Journeys: Die Highlights von Australien und Neuseeland

Journeys: Die Highlights von Australien und Neuseeland

• Trip code: 495X015
• Dauer: 23
• Stil: National Geographic Journeys

Discover the cultural and natural highlights of New Zealand and Australia on an epic 23-day adventure. Start off on New Zealand’s North Island with a Maori feast in Rotorua; then head south to cruise through majestic, wildlife-rich fjords. Queenstown—the adventure capital of the world—will serve up a healthy dose of adrenaline before we fly to Australia and eat our way through Melbourne on a walking lunch. Go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House, and dive in to explore the Great Barrier Reef on a snorkeling excursion. Wrap up your adventure in Queensland by spending an afternoon with members of the Kuku Yalanji community.

Übersicht

Checklist

Advised Item(s):
• Over-the-head fly mesh net (Advised)

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
• 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.)

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

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

Bitte beachte: The weather in New Zealand varies depending on the season. Make sure to check the forecast for the time you will be visiting and pack weather appropriate clothing for your trip

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

Group Size Notes

Max 16, Avg 12

Introduction

Discover the cultural and natural highlights of New Zealand and Australia on an epic 23-day adventure. Start off on New Zealand’s North Island with a Maori feast in Rotorua; then head south to cruise through majestic, wildlife-rich fjords. Queenstown—the adventure capital of the world—will serve up a healthy dose of adrenaline before we fly to Australia and eat our way through Melbourne on a walking lunch. Go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House, and dive in to explore the Great Barrier Reef on a snorkeling excursion. Wrap up your adventure in Queensland by spending an afternoon with members of the Kuku Yalanji community

Meals Included

22 Frühstück, 5 Mittagessen, 1 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD885-1150 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Auckland
- Segeln in Auckland: America's Cup Experience (Vor dem Trip) (195NZD pro Person)
- Besuch des Maritime Museums (24NZD pro Person)

Rotorua
- Heiße Quellen (45-75NZD pro Person)

Christchurch
- Christchurch Gondola Ride
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Queenstown
- Weinberg-Tour (210-240NZD pro Person)
- Jetbootfahren auf dem Shotover River (159NZD pro Person)
- Gondelbahnfahrt (66-80NZD pro Person)
- Earnslaw Dampfschifffahrt (99-120NZD pro Person)

Melbourne
- 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road

Start / Finish

Auckland nach Cairns

Transport

Private vehicle, plane, train, boat, walking

What's Included

Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: A day at Kohutapu, Rotorua
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Sheep Shearing Experience, Canterbury Plains
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Tekapo Dark Sky Experience, Lake Tekapo
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Feinschmecker-Rundgang in Melbourne, Melbourne
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Private Tour of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Exclusive Indigenous experience at Cooya Beach, Port Douglas. Waiheke Island Wineries. Waitomo Caves tour. Kohutapu Local Maori Community Initiative. National Kiwi Hatchery. Scenic TranzAlpine train. Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Aoraki Mount Cook Kea Point Trek. Free time in Wanaka and Arrowtown. Wilderness day cruise in Fiordland National Park. Free time in Queenstown. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities. Melbourne Foodie Experience. Sunrise interpretive walk at Uluru. Sydney Harbour dinner cruise. Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk in the Daintree Forest. Great Barrier Reef Excursion. Exclusive Indigenous experience at Cooya Beach. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Packing Note

The weather in New Zealand varies depending on the season. Make sure to check the forecast for the time you will be visiting and pack weather appropriate clothing for your trip

Accommodation

Hotel (22 nts)

Highlights

Go behind the scenes at Sydney Opera house, take an interpretive walk with an Indigenous guide, snorkel with the fish in the Great Barrier Reef, witness thousands of glowworms lighting up the scenery, see the stars like never before in the protected International Dark Sky in Lake Tekapo

Internationale Flüge

Check-in-Zeiten und Freigepäck/Einschränkungen können je nach Fluggesellschaft variieren und sich jederzeit ändern. Für die aktuellsten Informationen zu deinem Flug wende dich bitte an deine Fluggesellschaft. Wir empfehlen Online-Check-in, um mögliche Verzögerungen am Flughafen zu vermeiden

