Expedition to Australia & New Zealand

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15 or 18 days

Auckland, Hokianga, Paihia, Surfer's Paradise, Sunshine Coast, Sydney, Extension to Cairns

Embark on the path less traveled during this expedition to New Zealand and Australia. Meet with the Aboriginal and Māori people to learn about their customs. Spend time beneath the Southern Hemisphere stars. Stretch your legs on beaches, rainforest paths, and city streets. It won’t take long for you to fall for the land down under.

Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the Expedition to Australia & New Zealand tour

Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the Expedition to Australia & New Zealand tour

Day 1: Fly to New Zealand

Day 2: Cross the International Date Line

Day 3: Auckland

Meet your Tour Director at the airportTake a tour of Auckland

Visit the Auckland Sky Tower

Day 4: Auckland • Hokianga

Travel to Hokianga

Take a twilight walking tour through the magnificent Waipoua Forest

Day 5: Hokianga • Paihia

Embark on the "Footprints of Kupe" tour to learn more about New Zealand's famed ancestor

Travel to Paihia

Visit the Kawiti Glowworm Caves

Day 6: Paihia

Enjoy a Bay of Islands dolphin cruise

Participate in a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Museum, complete with a Māori song and dance performance

Enjoy a traditional hāngi dinner

Day 7: Paihia • Auckland • Brisbane • Surfer's Paradise

Travel to the Auckland airport

Fly to Brisbane

Travel to Surfer's Paradise

Day 8: Surfer's Paradise

Add this in-depth excursion:

Gold Coast rainforest experience

Explore Australia’s largest preserved subtropical rainforest on this full-day optional excursion. Enjoy a guided walk through the stunning Coombabah Lake Conservation Park, visit the breathtaking Tamborine Mountain, and learn about the art and history of boomerangs during an informative session. The day includes a traditional Aussie barbecue lunch.

Day 9: Surfer's Paradise • Sunshine Coast

Explore Surfer's Paradise on your own

Travel to the Sunshine Coast

Day 10: Sunshine Coast

Spend the day exploring the Sunshine Coast by canoe

Enjoy a tea and picnic lunch

Day 11: Sunshine Coast • Fraser Island

Take a ferry to K'Gari (Fraser Island)

Explore rainforests, eucalyptus woodlands, sand dunes, and beaches on an excursion led by a National Park Ranger

Return to the mainland by ferry

Day 12: Sunshine Coast • Sydney

Fly to Sydney

Take a walking tour of the Rocks neighborhood

Day 13: Sydney

Take a walking tour of Sydney

Visit the National Opal Collection

Enjoy a guided tour of the Royal Botanical Gardens

Visit the Hyde Park Barracks Museum

Day 14: Sydney

Add this in-depth excursion:

Sydney Harbor & Opera House

Explore the Sydney Harbor area from multiple perspectives, starting with the arched Harbor Bridge and its stunning pylon lookout offering 360-degree views. Then, take a tour of the world-famous Opera House where you’ll go behind the scenes and see what it takes to get a live production on stage.

Day 15: Depart for home

Add 3 more days

Day 15: Sydney • Cairns

Fly to Cairns

Day 16: Cairns

Board a cruise to the Great Barrier Reef for a full day of snorkeling

Add this in-depth excursion:

Snorkeling with a marine specialist

Enhance your time in the world’s largest reef system by opting for a snorkeling adventure with a marine specialist. Learn about the sights and sounds of the Great Barrier Reef from an expert who can teach you more about the animal and plant life you spot in this interactive, aquatic classroom.

Day 17: Cairns

Add this in-depth excursion:

Kuranda

Board the Skyrail gondola and journey through a pristine rainforest that spans Red Peak and Barron Falls stations’ dramatic mountain outlooks. Head to the picturesque mountain town of Kuranda, where you’ll learn about traditional Aboriginal culture and customs, then take a guided rainforest walk at the Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout.

Day 18: Depart for home