Australia and New Zealand: Surf, Sun & Epic Parks

Multi-Day Trip

Australia and New Zealand: Surf, Sun & Epic Parks

Australia / Pacific29 daysCode: ONAB
Book this trip
If New Zealand’s been calling your name, why not answer with a side of Australia? This 30-day adventure takes you from the tip of New Zealand’s North Island to the depths of the South. Immerse yourself in Maori culture, surf, kayak, and explore breathtaking National Parks. Then, hop over to Australia to soak up some sun and surf along the coast. Overnight at a surf camp, trek to spot koalas, and cap off your journey in vibrant Brisbane — whether you’re ready to chill or crave more Aussie adventures, this trip’s got you covered.

Gallery

Australia and New Zealand: Surf, Sun & Epic Parks
Australia and New Zealand: Surf, Sun & Epic Parks
Australia and New Zealand: Surf, Sun & Epic Parks
Australia and New Zealand: Surf, Sun & Epic Parks
Australia and New Zealand: Surf, Sun & Epic Parks

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day 1Auckland

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

    Auckland

  2. Day 2Auckland/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.

    Auckland → Raglan

  3. Day 3Raglan

    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.

    Raglan

  4. Day 4Raglan/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.

    Raglan → Rotorua

  5. Day 5Rotorua/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.

    Rotorua → Taupo

  6. Day 6Taupo/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.

    Taupo → Wellington

  7. Day 7Wellington/Abel Tasman National Park

    Don't forget those cameras before hopping on the morning ferry to cross the Cook Strait. Pro tip: make sure you stand outside and marvel at the views of the Marlborough Sounds at the tip of the South Island. Then drive past lush native forests, beautiful clear waters, blue skies, and golden sands as the group travels to Abel Tasman National Park.

    Wellington → Abel Tasman National Park

  8. Day 8Abel Tasman National Park

    Picture this: birdsong ringing from the treetops as you wander through the undergrowth stumbling upon occasional waterfalls nestled in the midst of the forest. You take a dip in one of the refreshing pools before finding your way to pristine coastline and turquoise bays where you can soak up the sun and relax in the sand. This is the kind of day that awaits you in Abel Tasman NP, you are free to explore the golden beaches and winding waterways any way you’d like! So have fun, build a sand castle for us, and let the adventures continue!

    Abel Tasman National Park

  9. Day 9Abel Tasman National Park/Westport

    It’s off to Westport today! Breathe in the fresh air and soak in the beautiful views as the group heads south down the coast of black-sand beaches. Make a (very cool) pit stop to a seal colony in Cape Foulwind and watch these majestic animals in their habitat before continuing on to Westport for the evening. Once you arrive grab a beer, talk to some locals, and discover the true charm of this coal mining town.

    Abel Tasman National Park → Westport

  10. Day 10Westport/Franz Josef

    Continue on a scenic drive south along the coast to Punakaiki; think pancake rocks and blowholes (man, those are two random things we never thought would be in the same sentence). As a special spot full of local secrets, Punakaiki is a great place to hop out of the bus, stretch those legs, and appreciate the strange beauty nature can create.

    Westport → Franz Josef

  11. Day 11Franz Josef

    Enjoy a free day in Franz Josef. Today is all yours to spend as you please! From hiking to kayaking and walking on a glacier, there’s bound to be something you’ll want to check off that bucket list. If your goal is to make actual contact with the glacier then try a heli-hike or guided ice walk. Or you could let nature be your guide and lose yourself in the rainforests, lakes, and waterfalls that surround Franz Josef. If you’d rather stay in town, then grab a bite to eat before booking a spa treatment at the Glacier Hot Pools... the choice is yours!

    Franz Josef

  12. Day 12Franz Josef/Queenstown

    Hit the road to the adventure capital of the world — Queenstown. Sit back, relax and gaze out the window as you drive away from Glacier Country and wind through lush forests back to the coast and into the mountains over Haast Pass. The photo opportunities will seem endless (make sure those cameras are charged.) Then gear up and get ready because the adrenaline is going to be pumping the next few days.

    Franz Josef → Queenstown

  13. Day 13Queenstown

    Let’s put it this way, if you’re the sort of person that loves adventure mixed with adrenaline all while exploring one of the most scenic places in the country, then Queenstown is for you! Gear up for a free day that is sure to leave you breathless. Opt to be a dare devil and get ready to have those hearts pumping with some adrenaline-filled options like jet boating, bungee jumping, or skydiving.

    Queenstown

  14. Day 14Milford Sound Day Trip/Queenstown

    Let your breathing return to normal today as the group heads out for a visit to Fiordland National Park. After arriving, soak up the chill vibes on a boat cruise through one of the most iconic places in New Zealand — Milford Sound. Marvel at the views of one of the wettest places on Earth before we make our way back to Queenstown for the night.

    Queenstown

  15. Day 15Queenstown

    Gear up for round two of free time in Queenstown that is sure to leave you breathless. Choose to be a dare devil and get ready to have those hearts pumping with some adrenaline-filled options like jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking or skydiving or simply take in the breathtaking scenery and vibrant atmosphere as you find restaurants to try and cafes to wind down and relax.

    Queenstown

  16. Day 16Queenstown to Tekapo

    Depart Queenstown and travel to Aoraki/Mt Cook National park. Once in the park enjoy free time for hiking and visiting the Sir Edmund Hillary Visitors Centre. Afterwards, travel to Lake Tekapo where we will be staying for the next two nights.