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Auckland

Ankunft zu jeder Zeit möglich

Day 2 Auckland

Befahre den Hauraki Gulf Marine Park mit einem Forschungsboot. In enger Zusammenarbeit mit der Naturschutzbehörde und lokalen Universitäten verbindet die Crew aus Biologen und Umweltschützern die Ausflüge zu Walen, Delfinen und Seevögeln mit wichtiger Meeresforschung. Nach unserer Bootsfahrt kannst du im Einzelgespräch mit Mitgliedern unserer erfahrenen Crew mehr über die Meeresbewohner und Naturschutzbemühungen erfahren. Nachmittag zur freien Verfügung, um die Stadt zu erkunden

Day 3 Auckland/Rotorua

Fahrt nach Rotorua mit Ausflug in die Waitomo Caves. Hier machen wir eine Bootsfahrt durch die Höhle, die von Tausende von flackernden Glühwürmchen an den Wänden erhellt wird.

Besuche heute Abend das Maori-Dorf Tamaki und genieße einen privaten Empfang bei einem „Kaumātua“ (ein Ältester in der Māori-Gesellschaft). Danach erwartet dich eine extravagante Darbietung lokaler Mythen und Legenden im Rahmen eines Abendessens mit traditionellen Hangi-Gerichten

Day 4 Rotorua

Begin your full-day excursion with a walk through the 800-year-old podocarp trees in Whirinaki Rainforest, learning the history of the forest and spotting endemic birds and medicinal plants. Then head to the Maori-owned Kohutapu Lodge, our base for exploring New Zealand's indigenous culture. Watch as a hangi lunch is prepared the traditional way-—buried in an underground pit—and enjoy the resulting feast with your Maori hosts. After lunch see ancient rock carvings and learn about their spiritual significance to the Maori people, both past and present. Return to Rotorua for an optional evening meal or a well-deserved soak in the hot springs

Day 5 Rotorua/Christchurch

This morning, spend some time learning about New Zealand's most iconic species-the kiwi. Enjoy a private tour at the National Kiwi Hatchery with an expert guide and learn how the chicks are reared and cared for in this incredible conservation effort protecting the endangered kiwi. In the afternoon, catch a flight to Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island

Day 6 Christchurch

Board the TranzAlpine train—one of the world’s most scenic rail routes—for a breathtaking journey through verdant plains, beech forests, and majestic, misty mountains. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass—the highest pass in the Southern Alps - and choose to grab a coffee and spend some time exploring this alpine area. Descend into the Canterbury Plains to visit a working sheep farm. On arrival, dig into a bbq lunch prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Then spend the afternoon with the sheepdogs learning about how the dogs work in tandem with their human owners to care for the farm. Watch a sheep shearing demonstration and hear from the farmers about the their life and work in this fascinating industry. Return to Christchurch later in the afternoon, with time to explore on your own and take dinner at your leisure

Day 7 Christchurch/Lake Tekapo

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Christchurch. Choose to ride the Gondola for incredible sweeping views, or stroll the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. In the afternoon, head west to Tekapo at the base of Aoraki/Mt Cook. This evening after dinner, join local experts for an exclusive astronomy experience in one of the worlds official Dark Sky Parks in Tekapo. Expect breathtaking perspectives of the stars, planets, and distant galaxies. You'll have the rare opportunity to capture stunning celestial images with expert guidance, while experienced guides take you on a journey through the Southern Skies

Day 8 Lake Tekapo

Set off this morning for the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Sir Edmund Hillary, New Zealand's most famous explorer, made some of his very first ascents here at the south face of Aoraki/Mt Cook which set the foundation for his world-changing summit of Everest with Tenzing Norgay in 1953. In a July 1954 issue of National Geographic Hillary was quoted as saying “We are there. Nothing above us, a world below.” Spend time at the visitor centre that honors Sir Edmund Hillary and his achievements in the exploration of so many fascinating parts of the planet. Later in the afternoon, embark on your own explorations with a guided trek along the Kea Point track. This 1.8 mile trail offers views to Mount Sefton, Hooker Valley, Mueller Glacier Lake and Aoraki/Mt Cook

Day 9 Lake Tekapo/Queenstown

Set off this morning heading further west towards Wanaka. Enjoy some free exploration time in Wanaka and grab some lunch at leisure. This afternoon, join your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) for a brief orientation of Arrowtown before enjoying some time to explore this historic mining town. Choose to go on a walking tour starting at the Lakes District Museum. Then stroll around the historic miner's cottages, old churches, and explore the Chinese Settlement to learn about the gold mining past that shaped Arrowtown. In late afternoon, head to Queenstown and enjoy dinner at leisure

