Highlights of Australia & New Zealand
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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
- 2 lunches
- 4 dinners with beer or wine
- 7 sightseeing tours
Included highlights
- Carlton Gardens
- Great Barrier Reef
- Sydney Opera House
- Gondola Ride up Bob’s Peak
- Fiordland National Park cruise
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! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner this evening.
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 $159 per person
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.
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.
Fly to Sydney this morning. After settling into your hotel, sit down for an included dinner this evening.
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
Spend a free afternoon in the city or add an excursion.
Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise
From $149 per person
Enjoy a free day to get to Sydney on your own, or add an excursion.
Royal Botanic Gardens & Bush Tucker Tour
From $129 per person
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.
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 $125 per person
Walter Peak: Lake Cruise & Dinner
From $129 per person
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
- Enjoy an included lunch as you cruise around Milfod Sound, in view of Mitre Peak
Fly to Auckland this morning. Then, get to know “The City of Sails” with your Tour Director in the lead where you’ll see the city’s iconic spots such as Mount Eden, the Sky Tower and the Auckland Domain.
Spend a free evening in Auckland or add an excursion.
Auckland Sky Tower & Dinner
From $105 per person
Enjoy a free day in Auckland or add an excursion.
Later, celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner.
Waiheke Island
From $145 per person
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to explore Fiji.
Fly to Nadi, Fiji, and transfer to your seaside hotel.
Enjoy a free day in Fiji or add an excursion.
Tivua Island Sailing & Snorkeling
From $125 per person
Spend another free day in Fiji or add an excursion.
This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.
Fiji Village Visit: Indigenous Culture & Traditions
From $95 per person
Spend the afternoon relaxing in a dayroom, then transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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
4.5 out of 5 stars
Overall rating 4.5 out of 5
4 out of 5 stars
This is a very long tour covering 3 countries. Tour operators were nice. I had a small mishap starting the trip so arrived one day late for Tour , though I was planning to stay one day extra in Melbourne so paid for extra day in Vibe hotel . Even though I had informed the Tour operator in 24 he adv...
3 out of 5 stars
Beautiful sights & unique animals. Melbourne was a very pretty, relaxing city. I was hoping for more culture and history of the cities but bus touring centered around expensive homes hosted by our bus driver. We visited major attractions along the coast which were breathtaking, saw Austraila’s many ...
Hi Jane, Thank you for sharing your feedback on y...
4 out of 5 stars
Thoroughly enjoyed this tour. However, it should be made more clear about how much you actually walk (it is ALOT more than an hour a day!). This was not a problem for us, but for those with physical limitations it proved to be challenging. The Fiji extension was absolutely the pinnacle to the whol...
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.This historic and elegant hotel is located in the central business district of Melbourne off of Flinders Street. Guests enjoy the on-site restaurant, ...
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 classic hotel is located in the Docklands. Guests enjoy WiFi, a fitness center, and spa. Nearby, you'll find Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, Eureka ...
This contemporary hotel is located steps away from Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. Guests enjoy the outdoor terrace, fitness center, and bar featuring lo...
This comfortable hotel is located in the Sudima neighborhood of Auckland. Guests enjoy the on-site coffee house, fitness center, and restaurant. Nearb...
This beachfront complex is located on Fiji's Denarau Island. Guests enjoy the lagoon style pools, a variety of dining options, and the luxury spa. The...
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
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 immi.homeaffairs.gov.au prior to departure.
- 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.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Melbourne and depart from Auckland (or Nadi on the tour extension).
- 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 if they are arriving or departing on the standard day.
- When you arrive in Melbourne, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
- This is a moderate physical activity-level tour. You can expect casual walks and plenty of time to explore throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
- Most transportation by motor coach
- Some transportation by plane and boat
- Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy
Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2 miles per day- this includes city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
- Entry/exit from the Sydney Opera house requires 100 stairs each way
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
Climate Considerations
- Travelers can expect a wide variety of climates on this tour from warm, tropical climates by the Great Barrier Reef to cooler, rainy climates in Southern New Zealand
- Countries visited on this tour are in the Southern hemisphere so their seasons are opposite of those in North America
- Summer months are considered December- February, while winter is June - August
- The wet season in Fiji is from November-April. Days consist of brief but often heavy rains
Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team. We’re here to help!
- This tour includes various modes of transportation, including boats, planes, and motor coaches. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
- 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.
- 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 included flights.
- A checked bag may not be included in your airline ticket.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at airports and hotels.
- We recommend packing 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.
- You may also wish to pack a swimsuit, as there are opportunities to swim on tour.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- The Australian sun is very hot. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Travelers prone to seasickness may want to take special precautions for the boat rides on tour.
- We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
- 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.
- We recommend packing your Insurance Card (from your primary insurance provider) in your carry on luggage.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm.
- Accommodations are typically three to four star hotels.
- All accommodations include a private bathroom.
- Most rooms will include a safe for valuables.
- Your hotels will have Wifi, but it may be limited to common areas.
- Elevators in hotels are not guaranteed.
- Some hotels on this tour require travelers to walk with their luggage a few blocks as buses cannot drop travelers off right out front.
- We cannot guarantee that your hotel accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with the hotel once they are confirmed about 30 days prior to departure.
- Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- 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.
- 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 contact our Customer Experience Team.
- 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.
- Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
- 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 should note that this tour includes boat rides.
- The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
- 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.
- This tour includes 2 lunches and 4 dinners. Included meals may be plated set menus, buffet or family style depending on the location. Dinners include one glass of beer, wine, or soft drink and water, coffee and tea.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- 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 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.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is 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 $10USD to $12USD 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.
- If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- 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.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers.
- To ensure you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend you download the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. The app is free and provides important deadlines, entry requirements, your detailed itinerary, packing tips and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the chat feature in the app.
- Wifi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wifi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director in Australia and New Zealand.
- You will have a different Tour Director for your tour extension in Fiji than on your main tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- While in Australia, 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 on Monday in New York, it’s 2 am on Tuesday in Cairns and 5am in Queenstown (and 4am in Fiji on the tour extension).
- Please note, some regions of Australia do not observe Daylight savings time
- When you travel with EF Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit, and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can make an enormous socio-economic impact to communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at local businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: be aware of the monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market, learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette, and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- EF Go Ahead Tours encourages our travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single use plastics. You can avoid single use plastics by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- Environment: On this tour, we recommend the use of a reusable water bottle, as the local drinking water is safe for travelers. Your Tour Director can provide additional guidance on local water standards. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastics.
- Environment: When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
- Environment: To protect the delicate reef ecosystems, make sure to use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Animal Welfare: Take the philosophies of World Animal Protection to heart during included tour activities and your free time. Do not touch, do not feed, and maintain a respectful distance from wild animals. Wild animals encountered on tour should be able to exhibit natural forms of behavior. If you feel we are not meeting these commitments, please share your feedback with us.
- Animal Welfare: Avoid buying any exploitative wildlife products such as tortoise shell or shark fin soup.
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4.5 out of 5 stars