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Just how incredible are Australia and New Zealand, you ask? So great that you still couldn't see it for all it's worth on this 38-day adventure. Starting in Sydney, you'll fly to the famed Red Centre and have a chance to witness Uluru at sunrise. Then travel south down the East Coast, filled with beautiful beach, kangaroos, wallabies and all the crazy Australian wildlife you could hope to see. After three weeks, fly to New Zealand's North Island first, then down to the South Island for even more fun Down Under.
Your CEO will advise you along the trip where you will be able to do your laundry.
Eating is a big part of traveling. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our groups tend to eat together for most meals but there is no obligation to so. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.
We love checking out what the locals are doing and what makes up their daily routines. In Italy that could be starting the day with an espresso and cornetto standing at the bar in a local café. in Australia it might include an iced coffee and sausage roll by the beach and in Vietnam it could be slurping a steaming bowl of pho sitting on a plastic stool on a busy street corner. Hey, variety is the spice of life!
Our vans are mini-coaches. Occasionally with smaller group sizes we will use smaller, equally comfortable 13-seater vehicles. All mini-coaches tow a trailer for luggage. All groups have one CEO, who is also the driver.
The vehicles are factory built with comfortable seats and air-conditioning. It is mandatory to wear a seatbelt while riding in our vehicles.
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.
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Discover the hidden laneways of Melbourne, Hike through Kings Canyon, Join an interpretive walk through Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Trek through Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest, Enjoy a boating excursion through the gorgeous Whitsundays, Surf Lesson in Byron Bay, Explore the Blue Mountains by foot. Waitomo Glowworm caves. Fiordland National Park visit with Doubtful Sound day cruise. Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park visit with hiking opportunity (weather permitting)
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef
Your Discover Moment: Queenstown. Melbourne laneways walk. Guided walk at Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. Sunset at Uluru. Guided Hiking at Kings Canyon. Visit to Telegraph Station. Ferry to Manly Beach. Visit to Victoria Market. Visit to Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne. Guided Daintree Rainforest walk. Whitsunday Islands boating excursion. Blue Mountains stay with hikes. Scenic Railway. Orientation walk in Sydney. Free time in Cairns, Byron Bay, and Sydney. Waitomo Glowworm caves visit. Orientation walk in Wellington and Christchurch. Wine tasting. Fiordland National Park visit with Doubtful Sound day cruise. Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park visit with hiking opportunity (weather permitting). Internal flight between Wellington and Christchurch. Free time in Rotorua, Wellington, Franz Josef, and Queenstown. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities. Internal flights.
16
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Hotels (33 nts), rainforest cabin (2 nts), Desert Tented Camp (2nts)
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.
Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Please note that when in Franz Josef optional activities may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.
15 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
Max 16, avg 12.
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
Private vehicle, plane, boat, walking.
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
From Sydney airport (SYD), to reach your starting accommodation you can take the Sydney Airport Shuttle, the Train or a local taxi. Please go to the airport information desk for assistance.?Please note, if taking the train, the station is under the airport terminal.
Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.
Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!
If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.
The Australian currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Australia & New Zealand and can be used to purchase small and large items. When purchasing products or services with a foreign credit card you may be charged additional fees by your credit card company for foreign purchases.
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Both Visa and Master Cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work check with your bank before you travel. A visit to an ATM can be arranged on Day 1 and other days of the trip.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of local currency (preferably smaller bills, 5's, 10's and 20's), traveller's cheques and credit cards is best. Currency exchange is best obtained prior to travel or at the airport, currency exchange is easy to find in Australia & New Zealand in the gateway cities and most banks do accommodate.
Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and driver - this person is experienced in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.
As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
1. Please be aware that wifi and internet access is not as readily available in Australia as in other parts of the world. There are often additional charges to connect to the internet, and speeds may be slower than what you are used to.
2. Over public holidays in Australia and New Zealand (such as Christmas, New Years Day, Easter, and Anzac Day) there may be some limitations of services and disruptions to schedules. In general our tours still operate effectively over public holidays, but there may be closures of optional activities and restaurants, and slight itinerary adjustments in order to provide all tour inclusions.
3. Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
4. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
It is not customary in New Zealand or Australia to tip service providers, but if you do experience outstanding service it is good to do so. Such service would only usually be in places like quality restaurants and it would be very rare that you would tip more than 10%. Unless specifically asked to do so at the time (by your CEO) - do not tip your local guides. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer did an outstanding job, you may consider a small tip - but it certainly isn't expected.
