Duration: 24 days
Begins: Sydney
Ends: Christchurch
Trip Code: OASN
Hotels (21 nts), Desert Tented camp with shared facilities (2nts)
10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
Allow USD910-1185 for meals not included.
Private Vehicle, Plane, Walking, Boat.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
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.
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
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.
Get a feel for the city on a short orientation walk led by your CEO.
Join your CEO and take a local ferry out to Manly Beach. Enjoy free time at Manly! Opt to surf, relax on the beach or choose to walk to Shelly Beach.
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.
Enjoy free time in Australia's biggest beachside city, Sydney!
Climb one of the most famous bridges in the world – the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Soak in amazing panoramic city views of Sydney at the top – a perfect photo opp and memory to take home with you!
Dinner
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.
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Walk into Walpa Gorge where the sheer faces of the dome extend hundreds of meters above you. The gorge itself is a natural creek that carves its way between the two tallest domes of Kata Tjuta.
Enjoy a cold one while watching the sunset over Uluru. Marvel at the changing colours over the desert and keep reminding yourself that yes, you really are there.
Dinner
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.
Get up early, grab a coffee and watch the reddish hues of massive Uluru come to life as the sun rises.
Visit Uluru this morning with the guided interpretive Mala walk. Exploring on foot with an accredited guide is the best way to fully grasp the size and cultural significance of Uluru.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Take a short hike to the top of Anzac Hill to see panoramic views of Alice Springs and a memorial for Australian veterans.
HIke through beautiful Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park on this walk that visits the natural amphitheatre, the North and South walls, and the Garden of Eden.
Breakfast | Lunch
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.
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
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.
Visit the largest market in the state of Victoria. With hundreds of vendors, from food, to handicrafts and thrifted treasures, its easy to spend hours here.
Wander through a green haven right in the middle of massive Melbourne. Walk through the 1.6 mile loop, accessible for all.
Discover the small laneways packed with shops, cafés and restaurants that make Melbourne so unique. Grab a delicious barista coffee to-go (which no trip to Melbourne would be complete without!), and set out to experience Melbourne's laneways with an expert local host. Journey through this 'secret city,' seeing local hotspots and incredible street art while learning about the city's history.
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.
Spend today exploring Australia's cultural capital, Melbourne.
Kick start this adventure early from Melbourne and travel straight to the 12 Apostles. Enjoy time to take in the scenery before the crowds of people arrive. Wander along the boardwalk and marvel at the limestone rocks and then continue on to the Gibson Steps. Walk down to the beach for a different perspective before grabbing lunch at a local cafe. With renewed energy the group will drive through the Great Otway National park where we’ll stop for a quick hike through the ancient rainforests here for a visit to a cascading waterfall. From there, take a stroll through the forest of Californian Redwoods and travel further along the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay. There’s time here to grab an optional ice cream before trying to spot koalas, kangaroos, and king parrots near the Kennett River. Before heading back to Melbourne the group will make a final stop to the town of Lorne. Grab a snack, stroll past the shops, or walk along the beach in this quaint destination.
Kick start this adventure early from Melbourne and travel straight to the 12 Apostles. Enjoy time to take in the scenery before the crowds of people arrive. Wander along the boardwalk and marvel at the limestone rocks and then continue on to the Gibson Steps. Walk down to the beach for a different perspective before grabbing lunch at a local cafe. With renewed energy the group will drive through the Great Otway National park where we’ll stop for a quick hike through the ancient rainforests here for a visit to a cascading waterfall. From there, take a stroll through the forest of Californian Redwoods and travel further along the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay. There’s time here to grab an optional ice cream before trying to spot koalas, kangaroos, and king parrots near the Kennett River. Before heading back to Melbourne the group will make a final stop to the town of Lorne. Grab a snack, stroll past the shops, or walk along the beach in this quaint destination.
Say goodbye to Australia and fly south to the adventure capital of the world, New Zealand. After arrival, enjoy a free day in Auckland. Explore the city, go up into the Sky Tower, take a ferry to Waiheke, the island of wine, or rest on one of the many beaches surrounding the city.
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Enjoy free time after arriving to New Zealand's biggest city, Auckland.
Tour the museum’s seven galleries to learn more about New Zealand’s relationship with the sea. Be inspired by the country's most celebrated mariner, Sir Peter Blake, and his many accomplishments, and see maritime art that speaks to the sentiment of a nautical nation.
Take a ferry ride to Waiheke Island for a quick, fun getaway. Swim or kayak at white-sand beaches in the Hauraki Gulf. Tour the island's tracks and bush reserves, or sample your way through some of the island’s 19 boutique wineries (the island produces some of New Zealand’s finest reds).
