Trip Length
23 Days
Trip Starts
Auckland
Trip Finishes
Cairns
Trip Style
National Geographic Journeys
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
ONANG
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 23 Day Journeys: Iconic Australia and New Zealand. Discover the cultural and natural highlights of New Zealand and Australia on an epic 23-day adventure. Start off on New Zealand’s North Island with a Maori feast in Rotorua; then head south to cruise through majestic, wildlife-rich fjords. Queenstown—the adventure capital of the world—will serve up a healthy dose of adrenaline before we fly to Australia and eat our way through Melbourne on a walking lunch. Go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House, and dive in to explore the Great Barrier...read more Reef on a snorkeling excursion. Wrap up your adventure in Queensland by spending an afternoon with members of Australia's Indigenous community.
Itinerary
Please make your own way to the joining hotel. Our CEO will have a welcome meeting this evening. Auckland is a fantastic city with so much to see and do. Should you want more time to explore on your own, we recommend booking pre-nights. Stay: CityLife Auckland
Take an orientation walk in Auckland, one of the most multicultural cities in the Southern Hemisphere. We’ll then catch a ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island, a haven of world-class vineyards and idyllic beaches. Visit wineries to learn about New Zealand's burgeoning wine industry and the history of viticulture in the country while sampling some of the local blends. Stay: CityLife Auckland (B)
Rotorua sits over an active geothermal zone with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. This is a fascinating region with Maori history and culture tied directly to the geothermal aspects of the land. Stay: Millennium Rotorua (B)
On a full-day excursion, head to the Maori-owned Kohutapu Lodge, our base for exploring New Zealand's indigenous culture. See ancient rock carvings and learn about their spiritual significance to the Maori people, both past and present. Watch as a hangi lunch is prepared the traditional way--buried in an underground pit—and enjoy the resulting feast with your Maori hosts. After lunch, take a walk through the 800-year-old podocarp trees in Whirinaki Rainforest, learning the history of the forest and spotting endemic birds and medicinal plants. Return to Rotorua for an optional evening meal or a well-deserved soak in the hot springs. Stay: Millennium Rotorua (B/L)
With free time in Rotorua this morning, opt to relax in one of the hot pools fed by water coming directly from the natural springs. Stay: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (B)
Board the TranzAlpine train—one of the world’s most scenic rail routes—for a breathtaking journey through verdant plains, beech forests, and majestic, misty mountains. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass—the highest pass in the Southern Alps - and choose to grab a coffee and spend some time exploring this alpine area. Descend into the Canterbury Plains to visit a working sheep farm. On arrival, dig into a bbq lunch prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Then spend the afternoon with the sheepdogs learning about how the dogs work in tandem with their human owners to care for the farm. Watch a sheep shearing demonstration and hear from the farmers about the their life and work in this fascinating industry. Return to Christchurch later in the afternoon, with time to explore on your own and take dinner at your leisure. Stay: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (B/L)
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Christchurch. Choose to ride the Gondola for incredible sweeping views, or stroll the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. In the afternoon, head west to Tekapo at the base of Aoraki/Mt Cook. This evening after dinner, join local experts for an exclusive astronomy experience in one of the worlds official Dark Sky Parks in Tekapo. Expect breathtaking perspectives of the stars, planets, and distant galaxies. You'll have the rare opportunity to capture stunning celestial images with expert guidance, while experienced guides take you on a journey through the Southern Skies. Stay: Woolshed Suites (B)
Set off this morning for the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Sir Edmund Hillary, New Zealand's most famous explorer, made some of his very first ascents here at the south face of Aoraki/Mt Cook which set the foundation for his world-changing summit of Everest with Tenzing Norgay in 1953. In a July 1954 issue of National Geographic Hillary was quoted as saying “We are there. Nothing above us, a world below.” Spend time at the visitor centre that honors Sir Edmund Hillary and his achievements in the exploration of so many fascinating parts of the planet. Later in the afternoon, embark on your own explorations with a guided trek along the Kea Point track. This 1.8 mile trail offers views to Mount Sefton, Hooker Valley, Mueller Glacier Lake and Aoraki/Mt Cook. Stay: Woolshed Suites (B)
Set off this morning heading further west towards Wanaka. Enjoy some free exploration time in Wanaka and grab some lunch at leisure. This afternoon, join your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) for a brief orientation of Arrowtown before enjoying some time to explore this historic mining town. Choose to go on a walking tour starting at the Lakes District Museum. Then stroll around the historic miner's cottages, old churches, and explore the Chinese Settlement to learn about the gold mining past that shaped Arrowtown. In late afternoon, head to Queenstown and enjoy dinner at leisure. Stay: Novotel Queenstown Hotel (B)
Discover the glacially carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park on a cruise. Glide past shimmering waterfalls and towering cliffs, and look out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and little blue penguins with our naturalist guides. Travel back to shore, head to Queenstown for the night. Stay: Novotel Queenstown Hotel (B/L)
Enjoy a day at leisure in Queenstown to explore the myriad things that make this southern city so famous. Choose to cruise lake Wakatipu on a historic steamer; experience a thrilling jet boat ride; or visit a local winery to sample the region’s award-winning vintages. Choose to join your CEO and fellow travelers for a delicious farewell dinner on this final evening in New Zealand. Stay: Novotel Queenstown Hotel (B)
Fly from Queenstown to Melbourne, Australia, and enjoy free time in the city. Stay: Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (B)
