Australia and New Zealand Small Group Tours & Trip Packages

Australia and New Zealand Small Group Tours & Trips

14 Australia and New Zealand trips. Tours from 26 tour companies. 14 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

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Small Group Tour
Kings Canyon and Uluru
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
AAT Kings is renowned for its quality service, knowledgeable guides, and extensive network of destinations.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Contrasts of Australia tour included Melbourne, Cairns and Sydney. Accomodations were good at all except the rooms in Sydney were much smaller. Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef was amazing! We purchased the additional SkyRail excursion in Cairns and enjoyed both the shopping and restaurants the small village of Kuranda. We also purchased the Sydney bridge climb adventure which was great! The guide made it thoroughly enjoyable. Our tour director for the entire tour, Nellie Sullivan, was extremely helpful and friendly. She made sure everyone was experiencing what they hoped for."

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Wonders of New Zealand & Australia
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Auckland, Christchurch, Melbourne, Queenstown, Sydney

Highlights

  • Visit the famous glowworm caves atWaitomo
  • Experience the geothermal wonderland ofRotorua
  • See the beauty and grandeur of theSouthern Alpsand see Mount Cook
  • Explore Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand
  • Get to know Australia’s 2 iconic cities – Sydney and Melbourne

What travelers are saying

"BUYER BEWARE!!! This company has a policy that if THEY cancel your trip…THEY get to keep your money and you get a credit the company. They cancelled my first trip..found out the hard way about their policy. Booked a trip…then had left over money so booked another…which they cancelled…again. Surprisingly…this time they offered a refund, but only gave me back the money I had put down…not what was left of “my credit”. So now I am forced to do business with a company I no longer wish to, that picks and chooses when to follow their own policy!! There are plenty of other travel agencies with similar tours…don’t give these guys your hard earned money for them to keep."

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Best of New Zealand with Fiji & Sydney
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Auckland, Christchurch, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Rotorua, Sydney, Wellington

Highlights

  • Fiji : Sightseeing tour; visit Garden of the Sleeping Giant and Viseisei Village; stop at Vuda Lookout, Namaka Market, and Sri Siva Subramaniya Hindu Temple; Monograms Local Host service
  • Auckland : Sightseeing
  • Bay of islands: Visit the Waitangi Treaty House; scenic cruise
  • Rotorua : Traditional Hangi dinner and Maori cultural performance; visit Rainbow Springs and Te Puia; dinner at a local family’s home
  • Marton : Visit a local farm and enjoy a barbecue lunch
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"This tour has amazing sites, good hotels in great locations, great pace BUT the tour director that was assigned to be with our small group added nothing to the experience. He did not give us any info, tell us about what we were seeing, give us any info at all. The only time he talked was to tell us when the next bathroom break would be. Apparently this is common for Globus to use retirees starting another chapter. Our guide was 76 and had no energy. Travel with Gate 1 or Intreped.... guides can make or break a tour."

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Best of New Zealand with Sydney
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Auckland, Christchurch, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Rotorua, Sydney, Wellington

Highlights

  • Auckland : Sightseeing
  • Bay of islands: Visit the Waitangi Treaty House; scenic cruise
  • Rotorua : Traditional Hangi dinner and Maori cultural performance; visit Rainbow Springs and Te Puia; dinner at a local family’s home
  • Marton : Visit a local farm and enjoy a barbecue lunch
  • Wellington : Sightseeing including cable car ride; visit the botanic gardens and Te Papa
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"This tour has amazing sites, good hotels in great locations, great pace BUT the tour director that was assigned to be with our small group added nothing to the experience. He did not give us any info, tell us about what we were seeing, give us any info at all. The only time he talked was to tell us when the next bathroom break would be. Apparently this is common for Globus to use retirees starting another chapter. Our guide was 76 and had no energy. Travel with Gate 1 or Intreped.... guides can make or break a tour."

Trip dates & details
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New Years in Australia & New Zealand
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Auckland, Melbourne, Queenstown, Sydney