Day 10 Queenstown

Discover the glacially carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park on a cruise. Glide past shimmering waterfalls and towering cliffs, and look out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and little blue penguins with our naturalist guides. Travel back to shore, head to Queenstown for the night

Day 11 Queenstown

Enjoy a day at leisure in Queenstown to explore the myriad things that make this southern city so famous. Choose to cruise lake Wakatipu on a historic steamer; experience a thrilling jet boat ride; or visit a local winery to sample the region’s award-winning vintages. Choose to join your CEO and fellow travelers for a delicious farewell dinner on this final evening in New Zealand

Day 12 Queenstown/Melbourne

Fly from Queenstown to Melbourne, Australia, and enjoy free time in the city

Day 13 Melbourne

Embark on a food tour of Melbourne with a culinary storyteller. Home to many thriving immigrant communities, Melbourne has long been considered one of Australia’s gastronomic hubs. On this foodie walk through the city’s famed laneways, we’ll experience a range of flavors and cuisines over lunch at three popular venues. Start with an Asian entree with wine; move on to an Italian restaurant for a main dish accompanied with more wine, and finish off the tour with a gelato dessert at our third stop. Spend the rest of the day at leisure

Day 14 Melbourne

Spend the day exploring vibrant Melbourne. Set out on an optional excursion on the Great Ocean Road, following spectacular sea cliffs along the windswept Southern Ocean. Wander the city’s narrow cobbled lanes and alleys, discovering quirky cafés and colorful murals

Day 15 Melbourne/Uluru

Catch a flight to Uluru, in the heart of the Australian outback. Visit the Cultural Centre of the Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and learn about the beliefs and customs of the Anangu, the area’s traditional Indigenous owners. Then take a guided walk along both the northwest and southern sides of Uluru to learn about the history of the area, hear the stories of the Anangu people and gaze upon these awe-inspiring uplifted sandstone rock formations

Day 16 Uluru

In the morning make your way to Kata Tjuta, Uluru’s neighboring natural wonder for a morning of exploration as you walk along these ancient, red-hued landscapes.
Enjoy some free time in the afternoon before capping off the day with a glass of sparkling wine as you witness a crimson sunset over this fabled monolith

Day 17 Uluru/Sydney

Awaken at dawn to witness the famous Field of Light installation, the artist Bruce Munro created an art installation that becomes illuminated in the changing light.
Enjoy your final moments in the heart of the outback before it’s time to pack up and head off to the airport for an afternoon flight to Sydney

Day 18 Sydney

Join your CEO on a walking orientation tour of some of the city’s well known landmarks like the Rocks area, a waterfront neighborhood that marks the spot of the first European settlement in Australia. It also holds a spiritual significance for the area’s Indigenous people. Around midmorning, circle back and meet for a private tour of the Sydney Opera House. This afternoon, step aboard a private boat for a sunset sail around Sydney's famous harbor. Tuck into a delicious Australian Barbecue dinner as the sun sets in the background

Day 19 Sydney

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the best of Sydney. Walk the Rocks and stop by Maybe Sammy for a drink, which happens to be one of the best bars in Sydney. Take the ferry to Manly Beach or walk the Bondi Coastal walk and snap some photos

Day 20 Sydney/Port Douglas

Fly to Cairns today and travel up the scenic coastal road to Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark on an interpretive walk with an Indigenous guide at the lush Mossman Gorge, learning about the traditional ways of life of the region’s Kuku Yalanji people. Continue to the resort town of Port Douglas, our home for the next three nights

Day 21 Port Douglas

Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day catamaran tour to the Outer Reef. Immerse yourself in the largest coral reef system in the world, which teems with 1500 species of tropical fish, as well as whales, dolphins and porpoises. Hop into the warm waters off Australia's east coast and experience this marine wonderland for yourself. Lunch will be served onboard. Back in Port Douglas the evening is yours to do as you please

Day 22 Port Douglas

Enjoy a free morning in charming Port Douglas. Stroll the town’s boutique-lined streets and idyllic beaches or head to the Sunday markets to browse the stalls. Later in the day, join your fellow travelers for an exclusive cultural experience at Cooya Beach. Meet Indigenous guides for a welcome ceremony, and get acquainted with members of the Kuku Yalanji people. Our CEO will organize an optional farewell dinner to toast your adventures down under

Day 23 Port Douglas/Cairns

After one last breakfast in Port Douglas, transfer back to Cairns where our tour ends at the airport mid-morning. Alternatively, extend your stay in Port Douglas

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Auckland

Bitte organisiere dir selbst ein Transportmittel zu dem Hotel, in dem du auf die Gruppe triffst. Unser CEO wird abends ein Begrüßungstreffen organisieren.

