Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 38 Day Best of Down Under: Australia & New Zealand. We don’t just say any trip is the “best of”. But when you’re 38 days in length and loaded with the best experiences Australia and New Zealand have to offer, well, that’s the only way to do this level of adventure justice. Starting in Adelaide, you’ll make your way to the beaches of Victoria, Grampians National Park, the Daintree Rainforest, the Blue Mountains, Fiordland National Park, and a unique Maori experience — and that’s not including a million-ish other places in between. If you’re read more looking for the total Down Under experience, this is it.
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There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either the season has ended and new dates will be released soon, or the itinerary has been updated and isn’t operating this season.
Trip Length
38 Days
Trip Starts
Adelaide
Trip Ends
Christchurch
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
OAAC
Itinerary
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.
Included Experiences
- Meet Your CEO and Group: 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.
Travel inland to Grampians National Park, known for its sandstone mountain range.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Trek through the forest, lush with vegetation and wildlife. Visit the culturally significant MacKenzie Falls for a short hike. Walk to the stunning Balconies, then spend the afternoon relaxing with the locals - our resident wild kangaroos and emus.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
- MacKenzie Falls Visit: MacKenzie Falls is the only waterway in the region that flows year-round and it is also the most visited waterfall in the Grampians; take a short walk and check out the falls out from a viewing platform. In Spring, see wonderful wildflowers in bloom along the path.
- The Balconies (Jaws of Death) Visit: Set off from the Reed Lookout overlooking Victoria Valley, and enjoy a short walk with beautiful scenery to the Balconies, formerly called the Jaws of Death. Check out the gorgeous view, but be careful not to lean too far over the edge!
- Free Time: Spend this afternoon exploring the local area.
Travel south to the ancient volcanic crater of Tower Hill, with the opportunity to spot some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife. Afterwards, begin your journey along the Great Ocean Road as far as the township of Port Campbell.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Tower Hill State Wildlife Reserve Visit: Visit Tower Hill State Wildlife Reserve west of Warrnambool for a chance to see animals endemic to Australia such as koalas, emus and kangaroos. Learn more about this large volcanic crater and wetland and the role it plays in Indigenous history.
Spend the day exploring the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and surrounding natural attractions. Opt for a walk along any number of short paths available to immerse yourself in nature. If the luck of weather is on your side, round out the day by watching the light become golden over the Twelve Apostles on the drive to Port Campbell.
Included Experiences
- Great Ocean Road Day excursion: Enjoy an excursion along the Great Ocean Road showcasing some of Australia's most scenic coastal views.
- Loch Ard Gorge Visit: Located along the Great Ocean Road, beautiful Loch Ard Gorge shows the process of erosion in action. See offshore stacks and blowholes, and watch short tailed shearwaters soar over the nearby island. This location is a perfect backdrop for a group photo. Get snapping!
- Twelve Apostles Visit: Stop at a scenic lookout point along the Great Ocean Road and capture the beautiful views over the ocean and the 12 Apostles. Now with only seven formations still standing, these iconic attractions were once limestone caves which eroded to become arches read more and eventually stacks up to 45m (147 ft) in height.
Spend the day travelling along the Great Ocean Road. Pass world-famous surf beaches, and walk through the rainforest in Great Otway National Park. Travel by ferry across Port Phillip to the Mornington Peninsula.
Included Experiences
- Rainforest Walk: Take in the beautiful greenery of the Great Otway National Park on a leisurely walk with your CEO.
Spend the morning exploring the Mornington Peninsula, including a visit to Cape Schanck. In the afternoon, opt to visit a winery or relax and enjoy yourself at one of the many incredible beaches in the area. Although fairly small in size, the Mornington Peninsula packs a big punch with the amount of things to do here. Be awed with the stunning coastal scenery while driving through quaint towns and past stunning beaches.
Included Experiences
- Cape Schanck Visit: Cape Schanck is located at the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula. Visit the rugged coastline with its cliff faces and rocky outcrops. This area provides visitors with an insight into the area's maritime history and plenty of scenic walks featuring read more ocean views. The lighthouse was built in 1859 and stands as the second coastal lighthouse in the Australian state of Victoria.
- Free Time: Get out and explore the stunning Mornington Peninsula.
Continue on to Melbourne but first make a few stops along the way. Stop to see Brighton's brightly coloured bathing boxes, miniature beachfront cabins that are unique to the beaches in Port Phillip Bay.
