A massive swath of the South Pacific dotted with islands both huge and minuscule, Oceania is a region simultaneously divided and united by the sea. The coastlines of Australia and New Zealand – the largest nations down in this part of the world – are legendary and endless, but it’s what goes on inland that really makes these places special. Cosmopolitan cities, mist-shrouded volcanoes, vast deserts, and isolated communities populated with some of the most interesting people you’ll find anywhere await. There’s no place like this place anyplace, and they can’t wait to prove it to you.
In case you hadn’t noticed, Australia is an awfully big place. So big, in fact, that you’d need to come back a few times to see it all. Don’t have that kind of time? Hop aboard this 14-day trip down Australia’s east coast and make the most of the time you do have. Offering a solid mix of must-do experiences and uncommon adventures, you’ll learn to surf at Byron Bay, sail the Whitsundays, and trek through Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest. The best part: there’s still plenty more to come back for.
Highlights
~ Follow an Aboriginal guide through the Daintree Rainforest
~ Visit the Great Barrier Reef
~ Sail around the scenic Whitsundays
~ Try surfing in Byron Bay
~ Hike the Blue Mountains
What’s Included
Your Discover Moment: Byron Bay
Your Hands-On Moment: Surfing Lesson, Byron Bay. Guided rainforest walk. Whitsunday Islands sailing excursion. Blue Mountains stay with hikes. Jenolan Caves visit. Scenic Railway. Jamison Valley walk. Orientation walk in Sydney. Free time in Cairns, Byron Bay, and Sydney. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Meals: 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches
Travel Style: Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price
Physical Rating: 3 – Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12
Two weeks is barely enough time to thoroughly explore your hometown, let alone a place as fascinating as New Zealand. For adventurers on a tight time-budget, this 15-day trip wraps up the must-sees of both islands with a nice little bow. Check out the Coromandel Peninsula’s gorgeous beaches, hang with the Maori in a traditional village, and get your adrenaline fix in Queenstown. Consider this your New Zealand starter kit.
Highlights
~ Check out a Hot Water Beach
~ Feast on a hangi in a Maori village
~ Let loose in Queenstown
~ Cruise around the fjords of Milford Sound
~ Travel a scenic rail route
What’s Included
Coromandel Peninsula visit. Cathedral Cove visit. Hot Water Beach stop. Traditional Maori ceremony and Hangi dinner. Overnight in Maori village. Orientation walk in Wellington. Scenic train journey. Beach time in Kaikoura. Arthurs Pass. Fiordland National Park visit. Milford Sound overnight boat excursion (Seasonal; May through September will have a day cruise). Visit to Mt Cook NP with hiking opportunity (weather permitting). Visit to Mt Cook NP Visitor’s Centre. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Meals: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Travel Style: Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price
Physical Rating: 3 – Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12
Discover Australia’s legendary highlights on a 12-day loop of the country. Explore world-class cities and the outback’s sacred Red Centre, the Great Barrier Reef, and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Enjoy meaningful cultural experiences and a guided foodie walk through Melbourne. With all of the details taken care of — and your flights in Australia included — you’ll find yourself on top of the world Down Under.
Highlights
~ Experience the Red Centre and witness the majesty of Uluru at sunrise
~ Discover Melbourne’s hidden laneways
~ Tour the James Cook University Aquarium
~ Enjoy an Indigenous experience in the heart of Sydney’s waterfront
What’s Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming and Welcome Tour, Sydney
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: James Cook University Research Aquarium
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Melbourne Foodie Walk, Melbourne
Your Discover Moment: Cairns. Sydney Harbour Aboriginal Walk. Sydney Harbour cruise. Aboriginal dreamtime walk through the Daintree Rainforest at Mossman Gorge. Sunrise interpretive walk at Uluru. Walk through Walpa Gorge in Kata Tjuta. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Meals: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys
Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
Physical Rating: 2 – Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Service Level: Upgraded
Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 12.
Spend 11 days exploring the North and South Islands of this small country packed with wonders. Travelling by train, gondola, boat, and plane, connect with locals in artsy beach towns, walk through an ancient rain forest, and learn about local legends and cuisine from the Maori. Take a deep breath to fill your lungs with the impossibly clean air here – and fill your soul with the legendary Kiwi spirit.
Highlights
~ Sample wine with local experts on Waiheke Island
~ Learn about Maori myths and traditions
~ Experience the geothermal mysteries of Rotorua
~ Glide along the TranzAlpine railway
~ Relax at a rainforest lodge
~ Cruise through Fiordland National Park searching for wildlife and waterfalls
What’s Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Waiheke Island Wineries, Waiheke Island
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Meet a Maori Elder, Rotorua. Bridal Veil Falls visit. Farm visit with local lunch. Raglan harbour cruise. Waitomo Caves tour. Traditional Maori hangi feast and entertainment. Orientation walk in Christchurch. Scenic TranzAlpine train. Ride the Queenstown gondola. Wilderness day cruise (winter) or overnight cruise (summer) on Fiordland National Park. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Meals: 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys
Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
Physical Rating: 2 – Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Service Level: Upgraded
Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 12.
REGION: Australia and New Zealand
VENDOR: G AdventuresA classic tour of the South Pacific touching on both Australia and New Zealand
EXPLOREAotearoa is a cluster of mystical islands in the South Pacific. And in the Sacred Space is Eagles Nest.
EXPLORESoak up the sun on the white sands and glistening shores of Australia's east coast
EXPLORE