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Australia and New Zealand—a world away.
From Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the rugged Outback to New Zealand's sheep-dotted plains and cliff-lined fjords, the South Pacific features a lineup of dramatic landscapes. In-between outdoor adventures, you’ll discover sophisticated, multicultural cities and an irresistible, carpe diem spirit on this tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Your tour package includes
- 19 nights in handpicked hotels
- 19 breakfasts
- 1 lunch
- 5 dinners with beer or wine
- 1 tasting
Included highlights
- Melbourne
- Uluru
- Great Barrier Reef
- Sydney Opera House
- Glowworm Caves

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Day-by-day itinerary
Print itineraryCross the International Date Line in flight and “lose” a day.
Your flight continues to Australia.
Welcome to Australia! At an included welcome dinner, meet your fellow travelers.
Set off on a guided tour to admire the city’s beautiful 19th-century architecture, historic landmarks, and sprawling parks.
- Explore Carlton Gardens, home of the Royal Exhibition Building and the Melbourne Museum
- Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Shrine of Remembrance
- Pass the Yarra River and the Sports and Arts Precinct, site of the Australian Open
- Stroll through Queen Victoria Market
Spend free time in Melbourne or add an excursion.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade
From $209 per person
Enjoy a free day in Melbourne or add an excursion.

Yarra Valley Winery via Steamtrain
From $229 per person
Fly to Alice Springs in the Northern Territory to learn about many institutions that date back to the country’s colonial days.
- Stop at Anzac Hill and take in sweeping views of the town and countryside
- Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of Air, and the old Alice Springs Telegraph Station
Take a scenic ride through the Outback, and spend free time in the Uluru region or add an excursion.
Please note: On some departures, the excursion may be offered on the morning of day 8 instead of the morning of day 7.
Then, journey through the desert to Uluru to begin your exploration of the park on a guided tour.
- View Kata Tjuta, the weathered rock domes also known as the Olgas
- Watch the sunset over Uluru

Uluru Scenic Plane Ride
From $139 per person
Return to magnificent Uluru, the monolith that’s been worshipped by indigenous Aboriginal tribes for 22,000 years. Then, fly to Cairns, a coastal city in the state of Queensland, and transfer to your hotel in the Great Barrier Reef region upon arrival.
Enjoy a full day at the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system.
- Head to Cairns Marina to board a catamaran and enjoy a cup of tea as you sail to the Outer Barrier Reef
- Dock at the Marine World Platform and learn about the reef’s unique ecosystem from a marine biologist
- View the coral’s colors from the underwater observatory, glass-bottom boat, or semi-submarine—or hop in the water with a snorkel
- Sit down for an included tropical buffet lunch aboard the boat
- Sip on some tea as you make your way back to the mainland
Please note: Snorkeling equipment is provided.
Spend a free day in the Great Barrier Reef region or add excursions.
Please note: Depending on flight schedules, the Sunrise Ballooning excursion may be offered on the morning of day 11 instead of the morning of day 10.

Australian Hot Air Balloon Ride
From $275 per person

Kuranda Village Aboriginal Park & Rainforest
From $229 per person
Fly to Sydney this morning. Then, enjoy free time in the city or add an excursion.

Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise
From $195 per person
Join your Tour Director for a guided tour of one of the world’s most pleasant cities.
- Pass Darling Harbour and the Royal Botanic Gardens
- See the Rocks neighborhood and stop at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair to take in views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Soak in views of Bondi Beach and the Gap in Watsons Bay
- Enter the National Opal Collection
- Step inside the UNESCO-listed Sydney Opera House with a local guide
Enjoy a full free day in Sydney or add an excursion.
Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Taronga Conservation Society & Wildlife Visit
From $115 per person
Say goodbye to Australia and fly to Queenstown, New Zealand this morning. Upon arrival, transfer to the town of Te Anau in the Fiordland National Park region.
Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
Depart early this morning to see the breathtaking scenery of Fiordland National Park.
- Cruise across Lake Te Anau to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves
- Walk along subterranean boardwalks inside the caves to view glowworms
- Pass through beautiful beech forests and by glittering mirror lakes
- Climb to the Homer Saddle and drive through Homer Tunnel
- Sip on a glass of wine as you cruise around Milford Sound, in view of Mitre Peak
Please note: Travelers on tour from May through September will visit the Glowworm Caves in the morning. The Milford Sound cruise will take place in the afternoon.
Stop to explore the gold rush settlement of Arrowtown as you make your way to Queenstown.
Tonight, take the Skyline Queenstown Gondola 1,500 feet up to Bob’s Peak, which offers panoramic views of the landscape below. At the top, watch the sun set as you admire the Remarkables, Walter Peak, and Lake Wakatipu in the distance.
Join your Tour Director as they introduce you to Queenstown this morning.
Spend free time in Queenstown or add an excursion.

Walter Peak: Lake Cruise & Lunch
From $139 per person

Walter Peak: Lake Cruise & Dinner
From $165 per person
Fly to Rotorua, located in the heart of the North Island’s Māori country.
Later, enjoy a free evening in Rotorua or add an excursion.

Māori Village & Hāngi Feast
From $119 per person
Spend the day exploring the highlights of the Rotorua region.
- With a local guide leading the way, learn about the region’s indigenous birds at the Kiwi Wildlife Park
- Visit the village of Whakarewarewa, which is home to thermal springs and bubbling hot pools
- Join a local Whakarewarewa guide to learn about the lifestyle and traditions of the Māori people, who live in harmony with nature in the village
- Visit Rotorua's Government Gardens, a public park and site of great historical importance to the local Māori people
Please note: For an additional cost, you can book a tour of the Hobbiton movie set through your Tour Director.
Tonight, join a local Kiwi family for a home-hosted dinner of regional specialties.
Drive from Rotorua to Auckland this morning. Then, get to know Auckland, “The City of Sails,” with your Tour Director in the lead.
- See the city’s iconic spots such as Mount Eden, the Sky Tower and the Auckland Domain
- Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum and learn the story of New Zealand and it’s people
Enjoy a full free day in Auckland or add an excursion.
Later, celebrate your trip at tonight’s farewell dinner.

Waiheke Island
From $149 per person
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to explore Fiji.
Fly to Nadi, Fiji, where you will be taken to your seaside hotel.
Enjoy a free day in Fiji or add an excursion.

Tivua Island Sailing & Snorkeling
From $169 per person
Spend another free day in Fiji or add an excursion.
Then, sit down for an included dinner featuring local seafood this evening.

