The Whitsundays and Airlie Beach
The Whitsundays and Airlie Beach
Swimming in the Daintree Rainforest
Swimming in the Daintree Rainforest
The iconic Mount Cook, New Zealand
The iconic Mount Cook, New Zealand
Queenstown, South Island
Queenstown, South Island

Australia and New Zealand Highlights

28 nights from £7,549 per person

Overview

No one should have to choose between exploring Australia or New Zealand – that's why this tour has been crafted to cover the best of both, in this epic 29-day epic adventure. With guided walks through the Daintree Rainforest, day cruises on Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park, a cultural experience with a visit to a Maori village, and plenty of other incredible adventures, this tour shows that you truly can have the best of both countries. (GA-OAQC)

This small group tour is a maximum size of 16, letting you have an immersive experience in each destination.

Highlights

  • Explore the Daintree Rainforest with an Indigenous guide
  • Spend the day cruising around the picturesque Whitsundays
  • Hike and stay overnight in the Blue Mountains
  • Take a boat tour around the fjords of Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park
  • Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
  • Experience Maori culture firsthand

Tour locations:

Cairns – Cape Tribulation – Airlie Beach – Byron Bay – Port Macquarie – Blue Mountains – Sydney – Auckland – Rotorua – Wellington – Kaikoura – Hanmer Springs – Franz Josef – Queenstown – Tekapo - Christchurch

Whats included?
  • Flights & taxes
  • Accommodation
  • Checked baggage
  • ATOL protection
  • In resort assistance & 24 hour contact centre
Why Book with Australian Sky?
  • Hassle-free - book direct quickly and easily
  • Choice of airlines and the option to switch
  • A friendly, family run business with a wealth of experience.
  • Great deals on offer for multiple destinations
  • Low deposits
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Day 1

Cairns

Arrive at any time and meet your Chief Experience Officer and follow travellers.

Overnight: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns (or similar)

Day 2

Cairns to Cape Tribulation – 140KM

Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop along the way to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.

Overnight: Cape Tribulation Beach House (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 3

Cape Tribulation

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

Overnight: Cape Tribulation Beach House (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4

Cape Tribulation to Cairns – 140KM

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.

Overnight: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5

Cairns to Airlie Beach – 623KM

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

Overnight: Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6

Airlie Beach

Spend the day 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.

Overnight: Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments (or similar)
Meals included: Lunch

Day 7

Airlie Beach to Byron Bay via internal flight to Brisbane

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

Overnight: Byron Beachcomber (or similar)

Day 8

Byron Bay

Spend a free morning exploring Byron or opt to pre-book a kayaking tour. In the afternoon, head to the beach for a surf lesson with a trained instructor. Enjoy a few hours of instruction before hitting the waves for some practice.

Overnight: Byron Beachcomber (or similar)

Day 9

Byron Bay to Port Macquarie – 397KM

Spend the morning wandering the town, checking out local shops, or having one last coffee on the beach before heading to the coastal town of Port Macquarie, surrounded by beautiful beaches and national parks. Enjoy an evening in Port Macquarie.

Overnight: El Motor Inn Port Macquarie (or similar)

Day 10

Port Macquarie to Blue Mountains – 500KM

Travel from Port Macquarie to the Blue Mountains today, famous for its soaring sandstone ridges. Pass charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, lush green valleys, and craggy cliffs. Whether the journey is shrouded in clouds or bathed in sunset, beauty will surround you.

Overnight: Leisure Inn Spires (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11

Blue Mountains

Explore the majestic Blue Mountains and its natural beauty. Visit Leura and Katoomba, view the Three Sisters, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.

Overnight: Leisure Inn Spires (or similar)

Day 12

Blue Mountains to Sydney – 61KM

Leave the Blue Mountains behind and head to Sydney. Once you arrive, enjoy an orientation walk and some free time to explore. Opt to rent a bike, stroll through the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.

Overnight: Rydges Sydney Central (or similar)

Day 13

Sydney

Relax seaside at Bondi Beach and enjoy some free time in this vibrant city. An optional night out with the group is available.

Overnight: Rydges Sydney Central (or similar)

Day 14

Sydney to Auckland via internal flight

Say goodbye to Australia and fly to Auckland, New Zealand. After transferring from the airport, enjoy some free time to explore this vibrant city.

Please note that your flight from Australia to New Zealand and first night in Auckland will be unescorted.

Overnight: Nesuto Stadium Hotel & Apartments (or similar)

Day 15

Auckland

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

Top tip: If you're interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set while in New Zealand, we recommend pre-booking before your arrival. G Adventures currently does not offer this as an add-on to the tour. Hobbiton can be visited as a day trip from either Auckland or Rotorua.

