G Adventure - Highlights of Australia & New Zealand Itinerary

Fly to the oceanside city of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

With its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a haven of scuba diving, snorkelling, reef cruises, all types of fishing, rainforest walks, native bird and wildlife watching.

You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group in Cairns. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre (or similar) Cairns - 1 Night

From Cairns you will head north to Cape Tribulation, a remote headland famed for its beautiful beach and rainforest landscape. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.

Included Activity: Aboriginal Interpretive Walk at Mossman Gorge

Follow your Aboriginal guide and learn about bush food, medicinal plants and the lasting relationship of the Kuku Yalanji people with their natural environment. Find out how to make bush soap, watch an ochre painting demonstration and sample some bush tea.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Cape Tribulation - 2 Nights (or similar)

A free day in beautiful Cape Tribulation. Why not opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park?

Optional Activity: Great Barrier Reef Visit

Hop on a boat and head out to sea to reach the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. Don a mask and opt to snorkel the largest coral reef in the world.

Optional Activity: Daintree Rainforest Night Walk

Once the sun goes down, grab a torch and head out into the jungle for a guided night walk. With your guide, you'll spot various critters who call this region home.

Optional Activity: Cape Tribulation Horseback Riding

Ride through lush canopy floors and crystal clear streams, ending up on the stunning Myall beach. Cap off this adventure by galloping through the ocean spray!

Meal: Breakfast 

Bid farewell to the rainforest and return to Cairns in the afternoon with free time to explore this laid-back city.

Sun-seekers and locals alike flock to Cairns Esplanade's swimming lagoon on the city’s foreshore. There are picnic areas, birdwatching viewpoints, free barbecues and fitness equipment along the boardwalk, perfect for unwinding after today's journey.

Meal: Breakfast 

Accommodation: Cairns - 1 Night (or similar)

Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach in plenty of time to explore. 

Airlie Beach

Palm-fringed beaches and waterfront parks are a staple of this seriously laid-back holiday destination. After your journey, why not cool off at Airlie Beach Lagoon? Here you can swim all year round and there are even lifeguards on duty in the daylight hours.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Airlie Beach - 2 Nights (or similar)

Set sail for a day in the Whitsunday Islands, visiting the Great Barrier Reef. You can 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.

Included Activity: Whitsunday Islands Sailing Excursion

Enjoy a day sailing amidst some of the 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsunday archipelago. Visit Whitehaven Beach, jump overboard for a quick refreshing dip, and make friends with the tropical fish that thrive within Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Great Barrier Reef Visit

The Whitsunday Islands are in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day sailing, then when it gets too hot, pull on a mask and snorkel and dive overboard to check out the variety of brightly coloured marine plants, coral and fish that thrive right in these warm tropical waters.

Meal: Lunch

Today we fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights in Australia's famous "hippie" paradise.

Byron is one of Australia's most creative locations, with a huge population of musicians, writers and designers living here and enjoying the relaxed beach lifestyle. Think chic boutiques, luxury wellness retreats, organic cafes and yoga on the sands.

Accommodation: Byron Bay - 2 Nights (or similar)

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.

Meal: Lunch

Accommodation: Port Macquarie - 1 Night (or similar)

Leave the coast behind and head inland to the breathtaking Blue Mountains region. En route, opt to stop at the Koala Hospital to learn about these unique creatures and even adopt your very own Koala!

Blue Mountains

Prepare to be awed by rugged sandstone cliffs, hidden canyons, towering waterfalls and never-ending expanses of gorgeous eucalyptus forests. The World-Heritage-Listed Blue Mountains region is guaranteed to impress.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Leisure Inn Spires - 2 Nights (or similar)

With charming Leura as your base, explore the major attractions of the Blue Mountains from sightseeing to bushwalking to cafés and more. Visit the Jenolan Caves, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.

This morning, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world. Continue to Sydney and head out for an orientation walk. With some free time, opt to rent a bike, stroll the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.

Jamison Valley Walk

Take in some amazing lookouts over the Jamison Valley, via the iconic Three Sisters. Descend down the 900 step giant staircase to the valley floor. Walk amongst the beautiful forest to the steepest incline railway in the world — The Katoomba Scenic Railway. Opt to ride its 52-degrees angle or take the Scenic Cableway. If you're keen for more walking, and time permitting, take the 900 stairs back up.