Highlights

  • Joining in on one of the southern hemisphere’s best New Year’s Eve celebrations
  • Melbourne and Sydney’s sparkle and sophistication
  • The underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef
  • Intriguing Aboriginal and Maori culture
  • Iconic Ayers Rock
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Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"I made a reservation last Thursday (11/16/2023) for a trip to Iceland from 12/02/2023-12/07/2023 and then I was told that I can’t have my refund back. When I called on last Thursday (11/16/2023) to place my reservation, the agent (Kathy) I talked to stressed about she "cannot" guarantee that I will be able to go on the trip. Before I provided the payment information, I specifically asked if I will be able to get the refund because the trip is coming up so soon. The agent ensured that I will be able to get a full refund back within 60 days if I decided to cancel the trip. I was also told that I am basically on a wait list and someone will contact me once I can go on the trip. No one contacted me about whether the agency was able to process my information at all, so I've been left in the dark about this trip since the beginning. I called the help line this morning (11/20/2023) around 9:00 Eastern Standard Time to cancel my reservation. I was informed by the agent that I will not be able to get my full refund back since it's too close to the trip date. Basically I was told that Kathy gave me the wrong information, so I will have to pay the cancellation fee. The only reason I provided my payment information is because Kathy specifically stated that I will be able to cancel the trip and receive a full refund. I've never been so frustrated with a traveling agency. I made sure to ask this agent regarding the refund policy twice before giving her my payment information, and she still couldn't provide me with the correct information. It's unbelievable that such a big traveling agency cannot uniformly train their employees with the correct set of information."

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Exploring Australia & New Zealand
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5/5 Excellent
50 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Auckland, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Sydney, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Highlights

  • Ride aboard Vintage Kuranda steam train and Skyrail gon­dolas
  • Great Barrier Reef excursion
  • Aboriginal “Dreamtime” experience
  • Sunset at Ayers Rock
  • Sydney touring and Harbour cruise
Show more

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We just finished our Tanzanian Adventure tour to Tanzania and Zanzibar. It was a dream come true trip! On safari, our guide Augustine, was stellar, and our driver, Meshak was wonderful! The lodges on safari were wonderful, food excellent. The Breezes resort on Zanzibar was lovely and the Indian Ocean is sooooo warm! Thank you, Odyssey, for delivering on all counts!"

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Other trips you may like [sponsored]
Kings Canyon and Uluru
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
AAT Kings is renowned for its quality service, knowledgeable guides, and extensive network of destinations.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Contrasts of Australia tour included Melbourne, Cairns and Sydney. Accomodations were good at all except the rooms in Sydney were much smaller. Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef was amazing! We purchased the additional SkyRail excursion in Cairns and enjoyed both the shopping and restaurants the small village of Kuranda. We also purchased the Sydney bridge climb adventure which was great! The guide made it thoroughly enjoyable. Our tour director for the entire tour, Nellie Sullivan, was extremely helpful and friendly. She made sure everyone was experiencing what they hoped for."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
6 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Small Group Tour

Australia and New Zealand Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
14  Reviews
See all Australia and New Zealand tour reviews
Excellent
24
Great
9
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
A

Anonymous

Mar 2020

Written on

The trip was exceptional

This was our 5th Smartours and my rating is "good". The trip was exceptional. New Zealand was a wonderful revelation and Australia was fantastic. The tour group was ...

J

Judy

Mar 2020

Written on

top best trips

First I want to say I loved this trip it was 21 days of amazement. I loved our tour guide Elizabeth Moran who was one of the reasons why I loved this trip. This guid...

E

E

Mar 2020

Written on

landscape is stunning

Certainly a whirlwind trip and happy memories. NZ landscape is stunning and people we met were so welcoming. The farm stay in Fairlie was a high point. Stays in Aust...

D

Deborah V

Mar 2020

Written on

itinerary was such a great one

This itinerary was such a great one - and for the cost: outstanding and the local people all so very nice. The hotels were nice, all in good locations, always great ...

M

Michael

Mar 2020

Written on

pleasing varieties

I enjoyed the tour very much. Liz, our guide, was professional and gave excellent advice. New Zealand and Australia were new to me and it seemed that the itinerary t...

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Australia and New Zealand Tour Selection Trips

  • Prepare for your journey to Australia and New Zealand with these essential travel tips to make the most of your experience Down Under:

    Remember that the seasons in Australia and New Zealand are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. Plan accordingly, especially for outdoor activities.

  • The sun in Australia and New Zealand can be intense. Pack sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from UV rays.

  • Both countries boast diverse landscapes, from beaches and rainforests to mountains and deserts. Pack appropriate clothing and gear for the activities you plan to enjoy.

  • Australia and New Zealand have unique wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and native birds. Respect wildlife habitats, follow safety guidelines, and avoid feeding or approaching wild animals.

  • Stay informed about local health advisories and safety precautions. Carry necessary medications, insect repellent, and a first-aid kit for emergencies.

  • Practice responsible tourism by respecting local customs, cultures, and the environment. Dispose of waste properly, support local businesses, and leave no trace during your travels.

  • Familiarize yourself with the local currency and payment methods. Carry a mix of cash and cards for convenience, and notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid transaction issues.

  • Learn about the cultural customs and etiquette of the indigenous peoples and local communities you may encounter. Show respect and curiosity towards their traditions and heritage.

