Experience Overview
Get ready for a 16-day thrill ride through Australia and New Zealand's must-see spots. Dive into Māori culture on New Zealand’s North Island, and feel the rush with a surf lesson and kayaking adventure. Then, hop over to Australia to fine-tune those surf skills at Spot X surf camp. Don’t miss the chance for a close encounter with your fuzzy new friends — the koalas. This is the ultimate Oceania bucket list adventure.
Highlights
- Experience Maori culture in Rotorua. Explore Sydney with plenty of free time
- Learn to surf in Byron Bay.
Trip Details
Product Code: 29816
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private vehicle, train, boat, kayak, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: 18 - 35 Year Olds Only
Tour Operator: G Adventures
Supplier Code: ONAR
Starts: Auckland, New Zealand
Finishes: Brisbane, Australia
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Average
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Hands-On Moment: Surf Lesson, Raglan Your Big Night Out Moment: Wellington Your Hands-On Moment: Surfing Lesson, Spot X Your Discover Moment: Byron Bay
- Lake Taupo Sailboat Trip (Lake Taupo)
- Sea kayaking excursion (Raglan)
- Surf lesson in Raglan
- Maori cultural experience
- Free time in Sydney, Sydney orientation walk
- Beach time in Byron Bay
- Kangaroo trek
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hostels (14 nts, multi-share with 4-6 people).
- 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Transport
- Private vehicle, train, boat, kayak, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,070 ($205 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland
Arrive at any time. There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.
Day 2: Auckland/Raglan
Begin your journey along backroads to Bridal Veil Falls where the group will head out on a short walk through north island native bush to this stunning waterfall. Continue onwards to the surf town of Raglan, first up it is time to get on the water for some sea kayaking. The group will then head to our accommodation right in the middle of the surf and arts town of Raglan for the next two nights.
Travel to Raglan, a cool coastal town famous for its black sand beach and surf break. You'll kayak to a remote part of the harbour for a boat cruise and lunch, before heading to our accommodation, close to the action in Raglan this evening.
Day 3: Raglan
Spend the full day in Raglan, home to a world-famous surf break. There's no better way to live like the locals do, so grab a surf board and jump right in with an included lesson. You'll also have plenty of time to relax and soak up the laid-back coastal vibes while swapping stories with your travel buddies.
Head down to the beach for an included surf lesson. The afternoon is free to do what you choose.
Day 4: Raglan/Rotorua
Another day, another chance to explore! Today the group will begin journeying to Rotorua with a stop along the way in Waitomo. Here you can choose to go caving in the famous Waitomo Caves, where you will see glow worms light up the cave's ceiling just like stars in the night sky. Next up is Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity. In the evening you'll visit a thermal valley for an engaging cultural experience by night at the Te Puia Village.
Day 5: Rotorua/Taupo
Spend a free morning in fascinating Rotorua. Opt to explore hot springs, walking past bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools, or go on a white-water rafting excursion. Depart Rotorua in the afternoon and travel to Taupo. Along the way stop for a visit to the mighty Huka Falls, these impressive falls are not to be missed on the North Island. Arrive in Taupo, and experience an afternoon together sailing New Zealand's largest lake.
Day 6: Taupo/Wellington
Hit the road to the nation's capital at the southern end of the North Island. Take in the ever-changing scenery, swap travel stories with your group, and simply reflect on your journey. The group will arrive early enough to visit the National Museum, Te Papa — home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. Then the choice is yours, so take that cable car ride to the hills overlooking the city, or make that stroll along the Oriental Parade happen because you're here now and you might as well take advantage of everything around you. The group will finish the day off with an optional night out on the town together in the central business district.
Travel to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Arrive early enough for a visit to the National Museum, Te Papa.
Take a short walk from our accommodation to see the sights of the central business district. Finish the day off with an optional night on the town.
Day 7: Wellington/Sydney
Today we say goodbye to New Zealand and fly to Australia. Departing out of Wellington, we'll touch down in Sydney after about 4 hours in the air. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Australia's biggest city.
A great way to start your time in the city is to head down to the harbour's edge to 'The Rocks' historic area.
Day 8: Sydney
Join your CEO as you climb aboard the local ferry and travel from Sydney to Manly Beach. Manly is one of Australia's most famous beaches, which is quite the praise for a giant island nation. With world class surfing, beautiful water and lined with pine trees, you'll quickly learn why its so popular amongst locals and travelers alike. Take a surf class, relax on the beach or hit one of the many shops or restaurants in the town.
Day 9: Sydney
There is so much to do in Sydney. Even though just a few free days aren't enough to see it all, it's still worth it! Opt to visit the Sydney Opera House, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, check out some of the famed museums or eat at some incredible restaurants.
Day 10: Sydney
Enjoy one last day in Sydney! Make sure to tick off those last few must do's in this amazing city. If you need ideas for today, make sure to ask your CEO for some ideas as there is always something to do here.
Day 11: Sydney/Arrawarra
It's all aboard today as you take the train north to Coffs Harbour. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views. After pulling into Coffs Harbour station, the group will travel to Spot X Surf Camp, our base for the next few days.
Day 12: Arrawarra
As the sun rises along the ocean hit the beach for an included surf lesson with Spot X. Located in one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the country they are completely devoted to the surf lifestyle.
Spend some time in the sun and laughing in the waves with your travel tribe before heading out on a kangaroo trek. Then it's time for a free afternoon to enjoy your surroundings. Soak up views of Solitary Islands Marine Park, embark on a rockpool scramble to look for fish traps and sea creatures, or wander over to Mullawarra beach for a picnic. Your only real job today is to have fun!
Day 13: Arrawarra/Byron Bay
Adventure through lush national parks, stunning beaches, rolling green hills, and small but vibrant towns full of charm and authentic Australian culture as the group drives from Arrawarra to Byron Bay. Grab lunch in the surf and arts town of Byron Bay, before walking to Cape Byron Lighthouse to see the easternmost point in the country. If luck is on your side you may glimpse migrating whales and pods of resident dolphins.
Travel the coastal road to the stunning surf and arts town of Byron Bay. Enjoy plenty of free time to experience the hippie surfing town.
Day 14: Byron Bay
Welcome to Byron Bay… the city of surfing and sunbathing! The day is yours to explore; walk along hidden beaches, play in the surf, grab a massage. Want to get your adrenaline pumping? Go skydiving, try sea kayaking, or go on a dolphin watch.
At the end of it all hop on that surfboard for one last ride because as the locals say, “You haven't surfed until you've surfed Byron Man!"
Opt to pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Day 15: Byron Bay/Brisbane
Venture north with your group to the capital of Queensland; Brisbane. Along the way, stretch those legs one final time on an included walk at the Daisy Hill Koala Centre. Nestled amongst eucalyptus trees, the centre features multi-level viewing of the resident rescue koalas and interactive educational displays, making it a unique place to learn about koalas and their conservation.
Tour ends upon arrival to Brisbane in the afternoon, but we recommend extending to enjoy what this fun city has to offer. Besides, you probably aren't ready to go home just yet.
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
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