Auckland ist eine fantastische Stadt mit unzähligen Sehenswürdigkeiten und Aktivitäten. Wenn du noch mehr Zeit haben möchtest, um auf eigene Faust auf Erkundungstour zu gehen, empfehlen wir dir, Übernachtungen vor dem Trip zu buchen. Starte auf deiner Reise gleich richtig durch und nimm das Extra „Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience“ dazu. Segle auf einer Rennjacht durch Aucklands Waitemata Harbour, lege selbst Hand an und genieße die prachtvolle Aussicht. BITTE BEACHTE: Wenn du dieses Extra dazunimmst, empfehlen wir dringend, vor der Reise eine zusätzliche Übernachtung in Auckland zu buchen, da die Aktivität bereits frühmorgens am Tag 1 starten kann

Day 2 Auckland

Day 3 Auckland/Rotorua

Rotorua sits over an active geothermal zone with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. This is a fascinating region with Maori history and culture tied directly to the geothermal aspects of the land.

Day 4 Rotorua

Day 5 Rotorua/Christchurch

With free time in Rotorua this morning, opt to relax in one of the hot pools fed by water coming directly from the natural springs.

Day 6 Christchurch

Please be aware on occasions the TranzAlpine train may not be operational. Instead your CEO will drive the group through the Southern Alps on a similar route

Day 7 Christchurch/Lake Tekapo

Please note that the times for the stargazing vary dramatically based on season. In the summer months, the activity can start as late as midnight. You will have time to relax and rest after dinner before heading out for the evening activity

Day 8 Lake Tekapo

Day 9 Lake Tekapo/Queenstown

Day 10 Queenstown

Day 11 Queenstown

Day 12 Queenstown/Melbourne

Day 13 Melbourne

Day 14 Melbourne

Due to exceptional demand, if you are interested in participating in the 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road optional activity, it must be pre-booked in order to secure a spot during your tour

Day 15 Melbourne/Uluru

Accommodations in Uluru are limited and of varying amenities. We do our best to secure a mid-range hotel, but on occasion a more simple accommodation with fewer amenities may be used. Airline schedules and flight availability are outside of our control and are always subject to change without notice. While we do our best to book direct flights, on occasion we may have to connect through another city.

Walking tracks may not be permitted if temperatures exceed 36°C (98°F), as governed by the National Parks guidance. Our CEOs and local guides will monitor the weather conditions and guidance to gauge the safety of any included walks and may need to call off or reschedule a given day's walk due to extreme heat

Day 16 Uluru

Walking tracks may not be permitted if temperatures exceed 36°C (98°F), as governed by the National Parks guidance. Our CEOs and local guides will monitor the weather conditions and guidance to gauge the safety of any included walks and may need to call off or reschedule a given day's walk due to extreme heat

Day 17 Uluru/Sydney

Observe the stunning display and watch the sun rise with views of Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the distance.
Return to the hotel for breakfast and your final moments in the heart of the outback before it’s time to pack up and head off to the airport for an afternoon flight to Sydney. Check in to our Sydney hotel and opt to join our CEO for a dinner out on the town in one of Sydney's famous neighbourhoods.

Day 18 Sydney

Day 19 Sydney

Day 20 Sydney/Port Douglas

We catch a very early flight to ensure we make the most of the day. Please note that the max luggage allowance on domestic flights within Australia is 1 checked bag (20 kgs) and 1 carry on (7 kgs) per person. Any additional luggage is subject to airline fees and is not included

Day 21 Port Douglas

Day 22 Port Douglas

Day 23 Port Douglas/Cairns

Please book your departing flights no earlier than 1pm out of Cairns.

The tour will end at the airport in Cairns. If you have booked extra nights you will be staying at the final hotel in Port Douglas about an hour north from the airport. Please note that should you book extra nights you will be responsible for getting yourself to the airport in Cairns from Port Douglas