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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through 30 million year old caverns covered with magical glowworms that are unique to New Zealand. Hundreds of thousands of these tiny creatures radiate luminescent light in underground caves carved by rivers and time. Take in more than 136 years of cultural and natural history on this unique excursion.
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.
Visit the Mitai Maori Village and learn the migration story of Tamatekapua of the Te Arawa canoe to Aotearoa and the Maori Pacifica connection told in dance form. Enjoy a delicious Hangi meal, similar to a Hawaiian Luau, with dishes such as chicken, sweet potato (kumara) and lamb steamed over heated rocks.
Enjoy free time to visit the geothermal sites around town.
Soak tired muscles in the area's natural hot springs and let the mineral water work its magic. Rotorua is home to a number of amazing geothermal parks – be sure you don't miss the healing and relaxing benefits of the city's naturally heated waters.
Get your adrenaline fix on this exhilarating white water rafting trip. Enjoy the amazing scenery along the way, but don't forget to paddle!
Experience life among the treetops of a Kiwi forest through this one-of-a-kind nature tour. Gain a whole new perspective on the plants, animals, and insects that call this environment home, and learn about conservation efforts to protect the region's subtropical forests. Opt to book the Original Canopy Tour (3 hrs) or the Ultimate Canopy Tour (3.5 hrs).
Breakfast | Dinner
Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island and travel to the capital, Wellington.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Breakfast
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.
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Spend some time exploring the city.
Visit this must-see museum, home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. See how the museum is constructed on shock absorbers to withstand New Zealand’s many earthquakes – find the stairwell just outside the entrance and descend into the foundations of the building.
Zealandia is about the most biodiversity-rich square mile of mainland New Zealand in terms of the species living wild here. Over forty different species of native birds have been recorded in the sanctuary valley, twenty-four of them endemic.
There is simply no better way to experience the hidden charm that Wellington has to offer than to take this 5-minute ride from the heart of the city centre, up through the hillside terraced houses of Kelburn, to the lookout perched high above the city. Enjoy easy access to the Botanic Garden, Cable Car Museum, Space Place (at Carter Observatory) and Zealandia (via free shuttle).
This 2 to 3-hour guided tour will give you a unique behind-the-scenes look at how the Weta workshop helps craft and create the imaginary realities of some of the world’s biggest films. Get so see creativity in action as the workshop crew members practice their trade and get up close and personal with props from The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and so much more!
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.
Stop at a local winery and opt to sample some of the wines produced on site.
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Set off along the hiking trail to take in the beautiful scenery along the Kaikoura Peninsula walkway.
Part of the Southern Alps range, the Kaikoura Mountains provide an excellent backdrop to the town's picturesque landscape. One of the most popular routes is the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway that starts at a seal colony and provides excellent sea and mountain views.
Take a 30-minute flight and set off to search for whales, dolphins, and other marine life. On land, you'll see Maori sites, Kaikoura town and New Zealand's southern fur seals.
Dinner
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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Follow in the path of Paikea, the Maori "whale rider", and set out in search of Giant Sperm Whales as they spray and dive their way through the waters off Kaikoura.
Hop aboard a boat and head out to the open seas to search for wild dusky dolphins. If we come upon them, depending on conditions, most groups have 20-40 minutes of swim time with the dolphins.
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.
Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle. Driving time includes stops.
Breakfast
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.
Don't waste a minute—get exploring.
Take your pick of many scenic and memorable treks in Franz Josef – a true hiker’s haven. Get prepared before heading out, and be mindful of signs along the track. See majestic mountains, glaciers, rivers, and amazing views that you’ll definitely want your camera on hand for.
Take a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride high up on Franz Josef Glacier. Hop out on the snow to soak up the experience, before flying back to land. Cool!
Explore the stunning Lake Mapourika by kayak. This lake was created as the Franz Josef glacier retreated 14,000 years ago, and the still water has created a natural mirror allowing you to soak in the incredible panoramic views.
The sheer size and power of Franz Josef is something you need to see to believe. Board a chopper for a leisurely flight over the glacier before landing directly on the ice. From there, get up close and personal on a three-hour guided hike past towering peaks and stunning blue ice. The constantly shifting ice flows and crevices ensure your visit will be one-of-a-kind!
Breakfast
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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Stop at Lake Matheson and Wanaka to enjoy the view and stretch your legs.
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.
There's tons to do, get out and get going.
Visit vineyards in New Zealand's fastest growing wine region. Taste some of Queenstown's finest Pinot Noir, as well as Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc and learn more about the grape varietals that flourish here. Pick up a few bottles to savour back home.