Sydney
- Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
- Sydney Opera House Visit (43-185AUD per person)
- Jet Boat Ride (85AUD per person)
Melbourne
- 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road
Cape Tribulation
- Great Barrier Reef Visit (209AUD per person)
- Daintree National Park Visit (Free)
- Daintree Rainforest Night Walk (45AUD per person)
Whitsunday Islands
- Whitsunday Islands Snorkelling (Free)
Byron Bay
- Skydiving (409AUD per person)
- Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking
Cape Byron
- Cape Byron Lighthouse Visit (Free)
Coogee Beach
- Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach Coastal Walk
Rotorua
- Hot Springs (45-75NZD per person)
- Whitewater Rafting (125NZD per person)
- Rotorua Canopy Tours (189-259NZD per person)
Wellington
- Te Papa Museum Visit (35NZD per person)
- Zealandia (25-95NZD per person)
- Wellington Cable Car (6-11NZD per person)
- Weta Workshop Tour (99NZD per person)
Kaikoura
- Hiking (Free)
- Scenic Flight (225NZD per person)
- Whale Watching (175NZD per person)
- Dolphin Tour (240NZD per person)
Franz Josef
- Hiking (Free)
- Heli Scenic Flight with Snow Landing (350-445NZD per person)
- Franz Josef Kayaking (135NZD per person)
- Guided Heli Hike (Heli Transfer) (698NZD per person)
Queenstown
- Vineyard Tour (210-240NZD per person)
- Bungee Jumping (265-450NZD per person)
- Earnslaw Steamship Cruise (99-120NZD per person)
- Gondola Ride (66-80NZD per person)
- Queenstown Jet Boating (169NZD per person)
- Skydiving (430-535NZD per person)
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
Arrive at any time. Join your CEO for a welcome meeting.
There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore your surroundings.
Sunny Sydney welcomes you and hit the road right away with your CEO to dive into exploring this stunning city. Set off on a walking orientation tour of some of the city's well known landmarks. Slowly make your way to Circular Quay, where you'll hop onto a ferry to cross the harbor to Manly beach. Your CEO will point out some must do's while you're in Manly, like the coastal walk to Shelly beach, and some places to grab some local food. You can't go wrong with some fish and chips by the sea.
Today is your's to spend as you see fit. There is quite literally too much choice in Sydney, so use your time wisely. Choose from exploring on foot the Rock's neighborhood, which is also home to the city's Museum of Modern Art. The cafe on the roof is a great spot for lunch or a famous Aussie coffee. Or get the blood pumping by booking a jet boating tour or climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Join your CEO and fellow travelers in the evening for a meal together at a local restaurant.
Board a flight bound for Yulara, the gateway to Uluru and the Red Centre. Spend the afternoon getting straight out there and exploring-starting first with Kata Tjuta National Park and the Walpa Gorge walk. Catch the sunset over Uluru before making your way to the tented camp. Enjoy an outdoor meal cooked at camp with lots of local ingredients.
Sunrise over Uluru is not to be missed, so rise early and catch sunrise over Australia's most iconic indigenous landmarks. This morning, take the time to explore Uluru on foot on a guided walk through some of the most culturally significant areas of the site. These sacred spaces are some of the oldest on the planet, and understanding the interpretation behind them makes them even more impactful. Later, head to the Kings Canyon region overland, to your next tented camp in the bush.
The mornings in the desert offer cooler temperatures, and so head out early to hike throughout Kings Canyon. Choose between the harder 3 hour hike and a more approachable one hour option. The Rim walk is a 6km walk along the upper rim of Kings Canyon. The most difficult part of the hike is the very beginning with a 500 step ascent, but the landscapes and views you are rewarded with are more than worth the effort. You won't even remember the effort it took to get up there. (Sort of!) If you prefer to take it easy, enjoy a 2km hike through canyon valley. Later on, rest up on a drive East to Alice Springs.
In addition to its rich indigenous history and cultural, Alice Springs is home to the Telegraph Station that linked Australia top to bottom in the 19th century. This telegraph connection also integrated Australia into the wider network within the British Empire, allowing Australia to be connected to the outside world in a matter of hours, versus days. Take a moment to learn about some of the troubling history that took place not too far in the distant past when the station ceased to operate as a telegraph station and became a boarding house for indigenous children.
