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Australia And New Zealand: Bushwalks & Beaches

24 days New Zealand, Australia

About the trip

Australia and New Zealand’s South Island are calling, and this adventure answers with a resounding “yes!” Discover the best of New Zealand from Wellington to Queenstown to Franz Josef, with epic explorations by boat and on foot. Then, hop over to sunny Sydney for a taste of true Aussie life, kicking things off with hiking and surfing. If it’s an adrenaline-packed, down-under adventure you’re after, this trip has your name all over it.

Australia And New Zealand: Bushwalks & Beaches

Tour Details

What's Included

Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet...

Accommodations

Accommodations

Hostels & basic lodges (23 nts, multi-share with 2-10 people).

Meals

Meals

17 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 6 dinners
Allow USD550-715 for meals not included.

Transportation

Transportation

Private vehicle, train, boat, ferry, walking.

Staff & Experts

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Itinerary

Day 1

Wellington: Arrive at any time.

Day 2

Wellington/Abel Tasman National Park: Don't forget those cameras before hopping on the morning ferry to cross the Cook Strait. Pro tip: make sure you stand outside and marvel at the views of the Marlborough Sounds at the tip of the South Island. Then drive past lush native forests, beautiful clear waters, blue skies, and golden sands as the group travels to Abel Tasman National Park.

Day 3

Abel Tasman National Park: Picture this: birdsong ringing from the treetops as you wander through the undergrowth stumbling upon occasional waterfalls nestled in the midst of the forest. You take a dip in one of the refreshing pools before finding your way to pristine coastline and turquoise bays where you can soak up the sun and relax in the sand.

Day 5

Westport/Franz Josef: Continue on a scenic drive south along the coast to Punakaiki; think pancake rocks and blowholes (man, those are two random things we never thought would be in the same sentence). As a special spot full of local secrets, Punakaiki is a great place to hop out of the bus, stretch those legs, and appreciate the strange beauty nature can create.

Day 10

Queenstown: Gear up for round two of free time in Queenstown that is sure to leave you breathless. Choose to be a dare devil and get ready to have those hearts pumping with some adrenaline-filled options like jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking or skydiving or simply take in the breathtaking scenery and vibrant atmosphere as you find restaurants to try and cafes to wind down and relax.

Day 11

Queenstown to Tekapo: Depart Queenstown and travel to Aoraki/Mt Cook National park. Once in the park enjoy free time for hiking and visiting the Sir Edmund Hillary Visitors Centre. Afterwards, travel to Lake Tekapo where we will be staying for the next two nights.

Day 12

Tekapo: Start the day with a relaxing 21km bike ride along the canals with stunning mountain views. Spend the rest of the day exploring Tekapo on your own. Opt to visit the hot springs, relax on the shores of Lake Tekapo, or hike to the Mt John Observatory and check out the incredible Dark Sky Reserve.

Day 16

Wellington/Sydney: Today we say goodbye to New Zealand and fly to Australia. Departing out of Wellington, we'll touch down in Sydney after about 4 hours in the air. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Australia's biggest city.

Day 17

Sydney: Join your CEO as you climb aboard the local ferry and travel from Sydney to Manly Beach. Manly is one of Australia's most famous beaches, which is quite the praise for a giant island nation. With world class surfing, beautiful water and lined with pine trees, you'll quickly learn why its so popular amongst locals and travelers alike. Take a surf class, relax on the beach or hit one of the many shops or restaurants in the town.

Day 18

Sydney: There is so much to do in Sydney. Even though just a few free days aren't enough to see it all, it's still worth it! Opt to visit the Sydney Opera House, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, check out some of the famed museums or eat at some incredible restaurants.

Day 19

Sydney: Enjoy one last day in Sydney! Make sure to tick off those last few must do's in this amazing city. If you need ideas for today, make sure to ask your CEO, as there is always something to do here.

Day 20

Sydney/Arrawarra: It's all aboard today as you take the train north to Coffs Harbour. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views. After pulling into Coffs Harbour station, the group will travel to Spot X Surf Camp, our base for the next few days.

Day 21

Arrawarra: As the sun rises along the ocean hit the beach for an included surf lesson with Spot X. Located in one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the country they are completely devoted to the surf lifestyle.

Day 22

Arrawarra/Byron Bay: Adventure through lush national parks, stunning beaches, rolling green hills, and small but vibrant towns full of charm and authentic Australian culture as the group drives from Arrawarra to Byron Bay. Grab lunch in the surf and arts town of Byron Bay, before walking to Cape Byron Lighthouse to see the easternmost point in the country. If luck is on your side you may glimpse migrating whales and pods of resident dolphins.

Day 24

Byron Bay/Brisbane: Venture north with your group to the capital of Queensland; Brisbane. Along the way, stretch those legs one final time on an included walk at the Daisy Hill Koala Centre. Nestled amongst eucalyptus trees, the centre features multi-level viewing of the resident rescue koalas and interactive educational displays, making it a unique place to learn about koalas and their conservation.

$4,640
per person

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