydney

Day 14: Sydney/Auckland

Day 15: Auckland

Day 16: Auckland/Rotorua

Day 17: Rotorua (1B, 1D)

Day 18: Rotorua/Wellington (1B)

Day 19: Wellington

Day 20: Wellington/Kaikoura (1D)

Day 21: Kaikoura/Hanmer Springs

Day 22: Hanmer Springs/Franz Josef (1B)

Day 23: Franz Josef (1B)

Day 24: Franz Josef/Queenstown

Day 25: Queenstown (1B)

Day 26: Queenstown (1B, 1L)

Day 27: Queenstown To Tekapo (1B)

Day 28: Tekapo To Christchurch

Day 29: Christchurch (1B)

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