New Zealand, AustraliaAustralia and New Zealand: Surfing & National Parks
Arrive at any time. Tonight, get to know your group on a night out in Wellington. Choose to head to your CEO’s favourite local spot for dinner together before enjoying a social evening of bar games, music, and singing. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. Check out New Zealand's National Museum, a must-see with great displays of historical Maori artifacts and relatively modern exhibits such as the motorbike that was built in a shed and won the world championships. Afterwards, opt for a night out on the town. Wellington has an abundance of nightlife, bars, cafes and restaurants all located on and around the entertainment district of Courtenay Place.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
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.
Optional Activities - Day 1Show
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Cambridge Hotel
Don't forget those cameras before hopping on the morning ferry to cross the Cook Strait. Pro tip: make sure you stand outside and marvel at the views of the Marlborough Sounds at the tip of the South Island. Then drive past lush native forests, beautiful clear waters, blue skies, and golden sands as the group travels to Abel Tasman National Park. Catch a morning ferry and cross the scenic Cook Strait. Make sure to stand outside and enjoy the views of the Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island. Disembark and transfer to Abel Tasman National Park, well-known for its stunning white sand beaches.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Accommodation
The Barn Cabins & Camp
Picture this: birdsong ringing from the treetops as you wander through the undergrowth stumbling upon occasional waterfalls nestled in the midst of the forest. You take a dip in one of the refreshing pools before finding your way to pristine coastline and turquoise bays where you can soak up the sun and relax in the sand. This is the kind of day that awaits you in Abel Tasman NP, you are free to explore the golden beaches and winding waterways any way you’d like! So have fun, build a sand castle for us, and let the adventures continue!
Abel Tasman National Park Walk
Catch an Aqua Taxi from your accommodation in Marahau up to Anchorage. Walk back to Marahau at your own pace, and make stops along the way at some of the world's most scenic golden sand beaches to relax in the sun.
Optional Activities - Day 3Show
Accommodation
The Barn Cabins & Camp
It’s off to Westport today! Breathe in the fresh air and soak in the beautiful views as the group heads south down the coast of black-sand beaches. Make a (very cool) pit stop to a seal colony in Cape Foulwind and watch these majestic animals in their habitat before continuing on to Westport for the evening. Once you arrive grab a beer, talk to some locals, and discover the true charm of this coal mining town.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Seal Colony Visit
Stop by a viewing platform over a New Zealand fur seal colony at Cape Foulwind. Female seals will live in the same colony for the duration of their lives, whereas male seals move around more. The males visit the Cape Foulwind colony between late November and mid-January for mating season. All seasons offer plenty of activity to check out, from mating to the raising of baby pups and feeding out at sea.
Optional Activities - Day 4Show
Accommodation
Bazil's Hostel & Surf School
Continue on a scenic drive south along the coast to Punakaiki; think pancake rocks and blowholes (man, those are two random things we never thought would be in the same sentence). As a special spot full of local secrets, Punakaiki is a great place to hop out of the bus, stretch those legs, and appreciate the strange beauty nature can create. Continue following the coastal road towards Franz Josef arriving at a unique wilderness lodge set in the rainforest for the night.
Pancake Rocks Trek
Walk along a loop trail with informative signs detailing how the 'Pancake Rocks' were formed millions of years ago. When the trail reaches the coast, there are many lookouts for photo stops and beautiful views of the coast, the rocks and the blowholes found along the area.
Free Time
With tons of optional activities available around Franz Josef, get out there and explore!
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Rainforest Retreat
Enjoy a free day in Franz Josef. Today is all yours to spend as you please! From hiking to kayaking and walking on a glacier, there’s bound to be something you’ll want to check off that bucket list. If your goal is to make actual contact with the glacier then try a heli-hike or guided ice walk. Or you could let nature be your guide and lose yourself in the rainforests, lakes, and waterfalls that surround Franz Josef. If you’d rather stay in town, then grab a bite to eat before booking a spa treatment at the Glacier Hot Pools... the choice is yours!
Free Time
Enjoy a free day to explore the beautiful Franz Josef area.