Additional details

What is the currency in Australia & New Zealand

Despite how close they are to one another, Australia and New Zealand do not rely on the same currency. In Australia, travelers will have to use Australian dollars when required for payment. In New Zealand, travelers will use the New Zealand dollar.

As of 2020, the exchange rates for their currencies are virtually the same, with the Australian dollar being worth a little more than the New Zealand one.

Weather and Best time to go

As one of the largest countries in the world, the weather at different locations in Australia tends to vary within the same season. Aussie seasons are opposite of those found in the Northern Hemisphere. That being said, depending on which upper or lower half of the country travelers find themselves in, weather and tourism fluctuate greatly.

Travelers are cautioned to remember that October through April in northern Australia and November to March in Western Australia and Queensland are peak box jelly-fish migration periods. This makes swimming in the waters around these areas potentially dangerous to travelers who come into contact with the animals. Please consult tour companies with further questions regarding tour-stops in these locations during these seasons.

Typically, January through March marks the “wet season” in northern Australia. This means fewer tourists are in the area, but also that a raincoat will definitely be required. In southern Australia, these months are some of the warmest, making the beaches and reefs popular travel destinations.

April through May usually has a significant dip in tourism across the country while roads to remote locations in the north become more accessible with less rainfall and the beaches become more temperate in the south. From June until September (Australian winter), the northern half of Australia has its “dry season” and access to snorkeling around reefs becomes a major pastime.

The southern half of Australia sees its own dip in tourism and access to remote, dangerously warm in the summer, hiking locations become available. October through December brings more rainfall in the north, providing water to the bursting foliage that comes in the spring. This is also when wildlife tours are at their prime in southern Australia. Across the country, both Christmas and New Year’s Eve are taken seriously and celebrations can be found in nearly every city. 

In New Zealand, the weather is a bit more reliable given its relatively smaller size. The peak tourism period is during the summer months of December through February. While the weather is temperate and the water is warm, travelers who plan to visit the island during this time need to book tours far in advance to ensure their availability.

For those who are planning hiking tours, this season is when the days are at their longest during the year, making unwinding with some holiday festivities even easier. During March through May, New Zealand undergoes its fall season, when the temperature is much cooler and lends itself to arduous hikes across the island.

The changing leaves will make for great photo opportunities as well! The temperature continues to fall during New Zealand’s winter months of June through August, yet that does not stop many travelers from skiing at the peaks near Queenstown. For those who wish to stay warm, hot pools can be visited during hiking tours.

In springtime (September through November), the days become long again and sheep roam the hillsides amongst the blooming flowers. Tourists are few this time of year, but that does not stop many travelers from enjoying the winter sports that are still available along with open hiking trails.

Common tour routes

Although Australia has a landmass that is just shy of being the same as America’s, it is divided into just six states and two territories. This leaves more than 70% of the country under the title of “the Outback,” sparsely and full of astounding natural landmarks. Within this swath of underdeveloped land are two major tourist destinations: Alice Springs and Uluru.

Depending on which major coastal city travelers fly into, they will likely head to another one (Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane). From there, travelers can fly into either of the Outback’s travel attractions or spend a significant chunk of time on the  National Highway A87 that runs through a small portion of the wilderness. These travel methods typically depend on the type of guided tour that travelers choose to go on, as more adventurous ones will likely drive in order to stop at campsites and luxury ones will provide comfortable airline accommodations.

To prolong their travels even further, some tourists venture just beyond the borders of Australia into New Zealand. Just outside the country (4163 kilometers to be exact!) is the island of New Zealand, where direct flights from Australia’s major cities to those in New Zealand make sightseeing in both countries very convenient. The best part is, certain guided tours will provide free-days amidst their itinerary, which allows travelers the freedom to experience either Australia or New Zealand without jeopardizing their current travel plans.

Who will enjoy visiting Australia & New Zealand

Despite its associations with expansive wilderness and larger-than-life animals, Australia is a prime vacation destination for those who enjoy adventures into the surrounding ocean and mountains. For the most part, hiking is a crucial part of many Australian guided tours, which means packing comfortable shoes is a necessity.

In the same way, travelers can also enjoy Australia and New Zealand from the comfort of their many beaches or cruise lines. Travelers are encouraged to visit the vibrant coastal cities that Australia is known for, along with the rolling, pastoral hills found in the New Zealand countrysides.

Since many of the countries’ tourist attractions are found in their major cities, travelers of all accommodations will find accessibility in the cities. It is only when leaving these areas that the terrain will become much rougher and a sense of adventure along with a willingness to hike rewarding distances are needed to truly enjoy Australia and New Zealand’s unique landscapes.

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