Scenic Railway

This railway is steep and plunges into the rainforest and through the valley. The ride is scenically stunning. At the end, opt to take a rainforest walk or a cable car back to the visitor's centre.

Travel to Sydney

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Accommodation: Rydges Sydney - 2 Nights (or similar)

Enjoy a free day to explore one of Australia's most exciting cities. Today is your day to get a feel for the city, relax seaside at Bondi Beach, and enjoy an optional final night out with any group members leaving us in Sydney. Discover the city at your leisure, or you can opt to pre-book some amazing Sydney activities:

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Climb one of the most famous bridges in the world – the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Soak in amazing panoramic city views of Sydney at the top – a perfect photo opp and memory to take home with you!

Sydney HarbourJet Boat Ride

Want an adrenaline rush? Hold on and get ready for a white-water thrill while gorgeous scenery whizzes past. Explore Sydney Harbour, jetting by the Opera House, Harbour Islands and more!

Sydney Opera House Visit

Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site to discover its history, folklore, and more. Catch the boom of the grand organ–with more than 10,000 pipes, it took 10 years to build and is the largest mechanical organ in the world.

Sydney Adrenaline Bundle

Admire the city from new perspectives with this Adrenaline Bundle. Start with a climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge – 134 m (440 ft) above sea level! Learn the story of the bridge from an expert guide and soak in the epic views. Next, board a jet boat and enjoy the thrill of spins, slides, and fishtails, spotting iconic landmarks like the Opera House, Taronga Zoo, and Shark Island along the way. Book this Adrenaline Bundle and save on both activities.

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand!

Fly to Auckland, New Zealand and enjoy free time in the city this afternoon. As well as volcanoes, Auckland is famous for its waterfront - there's lots to see at the harbour edge. Grab dinner at one of the fantastic eateries at the nearby Viaduct, where you can see giant super-yachts come and go.

Accommodation: Auckland - 2 Nights (or similar)

Today you are free to enjoy Auckland any way you wish: we have a whole range of optional activity suggestions for you.
There may be some new travellers joining your tour this evening, and you can opt to attend their welcome meeting and get to know them over dinner later.

Optional Activity: Maritime Museum Visit

Tour the museum’s seven galleries to learn more about New Zealand’s relationship with the sea, and see maritime art that speaks to the sentiment of a nautical nation.

Optional Activity: Waiheke Island Excursion

Take a ferry ride to Waiheke Island for a quick, fun getaway. Tour the island's tracks and bush reserves, or sample your way through some of the island’s 19 boutique wineries.

Optional Activity: America's Cup Sailing Experience

Work together with your teammates to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour in this competitive yacht. This activity starts early so booking an extra night in Auckland is recommended.

Optional Activity: Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour

Enjoy a day out of Auckland for a 2-hour movie set tour and see where major scenes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed. Pre-booking is essential due to popularity

Depart early for the stunning Coromandel Peninsula. Take a walk to Cathedral Cove or opt out in favour of sea kayaking. If the tide is right, grab a shovel and dig a natural jacuzzi in the sand on Hot Water Beach.

Hahei

The Coromandel is one of many scenic regions of New Zealand. Set off into the mountain forest in search of the elusive "Hairy Moehau" monster. Check out the beaches and cliffs and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales. Make friends with the locals, including "hippies" who arrived in the 1970s and never left.

Cathedral Cove

Pack your swimsuit and walk from the north end of Hahei Beach along a cliff-top path that leads down to Cathedral Cove. A giant arch formed into the headland separates two secluded coves. Swim, lay in the shade, and enjoy the beauty of this idyllic spot.

Meal: Dinner

Accommodation: Hot Water Beach - 1 Night (or similar)

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, like Hell's Gate, or go whitewater rafting nearby.

Tamaki Maori Village

Visit the Tamaki Maori Village. Receive the traditional Powhiri welcome ceremony followed by a captivating stage performance explaining Maori history, myths and culture. For dinner, enjoy a traditional Hangi meal, similar to the Hawaiian Luau, with dishes such as chicken, sweet potatoes (kumara), and lamb steamed over heated rocks.

Meals: Dinner

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

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Night Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington (or similar)

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.

Fly to the South Island, then travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its diverse marine life.

