Tour Explore Australia & New Zealand National Geographic Journeys

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Meals

22 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Accommodation

Hotel (21 nts), cruise boat (1 nt, seasonal).

Others

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.

Transport

Private vehicle, plane, train, boat, walking.

Hygieneprotocol

As of October 1, 2021 G Adventures’ Vaccinated Tours Policy applies:  All travelers must meet the G Adventures requirements for joining their tours. The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour. There are some tours and departures that are only ‘Travel-Ready’ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within 96 hours before the first day of the tour. Please, double check with the G Adventures Support Team about the requirements of your tour and departure date.

Not included:

Flights

Insurance

Others

Great Barrier Reef - Great Barrier Reef Diving from Port Douglas (301.50-450.00AUD per person) - Great Barrier Reef Diving from Cairns (245-289AUD per person) - Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling from Cairns Cairns - Skydiving (310-400AUD per person) - Bungee Jumping (179AUD per person) - Skyrail & Kuranda Scenic Railway (116-171AUD per person) Uluru - Uluru Helicopter Flight (180-360AUD per person) - Outback Astronomy Tour (60-70AUD per person) Great Ocean Road - Great Ocean Road Day excursion (144-195AUD per person) Melbourne - Myki Explorer Public Transportation Pass (15AUD per person) - Yarra Valley Wine Tour (175-200AUD per person) Auckland - Maritime Museum Visit (20NZD per person) Rotorua - Mountain Biking (35-130NZD per person) - Whakarewarewa Geothermal Village Visit (35-60NZD per person) - Hot Springs (30-50NZD per person) - Whitewater Rafting (109NZD per person) - Hobbiton Tour (112NZD per person) - Hells Gate Geothermal Park (35-90NZD per person) Franz Josef - Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk (79NZD per person) - Franz Josef Quad Bike (65-160NZD per person) - Helicopter Hike (589NZD per person) - Hiking (Free) - Franz Josef Kayaking (99-129NZD per person) - Ice Explorer Guided Hike (Heli Transfer) (670NZD per person) Queenstown - Shotover Canyon Swing (169-299NZD per person) - Paragliding (210NZD per person) - Bungee Jumping (165-205NZD per person) - Canyon Swing (205NZD per person) - Scenic Horse Riding Tour (165-325NZD per person) - Shotover Jet Boating (155NZD per person) - Vineyard Tour (185-230NZD per person) - Earnslaw Steamship Cruise (55-95NZD per person) - Skydiving (329NZD per person)

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Sydney
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Sydney

Arrive at any time.
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.

Included Activities:
- Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

Additional Notes: Please try to arrive before 6:00pm for an important group welcome meeting where you can meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members.

This is a busy trip with a lot of early mornings to catch connecting flights, enabling you to see as much of Down Under as possible.
Day 2 Day 2: Sydney (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Sydney (1B, 1D)

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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Transport:
- Metro: Sydney

Included Activities:
- The Rocks Indigenous Dreaming and Welcome Tour
- Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise
Day 3 Day 3: Sydney/Port Douglas (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Sydney/Port Douglas (1B)

Fly to Cairns and travel up the scenic coastal road to Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark on an interpretive walk with an indigenous guide at the lush Mossman Gorge, learning about the traditional ways of life of the region’s Kuku Yalanji people. Continue to the resort town of Port Douglas, our home for the next two nights.
We catch a very early flight to ensure we make the most of the day.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Taxicab: Sydney 00:30 - 01:00 Hr(s)
- Plane 03:00 Hr(s)
- Private Vehicle 01:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk

Additional Notes: Please note that the max luggage allowance on domestic flights within Australia is 1 checked bag (20 kgs) and 1 carry on (7 kgs) per person. Any additional luggage is subject to airline fees and is not included.
Day 4 Day 4: Port Douglas (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Port Douglas (1B)

Enjoy a day of leisure in charming Port Douglas. Stroll the town’s boutique-lined streets and idyllic beaches.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Additional Notes: Please be aware that if you decide to book the optional scuba diving activity in the Great Barrier Reef and are taking any prescription medications, you will need a doctor’s release giving you permission to dive.
Day 5 Day 5: Port Douglas/Cairns (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Port Douglas/Cairns (1B)

