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Alpine Adventures
  5300 NW 33rd Avenue, Suite 216
  Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
  -
  929 East 4500
  South Millcreek, UT 84117
1 954 564 6722
  1 800 755 1330
1 954 564 6721
info@alpineadventures.net


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Australia & New Zealand Explorer Tour 2026

Australia and New Zealand Group Tour 2026: A 12-Day Adventure Across Two Countries

Join our Australia and New Zealand group tour 2026 for 12 unforgettable days across two countries, from Sydney’s harbor to Queenstown’s alpine charm. Uncover the best of Australia and New Zealand on this immersive 2-week journey through Sydney, Cairns, Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown and more. With a mix of natural wonders, cultural encounters, epic landscapes, and iconic cities, this trip has it all.

Two Countries, One Unforgettable Adventure

Dates: October 21–November 1, 2026

Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights

Destinations: Sydney – Cairns – Auckland – Rotorua – Taupo – Tongariro National Park – Wellington – Queenstown

Culture, Coastlines & the Call of the Wild

Begin your journey in sunny Sydney with coastal walks, harbor cruises, and a behind-the-scenes Opera House tour. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns and explore ancient rainforest via cable car and scenic rail. Then fly across the Tasman to New Zealand’s North Island to soak in thermal springs, cruise past Māori carvings, and experience a traditional hangi feast. Wrap it all up in Queenstown with Lord of the Rings film sites, vineyard lunches, and a farewell dinner overlooking the Southern Alps.

This Australia and New Zealand group tour 2026 offers guided adventures through diverse ecosystems.

This is more than a vacation; it’s two iconic journeys woven together into one seamless, small-group adventure.

Why You’ll Love This Trip

• Cruise Sydney Harbour while enjoying a 2-course à la carte lunch

• Go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House

• Snorkel, relax, and explore the Great Barrier Reef from a luxury catamaran

• Ride the Skyrail over ancient rainforest to Kuranda, then return via historic train

• Explore Rotorua’s bubbling geothermal parks and Maori village

• Feast at a traditional hangi dinner and cultural show

• Cruise Lake Taupo to see ancient Māori rock carvings

• Visit Wellington’s Te Papa Museum and ride the famous Cable Car

• Discover Queenstown’s vineyards, mountains, and film locations

• End with a Skyline Gondola ride and panoramic farewell dinner

Harbour to Highlands

From Opera Houses to Alpine Peaks

Whether you’re cruising Sydney Harbour or dining on a mountaintop in Queenstown, this tour is filled with iconic moments, epic views, and curated experiences you won’t forget.

Great Barrier Reef Adventure

Sail. Snorkel. Soak it in.

Board a luxury catamaran to Michaelmas Cay, where you’ll snorkel in shallow coral waters, explore by semi-sub, and learn from onboard marine biologists. Includes buffet lunch, tea, transfers, and reef fees — the full tropical experience.

Kuranda Rainforest & Aboriginal Culture

Skyrail, Dreamtime & Scenic Rail

Glide over ancient jungle, witness traditional Aboriginal dance and storytelling, and return by vintage train through waterfalls and rainforest. A full-day immersion into the heart of Australia’s Wet Tropics.

Māori Cultural Night in Rotorua

Tradition, Storytelling, and Hangi Feasting

Watch warriors paddle in on ancient canoes, feel the ground shake with the Haka, and enjoy an earth-cooked hangi meal under the stars. This evening of dance, ritual, and food brings Māori heritage to life in a powerful, personal way.

Waiheke Island Wine Tour

A Scenic Escape with Local Flavor

Sail across Auckland’s harbor to Waiheke Island, where rolling vineyards meet coastal charm. Sample wines at boutique cellars, enjoy a vineyard lunch, and soak in the relaxed pace of island life.

Lake Taupo Cruise

Maori Rock Carvings and Scenic Serenity

Board a private boat to cruise New Zealand’s largest lake. Discover striking rock carvings accessible only by water, dine onboard, and enjoy sweeping views of volcanoes and forested shores.