Optional Activities 

Scenic Flight

Take a 30-minute flight and set off to search for whales, dolphins, and other marine life. On land, you'll see Maori sites, Kaikoura town and New Zealand's southern fur seals.

Hiking

Set off along one of many hiking trails to take in the beautiful scenery along the Kaikoura Peninsula walkway.

Opt to swim with dolphins or go whale watching during a free morning in Kaikoura before travelling to Hanmer Springs, stopping en route for a wine tasting at a local winery. Opt to take a soak in the hot springs.

On the drive to Hanmer stop at a local winery and opt to sample some of the wines produced on site.

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. This will be a full day of driving and scenic stops along the way

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Franz Josef - 2 nights

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, quad biking, skydiving, glacier valley walk, lake kayaking or a hot pools visit.

Included Meals: Breakfast 

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.

Accommodation Queenstown - 3 nights

There's plenty to see and do in Queenstown on your free day today, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like mountain biking, bungee jumping, and jet boating. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

Optional Activity: Scenic Horse Riding Tour

Head out on a scenic horse ride and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Te Wahipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Optional Activity: Bungy Jump

Take the plunge at the world's original commercial Bungy site, or simply observe where it all started from the comfort of solid ground.

Optional Activity: Skydiving

Enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Queenstown from an eagle's perspective. This is what a natural high truly feels like!

Optional Activity: Gondola Ride

Take a ride up to the top of the mountain by gondola (cable car) for a spectacular 220º view of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Lake Wakatipu below.

Optional Activity: Paragliding

Hang on! Get a birds-eye view of Queenstown on an exciting ride in the sky.

Optional Activity: Earnslaw Steamship Cruise

Discover the breathtaking Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a 103-year-old traditional steamship.

Optional Activity: Vineyard Tour

Taste some of Queenstown's finest Pinot Noir, as well as Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and pick up a few bottles to savour back home.

Optional Activity: Shotover Canyon Swing/Shotover Canyon Fox

The world’s highest cliff jump! Jump off a cliff and swing into a canyon on the 109m high Canyon Swing or the 182m high Canyon Fox.

Optional Activity: Queenstown Jet Boating

A fast-paced whitewater ride with sharp turns and spins expertly navigated by a trained driver. Strap in and be ready to get wet.

Meal: Breakfast

Take in the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park on a day trip into Doubtful Sound where we'll board a cruise. Keep an eye out for the waterfalls and wildlife in this breathtaking area. Return to Queenstown in the evening.

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Cruise through the stunning Doubtful Sound, one of the most untouched, remote places in the world. The only way to get here is by boat across Lake Manapouri, then bus across Wilmont Pass to Doubtful Sound. Marvel at the steep cliff walls and cascading waterfalls, and keep an eye out for area wildlife: dolphins, penguins, seals, and a variety of birds. This isolated part of New Zealand is truly a special place!

Meal: Breakfast & Lunch

Head through the centre of the South Island to Twizel, near New Zealand's highest peak, Mt Cook. Visit Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and spend the afternoon hiking the region, taking in the alpine scenery. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Visitor's Centre.

Aoraki/Mount Cook is both a village, a national park and the name of New Zealand's highest mountain. Located in central South Island, the park includes a mix of rocks and glaciers, as well as alpine plants including the world's largest buttercup, the Mount Cook lily. There are several short walks that reward with spectacular views.

Meal: Breakfast

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.

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 night Bealey Quarter (or similar)

Your tour ends this morning after breakfast. Say your goodbyes, fit in any last-minute sightseeing, and make your way to the airport for your onward flight.

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Meal: Breakfast

What's Included

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Adelaide
Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef
Your Discover Moment: Queenstown.

Highlights

Melbourne Laneways Walk. Brighton Bathing Boxes Visit. Rainforest Walk, Great Otway National Park. 12 Apostles Visit. Loch Ard Gorge Visit. Grampians National Park Visit. Mossman Gorge Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk. Whitsunday Islands Sailing Excursion. Barrier Reef Visit. Surfing lesson in Byron Bay. Blue Mountains Excursion. Blue Mountains Scenic Railway. Sydney Coromandel Peninsula Visit. Hot Water Beach Excursion. Hanmer Springs. Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visit. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Is this tour for me?

Service Level: Standard, Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light  : Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small group experience; Max 16

Age requirement: 12+