Overview Itinerary Dates & prices Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Highlights of Australia & New Zealand

with Fiji extension

Duration: 15 or 18 days
Group size: 15-35
Reviews: 24

Discover remote landscapes, sunny cities, and indigenous cultures.

Journey from the Land Down Under to the Land of the Long White Cloud, taking in breathtaking natural wonders and iconic architecture as you go. From Australia’s vast Great Barrier Reef to New Zealand’s majestic peaks and sparkling lakes, there’s so much to marvel at in this far-away part of the world.

Your tour package includes

12 nights in handpicked hotels
12 breakfasts
1 lunch
4 dinners with beer or wine
8 guided sightseeing tours

Included highlights

Carlton Gardens
Great Barrier Reef
Sydney Opera House
gondola ride up Bob’s Peak
Fiordland National Park

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight2 nights

Day 1: Travel day

Cross the International Date Line in flight and “lose” a day.

Day 2: Travel day

Your flight continues to Australia.

Melbourne2 nights

Day 3: Arrival in Melbourne

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Australia! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner this evening.

Day 4: Sightseeing tour of Melbourne

Included meal: Breakfast

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

Enjoy a free afternoon in Melbourne or add an excursion.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Excursion (additional cost)

Great Barrier Reef Region2 nights

Day 5: Flight to Cairns

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Fly to Cairns, a coastal city in the state of Queensland, and enjoy dinner there this evening. Then, transfer to your hotel in the Great Barrier Reef region.

Day 6: The Great Barrier Reef

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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 sail out to Michaelmas Cay
Enjoy a cup of tea as you learn about the reef’s unique ecosystem from a marine biologist
Dock at Michaelmas Cay and view the coral’s colors from the glass-bottom boat or head to the beach to hop in the water with a snorkel
Sit down for an included tropical buffet lunch aboard the boat
Sip on a glass of sparkling wine and some tea as you make your way back to Cairns

Please note: Snorkeling equipment is provided.

Sydney3 nights

Day 7: Flight to Sydney

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Sydney this morning. Then, enjoy free time to explore the city or add an excursion.

Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Sydney

Included meal: Breakfast

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

Day 9: Free day in Sydney

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a free day in Sydney or add an excursion.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Taronga Conservation Society & Wildlife Visit

Excursion (additional cost)

Queenstown3 nights

Day 10: Flight to Queenstown & Bob’s Peak visit

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Queenstown, New Zealand, this morning. Upon arrival, enjoy a free afternoon to get acquainted with the city.

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 sunset as you admire the Remarkables, Walter Peak, and Lake Wakatipu in the distance.

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Queenstown

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend the day getting to know the Queenstown area with your Tour Director as you explore the gold rush settlement of Arrowtown.

Then, enjoy free time in Queenstown or add an excursion.

Walter Peak: Lake Cruise & Lunch

Excursion (additional cost)

Walter Peak: Lake Cruise & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 12: Milford Sound

Included meal: Breakfast

Depart early this morning to see the breathtaking scenery of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park.

Travel through the Five Rivers farming region and past Lake Te Anau, the largest lake on the South Island
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

Auckland2 nights

Day 13: Flight to Auckland

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Auckland this morning. Then, get to know “The City of Sails” with your Tour Director in the lead.

Visit the Auckland Museum to watch a local Māori tribe perform the traditional haka dance
Meet and take photos with the dancers
Stop at the city’s harbor and take a short walk to view the Auckland Harbour Bridge

Spend a free evening in Auckland or add an excursion.

Auckland Sky Tower & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 14: Free day in Auckland

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Enjoy a free day in Auckland or add an excursion.

Later, celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner.

Waiheke Island

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 15: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to explore Fiji.

Extension to Fiji

Conjure up your fantasy of paradise on earth: you’re probably imagining Fiji. Gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, colorful coral reefs, lush tropical rainforests, and majestic mountains—that’s what makes this island nation in the South Pacific one of the most enticing places on Earth. Paradise aside, perhaps the true allure of Fiji lies within the warmth of the people and the fascinating blend of cultures that has endured here for centuries.

Fiji3 nights

Day 15: Flight to Fiji

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Nadi, Fiji, and transfer to your seaside hotel.

Day 16: Free day in Fiji

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Fiji or add an excursion.

Tivua Island Sailing & Snorkeling

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 17: Free day in Fiji

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 18: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Spend the afternoon relaxing in a dayroom, then transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.5 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Australia and New Zealand....trip of a lifetime

11/18/2019 by 5th time traveler Sharon T.

