Best of the South Pacific: Ultimate Australia & New Zealand

G Adventures · 24 days

4.7

3 Reviews

Duration

24 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Two bucket list destinations-one fabulous adventure. This 24-day adventures makes the very most of your time by seeing the very best of both Australia and New Zealand.

Includes

Activities

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef Your Discover Moment: Queenstown
Melbourne laneways walk
Guided walk at Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park
Sunset at Uluru
Guided Hiking at Kings Canyon
Visit to Telegraph Station
Ferry to Manly Beach
Visit to Queen Victoria Market
Visit to Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne
Waitomo Glowworm caves visit
Orientation walk in Wellington and Christchurch
Wine tasting
Fiordland National Park visit with Doubtful Sound day cruise
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park visit with hiking opportunity (weather permitting)
Internal flights
Free time in Rotorua, Wellington, Franz Josef, and Queenstown
Internal airfare
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Hotels (21 nts), Desert Tented camp with shared facilities (2nts)

10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout

Highlights

Explore Sydney's beaches
Join an interpretive walk through Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park
Hike Kings Canyon
Marvel at the striking Franz Josef glacier
Feast on a hangi in a Maori village
Cruise around the fjords of Doubtful Sound

Trip Details

Duration

24 days

Transportation

Guide Language

English

Starts

Sydney, Australia

Finishes

Christchurch, New Zealand

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Classic, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Sydney

Arrive at any time. Join your CEO for a welcome meeting.
There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore your surroundings.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Rydges Sydney Central

Day 2: Sydney/Manly Beach

Sunny Sydney welcomes you and hit the road right away with your CEO to dive into exploring this stunning city. Set off on a walking orientation tour of some of the city's well known landmarks. Slowly make your way to Circular Quay, where you'll hop onto a ferry to cross the harbor to Manly beach. Your CEO will point out some must do's while you're in Manly, like the coastal walk to Shelly beach, and some places to grab some local food. You can't go wrong with some fish and chips by the sea. In the evening, join your CEO and fellow travelers for a meal together at a local restaurant.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Get a feel for the city on a short orientation walk led by your CEO.Activity - Join your CEO and take a local ferry out to Manly Beach. Enjoy free time at Manly! Opt to surf, relax on the beach or choose to walk to Shelly Beach.Accommodation - Rydges Sydney Central

Day 3: Sydney

Today is yours to spend as you see fit. There is quite literally too much choice in Sydney, so use your time wisely. Choose from exploring on foot the Rocks neighborhood, which is also home to the city's Museum of Contemporary Art. Or get the blood pumping by booking a jet boating tour or climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy free time in Australia's biggest beachside city, Sydney!Accommodation - Rydges Sydney Central

Day 4: Sydney/Yulara

Board a flight bound for Yulara, the gateway to the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. Spend the afternoon getting straight out there and exploring, starting with the Walpa Gorge walk at Kata Tjuta. Catch the sunset at Uluru before making your way back to your permanent tented camp. Enjoy an outdoor meal cooked at camp and some time under the stars.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Activity - Walk into Walpa Gorge where the sheer faces of the dome extend hundreds of meters above you. The gorge itself is a natural creek that carves its way between the two tallest domes of Kata Tjuta.Activity - Marvel at the changing colours over the desert and keep reminding yourself that yes, you really are there.Accommodation - Uluru Camp

Day 5: Yulara/Kings Canyon

Sunrise over Uluru is not to be missed, so rise early and catch sunrise over Australia's most iconic Indigenous landmarks. This morning, take the time to explore Uluru on foot on a guided walk through some of the most culturally significant areas of the site. These sacred spaces are some of the oldest on the planet, and understanding the interpretation behind them makes them even more impactful. Later, head to the Kings Canyon region overland, to your next permanent tented camp in the bush.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Get up early, grab a coffee and watch the reddish hues of massive Uluru come to life as the sun rises.Activity - Visit Uluru this morning with the guided interpretive Mala walk. Exploring on foot with an accredited guide is the best way to fully grasp the size and cultural significance of Uluru.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Kings Canyon Camp

Day 6: Kings Canyon/Alice Springs

In the desert morning, head out for an early hike throughout Kings Canyon. Choose between the harder 3 hour hike and a more approachable one hour option. The Rim walk is a 6km walk along the upper rim of Kings Canyon. The most difficult part of the hike is the very beginning with a 500 step ascent, but the landscapes and views you are rewarded with are more than worth the effort. You won't even remember the effort it took to get up there. (Sort of!) If you prefer to take it easy, enjoy a 2km hike through canyon valley. Later on, rest up on a drive East to Alice Springs.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - HIke through beautiful Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park on this walk that visits the natural amphitheatre, the North and South walls, and the Garden of Eden.Accommodation - Desert Palms Alice Springs Hotel