Overnight: Nesuto Stadium Hotel & Apartments (or similar)

Day 16

Auckland to Rotorua – 275KM

Drive to Rotorua, a lakeside town known for its geothermal features and rich Maori heritage. En route, stop at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm lit up by thousands of glowworms.

Overnight: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)

Day 17

Rotorua

Visit Rotorua and opt to explore the geothermal area or go whitewater rafting. In the evening, visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal, and entertainment.

Overnight: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

Day 18

Rotorua to Wellington – 452KM

Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island on your way to the capital, Wellington.

Overnight: Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 19

Wellington

Enjoy the atmosphere of this relaxed yet 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.

Overnight: Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington (or similar)

Day 20

Wellington to Kaikoura via internal flight to Christchurch

Fly to the South Island and travel to Kaikoura, a seaside town famous for its marine life. Stop en route for a wine tasting at a local winery.
 

Overnight: Sudima Hotel Kaikoura (or similar)
Meals included: Dinner

Day 21

Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs – 130KM

Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura. Opt for a whale watching tour to spot giant sperm whales or tour to a spot known for being visited by wild dolphins. In the afternoon, travel to Hanmer Springs and opt to soak in the hot springs.

Overnight: Drifters Inn Hanmer Springs (or similar)

Day 22

Hanmer Springs to Franz Josef – 400KM

Travel through the Southern Alps to the rugged West Coast, staying in a rainforest near the world’s fastest-moving glacier.

Overnight: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 23

Franz Josef

Enjoy a free day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt for a heli-hike on the glacier.

Overnight: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 24

Franz Josef to Queenstown – 420KM

Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. With stunning scenery and a range of activities, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy the great nightlife.

Overnight: Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar)

Day 25

Queenstown

With free time, opt to go bungee jumping (the birthplace of bungee), jet boating, skydiving, or hiking. Alternatively, travel by gondola to the top of a local peak.

Overnight: Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 26

Queenstown

Enjoy a day cruise through Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound. Take in the waterfalls and wildlife before returning to Queenstown for the night.

Overnight: Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 27

Queenstown to Tekapo – 358 KM

Travel north through the South Island to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest peak. Spend the afternoon hiking the region and take in the alpine scenery. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Visitor's Centre, before continuing to Tekapo Village.

Overnight: Godley Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 28

Tekapo to Christchurch – 230KM

Continue on to Christchurch and take an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy one final night together with the group.

Overnight: Bealey Quarter (or similar)

Day 29

Christchurch

Today marks the end of your adventure. Flights may be booked to depart at any time, or speak to our sales experts about extending your holiday.

Meals included: Breakfast

  • International & internal flights
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Tour Director (CEO – Chief Experience Officer) during your tour
  • Hotels/motels (26nts), Rainforest cabin (2nts).
  • 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
  • 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

What’s not included

  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Meals unless stated (Allow USD1215-1580 for meals not included)
  • Optional excursions

 

Optional excursions can be booked locally with your CEO. Rates are from price per person

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)
  • 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 (45-75NZD per person)
  • Whitewater Rafting (125NZD per person)
  • Rotorua Canopy Tours (189-259NZD per person)

Wellington

  • Te Papa Museum Visit (35NZD per person)
  • 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 (240NZD per person)
  • Franz Josef
  • Hiking (Free)
  • Heli Scenic Flight with Snow Landing (350-445NZD per person)
  • Franz Josef Kayaking (135NZD per person)
  • Guided Heli Hike (Heli Transfer) (698NZD per person)

Queenstown

  • Vineyard Tour (210-240NZD per person)
  • Bungee Jumping (265-450NZD per person)
  • Earnslaw Steamship Cruise (99-120NZD per person)
  • Gondola Ride (66-80NZD per person)
  • Queenstown Jet Boating (169NZD per person)
  • Skydiving (430-535NZD per person)

Please note that rates can change at any time without notice

Flights

The maximum luggage allowance on domestic flights within Australia is 1 checked bag (20kg) and 1 carry-on (7kg) per person.

As you will be travelling frequently, we recommend packing as lightly as possible.

For convenience, we suggest using a backpack, or a medium-sized suitcase if preferred. Heavy luggage is not advised, as the CEO will be responsible for loading the storage trailer. Due to space limitations, only one piece of main luggage per person can be accommodated. A daypack (20-35L) is essential to carry your personal items for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack should hold your personal belongings, lunch, and a water bottle.

 

Holly Reid
Book today

Talk to our travel experts for more information and to book or tailor-make your holiday

01342 310 580 Call us 9am-7pm Mon-Fri / 9am-5pm Sat-Sun

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