Australia and New Zealand: Surfing Waves & The Whitsundays

Australia and New Zealand: Surfing Waves & The Whitsundays

• Trip code: 496X014
• Dauer: 24
• Stil: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Get ready to dive into a coast lover's dream down under. This 25-day adventure is packed with so much water time, you might want to bring a few extra swimsuits. Start in New Zealand’s North Island, where you'll surf, kayak, and cruise Lake Taupo. Then, hop over to Australia and journey from sunny Sydney to Cairns. Perfect your surf skills at camp, cruise through the Whitsundays, and spend a night with Indigenous hosts on K'gari (Fraser Island). When you're finally out of the water, kick back with a cold one and toast to new friends and epic memories.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hostels (22 nts, multi-share with 4-8 people), overnight train (1 nt), remote beach accommodation (1nt). **All nights are multi-share on this trip

Checklist

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Light Hiking:
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

Group Size Notes

Max 20, avg 16

Highlights

Adventure through the best of New Zealand's North Island, Explore the seaside city of Sydney, Experience indigenous Australian culture in K'gari

Introduction

Get ready to dive into a coast lover's dream down under. This 25-day adventure is packed with so much water time, you might want to bring a few extra swimsuits. Start in New Zealand’s North Island, where you'll surf, kayak, and cruise Lake Taupo. Then, hop over to Australia and journey from sunny Sydney to Cairns. Perfect your surf skills at camp, cruise through the Whitsundays, and spend a night with Indigenous hosts on K'gari (Fraser Island). When you're finally out of the water, kick back with a cold one and toast to new friends and epic memories

Meals Included

9 Frühstück, 4 Mittagessen, 5 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD615-800 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Auckland
- Besuch des Maritime Museums (24NZD pro Person)
- Segeln in Auckland: America's Cup Experience (Vor dem Trip) (210NZD pro Person)

Waiheke Island
- Ausflug zur Insel Waiheke (62-369NZD pro Person)

Waitomo
- Wanderung im Waitomo-Tal (Gratis)
- Legendary Black Water Rafting (188NZD pro Person)

Waitomo Caves
- Höhlenausflug in die Waitomo Caves (99NZD pro Person)

Rotorua
- Wildwasser-Rafting (135NZD pro Person)
- Heiße Quellen (50-360NZD pro Person)
- Rotorua Canopy Tours (199-269NZD pro Person)

Wellington
- Besuch im Te-Papa-Museum (35NZD pro Person)

The Rocks
- Besuch im Stadtviertel The Rocks (Gratis)

Sydney
- Besuch im Sydney Opera House (50-199AUD pro Person)
- Klettern auf der Sydney Harbour Bridge

Arrawarra
- Schwimmen

Byron Bay
- Fallschirmspringen (409AUD pro Person)
- Seekajakfahren in Byron Bay

Noosa Everglades
- Noosa Everglades Kayak Adventure

Noosa
- Eumundi Market

Whitsunday Islands
- Schnorcheln bei den Whitsunday Islands (Gratis)

Cairns
- Fallschirmspringen (310-400AUD pro Person)
- Wildwasser-Rafting (138-210AUD pro Person)

Great Barrier Reef
- Schnorcheln am Great Barrier Reef (Cairns)

Start / Finish

Auckland nach Cairns

Transport

Private vehicle, bus, boat, kayak, train, overnight train, 4x4 vehicle, walking

What's Included

Dein First-Night-Out-Moment: Begegne neuen Freunden
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein Hands-On-Moment: Surfstunde, Raglan
Dein Big-Night-Out-Moment: Wellington
Dein Hands-On-Moment: Surfstunde, Spot X
Dein Discover-Moment: Byron Bay
Dein Discover-Moment: Cairns
Dein Big-Night-Out-Moment: Cairns. Sea kayaking excursion (Raglan). Maori cultural experience. Huka Falls. Lake Taupo Sailboat Trip. Ferry to Manly. Sydney Orientation walk. Kangaroo trek. Cape Byron Lighthouse Visit. Daisy Hill Koala Centre. K'gari Welcome Ceremony. 4x4 Adventure on K'gari. K'gari overnight experience (incl Twilight Beach Walk & Stories around the campfire). Noosa Coastal Walk. Whitsunday full day excursion (incl snorkelling). Whitehaven Beach visit. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Minimum Age 18+

The minimum age for this trip is 18 years

Itinerary

Day 1 Auckland

Arrive at any time. There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city

Day 2 Auckland/Raglan

Begin your journey along backroads to Bridal Veil Falls where the group will head out on a short walk through north island native bush to this stunning waterfall. Continue onwards to the surf town of Raglan, first up it is time to get on the water for some sea kayaking. The group will then head to our accommodation right in the middle of the surf and arts town of Raglan for the next two nights

Day 3 Raglan

Spend the full day in Raglan, home to a world-famous surf break. There's no better way to live like the locals do, so grab a surf board and jump right in with an included lesson. You'll also have plenty of time to relax and soak up the laid-back coastal vibes while swapping stories with your travel buddies

Day 4 Raglan/Rotorua

Another day, another chance to explore! Today the group will begin journeying to Rotorua with a stop along the way in Waitomo. Here you can choose to go caving in the famous Waitomo Caves, where you will see glow worms light up the cave's ceiling just like stars in the night sky. Next up is Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity. In the evening you'll visit a thermal valley for an engaging cultural experience by night at the Te Puia Village