LOTR Safari in Queenstown

Explore Middle-earth by 4WD

Get off-road and into cinematic terrain as you visit famous filming sites from The Lord of the Rings. Drive along gold mining routes, try gold panning, and take in the mountain views that brought Tolkien’s world to life.

Skyline Queenstown Dinner

End on a High Note — Literally

Ride the gondola up to Bob’s Peak for sweeping alpine views, then enjoy a lavish buffet dinner overlooking Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables. It’s the perfect farewell to your Kiwi adventure.

Discover Australia and New Zealand

Booking your Australia and New Zealand group tour 2026 ensures seamless travel and expert local insight

Ready for an adventure? Fill out the form to secure your spot on the trip of a lifetime!

Dates, Pricing & Payment Info

Travel Dates:

October 21 – November 1, 2026

Duration:

12 Days / 11 Nights

Tour Pricing (per person):

  • Double Occupancy: TBA
  • Single Occupancy: TBA

Payment Schedule

  • 1st Deposit (Due TBA): TBA
  • 2nd Installment (Due TBA): TBA + airfare deposit
  • Final Balance (Due TBA): Remaining land & air balance

Cancellation Policy

  • First deposit is non-refundable at all times
  • Cancellations before TBA: TBA is refundable
  • Cancellations after TBA: All payments are non-refundable
  • Airfare is always non-refundable

Included

  • 11 nights in 4- and 5-star hotels with daily breakfast
  • Private airport transfers and all ground transportation
  • 2 included lunches & 2 dinners (plus optional dining experiences)
  • All sightseeing, entrance fees, and guided tours listed
  • Local guides in Sydney, Cairns, Rotorua, Wellington, and Queenstown
  • Domestic flights from Sydney to Cairns and Wellington to Queenstown
  • Great Barrier Reef catamaran cruise
  • Skyline Gondola + farewell dinner
  • Lake Taupo cruise, Rotorua thermal parks, and Maori experience

Not Included

  • International flights to/from Australia or New Zealand
  • Optional Blue Mountains or Kuranda day tours
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Personal expenses, beverages, or tips

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Sydney

Meet your guide and transfer to Parkroyal Darling Harbour. Evening at leisure.

Day 2: Sydney Icons

Visit Bondi Beach, enjoy a Sydney Harbour lunch cruise, and explore the Opera House with a guided tour.

Day 3: Leisure or Optional Blue Mountains Tour

Spend the day at your pace or take a guided day trip to Featherdale Wildlife Park and the Blue Mountains.

Day 4: Fly to Cairns

Transfer to the airport and fly to Cairns. Check in to Crystalbrook Flynn and enjoy the Esplanade.

Day 5: Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Full-day reef adventure with snorkeling, semi-sub tours, marine biologist talks, and buffet lunch.

Day 6: Leisure or Optional Kuranda Experience

Take a day to relax or ride the Skyrail, join a Dreamtime Walk, and return by scenic rainforest train. Dinner at Dundee’s waterfront restaurant in the evening.

Day 7: Fly to Auckland, New Zealand

Transfer to airport for flight to Auckland. Welcome orientation tour and dinner at the Sky Tower’s Orbit restaurant.

Day 8: Waiheke Island Wine Tour

Ferry to Waiheke Island for wine tastings and lunch. Return to Auckland by evening.

Day 9: Rotorua via Hamilton

Stop at Hamilton Gardens and enjoy lunch at a local farm before arriving in Rotorua. Optional evening soak at Polynesian Spa.

Day 10: Rotorua Culture & Nature

Explore a Māori village, Kiwi Hatchery, and geothermal parks. Evening Māori cultural performance and hangi feast.

Day 11: Taupo – Wellington – Queenstown

Cruise Lake Taupo, visit Huka Falls, and explore the Tongariro region. Fly from Wellington to Queenstown in the afternoon.

Day 12: Queenstown Farewell

Take a LOTR 4WD safari, then ride the Skyline Gondola for a buffet dinner with breathtaking views. Depart the next day.

Contact Marion at Marion@AlpineAdventures.net for bookings and details.