Adrenaline junkies will be happy with a stop at the world's original commercial bungee site (bungy in New Zealand!). Opt to take the plunge or simply observe where it all started from the comfort of solid ground. Shoot some amazing photos of those brave enough to dive into the abyss.
Discover the breathtaking Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a 103 year old traditional steamship. This 90 minute cruise highlights that stunning alpine scenery that surrounds Queenstown, and lets you check out the views while relaxing on deck.
Take a ride up to the top of the mountain by cable car gondola. Get a spectacular 220º view of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables mountain range, and Lake Wakatipu below.
Jet boating is a typical New Zealand activity— go as fast you can in a boat over water. Hang on tight as you fly across the surface of the water. Shoot through narrow rocky gorges and dare to watch as the driver takes hairpin turns frighteningly close to the cliffs.
Enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Queenstown from an eagle's perspective. Suit up, get briefed and board the prop plane to soar high about the rugged alpine landscape. Strap onto your instructor, take a breath and leap into a once-in-a-lifetime free fall. This is what a natural high truly feels like!
Breakfast
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.
Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle. Driving time includes stops.
Cruise through the stunning Doubtful Sound, one of the most untouched, remote places in the world. The only way to get here is by boat across Lake Manapouri, then bus across Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound. Marvel at the steep cliff walls and cascading waterfalls, and keep an eye out for area wildlife: dolphins, penguins, seals, and a variety of birds. This isolated part of New Zealand is truly a special place!
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Breakfast | Lunch
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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Stop by the visitor's centre to learn more about the region.
Aoraki/Mount Cook is both a village, a national park and the name of New Zealand's highest mountain. Located in central South Island, the park includes a mix of rocks and glaciers, as well as alpine plants including the world's largest buttercup, the Mount Cook lily. There are several short walks that reward with spectacular views.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Breakfast
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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Enjoy a last night out.
Depart at any time.
Breakfast
dates start-End | Availability remaining spaces | Price Per Person | |
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Sep 2025 | |||
Tue, 02 Sep - Fri, 26 Sep | 7+ available | £6,199 | Request a quote |
Oct 2025 | |||
Tue, 14 Oct - Fri, 07 Nov | 7+ available | £6,199 | Request a quote |
Tue, 28 Oct - Fri, 21 Nov | 7+ available | £6,199 | Request a quote |
Nov 2025 | |||
Tue, 11 Nov - Fri, 05 Dec | 7+ available | £6,569 | Request a quote |
Tue, 25 Nov - Fri, 19 Dec | 7+ available | £6,569 | Request a quote |
Dec 2025 | |||
Tue, 09 Dec - Fri, 02 Jan | 7+ available | £6,569 | Request a quote |
Tue, 23 Dec - Fri, 16 Jan | 7+ available | £6,569 | Request a quote |
Jan 2026 | |||
Tue, 13 Jan - Fri, 06 Feb | 7+ available | £6,569 | Request a quote |
Tue, 27 Jan - Fri, 20 Feb | 7+ available | £6,569 | Request a quote |
Feb 2026 | |||
Tue, 10 Feb - Fri, 06 Mar | 7+ available | £6,569 | Request a quote |
Tue, 24 Feb - Fri, 20 Mar | 7+ available | £6,569 | Request a quote |
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Tue, 10 Mar - Fri, 03 Apr | 7+ available | £6,569 | Request a quote |
Tue, 24 Mar - Fri, 17 Apr | 7+ available | £6,569 | Request a quote |
May 2026 | |||
Tue, 19 May - Fri, 12 Jun | 7+ available | £6,199 | Request a quote |
Sep 2026 | |||
Tue, 08 Sep - Fri, 02 Oct | 7+ available | £6,199 | Request a quote |
Tue, 22 Sep - Fri, 16 Oct | 7+ available | £6,199 | Request a quote |
Oct 2026 | |||
Tue, 06 Oct - Fri, 30 Oct | 7+ available | £6,199 | Request a quote |
Tue, 20 Oct - Fri, 13 Nov | 7+ available | £6,199 | Request a quote |
Nov 2026 | |||
Tue, 03 Nov - Fri, 27 Nov | 7+ available | £6,569 | Request a quote |
Tue, 17 Nov - Fri, 11 Dec | 7+ available | £6,569 | Request a quote |
Dec 2026 | |||
Tue, 01 Dec - Fri, 25 Dec | 7+ available | £6,569 | Request a quote |
Tue, 15 Dec - Fri, 08 Jan | 7+ available | £6,569 | Request a quote |
12 days, From £4,110 pp
29 days, From £6,449 pp
16 days, From £2,362 pp
7 days, From £815 pp
10 days, From £2,899 pp