Optional Activities - Day 6Show
Accommodation
Rainforest Retreat
Hit the road to the adventure capital of the world — Queenstown. Sit back, relax and gaze out the window as you drive away from Glacier Country and wind through lush forests back to the coast and into the mountains over Haast Pass. The photo opportunities will seem endless (make sure those cameras are charged.) Then gear up and get ready because the adrenaline is going to be pumping the next few days.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Nomads Queenstown Hostel
Let’s put it this way, if you’re the sort of person that loves adventure mixed with adrenaline all while exploring one of the most scenic places in the country, then Queenstown is for you! Gear up for a free day that is sure to leave you breathless. Opt to be a dare devil and get ready to have those hearts pumping with some adrenaline-filled options like jet boating, bungee jumping, or skydiving.
Free Time
Do as much or as little as wanted during a free day to explore the area.
Optional Activities - Day 8Show
Accommodation
Nomads Queenstown Hostel
Let your breathing return to normal today as the group heads out for a visit to Fiordland National Park. After arriving, soak up the chill vibes on a boat cruise through one of the most iconic places in New Zealand — Milford Sound. Marvel at the views of one of the wettest places on Earth before we make our way back to Queenstown for the night.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Milford Sound Cruise
Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound from the deck of a boat. Recharge your camera and be ready to shoot stunning photos of waterfalls, mountains stretching up to the sky and down to the sea and then search for dolphins and seals. This place is any artist's dream!
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Nomads Queenstown Hostel
Gear up for round two of free time in Queenstown that is sure to leave you breathless. Choose to be a dare devil and get ready to have those hearts pumping with some adrenaline-filled options like jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking or skydiving or simply take in the breathtaking scenery and vibrant atmosphere as you find restaurants to try and cafes to wind down and relax.
Free Time
Do as much or as little as wanted during a free day to explore the area. Queenstown is the perfect place to venture out of those comfort zones as you take part in adrenaline pumping activities.
Optional Activities - Day 10Show
Accommodation
Nomads Queenstown Hostel
Depart Queenstown and travel to Aoraki/Mt Cook National park. Once in the park enjoy free time for hiking and visiting the Sir Edmund Hillary Visitors Centre. Afterwards, travel to Lake Tekapo where we will be staying for the next two nights.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy free time in the area to go for a hike in the beautiful scenery or to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Visitors Centre.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Lakes Edge Holiday Park
Start the day with a relaxing 21km bike ride along the canals with stunning mountain views. Spend the rest of the day exploring Tekapo on your own. Opt to visit the hot springs, relax on the shores of Lake Tekapo, or hike to the Mt John Observatory and check out the incredible Dark Sky Reserve.
Lake Tekapo Bike Ride
Set out on a 21km ride in Lake Tekapo. Pedal along a flat, quiet, sealed country back road pass by the canals, and soak in the grand mountain views while getting a bit of exercise.
Free Time
Spend time exploring Tekapo today. Opt to visit some hot springs, relax around Lake Tekapo, or hike to the Mt John Observatory and check out the incredible Dark Sky Reserve.
Optional Activities - Day 12Show
Accommodation
Lakes Edge Holiday Park
Scoot on up to Christchurch to explore the South Island’s largest city and one of the places in New Zealand with the strongest English influences. Enjoy free time to explore and see what the nightlife is all about with your travel tribe, and grab some shut eye in a converted jailhouse to finish the evening.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Spend the afternoon exploring Christchurch during free time.
Accommodation
Drifter Christchurch Hotel
Mountains, marine life, and magic! Kaikoura is pretty darn special, so special in fact, that it may be the South Island’s best kept secret. The best way to experience it is to get out there and witness what this rugged coastal town does best. Book a whale watching cruise, swim with seals, or just take a walk along the coast admiring the scenery. In the afternoon try bird watching, swim with dolphins or splurge on flight over the peninsula. Spend the afternoon swimming with dolphins or taking a scenic flight over the peninsula. Bird watchers will be pleased to know that big ocean birds such as albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters frequent the area.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Head out and explore this beautiful area. View some of the wildlife in the area or hit the trails to get a workout with a view.
