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Trip Length
40 Days
Trip Starts
Melbourne
Trip Finishes
Christchurch
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
OAVC
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 40 Day Ultimate Australia & New Zealand. We don’t just label any tour as “ultimate”. But when you’re 40 days in length and loaded with the best experiences Australia and New Zealand have to offer, well, that’s the only word that’ll do this level of adventure justice. Starting in Melbourne, you’ll make your way to the beaches of Victoria, Grampians National Park, the Daintree Rainforest, the Blue Mountains, Fiordland National Park, and a traditional Maori village — and that’s not including a million-ish other places in between. If you’re looking...read more for the total Down Under experience, this is it.
Itinerary
There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. If you arrive early enough, head into the city to take in the 'cultural capital of Australia'. Get lost in the city's famous laneways, go on the hunt for the perfect flat white (hint: Melbourne loves its coffee shops), catch the tram to St. Kilda, or wander around the über-cool Fitzroy neighbourhood.
Tour Melbourne's iconic laneways and learn more about coffee culture, and pick up some great pointers for your free afternoon of exploration. (B)
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. (B)
Enjoy a free day in the Mornington Peninsula. Opt to visit a winery or hit one of the many incredible beaches in the area.
Hop on a ferry to Queenscliff before spending the day travelling along the Great Ocean Road. Pass world-famous surf beaches, enjoy views of the 12 Apostles, and walk through the rainforest in Great Otway National Park. (B)
Travel inland to Grampians National Park, known for its sandstone mountain range and impressive rock art. (B/D)
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. (B)
Travel to Adelaide. Your CEO will point out important highlights of the city while driving in, before free time to explore the city. (B)
Today is a free day to enjoy Adelaide, capital of South Australia and famed for its churches and gardens. Opt to stroll the city streets, hop on a tram to the coastal village of Glenelg, take in a full day wine tour of the famed Barossa Valley, or for the truly adventurous, take a day trip to Kangaroo Island. (B)
Cross the border into the Northern Territory, where Australia's most iconic view awaits. (B)
Enjoy the Mala Walk at Uluru to learn the importance of the rock to the Indigenous people that live in the area. (B)
Fly to the oceanside city of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. (B)
Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest. (B/L)
With a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park. (B)
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. (B)
Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way. (B)
Set sail for a day in 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. (L)
Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights in this "hippie" paradise.
Opt to pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Spend the day 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. (L)
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.
Travel deeper into the majestic Blue Mountains and experience the natural beauty of this World Heritage Area. Explore the area around Leura and Katoomba and view the Three Sisters.
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.
Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional final night out with the group.
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.
Enjoy a free day to explore Auckland. Visit the Maritime Museum, walk the waterfront, or even take the ferry to Waiheke Island.
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. (D)
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. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment. After dinner, lounge by the bonfire and have some time to get to know the Maori hosts. (D)
Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island and travel to the capital, Wellington. (B)
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. (B)
Fly to the South Island, then travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its diverse marine life.
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.
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. (B)
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. (B)
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.
Opt to pre-book the "Queenstown Jet Boating" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour. (B)
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. (B/L)
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. (B)
Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake.
Depart at any time. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Experience Melbourne’s colourful laneways.
- Travel along the Great Ocean Road and look out for the 12 Apostles.
- Hike in Grampians National Park.
- See the sunset on Uluru.
- Follow an Indigenous guide through the Daintree Rainforest.
- Sail around the scenic Whitsundays.
- Stay overnight in the Blue Mountains.
- Cruise around the fjords of Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park.
- Soak in the scenery of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.
- Hang with the Maori in a traditional village.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Discover Moment: Adelaide
- Your Local Living Moment: Maori Village Overnight Visit, Rotorua
- 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
- MacKenzie Falls Visit
- The Balconies (Jaws of Death) Visit
- Sunset at Uluru
- Uluru Mala Walk
- Indigenous Cultural Centre Visit
- Mossman Gorge Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk
- Whitsunday Islands Sailing Excursion
- Barrier Reef Visit
- Pick-to-Plate Lunch
- Blue Mountains Excursion
- Jenolan Caves Tour
- Jamison Valley Walk
- Blue Mountains Scenic Railway
- Sydney Coromandel Peninsula Visit
- Hahei Cathedral Cove Scenic Walk
- Hot Water Beach Excursion
- Winery Visit
- Hanmer Springs
- Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
- Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visit
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hotels (36 Nights) Rainforest cabin (2nts), Maori village (1 Night, multi-share)
- 22 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
- Private vehicle, sailboat, plane, boat, ferry, walking
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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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