28-Nights Australia and New Zealand: Surf, Sun & Epic Parks - 18-to-Thirtysomethings from $5,084

G Adventures

OFFER ID 1569687

Australia and New Zealand: Surf, Sun & Epic Parks
If New Zealand’s been calling your name, why not answer with a side of Australia? This 30-day adventure takes you from the tip of New Zealand’s North Island to the depths of the South. Immerse yourself in Maori culture, surf, kayak, and explore breathtaking National Parks. Then, hop over to Australia to soak up some sun and surf along the coast. Overnight at a surf camp, trek to spot koalas, and cap off your journey in vibrant Brisbane - whether you’re ready to chill or crave more Aussie adventures, this trip’s got you covered.

Highlights
Explore the best of New Zealand's South Island, Enjoy free time in Sydney, Get your adrenaline pumping in Queenstown.

Accommodation
Hostels & basic lodges (28 nts, multi-share with 2-10 people).

Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Group Size Notes
Max 20, avg 16

Meals Included
22 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners

What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Hands-On Moment: Surf Lesson, Raglan Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef Your Discover Moment: Queenstown Your Hands-On Moment: Surfing Lesson, Spot X Your Discover Moment: Byron Bay. Lake Taupo Sailboat Trip (Lake Taupo). Sea kayaking excursion (Raglan). Surf lesson in Raglan. Maori cultural experience. Boat excursion to Abel Tasman National Park. Seal colony visit. Walks in Abel Tasman National Park and Lake Matheson. Milford Sound day cruise. Sydney orientation walk. Beach time in Byron Bay. Kangaroo trek. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.


28 nights from $5,084 per person

Itinerary

G Adventures: Australia and New Zealand: Surf, Sun & Epic Parks

Day 1: Auckland
Arrive at any time. There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.


Day 2: Auckland/Raglan
Begin your journey along backroads to Bridal Veil Falls where the group will head out on a short walk through north island native bush to this stunning waterfall. Continue onwards to the surf town of Raglan, first up it is time to get on the water for some sea kayaking. The group will then head to our accommodation right in the middle of the surf and arts town of Raglan for the next two nights.
Travel to Raglan, a cool coastal town famous for its black sand beach and surf break. You’ll kayak to a remote part of the harbour for a boat cruise and lunch, before heading to our accommodation, close to the action in Raglan this evening.

Day 3: Raglan
Spend the full day in Raglan, home to a world-famous surf break. There's no better way to live like the locals do, so grab a surf board and jump right in with an included lesson. You'll also have plenty of time to relax and soak up the laid-back coastal vibes while swapping stories with your travel buddies.
Head down to the beach for an included surf lesson. The afternoon is free to do what you choose.

Day 4: Raglan/Rotorua
Another day, another chance to explore! Today the group will begin journeying to Rotorua with a stop along the way in Waitomo. Here you can choose to go caving in the famous Waitomo Caves, where you will see glow worms light up the cave's ceiling just like stars in the night sky. Next up is Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity. In the evening you'll visit a thermal valley for an engaging cultural experience by night at the Te Puia Village.


Day 5: Rotorua/Taupo
Spend a free morning in fascinating Rotorua. Opt to explore hot springs, walking past bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools, or go on a white-water rafting excursion. Depart Rotorua in the afternoon and travel to Taupo. Along the way stop for a visit to the mighty Huka Falls, these impressive falls are not to be missed on the North Island. Arrive in Taupo, and experience an afternoon together sailing New Zealand's largest lake.


Day 6: Taupo/Wellington
Hit the road to the nation’s capital at the southern end of the North Island. Take in the ever-changing scenery, swap travel stories with your group, and simply reflect on your journey. The group will arrive early enough to visit the National Museum, Te Papa — home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. Then the choice is yours, so take that cable car ride to the hills overlooking the city, or make that stroll along the Oriental Parade happen because you're here now and you might as well take advantage of everything around you. The group will finish the day off with an optional night out on the town together in the central business district.
Travel to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Arrive early enough for a visit to the National Museum, Te Papa.Take a short walk from our accommodation to see the sights of the central business district. Finish the day off with an optional night on the town.

Day 7: 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.
Catch a morning ferry and cross the scenic Cook Strait. Make sure to stand outside and enjoy the views of the Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island. Disembark and transfer to Abel Tasman National Park, well-known for its stunning white sand beaches.

Day 8: 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.This is the kind of day that awaits you in Abel Tasman NP, you are free to explore the golden beaches and winding waterways any way you’d like! So have fun, build a sand castle for us, and let the adventures continue!