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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 01:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- James Cook University Research Aquarium
Day 6 Day 6: Cairns (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Cairns (1B)

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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Additional Notes: Please be aware that if you decide to book the optional scuba diving activity in the Great Barrier Reef and are taking any prescription medications, you will need a doctor’s release giving you permission to dive.
Day 7 Day 7: Cairns/Uluru (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Cairns/Uluru (1B)

Catch a flight to Uluru, in the heart of the Australian outback. Visit the Cultural Centre of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and learn about the beliefs and customs of the Anangu, the area’s traditional indigenous owners. Cap off the day with a glass of sparkling wine as you witness a crimson sunset over the fabled Uluru monolith.
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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Plane
- Private Vehicle 00:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Sunset at Uluru
- Indigenous Cultural Centre Visit

Additional Notes: Airline schedules and flight availability are outside of our control and are always subject to change without notice. While we do our best to book direct flights, on occasion we may have to connect though another city.
Day 8 Day 8: Uluru (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Uluru (1B)

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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Uluru Mala Walk & Sunset charter
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Additional Notes: Between November and March, there is extreme heat with temperatures averaging between 43-46°C (109-115°F) in the middle of Australia, especially around Uluru. This can lead to heat exhaustion and potentially become very dangerous. Be sure to drink plenty of water and replenish electrolytes by drinking sports drinks, coconut water or water mixed with electrolyte powder packets.

The Mala Walk at Uluru is not permitted if temperatures exceed 36°C (98°F). During these hot months, we try to offer all walks early in the day to avoid the midday sun. Our CEOs will monitor the weather conditions to gauge the safety of any included walks and may need to call off a given day’s walk due to extreme heat.
Day 9 Day 9: Uluru/Melbourne (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Uluru/Melbourne (1B)

Enjoy one last sunrise over spectacular Uluru before catching a flight to Melbourne, known as the cultural capital of Australia.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Plane
- Taxicab: Melbourne 00:30 - 01:00 Hr(s)

Additional Notes: Flight times today can very depending on airline schedules.
Day 10 Day 10: Melbourne (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Melbourne (1B)

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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Day 11 Day 11: Melbourne (1B, 1L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Melbourne (1B, 1L)

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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Included Activities:
- Melbourne Foodie Walk

Additional Notes: Occasionally Monique Bayer may not be available for the Melbourne Foodie Walk. In the event this happens, an equally qualified guide will lead the walk.
Day 12 Day 12: Melbourne/Auckland (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Melbourne/Auckland (1B)

Fly to Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island, and enjoy free time in the city.

Accommodation:
- CityLife Auckland (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Plane 04:00 Hr(s)

Additional Notes: If you are interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set, your only option for this itinerary is to wait until your tour begins and book a ticket with your CEO (as we will have limited time in the area around Auckland/Rotorua). Please note that there are limited tickets available on the ground.
Day 13 Day 13: Auckland (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Auckland (1B)

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 two 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.

Accommodation:
- CityLife Auckland (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Orientation Walk
- Waiheke Island Wineries
Day 14 Day 14: Auckland/Rotorua (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Auckland/Rotorua (1B)

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, and take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.
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.

Accommodation:
- Millennium Rotorua (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 07:00 - 08:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Waitomo Cave Excursion
Day 15 Day 15: Rotorua (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Rotorua (1B, 1D)

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.

Accommodation:
- Millennium Rotorua (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Included Activities:
- Tamaki Maori Village
- Meet a Maori Elder
Day 16 Day 16: Rotorua/Christchurch (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Rotorua/Christchurch (1B)

Enjoy time at leisure this morning before catching a flight to Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island. Take some time to explore this small city on your own.
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.

Accommodation:
- Chateau on the Park Hotel (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Plane 01:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Orientation Walk
Day 17 Day 17: Christchurch/Franz Josef (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Christchurch/Franz Josef (1B)

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.