This was my fourth tour with Go Ahead......and it did not disappoint in any way! I've often wondered how it is that the Go Ahead Tours I've taken can bring together so many individuals, of varying ages, backgrounds, and experiences and have us wind up so compatible, enjoying each other's company so...

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I want to go back!

11/06/2019 by 2nd time traveler Don G.

This is the first time I have taken a guided travel tour, and I was impressed. Our hotels were all well appointed and had clean, comfortable rooms with all the necessary amenities. Each hotel was located in the hub of the city near local attractions and public transportation. We started each morning...

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06/03/2019 by 2nd time traveler Katherine F.

This tour, my 4th, my sister's 1st, a birthday present, was 3 years in planning and paying, about $xxxx of my paying on a retired teacher's pension. It started as EF then was "upgraded"to Go Ahead. The only upgrade to speak of was hotel locations, more centralized in each location. Otherwise, th...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 06/03/2019

Dear Katherine, We want to extend a thank you for ...

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Don’t take this trip. It’s not worth the cost. The “upgrades” to Go Ahead were not upgrades.

06/03/2019 by 2nd time traveler Kristina R.

The hotels in Queenstown and Fiji were unacceptable. The Queenstown hotel was dirty. The hotel is Fiji was so far removed from any other facilities that I opted to take a hotel room at another resort at my own added expense. The original itinerary had us staying in Denarau, but the actual hotel (...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 06/03/2019

Dear Kristina, We hope that you have been well sin...

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05/09/2019 by 6th time traveler Michael M.

The Highlights Tour was excellent, with special thanks to the Tour Director. The less than excellent rating for accommodations and meals is because one hotel was heavily worn and provided members of the group widely diverse room types (some very cramped) and one dinner was not of the quality expecte...

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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.

Rydges Auckland

This contemporary hotel is located downtown. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a gym, and restaurant. Nearby, you'll find Albert Park, the New Zealand Maritime ...

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Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown

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...

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The Sydney Boulevard Hotel

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...

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Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

This relaxing hotel is located in the Esplanade neighborhood. Guests enjoy 24-hour room service, a fitness center, and restaurant. Nearby, you'll find...

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Vibe Savoy Hotel Melbourne

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...

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Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne

Located on Flinders Street a three-minute walk from Flinders Street Station overlooking the scenic Yarra River, this Melbourne city centre hotel boast...

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Vibe Hotel Sydney

This classic hotel is located in the Docklands. Guests enjoy WiFi, a fitness center, and spa. Nearby, you'll find Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, Eureka ...

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Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

This beachfront hotel is located in the Cove. Guests enjoy WiFi, a private beach club, and spa. Nearby, you'll find Denarau Golf Club, Port Denarau Sh...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

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

Auckland, New Zealand

Weather averages

Today
High 59°F Low 53°F

Cairns, Australia

Weather averages

Today
High 75°F Low 59°F

Melbourne, Australia

Weather averages

Today
High 55°F Low 43°F

Queenstown, New Zealand

Weather averages

Today
High 42°F Low 33°F

Sydney, Australia

Weather averages

Today
High 58°F Low 46°F

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

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.auprior 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.

Tour pace

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.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Melbourne and depart from Auckland (or Fiji 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.
Boat rides to the Great Barrier Reef and on Milford Sound are included in the price of your tour.
Flights from Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney, Sydney to Queenstown, and Queenstown to Auckland are included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a flight from Auckland to Fiji.)
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which include flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

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 can be very hot. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Bug repellent is also useful, as there can be flies during 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.

Health

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 for 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 and on Milford Sound.
There are inherent risks associated with water activities, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
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.

Cuisine

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 seafood, excellent lamb, and fresh fruits, including kiwi and passion fruit. 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.

Electricity & air conditioning

Australia and New Zealand (plus Fiji on the tour extension) operate on the standard 220-240 volts and use Type 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.
The strength of the air conditioning in South Pacific hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

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.

Time zones

On this tour, you’ll travel through Australian Eastern Standard Time (15 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time).
New Zealand is 17 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time.
Fiji (on the tour extension) is 16 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time.
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 3am in Melbourne and 5am in Queenstown (plus 4am in Fiji on the tour extension).

Currency

You will use the Australian dollar and the New Zealand dollar on this tour (plus the Fijian 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.

Tipping

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.

Purchasing excursions on tour

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.

Tour Director on extension

Please note that you will have a different Tour Director for your tour extension in Fiji than on your main tour.

Dates & prices

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20202021

Starts

Ends

Price

Availability

2020

Highlights of Australia & New Zealand

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