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Australia & NZ
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Highlights of Australia & New Zealand

15 days |  18 days with Fiji extension
15 days |  18 days with Fiji extension
Group size1535 travelers
Reviews

4.6 star rating

108
Physical activity
milford sound and mountain landscape at in new zealand
daintree boardwalk surrounded by lush forestry in australia
close up under water view of sea life in the great barrier reef australia
view of sydney australia and its opera house at sunset
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
This tour itinerary varies by year
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    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
    • 7 sightseeing tours
    Read more

    Included highlights

    • Carlton Gardens
    • Great Barrier Reef
    • Sydney Opera House
    • Gondola Ride up Bob’s Peak
    • Fiordland National Park
    Read more
    Start planning today

    An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

    Talk to a Tour Consultant

    Day-by-day itinerary

    Print itinerary
    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

    From $225 per person

    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.

    Please note: On some departures, the Sydney Harbor Cruise excursion may take place on day 8 instead of day 7 depending on flight schedules and the day of the week.

    Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise

    From $205 per person

    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

    From $125 per person

    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

    From $165 per person

    Walter Peak: Lake Cruise & Dinner

    From $169 per person

    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.

    • 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

    Spend a free evening in Auckland or add an excursion.

    Auckland Sky Tower & Dinner

    From $145 per person

    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

    From $199 per person

    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
    Fly to Fiji to continue your trip and discover what makes the island the definition of paradise. It definitely has something to do with all those palm trees and totally perfect beaches, which you’ll have plenty of time to get familiar with.
    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

    From $189 per person

    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

    From $129 per person

    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.

    Show full itinerary
    Book for just $99 down

    That's all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†

    Reviews

    4.6 star rating

    Overall rating 4.6 out of 5

    Based on 108 authentic traveler reviews
    Sort by

      5.0 star rating

      Australia, New Zealand, & Fiji Highlights
      10/21/23 by 1st-time traveler Joanna

      Our tour guide, Gavin, was wonderful and the highlight excursions suggested were perfect! We loved the opportunity to learn about where we were and the chance to shop to bring the experience home was the cherry on the cake! My favorite stops in Australia were the Penguin March on Phillip Island, sno...

      Read more +
      EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 12/5/23

      Hi Joanna, Thanks for the glowing review and amazi...

      Read more +

      5.0 star rating

      Trip of a life Time
      10/21/23 by 1st-time traveler Dane

      One of if not the best tour guide I have had for a large group trip like this. He was knowledgeable of the history and local foods. Amazing suggestions on where to go during our free time to find local foods and coffee! And was willing to assist us in planning outings that were near bye. Awesome att...

      Read more +

      5.0 star rating

      All Around Great
      10/21/23 by 1st-time traveler Tessie

      Great tour. Great guide. Great people. 👍👍

      Show more reviews

      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.
      Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
      Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne

      This historic and elegant hotel is located in the central business district of Melbourne off of Flinders Street. Guests enjoy the on-site restaurant, ...

      Read more +
      Pacific Hotel Cairns
      Pacific Hotel Cairns

      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...

      Read more +
      Vibe Hotel Sydney
      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 ...

      Read more +
      Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown
      Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown

      This contemporary hotel is located steps away from Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. Guests enjoy the outdoor terrace, fitness center, and bar featuring lo...

      Read more +
      Rydges Auckland
      Rydges Auckland

      This vibrant hotel is located downtown. Guests enjoy an on-site coffee house, a gym, and restaurant. Nearby, you'll find Albert Park, the New Zealand ...

      Read more +
      Shangri-La Yanuca Island
      Shangri-La Yanuca Island

      This luxury hotel is located on the private island of Yanuca in Fiji. Guests enjoy the 9-hole golf course, floating water park, and a variety of water...

      Read more +

      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

      FAQ

      Print FAQ
      Passport, visa & entry 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 mobile app.
      • 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 nzeta.immigration.govt.nz 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 can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code ANE.
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      Tour pacing & mobility
      • 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.
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      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.
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      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.
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      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 reef-safe 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.
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      Health
      • 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.
      • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code ANE.
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      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.
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      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.
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      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.
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      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).
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      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.
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      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 $8USD 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.
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      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.
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      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.
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      4.6 star rating

      108 reviews
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