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, Doubtful Sound day-cruises 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.
Day 1: CairnsArrive at any time.
Day 2: Cairns/Cape TribulationHead north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.
Day 3: Cape TribulationWith a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.
Day 4: Cape Tribulation/CairnsReturn 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.
Day 5: Cairns/Airlie BeachDepart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way.
Day 6: Airlie BeachSet 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.
Day 7: Airlie Beach/Byron BayFly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights in this "hippie" paradise.
Day 8: Byron BaySpend the morning down at the beach with a morning yoga session and before hitting the waves for a surf lesson.
Day 9: Byron Bay/Port MacquarieSpend 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 10: Port Macquarie/Blue MountainsTravel 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.
Day 11: Blue MountainsTravel 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.
Day 12: Blue Mountains/SydneyContinue to Sydney and head out for an orientation walk. With some free time stroll the botanical gardens or visit the iconic Opera House.
Day 13: SydneyGet a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group.
Day 14: Sydney/AucklandSay 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 15: AucklandEnjoy a free day to explore Auckland. Visit the Maritime Museum, walk the waterfront, or even take the ferry to Waiheke Island.
Day 16: Auckland/RotoruaDrive 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 17: RotoruaVisit 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.
Day 18: Rotorua/WellingtonTake in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island and travel to the capital, Wellington.
Day 19: WellingtonEnjoy 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 20: Wellington/KaikouraFly 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 21: Kaikoura/Hanmer SpringsEnjoy 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 22: Hanmer Springs/Franz JosefTake 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 23: Franz JosefEnjoy a free day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt to explore the glacier with a heli hike.
Day 24: Franz Josef/QueenstownContinue 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 25: QueenstownWith 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 26: QueenstownEnjoy 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 27: Queenstown to TekapoTravel 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 28: Tekapo to ChristchurchContinue on to Christchurch and take in an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy one final night together with the group.
Day 29: ChristchurchDepart at any time.