Day 9: Abel Tasman National Park/Westport
It’s off to Westport today! Breathe in the fresh air and soak in the beautiful views as the group heads south down the coast of black-sand beaches. Make a (very cool) pit stop to a seal colony in Cape Foulwind and watch these majestic animals in their habitat before continuing on to Westport for the evening. Once you arrive grab a beer, talk to some locals, and discover the true charm of this coal mining town.


Day 10: 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.
Continue following the coastal road towards Franz Josef arriving at a unique wilderness lodge set in the rainforest for the night.

Day 11: Franz Josef
Enjoy a free day in Franz Josef. Today is all yours to spend as you please! From hiking to kayaking and walking on a glacier, there’s bound to be something you’ll want to check off that bucket list.If your goal is to make actual contact with the glacier then try a heli-hike or guided ice walk. Or you could let nature be your guide and lose yourself in the rainforests, lakes, and waterfalls that surround Franz Josef. If you’d rather stay in town, then grab a bite to eat before booking a spa treatment at the Glacier Hot Pools... the choice is yours!


Day 12: Franz Josef/Queenstown
Hit the road to the adventure capital of the world — Queenstown. Sit back, relax and gaze out the window as you drive away from Glacier Country and wind through lush forests back to the coast and into the mountains over Haast Pass. The photo opportunities will seem endless (make sure those cameras are charged.) Then gear up and get ready because the adrenaline is going to be pumping the next few days.


Day 13: Queenstown
Let’s put it this way, if you’re the sort of person that loves adventure mixed with adrenaline all while exploring one of the most scenic places in the country, then Queenstown is for you!Gear up for a free day that is sure to leave you breathless. Opt to be a dare devil and get ready to have those hearts pumping with some adrenaline-filled options like jet boating, bungee jumping, or skydiving.


Day 14: Milford Sound Day Trip/Queenstown
Let your breathing return to normal today as the group heads out for a visit to Fiordland National Park. After arriving, soak up the chill vibes on a boat cruise through one of the most iconic places in New Zealand — Milford Sound. Marvel at the views of one of the wettest places on Earth before we make our way back to Queenstown for the night.


Day 15: 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 16: 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 17: 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 18: Tekapo to Christchurch
Scoot on up to Christchurch to explore the South Island’s largest city and one of the places in New Zealand with the strongest English influences. Enjoy free time to explore and see what the nightlife is all about with your travel tribe, and grab some shut eye in a converted jailhouse to finish the evening.


Day 19: Christchurch/Kaikoura
Mountains, marine life, and magic! Kaikoura is pretty darn special, so special in fact, that it may be the South Island’s best kept secret. The best way to experience it is to get out there and witness what this rugged coastal town does best. Book a whale watching cruise, swim with seals, or just take a walk along the coast admiring the scenery. In the afternoon try bird watching, swim with dolphins or splurge on flight over the peninsula.
Spend the afternoon swimming with dolphins or taking a scenic flight over the peninsula.Bird watchers will be pleased to know that big ocean birds such as albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters frequent the area.

Day 20: Kaikoura/Wellington
Reminisce and reflect on your time in New Zealand as you and the group travel to Picton to catch a ferry back to Wellington. Watch the majestic scenery of this country unfold before you and simply appreciate the moment (we know you’re probably already making plans to return.) Once back in the city grab some grub with your travel crew and let the good times roll for one last night out in New Zealand together.


Day 21: 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.
A great way to start your time in the city is to head down to the harbour's edge to 'The Rocks' historic area.

Day 22: 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 23: 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 24: 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 25: 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 26: 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. Spend some time in the sun and laughing in the waves with your travel tribe before heading out on a kangaroo trek. Then it’s time for a free afternoon to enjoy your surroundings. Soak up views of Solitary Islands Marine Park, embark on a rockpool scramble to look for fish traps and sea creatures, or wander over to Mullawarra beach for a picnic. Your only real job today is to have fun!


Day 27: 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.
Travel the coastal road to the stunning surf and arts town of Byron Bay. Enjoy plenty of free time to experience the hippie surfing town.

Day 28: Byron Bay
Welcome to Byron Bay… the city of surfing and sunbathing! The day is yours to explore; walk along hidden beaches, play in the surf, grab a massage. Want to get your adrenaline pumping? Go skydiving, try sea kayaking, or go on a dolphin watch.
At the end of it all hop on that surfboard for one last ride because as the locals say, “You haven’t surfed until you’ve surfed Byron Man!"Opt to pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

Day 29: 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.Tour ends upon arrival to Brisbane in the afternoon, but we recommend extending to enjoy what this fun city has to offer. Besides, you probably aren’t ready to go home just yet.