Day 5 Rotorua/Taupo

Spend a free morning in fascinating Rotorua. Opt to explore hot springs, walking past bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools, or go on a white-water rafting excursion. Depart Rotorua in the afternoon and travel to Taupo. Along the way stop for a visit to the mighty Huka Falls, these impressive falls are not to be missed on the North Island. Arrive in Taupo, and experience an afternoon together sailing New Zealand's largest lake

Day 6 Taupo/Wellington

Hit the road to the nation’s capital at the southern end of the North Island. Take in the ever-changing scenery, swap travel stories with your group, and simply reflect on your journey. The group will arrive early enough to visit the National Museum, Te Papa — home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. Then the choice is yours, so take that cable car ride to the hills overlooking the city, or make that stroll along the Oriental Parade happen because you're here now and you might as well take advantage of everything around you. The group will finish the day off with an optional night out on the town together in the central business district

Day 7 Wellington/Sydney

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

Day 8 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

Day 9 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

Day 10 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

Day 11 Sydney/Arrawarra

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

Day 12 Arrawarra

Während die Sonne über dem Meer aufgeht, geht es an den Strand für eine inbegriffene Surfstunde mit Spot X, wo man sich hier an einem der schönsten Küstenabschnitte im ganzen Land vollkommen dem Surferleben verschrieben hat.

Versuche dich mit den anderen am Wellenreiten, bevor es weitergeht zu einer Känguruwanderung. Danach hast du einen freien Nachmittag, um deine Umgebung zu entdecken. Sieh dir das Meeresschutzgebiet Solitary Islands Marine Park an, spaziere vorbei an Gezeitentümpeln und halte Ausschau nach Meeresbewohnern, oder lass dir ein Picknick am Mullawarra Beach schmecken. Mache, worauf du gerade Lust hast, und genieße einfach den Tag!

Day 13 Arrawarra/Byron Bay

Heute warten wunderschöne Nationalparks, paradiesische Strände, sanfte grüne Hügel und belebte kleine Orte voller Charme und authentisch australischem Flair auf der Fahrt von Arrawarra nach Byron Bay. Bei einem Stopp beim Cape Byron Lighthouse am östlichsten Punkt des Landes kannst du mit etwas Glück Wale und Herden der hier lebenden Delfine sehen. Hol dir dann noch ein Mittagessen, bevor der Tag in der Surfer- und Künstlerstadt Byron Bay endet

Day 14 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

Day 15 Byron Bay/Brisbane

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

Day 16 Brisbane/K'gari (Fraser Island)

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 (seasonal). At night, sit around the campfire with your new found friends

Day 17 K'gari (Fraser Island)/Noosa

Today you'll drive along 75 Mile Beach, 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

Day 18 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

Day 19 Rockhampton/Whitsundays

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!

Day 20 Whitsundays

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

Day 21 Whitsundays/Airlie Beach

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

Day 22 Airlie Beach/Cairns

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

Day 23 Cairns

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

Day 24 Cairns

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Auckland

Jump right into your adventure by adding the 'Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience' extra to your tour. Work with a crew to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour on a competitive yacht, and take in the stunning views. PLEASE NOTE: If booking this extra, a pre-night in Auckland is highly recommended as this activity may start early in the morning on Day 1

Day 2 Auckland/Raglan

Travel to Raglan, a cool coastal town famous for its black sand beach and surf break. You’ll kayak to a remote part of the harbour for a boat cruise and lunch, before heading to our accommodation, close to the action in Raglan this evening.

Day 3 Raglan

Head down to the beach for an included surf lesson. The afternoon is free to do what you choose.

Day 4 Raglan/Rotorua

Day 5 Rotorua/Taupo

Day 6 Taupo/Wellington

Travel to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Arrive early enough for a visit to the National Museum, Te Papa.

Take a short walk from our accommodation to see the sights of the central business district. Finish the day off with an optional night on the town.

Day 7 Wellington/Sydney

A great way to start your time in the city is to head down to the harbour's edge to 'The Rocks' historic area.

Day 8 Sydney

Day 9 Sydney

Day 10 Sydney

Day 11 Sydney/Arrawarra

Day 12 Arrawarra

Day 13 Arrawarra/Byron Bay

Nach dem Frühstück folgen wir der Küstenstraße bis in die atemberaubende Surf- und Kunststadt Byron Bay. Du hast viel Zeit zur freien Verfügung, um diese Hippie-Surfstadt zu erkunden.

Day 14 Byron Bay

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.

Day 15 Byron Bay/Brisbane

Day 16 Brisbane/K'gari (Fraser Island)

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.

Day 17 K'gari (Fraser Island)/Noosa

Day 18 Noosa

Day 19 Rockhampton/Whitsundays

Day 20 Whitsundays

Day 21 Whitsundays/Airlie Beach

Day 22 Airlie Beach/Cairns

Get ready for an early morning wake-up today for the journey to Cairns. Make sure to stock up on snacks and bring personal entertainment – it may be one of the longer travel days on this trip, but it's worth it to reach The Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef!

Day 23 Cairns

Opt to pre-book the "Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour. Depending on availability of Dive Instructors, an upgrade to SCUBA diving from snorkelling may be possible but is by no means guaranteed. Please speak to your CEO to see if this is available

Day 24 Cairns