Optional Activities - Day 14Show
Accommodation
Dusky Lodge
Reminisce and reflect on your time in New Zealand as you and the group travel to Picton to catch a ferry back to Wellington. Watch the majestic scenery of this country unfold before you and simply appreciate the moment (we know you’re probably already making plans to return.) Once back in the city grab some grub with your travel crew and let the good times roll for one last night out in New Zealand together.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Big Night Out
Immerse yourself in the nightlife of Wellington on this night out with the group. Put those competitive hats on and play games at Blend Bar (may the best person win) and then put those dancing shoes to good use as you shimmy and shake the night away with your adventure buddies by your side. There’s no one cooler than this travel crew right here!
Accommodation
Cambridge Hotel
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.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Free Time
Enjoy free time down unda'!
Optional Activities - Day 16Show
Accommodation
Wake Up! 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.
Ferry to Manly Beach
Board the ferry and travel from Sydney to the famed Manly beach, just a little over an hour north of the city.
Accommodation
Wake Up! 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.
Free Time
Sydney is Australia's biggest city, which means your options today are endless! Enjoy your free day!
Optional Activities - Day 18Show
Accommodation
Wake Up! 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, as there is always something to do here.
Free Time
Enjoy one last free day in Sydney.
Accommodation
Wake Up! Sydney
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.
Train
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the train views as you head north.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Spot X Surf Camp
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!
Your Hands-On Moment: Surfing Lesson
Take to the waves with an included surf lesson at the secret Spot X. Learn to paddle, stand, and ride a wave into shore! With top-notch instructors in the water, get ready to ride the swells like a local in no time.
Free Time
Head out for a swim or simply chill on the beach. The afternoon is yours!
Kangaroo Trek
Observe kangaroos (and their joeys) in their natural habitat during an hour-long trek through the coastal bushland around Arrawarra. Along the way, pass Indigenous midden sites with fossilized shells. Don't forget your camera!
Optional Activities - Day 21Show
Accommodation
Spot X Surf Camp
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.
Cape Byron Lighthouse Visit
Cape Byron Lighthouse is 3km (1.9 mi) northeast of Byron Bay. The popular white structure emits the most powerful light of all working lighthouses in the country, and it's also located at the most easterly point of the Australian continent. Head up to the top of the tower to scan the ocean for whales (the Southern Cross University's Whale Research Centre is located here).
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Wake Up! 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.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do in Byron Bay, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like sea kayaking and skydiving. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 23Show
Accommodation
Wake Up! Byron Bay
Travel from Byron Bay to another seaside city in Australia, Brisbane! Today you have the whole day to explore this awesome city. Opt to visit the City Botanic Gardens, hike mount Coot-Tha or hit up some of the many amazing bars and restaurants. In the evening, we recommend exploring Eat Street Northshore night market, or grab a beer under the lit up Story Bridge in Fortitude Valley.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy a free day in one of Australia's most fun cities, Brisbane!
Accommodation
BUNK Brisbane
An early rise today starts your journey to K'gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Area. Upon arrival to the largest sand island in the world, you will go through a traditional welcome by the Butchulla people, setting the tone for what's to come. After the welcome ceremony, get straight into the 4WD adventure. Swim in Boorangoora (Lake Mckenzie), hike beneath the amazing rainforest and walk along the beach during sunset. At night, sit around the campfire with your new found friends. This unique stay on K'gari is hosted by the Traditional Owners of the land who are keen to share their experiences with you and welcome you. This is an incredibly unique experience and a thrilling opportunity to gain insight into Australia's Indigenous culture-both past and present.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Welcome to Country Ceremony
Welcome to Paradise and the traditional homeland of the Butchulla people. Start your time on the island with a special welcome ceremony by K'gari's Traditional Owners. K'gari is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site, known for its natural beauty and ongoing geomorphological processes.
K'gari Inland Experience
Hop into an off roading, 4x4 vehicle and explore K'gari from the inside out. Check out inland highlights like Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) and Central Station. Boorangoora is a gorgeous, crystal lake filled solely by rain water. Visit Central Station and enjoy the island's ancient sub-tropical rainforest while learning some of the islands more modern history.
Twilight Beach Walk
Take a stroll along the beach in K'gari during sunset and watch as this beautiful paradise becomes even more amazing.
Stories around the campfire
Join your group around the campfire and look up at the stars.