Day 7: Alice Springs/Melbourne

In addition to its rich Indigenous history and culture, Alice Springs is home to the Telegraph Station that linked Australia top to bottom in the 19th century. This telegraph connection also integrated Australia into the wider network within the British Empire, allowing Australia to be connected to the outside world in a matter of hours, versus days. Enjoy a tour of Alice Springs including insight into Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill. Next up, grabbing a flight to quirky, cool, Melbourne, the city of food and arts.
This afternoon, arrive in Melbourne and settle in with an optional dinner with your CEO.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Activity - Enjoy a guided tour of Alice Springs to explore the town. You'll drive to the top of Anzac Hill, learn about the significance of Telegraph Station, and more!Accommodation - Causeway 353 Hotel

Day 8: Melbourne

Melbourne is one of the easiest cities to traverse on foot and by public transport, so you will be getting your steps in today. Start the morning off by exploring the Queen Victoria markets with your CEO, before jumping into a guided tour where you will be led through some of the famous and off the beaten track-spots in Melbourne's famous laneways. Choose from one of dozens of lunch spots for a bite to eat and catch your breath, before ending the afternoon at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne, a sprawling 38 hectares of green space housing over 800 species of plants from the world over.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the largest market in the state of Victoria. With hundreds of vendors, from food, to handicrafts and thrifted treasures, its easy to spend hours here.Activity - Discover the small laneways packed with shops, cafés and restaurants that make Melbourne so unique. Grab a delicious barista coffee to-go (which no trip to Melbourne would be complete without!), and set out to experience Melbourne's laneways with an expert local host. Journey through this 'secret city,' seeing local hotspots and incredible street art while learning about the city's history.Activity - Wander through a green haven right in the middle of massive Melbourne. Walk through the 1.6 mile loop, accessible for all.Accommodation - Causeway 353 Hotel

Day 9: Melbourne

Another Australian city with tons to do, so a day at leisure gives you plenty of time to craft the perfect day. You may want to take a trip out to see the Phillip Island Penguin Parade or embark on a full day tour out along the Great Ocean Road.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Spend today exploring Australia's cultural capital, Melbourne.Accommodation - Causeway 353 Hotel

Day 10: Melbourne/Auckland

Say goodbye to Australia and fly south to the adventure capital of the world, New Zealand. After arrival, enjoy a free day in Auckland. Explore the city, go up into the Sky Tower, take a ferry to Waiheke, the island of wine, or rest on one of the many beaches surrounding the city.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Free_time - Enjoy free time after arriving to New Zealand's biggest city, Auckland.Accommodation - Oaks Auckland Hotel

Day 11: 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.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through 30 million year old caverns covered with magical glowworms that are unique to New Zealand. Hundreds of thousands of these tiny creatures radiate luminescent light in underground caves carved by rivers and time. Take in more than 136 years of cultural and natural history on this unique excursion.Accommodation - Sudima Lake Rotorua

Day 12: Rotorua

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

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy free time to visit the geothermal sites around town.Activity - Visit the Mitai Maori Village and learn the migration story of Tamatekapua of the Te Arawa canoe to Aotearoa and the Maori Pacifica connection told in dance form. Enjoy a delicious Hangi meal, similar to a Hawaiian Luau, with dishes such as chicken, sweet potato (kumara) and lamb steamed over heated rocks.Accommodation - Sudima Lake Rotorua

Day 13: Rotorua/Wellington

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

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington

Day 14: 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.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Free_time - Spend some time exploring the city. Accommodation - Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington

Day 15: Wellington/Kaikoura

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

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Stop at a local winery and opt to sample some of the wines produced on site. Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - The White Morph

Day 16: 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.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Drifters Inn Hanmer Springs

Day 17: Hanmer Springs/Franz Josef

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

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle. Driving time includes stops.Accommodation - Rainforest Retreat

Day 18: Franz Josef

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

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Don't waste a minute—get exploring.Accommodation - Rainforest Retreat

Day 19: 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.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Day 20: Queenstown

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

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - There's tons to do, get out and get going.Accommodation - Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Day 21: Queenstown

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

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle. Driving time includes stops.Activity - 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 Wilmot 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!Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Day 22: Queenstown to Tekapo

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

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Stop by the visitor's centre to learn more about the region.Activity - 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.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Godley Hotel

Day 23: 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.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - 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.Free_time - Enjoy a last night out.Accommodation - Bealey Quarter

Day 24: Christchurch

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $12,349

(Tour only)

Per Person Standard

Duration: 24 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Two bucket list destinations-one fabulous adventure. This 24-day adventures makes the very most of your time by seeing the very best of both Australia and New Zealand.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 08 Sep 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Kirita

Traveled, March 2024

04/29/2024

It was a holiday of a lifetime! - from snorkeling at the Barrier Reef and seeing wonderful coral ,brightly coloured fish, a turtle and a reef shark to snorkeling in NZ with Dolphins. The scenic helicopter flight at Franz Josef was breathtaking together w...

5.0

Charlie

Traveled, March 2024

04/05/2024

This tour was absolutely amazing, you get to see so much in 6 weeks, everyday was a new adventure in discovering the beauty of Australia and New Zealand.

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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