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Trip Length
23 Days
Trip Starts
Sydney
Trip Finishes
Queenstown
Trip Style
National Geographic Journeys
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
OAZNG
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 23 Day Explore Australia & New Zealand. Why choose between Australia and New Zealand? Experience both on an extraordinary 23-day adventure. Discover iconic Sydney, fashionable Melbourne, and welcoming Auckland; stand in the presence of sacred Uluru; explore ancient rainforests; and get your fill of city life, mountainscapes, glaciers, cultural moments, deserts, hot springs, and photo ops.
Itinerary
Please make your own way to the joining hotel. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and enjoy exploring the city before joining the welcome meeting at 6pm. If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city to visit The Rocks neighbourhood, the Australian Museum, Bondi Beach, or Darling Harbour.
Enjoy a traditional welcome ceremony this morning, followed by a guided tour of the historic Rocks district. This waterfront neighbourhood marks the spot of the first European settlement in Australia, and holds a spiritual significance for the area’s indigenous people. In the afternoon, board a private yacht for a sunset cruise and barbecue dinner on the Sydney Harbour, taking in views of the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. (B/D)
We catch a very early flight to ensure we make the most of the day. (B)
Enjoy a day of leisure in charming Port Douglas. Stroll the town’s boutique-lined streets and idyllic beaches. (B)
Return to the tropical city of Cairns and visit James Cook University for a behind-the-scenes tour of its research aquarium, founded by marine biologist and National Geographic Grantee Dr Jamie Seymour. Get an up-close view of some of the aquarium’s fascinating creatures, from sea snakes to box jellyfish, and hear about the latest aquatic research from Jamie or one of his colleagues. (B)
Spend the day on your own in beautiful Cairns, relaxing at the beach or setting out on an optional excursion. Choose to go scuba diving or snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, which teems with thousands of marine species, or enjoy spectacular views along the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway. (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. (B)
Awake at dawn to take in an unforgettable sunrise over Uluru, then delve into a full-day exploration of the ancient, red-hued landscapes of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Set out on a guided walk around the base of the monolith, gaining insight into its sacred significance to the Anangu. Later, make your way to Kata Tjuta, Uluru’s neighbouring natural wonder. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. (B)
Enjoy one last sunrise over spectacular Uluru before catching a flight to Melbourne, known as the cultural capital of Australia. (B)
Spend the day exploring vibrant Melbourne. Set out on an optional excursion on the Great Ocean Road, one of the most picturesque coastal drives in the world; visit some of the region’s top wineries; or wander the city’s narrow cobbled lanes and alleys, discovering quirky cafés and colourful murals. (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 enjoy lunch at three popular venues and experience a range of flavours and cuisines. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. (B/L)
Fly to Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island, and enjoy free time in the city. (B)
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. (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. (B)
Spend a free day in fascinating Rotorua. Opt to explore a geothermal park, walking past bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools, or go on a white-water rafting excursion. This evening, visit Tamaki Maori Village and enjoy a private welcome ceremony; then sit down for an exclusive talk with a Maori elder, learning about the community’s traditions, myths, and legends. Later, we’ll witness a captivating performance of Maori folklore while dining on an array of traditional foods prepared in a hangi, or underground oven. (B/D)
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. (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 continue on a private vehicle to a rainforest lodge near the town of Franz Josef, our home for the next two nights. (B)
Discover the natural wonders of the Franz Josef area on your own today. Opt to take a helicopter up to the stunning Franz Josef Glacier and hop out for an unforgettable hike on the jagged ice; embark on a guided interpretive walk that follows a riverbed along the glacier’s retreat; soak up in natural hot pools surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery; and more. (B)
Early start to travel to the picturesque Lake Matheson. When the weather is right, you can get a great photo of the Southern Alps reflected in the lake. Follow the wild West Coast Road, through the rainforest before stopping for some short walks and waterfall visits. (B)
In the evening, enjoy a delicious three course buffet dinner prepared by our onboard chef and served in the dining saloon. Mingle with fellow travellers, savour some of the fine wines at our licensed bar (additional price) and if the skies are clear in the evening, spend some time on the upper deck gazing at the stars. Please note: your accommodations onboard this vessel are private cabins with en-suite bathrooms. Amenities onboard include viewing decks, a dining saloon, a licensed bar and an observation lounge. (B/D)
Rise early for a wildlife viewing cruise along the pristine fjord. Then navigate back to Queenstown and spend the rest of the day at leisure in this fun-loving lakeside town, known as the adventure capital of the world. (B)
The day is yours to explore Queenstown. 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. This evening, enjoy a cable car ride to the top of Bob’s Peak for panoramic vistas of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps. (B)
For more time to explore Queenstown, we recommend booking post nights with your agent if you are interested in the countless adrenaline-packed activities in the town known as the "adventure capital of the world." Jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking, and sky diving are some of the activities available. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Enjoy a sunset cruise on Sydney harbour.
- Take an interpretive walk with an indigenous guide.
- Get an exclusive tour of a research aquarium.
- Witness thousands of glowworms lighting up the scenery.
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: The Rocks Indigenous Dreaming and Welcome Tour, Sydney
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: James Cook University Research Aquarium, Cairns
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Melbourne Foodie Walk, Melbourne
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Waiheke Island Wineries, Waiheke Island
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Meet a Maori Elder, Rotorua
- Your Discover Moment: Cairns
- Sydney Harbour dinner cruise
- Aboriginal walk through the Daintree Rainforest
- Sunrise interpretive walk at Uluru
- Melbourne orientation walk
- Visit glowworm caves
- Scenic TranzAlpine train
- Queenstown gondola ride
- Wilderness day cruise (winter) or overnight cruise (summer) in Fiordland National Park
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hotel (21 Nights), cruise boat (1 Night, seasonal)
- Doubtful Sound Eco cruise Designed along the lines of a traditional scow, the Fiordland Navigator blends old world charm with modern comforts that include spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon/fully licensed bar and an observation lounge. As you cruise through some of the fiord’s most stunning scenery, our knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary ensuring you miss nothing, be it the pod of resident dolphins, fur seals or rare penguins you might encounter.
- After dropping anchor in a sheltered cove, you can choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat or to simply relax onboard. For the more adventurous (or very brave), there’s even a chance to go swimming!
- In the evening, enjoy a delicious three course buffet dinner prepared by our onboard chef and served in the dining saloon. Mingle with fellow travellers, savour some of the fine wines at our licensed bar and if the skies are clear in the evening, spend some time on the upper deck gazing at the stars.
- Kick off the next day with a hearty cooked breakfast and spend the rest of the morning exploring other parts of the fiord. You then return to Deep Cove for the trip back to Manapouri.
- -Three-course buffet dinner & cooked breakfast -Includes kayaking and tendercraft (small boat) activities -Private cabins with ensuite bathrooms and limited quad share bunk - style compartments -Sleeps 70 -Spacious viewing decks, dining saloon, licensed bar and observation lounge
- The Fiordland Navigator is a purpose built vessel designed to replicate a traditional trading scow and is perfectly suited to cruising the fiords.
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- 22 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
- 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 (2023-24)
Combining National Geographic’s more than 130 years of global exploration, science, and storytelling, with the fun, responsible, and culturally immersive travel experiences for which G Adventures is a global leader. Support global initiatives, community projects, and enjoy access to exclusive ventures. Dive into a blend of comfort and discovery, just...more as the renowned National Geographic explorers did.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
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. Prices and trip information are correct at the time 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. Prices and trip information are correct at the time 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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