Included Experiences
- Bathing Boxes Visit: Stop to check out some of the famous bathing boxes that Port Phillip Bay is known for. These one-room "mini-cabins" are owned by families to store belongings on their favourite beach. Snap some photos of these brightly coloured boxes and breathe in the fresh ocean air.
Tour Melbourne's iconic laneways and learn more about coffee culture, and pick up some great pointers for your free afternoon of exploration.
Included Experiences
- Free Time: There's lots to see and do - get out there and explore!
- Melbourne Laneways Walk: 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 read more local host. Journey through this 'secret city,' seeing local hotspots and incredible street art while learning about the city's history.
Fly to the oceanside city of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Included Experiences
- Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk: Take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest. Follow an Indigenous 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 read more an ochre painting demonstration and sample some bush tea.
With a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Head out and start exploring.
Optional Experiences
- 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. Say g'day to Nemo, the clown fish, and some of the 1,500 other species of tropical fish that thrive in the read more warm waters off Australia's east coast.
- Daintree National Park Visit : Step back in time in this lush tropical rainforest, reported to be more than 110 million years old! Bring your binoculars to spot some of the 430 species of birds, including the buff-breasted paradise kingfisher and flightless cassowary. On the ground, read more look for possums, bandicoots, echidna and musky rat kangaroo. Discover why the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people consider this a spiritual and cultural significant place.
- 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. Keep your eyes peeled for sleeping bats, birds, lizards and spiders as you listen to the read more sounds of the rainforest at night.
Return 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.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Make the most of a few hours in this city.
Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Spend the day out on the water boating around 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.
Included Meals: Lunch
Included Experiences
- Whitsunday Islands Boating Excursion: Enjoy a day out on the water 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.
- Barrier Reef Visit: The Whitsunday Islands are in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day out on a boat cruising through the waters around the islands. Then, when it gets too hot, pull on a mask and snorkel and dive overboard to check out the variety of brightly read more coloured marine plants, coral and fish that thrive right in these warm tropical waters.
Optional Experiences
- Whitsunday Islands Snorkelling : Take advantage of the included snorkel gear, throw on a mask and see what lives in the Great Barrier Reef. (Note that fins are not provided in order to adhere with local coral conservation efforts.)
Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights in this "hippie" paradise.
Included Experiences
- Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Spend a free morning exploring Byron or opt to prebook a kayaking tour. In the afternoon, you'll head to the beach for a surf lesson with a trained surf instructor. Enjoy a few hours of instruction before hitting the waves for some practice rides.
Included Experiences
- Surfing Lesson: Hit the beach and get ready to hang ten with a surf lesson from trained surf instructors. Spend some time in the water getting friendly with the waves, practice paddling, then pop up to balance on the wider, softer beginner boards. Too easy.
Optional Experiences
- Skydiving: Enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Byron Bay from an eagle's perspective this morning. Suit up, get briefed, and board the prop plane to soar high about the land and sea. Strap onto your instructor, take a breath, and leap into a once-in-a-lifetime free read more fall. This is what a natural high truly feels like!
- Cape Byron Lighthouse Visit: Cape Byron Lighthouse is 3km (1.9 mi) northeast of Byron Bay. The popular white structure emits the most powerful light of all working lighthouses in the country, and it's also located at the most easterly point of the Australian continent. Head up to read more the top of the tower to scan the ocean for whales (the Southern Cross University's Whale Research Centre is located here).
- Ocean Kayaking in Byron Bay: Slice through the waters of the iconic Byron Bay in the morning on this half-day kayaking adventure. Paddle past the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, see the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, and ride the waves into shore. On top of it all, read more keep a close eye for dolphins and whales (in season) who call these waters home. Epic? Definitely. This activity is in the ocean and conditions can sometimes be rough due to weather. This is a very fun activity but first time kayakers may find this challenging.
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.
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Get out and explore this lazy beach town.
Travel 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.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Travel deeper into the majestic Blue Mountains and experience the natural beauty of this World Heritage Area. Explore the landscape around Leura and Katoomba, view the Three Sisters, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.
Included Experiences
- Blue Mountains Excursion: With charming Leura as your base, explore the major attractions of the Blue Mountains from sightseeing to bushwalking to cafés and more.
- 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. read more 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.
This morning, leave the Blue Mountains behind and continue onward to Sydney. Once you arrive head out for an orientation walk before taking advantage of some free time to keep exploring. Opt to rent a bike, stroll the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.
