Day 1
Cairns
Arrive at any time and meet your Chief Experience Officer and follow travellers.
Overnight: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns (or similar)
Day 2
Cairns to Cape Tribulation – 140KM
Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop along the way to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.
Overnight: Cape Tribulation Beach House (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch
Day 3
Cape Tribulation
With a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or explore Daintree National Park.
Overnight: Cape Tribulation Beach House (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4
Cape Tribulation to Cairns – 140KM
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.
Overnight: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5
Cairns to Airlie Beach – 623KM
Depart early for a full day of travel to Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way.
Overnight: Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6
Airlie Beach
Spend the day 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.
Overnight: Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments (or similar)
Meals included: Lunch
Day 7
Airlie Beach to Byron Bay via internal flight to Brisbane
Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights in this "hippie" paradise.
Overnight: Byron Beachcomber (or similar)
Day 8
Byron Bay
Spend a free morning exploring Byron or opt to pre-book a kayaking tour. In the afternoon, head to the beach for a surf lesson with a trained instructor. Enjoy a few hours of instruction before hitting the waves for some practice.
Overnight: Byron Beachcomber (or similar)
Day 9
Byron Bay to Port Macquarie – 397KM
Spend the morning wandering the town, checking out local shops, or having one last coffee on the beach before heading to the coastal town of Port Macquarie, surrounded by beautiful beaches and national parks. Enjoy an evening in Port Macquarie.
Overnight: El Motor Inn Port Macquarie (or similar)
Day 10
Port Macquarie to Blue Mountains – 500KM
Travel from Port Macquarie to the Blue Mountains today, famous for its soaring sandstone ridges. Pass charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, lush green valleys, and craggy cliffs. Whether the journey is shrouded in clouds or bathed in sunset, beauty will surround you.
Overnight: Leisure Inn Spires (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11
Blue Mountains
Explore the majestic Blue Mountains and its natural beauty. Visit Leura and Katoomba, view the Three Sisters, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.
Overnight: Leisure Inn Spires (or similar)
Day 12
Blue Mountains to Sydney – 61KM
Leave the Blue Mountains behind and head to Sydney. Once you arrive, enjoy an orientation walk and some free time to explore. Opt to rent a bike, stroll through the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.
Overnight: Rydges Sydney Central (or similar)
Day 13
Sydney
Relax seaside at Bondi Beach and enjoy some free time in this vibrant city. An optional night out with the group is available.
Overnight: Rydges Sydney Central (or similar)
Day 14
Sydney to Auckland via internal flight
Say goodbye to Australia and fly to Auckland, New Zealand. After transferring from the airport, enjoy some free time to explore this vibrant city.
Please note that your flight from Australia to New Zealand and first night in Auckland will be unescorted.
Overnight: Nesuto Stadium Hotel & Apartments (or similar)
Day 15
Auckland
Enjoy a free day in Auckland. Visit the Maritime Museum, walk along the waterfront, or take the ferry to Waiheke Island.
Top tip: If you're interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set while in New Zealand, we recommend pre-booking before your arrival. G Adventures currently does not offer this as an add-on to the tour. Hobbiton can be visited as a day trip from either Auckland or Rotorua.
Overnight: Nesuto Stadium Hotel & Apartments (or similar)
Day 16
Auckland to Rotorua – 275KM
Drive to Rotorua, a lakeside town known for its geothermal features and rich Maori heritage. En route, stop at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm lit up by thousands of glowworms.
Overnight: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Day 17
Rotorua
Visit Rotorua and opt to explore the geothermal area or go whitewater rafting. In the evening, visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal, and entertainment.
Overnight: Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
Day 18
Rotorua to Wellington – 452KM
Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island on your way to the capital, Wellington.
Overnight: Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 19
Wellington
Enjoy the atmosphere of this relaxed yet 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.
Overnight: Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington (or similar)
Day 20
Wellington to Kaikoura via internal flight to Christchurch
Fly to the South Island and travel to Kaikoura, a seaside town famous for its marine life. Stop en route for a wine tasting at a local winery.
Overnight: Sudima Hotel Kaikoura (or similar)
Meals included: Dinner
Day 21
Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs – 130KM
Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura. Opt for a whale watching tour to spot giant sperm whales or tour to a spot known for being visited by wild dolphins. In the afternoon, travel to Hanmer Springs and opt to soak in the hot springs.
Overnight: Drifters Inn Hanmer Springs (or similar)
Day 22
Hanmer Springs to Franz Josef – 400KM
Travel through the Southern Alps to the rugged West Coast, staying in a rainforest near the world’s fastest-moving glacier.
Overnight: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 23
Franz Josef
Enjoy a free day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt for a heli-hike on the glacier.
Overnight: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 24
Franz Josef to Queenstown – 420KM
Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. With stunning scenery and a range of activities, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy the great nightlife.
Overnight: Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar)
Day 25
Queenstown
With free time, opt to go bungee jumping (the birthplace of bungee), jet boating, skydiving, or hiking. Alternatively, travel by gondola to the top of a local peak.
Overnight: Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 26
Queenstown
Enjoy a day cruise through Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound. Take in the waterfalls and wildlife before returning to Queenstown for the night.
Overnight: Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch
Day 27
Queenstown to Tekapo – 358 KM
Travel north through the South Island to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest peak. Spend the afternoon hiking the region and take in the alpine scenery. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Visitor's Centre, before continuing to Tekapo Village.
Overnight: Godley Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 28
Tekapo to Christchurch – 230KM
Continue on to Christchurch and take an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy one final night together with the group.
Overnight: Bealey Quarter (or similar)
Day 29
Christchurch
Today marks the end of your adventure. Flights may be booked to depart at any time, or speak to our sales experts about extending your holiday.
Meals included: Breakfast