Overview Itinerary Dates & prices Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

New Year's Eve in Australia & New Zealand

with Fiji extension

Duration: 22 or 25 days
Group size: 15-35
Reviews: 4

Say hello to a new year with festivities in sparkling Sydney.

From the Great Barrier Reef and rugged Australian Outback to the sheep-dotted New Zealand plains and its cliff-lined fjords, the Land Down Under features a lineup of dramatic landscapes. In-between outdoor adventures and celebrating the new year, you’ll discover sophisticated cities and an irresistible spirit.

Your tour package includes

19 nights in handpicked hotels
19 breakfasts
1 lunch
6 dinners with beer or wine, including a special New Year’s Eve dinner and Champagne toast
13 guided sightseeing tours

Included highlights

Sydney Opera House
New Year’s Eve in Sydney
Great Barrier Reef
Uluru
Glowworm Caves

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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.

Sydney3 nights

Day 3: Arrival in Sydney

Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome dinner

Welcome to Sydney! Transfer to your hotel and then gather with your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner this evening.

Day 4: 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
Step inside the UNESCO-listed Sydney Opera House with a local guide

Enjoy a free evening in Sydney or add an excursion.

Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 5: Free day in Sydney & New Year’s Eve celebration

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a free day in Sydney or add an excursion.

Tonight, enjoy a celebratory dinner and a Champagne toast to welcome the new year.

Taronga Conservation Society & Wildlife Visit

Excursion (additional cost)

Great Barrier Reef Region3 nights

Day 6: Flight to Cairns

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Cairns, a coastal city in the state of Queensland, and then transfer to your hotel in the Great Barrier Reef region.

Day 7: 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 enjoy a cup of tea as you sail to the Outer Barrier Reef
Dock at the Marine World Platform and learn about the reef’s unique ecosystem from a marine biologist
View the coral’s colors from the underwater observatory, glass-bottom boat, or semi-submarine—or hop in the water with a snorkel
Sit down for an included tropical buffet lunch aboard the boat
Sip on some tea as you make your way back to the mainland

Please note: Snorkeling equipment is provided.

Day 8: Free Day in the Great Barrier Reef Region

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in the Great Barrier Reef region or add excursions.

Australian Hot Air Balloon Ride

Excursion (additional cost)

Kuranda Village Aboriginal Park & Rainforest

Excursion (additional cost)

Uluru Region1 night

Day 9: Transfer to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly from Cairns to Uluru and visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Take in incredible views of Kata Tjuta, the weathered rock domes also known as the Olgas, and watch the sun set over Uluru, the magnificent monolith that’s been worshiped by Aboriginal tribes for 22,000 years.

Alice Springs1 night

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free morning in the Uluru region or add an excursion.

Then, return to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to learn about Uluru's significance to the Aboriginal people. Join your Tour Director for a panoramic tour of the area or enjoy free time to explore the park on your own.

Later, transfer to Alice Springs, stopping en route to view Mount Conner.

Uluru Scenic Plane Ride

Excursion (additional cost)

Melbourne3 nights

Day 11: Alice Springs & flight to Melbourne

Included meal: Breakfast

Take a guided sightseeing tour of Alice Springs to learn about many institutions that date back to the country’s colonial days.

Stop at Anzac Hill and take in sweeping views of the town and countryside
Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of Air

Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Melbourne.

Day 12: 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
Enter the National Opal Collection
Stroll through Queen Victoria Market

Enjoy a free afternoon in Melbourne or add an excursion.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 13: Free day in Melbourne

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a free day in Melbourne or add an excursion.

Then, sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Yarra Valley Winery via Steamtrain

Excursion (additional cost)

Fiordland National Park Region2 nights

Day 14: Transfer to the Fiordland National Park Region

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Say goodbye to Australia and fly to Queenstown, New Zealand this morning. Upon arrival, transfer to the town of Te Anau in the Fiordland National Park region and enjoy an included dinner.

Day 15: Lake Te Anau cruise, Glowworm Caves & Milford Sound cruise

Included meal: Breakfast

Depart early this morning to see the breathtaking scenery of Fiordland National Park.

Cruise across Lake Te Anau to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Walk along subterranean boardwalks inside the caves to view glowworms
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

Please note: Travelers on tour from May through September will visit the Glowworm Caves in the morning. The Milford Sound cruise will take place in the afternoon.

Queenstown2 nights

Day 16: Queenstown via Arrowtown & Bob's Peak

Included meal: Breakfast

Stop to explore the gold rush settlement of Arrowtown as you make your way to Queenstown.

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

Day 17: Sightseeing tour of Queenstown

Included meal: Breakfast

Join your Tour Director as they introduce you to Queenstown this morning.

Spend free time in Queenstown or add an excursion.

Walter Peak: Lake Cruise & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Rotorua2 nights

Day 18: Flight to Rotorua

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Rotorua, in the heart of the North Island’s Māori country. Later, enjoy a free evening in Rotorua or add an excursion.