Included Experiences
- Orientation Walk: Discover the highlights of Sydney on an orientation walk with the CEO. They 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: Get out and explore.
Optional Experiences
- Sydney Opera House Visit: Stroll along the waterfront to admire Sydney's most iconic landmark, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and opened by Queen Elizabeth 11 in 1973. Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site to discover its history, folklore, and more.
read more Some two million people a year come to see concerts and cultural performances Opera House. 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. (50 - 199 AUD per person)
Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group.
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Enjoy a free day to explore one of Australia's most exciting cities.
Optional Experiences
- Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach Coastal Walk: Go for a walk along one of the most iconic trails in Australia. Pass by secluded beaches, massive cliffs, and more breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean than imaginable – all before arriving at the world-famous Bondi Beach. From May to December, keep read more a keen eye on the ocean to try and spot migrating humpback whales.
- Jet Boat Ride: Want an adrenaline rush? A jet boat is the way to go. 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: Stroll along the waterfront to admire Sydney's most iconic landmark, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and opened by Queen Elizabeth 11 in 1973. Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site to discover its history, folklore, and more.
read more Some two million people a year come to see concerts and cultural performances Opera House. 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. (50 - 199 AUD per person)
Say 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.
Included Experiences
- Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Enjoy a free day to explore Auckland. Visit the Maritime Museum, walk the waterfront, or even take the ferry to Waiheke Island.
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Enjoy the city or choose from the many day excursions available.
Optional Experiences
- Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience (Pre Tour): As part of the boat crew, you'll work together with your teammates to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour in this competitive yacht. Either take the helm and participate or sit back and enjoy the spectacle - the choice is yours.
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.
Included Experiences
- Waitomo Cave Excursion: 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 read more in more than 136 years of cultural and natural history on this unique excursion.
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.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Mitai Experience: 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 read more potato (kumara) and lamb steamed over heated rocks.
- Free Time: Enjoy free time to visit the geothermal sites around town.
Optional Experiences
- Hot Springs: Soak tired muscles in the area's natural hot springs and let the mineral water work its magic. Rotorua is home to a number of amazing geothermal parks – be sure you don't miss the healing and relaxing benefits of the city's naturally heated waters. (50 - 360 NZD per person)
- Whitewater Rafting: Get your adrenaline fix on this exhilarating white water rafting trip. Enjoy the amazing scenery along the way, but don't forget to paddle!
- Rotorua Canopy Tours: Experience life among the treetops of a Kiwi forest through this one-of-a-kind nature tour. Gain a whole new perspective on the plants, animals, and insects that call this environment home, and learn about conservation efforts to protect the region's read more subtropical forests. Opt to book the Original Canopy Tour (3 hrs) or the Ultimate Canopy Tour (3.5 hrs). (199 - 269 NZD per person)
Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island and travel to the capital, Wellington.
Included Meals: Breakfast
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.
Included Experiences
- Orientation With CEO: 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.
Optional Experiences
- Te Papa Museum Visit: Visit this must-see museum, home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. See how the museum is constructed on shock absorbers to withstand New Zealand’s many earthquakes – find the stairwell just outside the entrance and descend read more into the foundations of the building.
- Zealandia: Zealandia is about the most biodiversity-rich square mile of mainland New Zealand in terms of the species living wild here. Over forty different species of native birds have been recorded in the sanctuary valley, twenty-four of them endemic. (31 - 120 NZD per person)
- Weta Workshop Tour: This 2 to 3-hour guided tour will give you a unique behind-the-scenes look at how the Weta workshop helps craft and create the imaginary realities of some of the world’s biggest films. Get so see creativity in action as the workshop crew members practice read more their trade and get up close and personal with props from The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and so much more!
- Wellington Cable Car: There is simply no better way to experience the hidden charm that Wellington has to offer than to take this 5-minute ride from the heart of the city centre, up through the hillside terraced houses of Kelburn, to the lookout perched high above the city. read more Enjoy easy access to the Botanic Garden, Cable Car Museum, Space Place (at Carter Observatory) and Zealandia (via free shuttle). (6 - 12 NZD per person)
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.
Included Meals: Dinner
Included Experiences
- Winery Visit: Stop at a local winery and opt to sample some of the wines produced on site.
- Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Optional Experiences
- Hiking: Set off along the hiking trail to take in the beautiful scenery along the Kaikoura Peninsula walkway.
- 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.
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.
