Australia and New Zealand Itineraries

Highlights of Australia & New Zealand in 1 week

One week in Australia and New Zealand is just enough time to see most of what each country is known for. Since the country is so large, travel-times will need to be accounted for when planning different outdoor activities. Come back and see them both in greater detail!

Days 1-2, Sydney: Flying into Sydney, travelers will be able to visit the Australian Museum, the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Powerhouse Museum, or the Hyde Park Barracks Museum, all of which are relaxing ways to begin your trip. For those looking for adventure right away, Sydney Tower offers the Skywalk, an open-air viewpoint that is 260 meters (853 feet) above the city.

Taronga Zoo or the Sydney Aquarium are good ways to get acquainted with Australian wildlife and travelers can get even closer to the animals at the Featherdale Wildlife Park. If there is time, travelers can head to Katoomba to see the Blue Mountains, including the famous Three Sisters rock formation.

Days 3-4, Cairns: Fly into Cairns from Sydney and see reptiles under the roof-top Cairns Wildlife Dome or learn about Aboriginal ways of life at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. From there, travelers can head to the Reef Fleet Terminal to meet up with a group of 300 people to explore the Great Barrier Reef for 2 hours. Travelers who wish to dive may do so with specific tour guides, but travelers should note that those who do are required to stay in Cairns for 24 hours before flying again. 

Days 4-6, Auckland: Fly into Auckland from Cairns to see the set of The Lord of the Rings Hobbit-shire along with spectacular views on boat-rides through Auckland Harbor. A tour of nearby Rotorua will introduce travelers to a geothermal capital of the world, with massive geysers and boiling mud pools. Flying further south, travelers will arrive in Christchurch, where the TranzAlpine Train will take them through the snowy New Zealand Alps and valleys. Travelers can opt to take guided tours of the nearby glacier that the region is known for.

Days 4-6, Sydney: After visiting the Franz Josef Glacier, travelers can fly back to Sydney and begin planning their next trip to Australia and New Zealand.

2-3 weeks in Australia & New Zealand

For those who have two-three weeks for travel, visiting all the major parts (and then some) of Australia and New Zealand is very possible. Travelers will still have to do significant traveling via plane or car in order to reach certain regions, which can provide the opportunity to relax between tour activities. Even if two-three weeks feels satisfying, there is always something new to see in Australia and New Zealand!

Days 1-4, Sydney: Most travelers will opt to fly into Sydney, given it is the largest city in Australia. Travelers can immerse themselves in the cultural history of the country-continent by visiting any of its four museums (the Australian Museum, the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Powerhouse Museum, or the Hyde Park Barracks Museum).

A birds-eye view of the entire city can be seen from atop the Observation Deck at Sydney Tower. Below, travelers will see the busy Harbor Bridge, which may be climbed with a harness by more adventurous travelers. Consult tour guides in advance for ticket sales as the Climb is a popular attraction.

Bondi Beach is a popular surf-spot and travelers can try their hand at the sport when weather permits. While the nightlife in Sydney is as vibrant as its citizens and architecture, travelers can also choose to relax with a show at the iconic Sydney Opera House, whose image is one of the most famous ones associated with the country. 

Days 5-6, Katoomba: Driving just one hour west of Sydney, travelers will encounter the city of Katoomba, that is the gateway to Blue Mountains National Park. It is most well-known for the Three Sisters rock formation, which nearly all tour guides will provide access to. Both resorts and campsites are available, making a stay in the picturesque mountains very convenient for travelers who want to relax after a long day on the bushwalking trails.

Days 6-8, Melbourne: As a city known for its exciting coastal influences, Melbourne hosts the Queen Victoria Market, featuring textiles and other crafts that can make for great souvenirs. From November to April, the city also has Night Markets, which make for great photo opportunities under the lights of the colonial-era city.

A small detour to Phillips Island is not to be missed, as the island hosts countless sea-lions as well as penguin colonies. Travelers can also see koala bears up close at the Koala Conservation Center that is based on the island.

Further west lies the Great Ocean Road, where travelers can see a glimpse into Australia’s lush rainforests that make up the Otway Ranges. Do not be surprised to run into kangaroo families or wild koalas in the eucalyptus trees. 

Days 8-10, Cairns: Most guided tour companies will next take travelers to the coastal city of Cairns. It is from here that the Great Barrier Reef is most accessible and tour guides will make any necessary arrangements for snorkeling and diving gear, glass-bottom boats, and catamarans. Further adventuring will lead to Green Island, where a private resort lies at the border of a populated rainforest that boasts over 120 different plant and animal species. 

Days 10-11, Outback: For travelers with extra time, it is recommended to head into the Outback on a flight to Alice Springs, where a park with its namesake is home to endangered thorny devils, bilbies, and bearded dragons. Depending on the severity of the weather, tour guides can lead travelers on hikes through the desert wilderness. Others can choose to see the views from above via hot-air balloon rides.

Days 12-14: From either the Outback or Cairns, travelers can fly directly into Auckland, New Zealand, without fear of having to get another visa. This city is known for not only its unique marrying of modern architecture and natural landscapes but also since it is near the set of the famous The Lord of the Rings movie franchise.

After driving a few hours south to the rural town of Matamata, fans of the series will all but immediately recognize the Hobbit’s shire as well as other famous scenes from the movies. A trip to Rotorua will bring travelers to the brink of geothermal craters, where spiraling geysers and boiling mud pockets dot the landscape. As a Maori village, travelers in Rotorua can also see traditional dances and other cultural events while enjoying unique foods and art.

Days 15-19, Christchurch: Venturing further south will bring travelers to the town of Christchurch. Still in the midst of rebuilding after an earthquake in 2011, the city is proudly making use of its empty space and travelers will enjoy seeing the effects. After spending some time on the river in a punter’s boat, travelers can hitch a ride on the TranzAlpine train to cross New Zealand’s southern Alps.

The breathtaking views found along the rails that climb snowy peaks and cross blooming canyons are not to be missed. Other scenic points include the Canterbury Plains and Waimakariri River, which the train runs alongside. The ride ends in the town of Franz Josef, named for the explorer whose discovery of the nearby glacier has helped lead to modern conservation efforts. Travelers can follow in his footsteps and visit the Franz Josef glacier facilities with tour guides. 

Days 19-21, Queenstown: From Franz Josef, travelers can head to Queenstown to explore the rich history of the town with colonial roots and interact with locals. After sufficient time is spent gathering information and souvenirs, a 3.5 plane ride back to Sydney will give travelers plenty of time to plan their next trip to Australia and New Zealand.