Fiji Village Visit: Indigenous Culture & Traditions
From $105 per person
Spend the afternoon relaxing in a dayroom, then transfer to the airport for your flight home.
We make it easy with deposits as low as $99, fee-free rebooking, and more.
Reviews
Phenomenal tour down under. There was something for everyone in Australia and New Zealand! We saw the best of it all. Uluru was a must for me, which is one of the reasons we decided on this tour. The others were the Great Barrier Reef and New Zealand with all its scenic wonder. Topping it off ...
Hi Andy! We are so happy that you had such an ama...
This was a fab tour and we had the best guide who made the trip so outstanding. Tim is superb in his job. I highly recommend everyone go on this trip.
Dear Lynn, We agree --Tim is a wonderful Tour Dire...
Traveler photos
Hotels, flights & FAQ
Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.You will love the convenience of staying in the very heart of all the action in the Melbourne city center. Blending the zest of the Vibe Hotel brand w...
This majestic hotel is located within walking distance of downtown. Guests enjoy a fitness center, heated pool, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find Si...
This scenic hotel is located within view of Uluru. Guests enjoy an art gallery, sprawling gardens, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find scenic lookouts...
This centrally located hotel is located on the Cairns Esplanade. Guests enjoy a heated pool, free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the Esp...
This centrally located hotel is found in Woolloomooloo, Sydney. Guests enjoy free WiFi, 24-hour room service, and a gym. Nearby, you'll find Hyde Park...
This comfortable hotel is located in Te Anu. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and hotel bar. Nearby, you'll find the waterfront and Fiordlan...
This scenic hotel is located on the lakefront. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a restaurant, and room service. Nearby, you'll find Saint Omer Park, Ben Lomond...
This eco-friendly hotel is located next to Lake Rotorua. Guests enjoy a heated pool, spa, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find geothermal parklands, Te...
This contemporary hotel is located downtown. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a gym, and restaurant. Nearby, you'll find Albert Park, the New Zealand Maritime ...
This luxurious hotel is located in Denarau, Fiji. Guests enjoy the 1.6 miles of private beach, the KORO complex, and several outdoor pools. Nearby you...
Flights
- Round-trip flight for your tour
- Airport transfers at your destination
- A great price locked in today
- 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
- Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
- Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
- Find out more about flights
Local weather
FAQ
Print FAQ- In order to enter Australia and New Zealand (and the Republic of Fiji on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
- U.S. and Canadian passport holders must purchase an individual visa from the Australian government’s Electronic Travel Authority website eta.immi.gov.au prior to departure.
- Effective October 1, 2019, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must purchase an individual visa and pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy on the New Zealand government’s Electronic Travel Authority website immigration.govt.nz/nzeta prior to departure.
- U.S. and Canadian citizens are automatically issued a visa upon arrival in Fiji (on the tour extension).
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- You will walk for about 1 hour daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and gravel paths, with few hills.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
- You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of boats.
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Melbourne and depart from Auckland (or Nadi on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
- Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
- Flights from Melbourne to Alice Springs, the Uluru Region to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney, Sydney to Christchurch, and Queenstown to Rotorua, as well as a boat ride to the Great Barrier Reef and Milford Sound, are included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a flight from Auckland to Nadi.)
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- We recommend lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
- A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
- The Australian sun is very hot. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Bug repellent is also useful, as there can be flies in the Outback certain times of year.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- There are no major health risks associated with traveling to any of the countries on this tour.
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
- Take particular care of sun exposure and drink plenty of liquids. If you choose to go swimming, be careful of powerful surf. Make sure to obey signs and lifeguards’ orders, and always swim between the marked flags.
- Travelers prone to seasickness may want to take special precautions for the boat ride to the Great Barrier Reef.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
- Australian menus emphasize high-quality steaks and lamb chops, though meat pies are also popular. Regional specialties include shellfish (such as Sydney rock oysters and crabs) and smoked sausages brought to South Australia by German settlers. The national beverage is beer, and a visit to an Aussie pub is a popular pastime, but the country’s wines are also superb.
- In New Zealand, there are many good local varieties of fish and seafood, excellent lamb and fresh fruits, including kiwi and passion fruits. For lunch, tea rooms serve savory meat pies, quiche, and desserts.
- On the tour extension, Fijian cuisine is traditionally healthy and fresh, incorporating local seafood, coconut, pineapple, and tubers such as taro.
- Australia and New Zealand (plus Fiji on the tour extension) operate on the standard 220-240 volts and use Types I plugs with three large, flat pins set on an angle.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
- The majority of the hotels on this tour will have air conditioning.
- Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- You’ll travel through Australian Central Standard Time (14.5 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time) and Australian Eastern Standard Time (15 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time).
- New Zealand is 17 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time.
- Fiji is 16 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time.
- When it’s noon in New York, it’s 1:30am in the Uluru Region, 2am in Cairns, 3am in Melbourne, and 5am in Queenstown (plus 4am in Fiji on the tour extension).
- You will use the Australian dollar and the New Zealand dollar (plus the Fiji dollar on the tour extension).
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
- Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
- Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
- Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
- Please note that you will have a different Tour Director for your tour extension in Fiji than on your main tour.