Accommodation:
- Rainforest Retreat (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 02:30 - 03:00 Hr(s)
- Train 04:30 Hr(s)

Additional Notes: Please be aware that if you are traveling over the Christmas holiday the TranzAlpine train will not operate on December 25. Instead your CEO will drive the group through the Southern Alps on a similar route. An additional group holiday dinner will be provided as a substitute for missing the train experience.
Day 18 Day 18: Franz Josef (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Franz Josef (1B)

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.

Accommodation:
- Rainforest Retreat (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Additional Notes: Please note that when in Franz Josef optional activities may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.
Day 19 Day 19: Franz Josef/Queenstown (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Franz Josef/Queenstown (1B)

Set out towards Queenstown on a drive along the South Island’s magnificent west coast. Stop at tranquil Lake Matheson, where, on a clear day, you can capture a postcard-perfect image of New Zealand’s highest peaks reflected in the water. Continue to Queenstown, pausing for short walks through the rainforest and visits to picturesque waterfalls.
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.

Accommodation:
- Peppers Beacon Hotel (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 08:00 - 09:00 Hr(s)
Day 20 Day 20: Queenstown/Fiordland National Park (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Queenstown/Fiordland National Park (1B, 1D)

Discover the glacially carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park on a cruise. Glide past shimmering waterfalls and towering cliffs, and look out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and little blue penguins with our naturalist guides. Depending on the season, we’ll spend the night onboard in comfortable cabins, enjoying time to relax on deck and watch the stars.
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.

Accommodation:
- Fiordland Navigator Boat (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Queenstown to Fiordland National Park 03:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Fiordland National Park Overnight Wilderness Cruise

Additional Notes: *Please note that the itinerary for this day varies in the winter:

Winter Schedule 18 May – 20 Sept Fiordland National Park/Te Anau
Drive the scenic route around Lake Wakatipu to the town of Manapouri. Travel by boat and bus to arrive at an eco cruise boat. Spend the afternoon cruising through Milford or Doubtful Sound, two of the most untouched, remote places in the world. Marvel at the steep cliff walls and cascading waterfalls. The boat offers excellent chances for wildlife viewing in the area. Dolphins, penguins, seals and a variety of birds are some examples of what you can hope to see. In the evening, head to Te Anau for the night. We take in a screening of the award winning ‘Ata Whenua – Shadowland‘ Fjordland on Film documentary at the local cinema before having a group meal.
Day 21 Day 21: Fiordland National Park/Queenstown (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Fiordland National Park/Queenstown (1B)

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.

Accommodation:
- Peppers Beacon Hotel (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Fiordland National Park to Queenstown 03:00 Hr(s)
Day 22 Day 22: Queenstown (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Queenstown (1B)

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.

Accommodation:
- Peppers Beacon Hotel (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Gondola Ride
Day 23 Day 23: Queenstown (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Queenstown (1B)

Depart at any time.
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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Departure Day

+20

23 days tour

Explore Australia & New Zealand National Geographic Journeys

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Explore Australia & New Zealand National Geographic Journeys

Day 1: Sydney

Day 2: Sydney (1B, 1D)

Day 3: Sydney/Port Douglas (1B)

Day 4: Port Douglas (1B)

Day 5: Port Douglas/Cairns (1B)

Day 6: Cairns (1B)

Day 7: Cairns/Uluru (1B)

Day 8: Uluru (1B)

Day 9: Uluru/Melbourne (1B)

Day 10: Melbourne (1B)

Day 11: Melbourne (1B, 1L)

Day 12: Melbourne/Auckland (1B)

Day 13: Auckland (1B)

Day 14: Auckland/Rotorua (1B)

Day 15: Rotorua (1B, 1D)

Day 16: Rotorua/Christchurch (1B)

Day 17: Christchurch/Franz Josef (1B)

Day 18: Franz Josef (1B)

Day 19: Franz Josef/Queenstown (1B)

Day 20: Queenstown/Fiordland National Park (1B, 1D)

Day 21: Fiordland National Park/Queenstown (1B)

Day 22: Queenstown (1B)

Day 23: Queenstown (1B)

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