Embark on a food tour of Melbourne with a local author and culinary storyteller. Home to many thriving immigrant communities, Melbourne has long been considered one of Australia’s gastronomic hubs. On this foodie walk through the city’s famed laneways, we’ll experience a range of flavors and cuisines over lunch at three popular venues. Start with an Asian entree with wine; move on to an Italian restaurant for a main dish accompanied with more wine, and finish off the tour with a gelato dessert at our third stop. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Stay: Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (B/L)
Spend the day exploring vibrant Melbourne. Set out on an optional excursion on the Great Ocean Road, following spectacular sea cliffs along the windswept Southern Ocean. Visit some of the region’s top wineries or wander the city’s narrow cobbled lanes and alleys, discovering quirky cafés and colorful murals. Stay: Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (B)
Accommodations in Uluru are limited and of varying amenities. We do our best to secure a mid-range hotel, but on occasion a more simple accommodation with fewer amenities may be used. Stay: Desert Gardens Hotel (B)
In the morning make your way to Kata Tjuta, Uluru’s neighboring natural wonder for a morning of exploration as you walk along these ancient, red-hued landscapes. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon before capping off the day with a glass of sparkling wine as you witness a crimson sunset over this fabled monolith. Stay: Desert Gardens Hotel (B)
Observe the stunning display and watch the sun rise with views of Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the distance. Return to the hotel for breakfast and your final moments in the heart of the outback before it’s time to pack up and head off to the airport for an afternoon flight to Sydney. Check in to our Sydney hotel and opt to join our CEO for a dinner out on the town in one of Sydney's famous neighbourhoods. Stay: Vibe Hotel Sydney (B)
Take it slow with a leisurely morning, or get up early and join your CEO for a walk around the Rocks area, a waterfront neighborhood that marks the spot of the first European settlement in Australia. It also holds a spiritual significance for the area’s indigenous people. Around midmorning, circle back and meet for a private tour of the Sydney Opera House. This afternoon, step aboard a private catamaran for a sunset sail around Sydney's famous harbor. Tuck into a delicious Australian Barbecue dinner as the sun sets in the background. Stay: Vibe Hotel Sydney (B/D)
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the best of Sydney. Walk the Rocks and stop by Maybe Sammy for a drink, which happens to be one of the best bars in Sydney. Take the ferry to Manly Beach or walk the Bondi Coastal walk and snap some photos. Or, spend a full day exploring the Blue Mountains on an optional excursion. Stay: Vibe Hotel Sydney (B)
We catch a very early flight to ensure we make the most of the day. Stay: Mantra PortSea (B)
Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day catamaran tour to the Outer Reef. Immerse yourself in the largest coral reef system in the world, which teems with 1500 species of tropical fish, as well as whales, dolphins and porpoises. Hop into the warm waters off Australia's east coast and experience this marine wonderland for yourself. Lunch will be served onboard. Back in Port Douglas the evening is yours to do as you please. Stay: Mantra PortSea (B/L)
Enjoy a free morning in charming Port Douglas. Stroll the town’s boutique-lined streets and idyllic beaches or head to the Sunday markets to browse the stalls. Later in the day, join your fellow travelers for an exclusive cultural experience at Cooya Beach. Meet Indigenous guides for a welcome ceremony, and get acquainted with members of the Kuku Yalanji people. Our CEO will organize an optional farewell dinner to toast your adventures down under. Stay: Mantra PortSea (B)
After one last breakfast in Port Douglas, transfer back to Cairns where our tour ends at the airport mid-morning. Alternatively, extend your stay in Port Douglas. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Go behind the scenes at Sydney Opera house.
- Take an interpretive walk with an Indigenous guide.
- Snorkel with the fish in the Great Barrier Reef.
- Witness thousands of glowworms lighting up the scenery.
- See the stars like never before in the protected International Dark Sky in Lake Tekapo.
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: A day at Kohutapu, Rotorua
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Sheep Shearing Experience, Canterbury Plains
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Tekapo Dark Sky Experience, Lake Tekapo
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Melbourne Foodie Walk, Melbourne
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Private Tour of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Exclusive Indigenous experience at Cooya Beach, Port Douglas
- Waiheke Island Wineries
- Waitomo Caves tour
- Kohutapu Local Maori Community Initiative
- National Kiwi Hatchery
- Scenic TranzAlpine train
- Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
- Aoraki Mount Cook Kea Point Trek
- Free time in Wanaka and Arrowtown
- Wilderness day cruise in Fiordland National Park
- Free time in Queenstown
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Melbourne Foodie Experience
- Sunrise interpretive walk at Uluru
- Sydney Harbour dinner cruise
- Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk in the Daintree Forest
- Great Barrier Reef Excursion
- Exclusive Indigenous experience at Cooya Beach
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hotel (22 Nights)
- This trip uses comfortable 3 star hotels, well located in cities and close to National Parks. Our chosen hotels vary in size, character, and amenities, but are of a very good standard, and the rooms are double occupancy with a private bathroom.
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- 22 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner
- Private vehicle, plane, train, boat, walking
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
G Adventures National Geographic Journeys (2025)
National Geographic Journeys offer an in-depth look into the culture and history of your destination. Paired with G Adventures’ nearly 30 years of experience in community-focused small group tours, you can expect a travel experience like no other.
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in USA. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in USA. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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