Featured Destinations
Brisbane
Arrawarra
Westport
Raglan
Byron Bay
Sydney
Kaikoura
Christchurch
Lake Tekapo
Queenstown
Franz Josef Glacier
Abel Tasman National Park
Wellington
Taupo
Rotorua
Auckland

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges
04/12/2025 - 05/10/2025
from $5,099 per person
04/26/2025 - 05/24/2025
from $5,099 per person
05/10/2025 - 06/07/2025
from $5,399 per person
05/24/2025 - 06/21/2025
from $5,399 per person
06/07/2025 - 07/05/2025
from $5,084 per person
06/21/2025 - 07/19/2025
from $5,084 per person
07/05/2025 - 08/02/2025
from $5,084 per person
07/19/2025 - 08/16/2025
from $5,084 per person
08/02/2025 - 08/30/2025
from $5,084 per person
08/16/2025 - 09/13/2025
from $5,084 per person
08/30/2025 - 09/27/2025
from $5,084 per person
09/13/2025 - 10/11/2025
from $5,999 per person
09/20/2025 - 10/18/2025
from $5,999 per person
09/27/2025 - 10/25/2025
from $5,999 per person
10/04/2025 - 11/01/2025
from $5,999 per person
10/11/2025 - 11/08/2025
from $5,999 per person
10/18/2025 - 11/15/2025
from $5,999 per person
10/25/2025 - 11/22/2025
from $5,999 per person
11/01/2025 - 11/29/2025
from $5,999 per person
11/08/2025 - 12/06/2025
from $5,999 per person
11/15/2025 - 12/13/2025
from $5,999 per person
11/22/2025 - 12/20/2025
from $5,999 per person
11/29/2025 - 12/27/2025
from $5,999 per person
12/13/2025 - 01/10/2026
from $6,349 per person
12/20/2025 - 01/17/2026
from $6,349 per person
12/27/2025 - 01/24/2026
from $6,349 per person
01/03/2026 - 01/31/2026
from $6,349 per person
01/10/2026 - 02/07/2026
from $6,349 per person
01/17/2026 - 02/14/2026
from $6,349 per person
01/24/2026 - 02/21/2026
from $6,349 per person
02/07/2026 - 03/07/2026
from $6,349 per person
02/21/2026 - 03/21/2026
from $6,349 per person
03/07/2026 - 04/04/2026
from $5,999 per person
03/21/2026 - 04/18/2026
from $5,999 per person
04/04/2026 - 05/02/2026
from $5,999 per person
08/15/2026 - 09/12/2026
from $5,649 per person
08/29/2026 - 09/26/2026
from $5,649 per person
09/12/2026 - 10/10/2026
from $5,999 per person
09/19/2026 - 10/17/2026
from $5,999 per person
09/26/2026 - 10/24/2026
from $5,999 per person
10/03/2026 - 10/31/2026
from $5,999 per person
10/10/2026 - 11/07/2026
from $5,999 per person
10/17/2026 - 11/14/2026
from $5,999 per person
10/24/2026 - 11/21/2026
from $5,999 per person
10/31/2026 - 11/28/2026
from $5,999 per person
11/07/2026 - 12/05/2026
from $5,999 per person
11/14/2026 - 12/12/2026
from $5,999 per person
11/21/2026 - 12/19/2026
from $5,999 per person
11/28/2026 - 12/26/2026
from $5,999 per person
12/05/2026 - 01/02/2027
from $6,349 per person


* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices Start At
from $5,084 per person
Length
28 Nights
Air City
Call for airfares from your city.
Vacation Rating
Moderate
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.
Remarks
Pricing is per person, land only, in US dollars and based on double occupancy. For specific validity dates, discount amount and tour information, please return to the promotion in question. Promotion valid on G Adventures small group tours excluding Independent, MS Expedition or National Geographic Journeys, unless otherwise stated. Promotion applicable to new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Does not apply to airfare (unless otherwise stated), pre-/post-accommodation, 'My Own Room' or 'My Own Tent', transfers, theme packs, insurance, polar kayaking & camping excursions or other in-country services. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw this offer from sale at any time. Itinerary and map subject to change.

Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
 

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID
1569687

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