Accommodation
The Eco Retreat
Today you'll climb sand dunes, see the Maheno shipwreck and swim in the crystal clear Eli Creek that pumps millions of litres of spring-fed fresh water into the ocean every hour. In the afternoon, say goodbye to K'gari and head to your next beachy destination, Noosa.
K'gari Beach Tour
Climb into a 4x4 vehicle for a full day tour of K'gari Island. Walk on Kirrar Sandblow, drive along 75 mile beach, and see the towering coloured sand dunes at the Pinnacles. Grab a swim at Eli Creek, the largest freshwater creek on the island.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Bounce Noosa
Picture rocky coast against perfect turquoise water. Now head out with your CEO and see it first hand. Catch the ferry and start your easy hike in Noosa National Park along the waterways to end up at the secluded beach, Hell's Gate. While it sounds intimidating, it is well worth it, and really quite spectacular. Keep your eye out for koalas along the hike too. Enjoy the afternoon free in Noosa. Opt to get lunch on Hastings Street and enjoy some relaxing beach time or rent a surfboard. Then take the ferry back before dinner.
Noosa Coastal Walk
Hike as a group along the shoreline between the Noosa Headlands and Hell's Gate, passing by gorgeous scenery along the way. Peer into the trees and try to spot koalas in their natural habitat and visit spots like Boiling Point, Dolphin Point, and Hell's Gates.
Free Time
Enjoy a free day in Noosa by taking in the shops along Hasting Street in search of souvenirs, having a coffee on the beach, or a surf in the Ocean.
Accommodation
Bounce Noosa
Enjoy a free day in cute beachfront town of Noosa! Do some shopping along Hasting Street in search of souvenirs, have a coffee on the beach, or go for a surf. Many consider Noosa to be the best place for surfing in all of Australia. You can also choose to spend time back at the hostel or participate in some of the optional activities offered in the area. In the afternoon, we'll pack our bags and head to the train station. Tonight we sleep on an overnight train as we head north to some of the most beautiful parts of the country. Fall asleep in Noosa and wake up by the Whitsundays!
Free Time
Enjoy a free day in Noosa by taking in the shops along Hasting Street in search of souvenirs, having a coffee on the beach, or a surf in the Ocean. You can also choose to spend time back at the hostel or participate in some of the optional activities offered in the area.
Overnight Train (seats)
Curl up and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 28Show
Hop off the train and board a bus for a short ride to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier reef. After dropping your bags, do your thing in Airlie Beach. Relax on a gorgeous beach, take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef or get some shopping in on the town. Airlie Beach is your oyster.
Free Time
Enjoy free time in Airlie Beach. Opt to relax by the lagoon, take a scenic flight of cruise on a jetski.
Accommodation
Nomads Airlie Beach Hostel
Get ready for an amazing day at sea! Today, we'll climb aboard an ocean raft and zoom around the wispy turquoise waters. With time to snorkel, go on bushwalks, and chill on the beach, today will be as close to perfect as one can get.
Whitsunday Islands Boating Excursion
Enjoy a day out on the water amidst some of the 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsunday archipelago. Visit Whitehaven Beach, jump overboard for a quick refreshing dip, and make friends with the tropical fish that thrive within Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Optional Activities - Day 30Show
Accommodation
Nomads Airlie Beach Hostel
With an early morning departure, we take a relaxing rail journey through sugar-cane fields, and coastal countryside, the perfect way to unwind and watch Queensland roll by.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Accommodation
Cairns Central YHA
Cairns is quite the place to visit if you love warm weather (it would be headline news for the city’s temperature to drop much below 20°C (68°F)) and want to visit the Great Barrier Reef. Take advantage of a free day to book one of the many optional activities that will get you out in nature’s playground. Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, get that adrenaline pumping by whitewater rafting or skydiving and cap it all off on a Big Night Out in Cairns with your fellow travellers. Drinks all around are well deserved after spending the day escaping your comfort zones. Opt to pre-book the "Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Free Time
Get out and explore Cairns and beyond.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Big Night Out
Release your inner break dancer and go wild tonight in Cairns with your G travel family. Get ready to bust a move and have the time of your life. Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a dance off, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.
Optional Activities - Day 32Show
Accommodation
Cairns Central YHA
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