Optional Experiences
- Dolphin Tour: Hop aboard a boat and head out to the open seas to search for wild dusky dolphins. If we come upon them, depending on conditions, most groups have 20-40 minutes of swim time with the dolphins.
- Whale Watching: Follow in the path of Paikea, the Maori "whale rider", and set out in search of Giant Sperm Whales as they spray and dive their way through the waters off Kaikoura.
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.
Included Meals: Breakfast
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.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Don't waste a minute—get exploring.
Optional Experiences
- Hiking : Take your pick of many scenic and memorable treks in Franz Josef – a true hiker’s haven. Get prepared before heading out, and be mindful of signs along the track. See majestic mountains, glaciers, rivers, and amazing views that you’ll definitely want read more your camera on hand for.
- Heli Scenic Flight with Snow Landing: Take a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride high up on Franz Josef Glacier. Hop out on the snow to soak up the experience, before flying back to land. Cool! (385 - 655 NZD per person)
- Franz Josef Kayaking: Explore the stunning Lake Mapourika by kayak. This lake was created as the Franz Josef glacier retreated 14,000 years ago, and the still water has created a natural mirror allowing you to soak in the incredible panoramic views. (149 - 169 NZD per person)
- Guided Heli Hike (Heli Transfer): The sheer size and power of Franz Josef is something you need to see to believe. Board a chopper for a leisurely flight over the glacier before landing directly on the ice. From there, get up close and personal on a three-hour guided hike past towering read more peaks and stunning blue ice. The constantly shifting ice flows and crevices ensure your visit will be one-of-a-kind! (595 - 795 NZD per person)
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.
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.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: There's tons to do, get out and get going.
Optional Experiences
- Vineyard Tour: Visit vineyards in New Zealand's fastest growing wine region. Taste some of Queenstown's finest Pinot Noir, as well as Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc and learn more about the grape varietals that flourish here. Pick up a few bottles to savour back home. (189 - 265 NZD per person)
- Bungee Jumping: Adrenaline junkies will be happy with a stop at the world's original commercial bungee site (bungy in New Zealand!). Opt to take the plunge or simply observe where it all started from the comfort of solid ground. Shoot some amazing photos of those brave read more enough to dive into the abyss. (320 - 805 NZD per person)
- Skydiving: Enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Queenstown from an eagle's perspective. Suit up, get briefed and board the prop plane to soar high about the rugged alpine landscape. Strap onto your instructor, take a breath and leap into a once-in-a-lifetime free fall. read more This is what a natural high truly feels like!
(449 - 549 NZD per person) - Gondola Ride: Take a ride up to the top of the mountain by cable car gondola. Get a spectacular 220º view of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables mountain range, and Lake Wakatipu below. (66 - 215 NZD per person)
- Queenstown Jet Boating: Jet boating is a typical New Zealand activity— go as fast you can in a boat over water. Hang on tight as you fly across the surface of the water. Shoot through narrow rocky gorges and dare to watch as the driver takes hairpin turns frighteningly close to the cliffs.
- Earnslaw Steamship Cruise: Discover the breathtaking Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a 103 year old traditional steamship. This 90 minute cruise highlights that stunning alpine scenery that surrounds Queenstown, and lets you check out the views while relaxing on deck. (115 - 269 NZD per person)
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.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- 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 Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound. Marvel at the steep cliff walls and cascading read more 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!
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.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre: Stop by the visitor's centre to learn more about the region.
- Aoraki/Mount Cook Visit: 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 read more Mount Cook lily. There are several short walks that reward with spectacular views.
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.
Included Experiences
- Orientation With CEO: 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.
Depart at any time.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Trip Inclusions
- Travel along the Great Ocean Road and look out for the 12 Apostles.
- Hike in Grampians National Park.
- Follow an Indigenous guide through the Daintree Rainforest.
- Spend the day boating around the scenic Whitsundays.
- Cruise around the fjords of Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park.
- Experience traditional Maori culture.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef
- Your Discover Moment: Queenstown
- 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 Boating Excursion
- Barrier Reef Visit
- Surfing lesson in Byron Bay
- Blue Mountains Scenic Railway
- Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
- Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visit
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private vehicle, plane, boat, ferry, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Hotels/motels (35nts), Rainforest Cabin (2nts)
- 16 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Classic
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
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 is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view 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. Pricing and trip details are correct 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 the cruise-line and 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. Pricing and trip details are correct 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 the cruise-line and 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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