Māori Village & Hāngi Feast

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 19: Sightseeing tour of the Rotorua Region

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend the day exploring the highlights of the Rotorua region.

With a local guide leading the way, learn about the region’s indigenous birds at the Kiwi Wildlife Park
Visit the village of Whakarewarewa, which is home to thermal springs and bubbling hot pools
Join a local Whakarewarewa guide to learn about the lifestyle and traditions of the Māori people, who live in harmony with nature in the village
Visit Rotorua's Government Gardens, a public park and site of great historical importance to the local Māori people

Please note: For an additional cost, you can book a tour of the Hobbiton movie set through your Tour Director.

Tonight, join a local Kiwi family for a home-hosted dinner of regional specialties.

Auckland2 nights

Day 20: Sightseeing tour of Auckland

Included meal: Breakfast

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

Take an elevator to the top of the 1,076-foot-high Sky Tower
Stop at Viaduct Harbour and take a short walk to soak in views of the Auckland Harbour Bridge

Day 21: Free day in Auckland

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Enjoy a free day in Auckland or add an excursion.

Later, celebrate your trip with your group at tonight’s farewell dinner.

Waiheke Island

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 22: 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 with the warmth of the people and the fascinating blend of cultures that has endured for centuries.

Fiji3 nights

Day 22: Flight to Fiji

Included meal: Breakfast

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

Day 23: 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 24: 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 25: 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

4.8 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

99 percent great.

02/08/2019 by 3rd time traveler Jim E.

The experience of Australia and New Zealand was fantastic. Our tour director, Luke Bonney, was the best. However, There was a couple of concerns. 1. How can you call this tour "New Year's Eve in Australia" and not be able to view the fireworks with a view of the Bay Bridge. This is the main feature ...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 02/08/2019

Dear Jim, Thank you for taking the time to leave u...

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Great experience

01/28/2019 by 2nd time traveler Meredith C.

I had a great experience on this tour. My tour director was very detailed and took the time to get to know each person that went on the tour. I will definitely book another tour through this company soon.

01/28/2019 by 2nd time traveler Courtney R.

I was a little nervous at first because I was unsure how traveling with other people would go but it was absolutely amazing! I met so many great people and loved everyone on my tour group. The tour director (Luke) was so great. He was very knowledgeable and helpful. This trip exceeded my expectation...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 01/28/2019

Dear Courtney, First of all, we want to thank you ...

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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.

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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DoubleTree By Hilton Alice Springs

This majestic hotel is located within walking distance of downtown. Guests enjoy a fitness center, heated pool, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find Si...

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Rydges Esplanade Resort Hotel

This contemporary hotel is located on the Cairns Esplanade. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a spa, and 24-hour room service. Nearby, you'll find Cairns Esplan...

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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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Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau

This comfortable hotel is located in Te Anu. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and hotel bar. Nearby, you'll find the waterfront and Fiordlan...

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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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Millenium Hotel Rotorua

This eco-friendly hotel is located next to Lake Rotorua. Guests enjoy a heated pool, spa, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find geothermal parklands, Te...

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Stamford Plaza Auckland

This comfortable hotel is located downtown. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a recreation center, and spa. Nearby, you'll find the New Zealand Maritime Museum,...

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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

Alice Springs, Australia

Weather averages

Today
High 71°F Low 42°F

Auckland, New Zealand

Weather averages

Today
High 59°F Low 53°F

Melbourne, Australia

Weather averages

Today
High 55°F Low 43°F

Queenstown, New Zealand

Weather averages

Today
High 42°F Low 33°F

Rotorua, New Zealand

Weather averages

Today
High 53°F Low 42°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.au) prior 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.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
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 Sydney and depart from Auckland (or Nadi on the tour extension). A Go Ahead Tours representative 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.
Flights from Sydney to Cairns, Cairns to the Uluru Region, Alice Spring to Melbourne, Melbourne to Christchurch, and Queenstown to Rotorua, as well as a boat ride to the Great Barrier Reef, are included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a flight from Auckland to Nadi.)
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

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 other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

During the southern hemisphere’s spring and summer seasons (September–February), we recommend lighter clothing with a warmer layer for cooler mornings and evenings.
The Australian sun is very hot. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Bug repellent is also useful, as there can be flies in the Outback this time of year.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or 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 of 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.
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 superb.
In New Zealand, there are many good local varieties of fish and seafood, excellent lamb and fresh fruits, including kiwi and passion fruits. For lunch, tea rooms serve savory meat pies, quiche, and desserts.

Electricity & air conditioning

Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji operate on the standard 220-240 volts and use Types 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.
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

You’ll travel through Australian Central Standard Time (14.5 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time) and 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 is 16 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time.
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 1:30am in the Uluru Region, 2am in Cairns, 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 (plus the Fiji 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/CAD 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.

Dates & prices

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20202021

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2020