In the afternoon, grab a flight to quirky, cool, Melbourne and settle in with an optional dinner with your CEO.
Melbourne is one of the easiest cities to traverse on foot and by public transport-so you will be getting your steps in today. Start the morning off with a guided laneways tour where you will be led through some of the famous-and off the beaten track-spots in Melbourne's famous laneways. Then join your CEO at the Queen Victoria markets where you can choose to grab some lunch from one of the many stalls. End the afternoon at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne, a sprawling 38 hectares of green space housing over 800 species of plants from the world over.
Another Australian city with tons to do, so a day at leisure gives you plenty of time to craft the perfect day. You may want to take a trip out to see the Phillip Island Penguin Parade or embark on a full day tour out along the Great Ocean Road.
Fly to the oceanside city of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.
With a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.
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.
Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way.
Spend the day out on the water 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.
Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights in this "hippie" paradise.
Spend a free morning exploring Byron or opt to prebook a kayaking tour. In the afternoon, you'll head to the beach for a surf lesson with a trained surf instructor. Enjoy a few hours of instruction before hitting the waves for some practice rides.
Pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional experience on your tour.
Spend the morning wandering the town checking out the local shops or having one last coffee on the beach before heading to the coastal township of Port Macquarie, featuring all the beauty of the beach set alongside gorgeous national parks. Enjoy an evening in Port Macquarie.
Travel from Port Macquarie to the Blue Mountains today. These mountains in Australia are best known for their soaring sandstone ridges. As you drive, pass by charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, lush green valleys, and loads of craggy cliffs. It doesn't matter if the journey is shrouded in clouds or glowing in the sinking sun, you'll still spot beauty around every turn.
Travel deeper into the majestic Blue Mountains and experience the natural beauty of this World Heritage Area. Explore the landscape around Leura and Katoomba, view the Three Sisters, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.
This morning, leave the Blue Mountains behind and continue onward to Sydney. Once you arrive head out for an orientation walk before taking advantage of some free time to keep exploring. Opt to rent a bike, stroll the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.
Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group.
Say goodbye to Australia and hop on a flight 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.
Spend today exploring one of the coolest cities in New Zealand. There is so much to do here, so take the whole day to enjoy. Opt to take a day trip to the wine region of Waiheke Island. Check out the epic view from the top of the Sky tower. Or head to one of the many beaches around the city.
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. Take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.
Visit Rotorua and opt to check out the geothermal area or go whitewater rafting. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment.
Rotorua sits over an active volcanic zone with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. Opt to visit one of the sites, or go whitewater rafting nearby.
If you are interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set while in New Zealand we suggest you pre-book before arriving in New Zealand. G Adventures currently does not offer this as a tour add-on. Hobbiton is accessible as a day trip from Auckland or Rotorua.
Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island and travel to the capital, Wellington.
Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but 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.
Fly to the South Island and travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its diverse marine life. Stop en route for a wine tasting at a local winery.
Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura. Opt to go on a whale watching tour and search for giant sperm whales. Or head out on a tour to swim in the open ocean in a place often visited by wild dolphins. In the afternoon, travel to Hanmer Springs. Opt to take a soak in the hot springs.
Take in the stunning scenery while travelling across the Southern Alps to the rugged and remote West Coast, before staying in the rainforest near the world's fastest moving glacier.
Enjoy a free day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt to explore the glacier with a heli hike.
There are dozens of optional activities in the area to suit just about any budget and preference. Try heli hiking, scenic helicopter flights, skydiving, lake kayaking or a hot pools visit.
Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. With beautiful scenery and tons of activities, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the great night life.
With free time here, opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving or hiking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak.
Opt to pre-book the "Queenstown Jet Boating" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound on a day cruise. Take in the waterfalls and wildlife, then return to Queenstown for the night.
Travel north through the centre of the South Island to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, named after New Zealand's highest peak. Spend the afternoon hiking the region, taking in the alpine scenery. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Visitor's Centre, before a short but scenic journey to Tekapo Village.
Continue on to Christchurch and take in an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy one final night together with the group.
Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake.
Depart at any time.
Details
Prices from: €10599.00
Duration: 38 Days
Physical Grading: 3 - Average
Service Level: Standard
Travel Style: Classic
Trip Type: Small Group
Merchandising: New Trips
Prices from: €10599.00
38 day Classic tour
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