    Queenstown → Lake Tekapo

  17. Day 17Tekapo

    Start the day with a relaxing 21km bike ride along the canals with stunning mountain views. Spend the rest of the day exploring Tekapo on your own. Opt to visit the hot springs, relax on the shores of Lake Tekapo, or hike to the Mt John Observatory and check out the incredible Dark Sky Reserve.

    Lake Tekapo

  18. Day 18Tekapo to Christchurch

    Scoot on up to Christchurch to explore the South Island’s largest city and one of the places in New Zealand with the strongest English influences. Enjoy free time to explore and see what the nightlife is all about with your travel tribe, and grab some shut eye in a converted jailhouse to finish the evening.

    Lake Tekapo → Christchurch

  19. Day 19Christchurch/Kaikoura

    Mountains, marine life, and magic! Kaikoura is pretty darn special, so special in fact, that it may be the South Island’s best kept secret. The best way to experience it is to get out there and witness what this rugged coastal town does best. Book a whale watching cruise, swim with seals, or just take a walk along the coast admiring the scenery. In the afternoon try bird watching, swim with dolphins or splurge on flight over the peninsula.

    Christchurch → Kaikoura

  20. Day 20Kaikoura/Wellington

    Reminisce and reflect on your time in New Zealand as you and the group travel to Picton to catch a ferry back to Wellington. Watch the majestic scenery of this country unfold before you and simply appreciate the moment (we know you’re probably already making plans to return.) Once back in the city grab some grub with your travel crew and let the good times roll for one last night out in New Zealand together.

    Kaikoura → Wellington

  21. Day 21Wellington/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.

    Wellington → Sydney

  22. Day 22Sydney

    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.

    Sydney

  23. Day 23Sydney

    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.

    Sydney

  24. Day 24Sydney

    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.

    Sydney

  25. Day 25Sydney/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.

    Sydney → Arrawarra

  26. Day 26Arrawarra

    As the sun rises along the ocean hit the beach for an included surf lesson with Spot X. Located in one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the country they are completely devoted to the surf lifestyle. Spend some time in the sun and laughing in the waves with your travel tribe before heading out on a kangaroo trek. Then it’s time for a free afternoon to enjoy your surroundings. Soak up views of Solitary Islands Marine Park, embark on a rockpool scramble to look for fish traps and sea creatures, or wander over to Mullawarra beach for a picnic. Your only real job today is to have fun!

    Arrawarra

  27. Day 27Arrawarra/Byron Bay

    Adventure through lush national parks, stunning beaches, rolling green hills, and small but vibrant towns full of charm and authentic Australian culture as the group drives from Arrawarra to Byron Bay. Grab lunch in the surf and arts town of Byron Bay, before walking to Cape Byron Lighthouse to see the easternmost point in the country. If luck is on your side you may glimpse migrating whales and pods of resident dolphins.

    Arrawarra → Byron Bay

  28. Day 28Byron 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.

    Byron Bay

  29. Day 29Byron Bay/Brisbane

    Venture north with your group to the capital of Queensland; Brisbane. Along the way, stretch those legs one final time on an included walk at the Daisy Hill Koala Centre. Nestled amongst eucalyptus trees, the centre features multi-level viewing of the resident rescue koalas and interactive educational displays, making it a unique place to learn about koalas and their conservation. Tour ends upon arrival to Brisbane in the afternoon, but we recommend extending to enjoy what this fun city has to offer. Besides, you probably aren’t ready to go home just yet.

    Byron Bay → Brisbane

Upcoming departures

  • 2026-09-192026-10-17REQUEST_SPACE
    $5,499
  • 2026-09-262026-10-24NOT_BOOKABLE
    $5,499
  • 2026-10-032026-10-31AVAILABLE
    $5,399
  • 2026-10-102026-11-07NOT_BOOKABLE
    $5,399
  • 2026-10-172026-11-14AVAILABLE
    $5,399
  • 2026-10-242026-11-21AVAILABLE
    $5,399
  • 2026-10-312026-11-28AVAILABLE
    $5,399
  • 2026-11-072026-12-05AVAILABLE
    $5,399
  • 2026-11-142026-12-12NOT_BOOKABLE
    $5,399
  • 2026-11-212026-12-19NOT_BOOKABLE
    $5,399
  • 2026-11-282026-12-26AVAILABLE
    $5,399
  • 2026-12-052027-01-02AVAILABLE
    $5,849
  • 2027-01-022027-01-30AVAILABLE
    $5,849
  • 2027-01-092027-02-06AVAILABLE
    $5,849
  • 2027-01-162027-02-13AVAILABLE
    $5,849
  • 2027-01-232027-02-20AVAILABLE
    $5,849
  • 2027-01-302027-02-27AVAILABLE
    $5,849
  • 2027-02-062027-03-06AVAILABLE
    $5,849
  • 2027-02-132027-03-13AVAILABLE
    $5,849
  • 2027-02-202027-03-20AVAILABLE
    $5,849
  • 2027-02-272027-03-27AVAILABLE
    $5,849
  • 2027-03-132027-04-10AVAILABLE
    $5,399
  • 2027-11-202027-12-18AVAILABLE
    $5,399