23 day itinerary
Australia And New Zealand
Itinerary
A 23-day adventure through Australia and New Zealand sounds like a dream come true! Let’s dive into an itinerary that covers some of the most iconic spots while allowing you to soak in the local culture and natural beauty.
Day 1-5: Sydney, Australia
Day 1: Arrival in Sydney
- Arrive at Sydney Airport and check into your hotel.
- Spend the afternoon exploring and the .
- Enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant with views of the .
Day 2: Sydney City Tour
- Morning: Visit the and take a stroll to for stunning views.
- Afternoon: Explore , with its historic buildings and markets.
- Evening: Take a ferry to for dinner and a sunset view.
Day 3: Day Trip
- Full-day tour to the . Visit the , hike some trails, and enjoy the scenic views.
- Return to Sydney in the evening and relax.
Day 4: and Coastal Walk
- Morning: Head to for some sun and surf.
- Afternoon: Take the Bondi to , stopping at beautiful beaches along the way.
- Evening: Dinner at a beachside café.
Day 5: and Departure to Melbourne
- Morning: Visit for a chance to see native Australian wildlife.
- Afternoon: Fly to Melbourne (about 1.5 hours).
- Evening: Explore the vibrant laneways and enjoy dinner in the city.
Day 6-10: Melbourne, Australia
Day 6: Melbourne City Exploration
- Morning: Visit and the .
- Afternoon: Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in the trendy .
Day 7: Day Trip
- Full-day tour along the . Stop at the , , and enjoy the coastal scenery.
- Return to Melbourne in the evening.
Day 8:
- Full-day trip to . Visit the in the evening and see the adorable little penguins return to shore.
- Explore the island’s beaches and wildlife during the day.
Day 9: Wine Tour
- Spend the day in the , visiting wineries and tasting local wines.
- Enjoy a gourmet lunch at one of the vineyards.
- Return to Melbourne for the night.
Day 10: Departure to Cairns
- Morning: Fly to Cairns (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the and relax by the lagoon.
- Evening: Enjoy a tropical dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 11-15: Cairns and the
Day 11:
- Full-day snorkeling or diving tour to the . Explore the vibrant marine life and coral formations.
- Return to Cairns in the evening.
Day 12:
- Full-day tour to the . Take a guided walk, visit , and enjoy a river cruise to spot crocodiles.
- Return to Cairns for the night.
Day 13:
- Take the scenic railway to Kuranda, explore the markets, and visit the Rainforestation Nature Park.
- Return to Cairns via the .
Day 14: Relaxation Day
- Spend a leisurely day in Cairns. Enjoy the beach, shop for souvenirs, or indulge in a spa day.
- Evening: Fly to Auckland, New Zealand (about 6 hours).
Day 15: Arrival in Auckland
- Arrive in Auckland and check into your hotel.
- Explore the waterfront and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 16-20: New Zealand - North Island
Day 16: Auckland City Tour
- Morning: Visit the for panoramic views of the city.
- Afternoon: Explore the and the nearby Domain.
- Evening: Stroll through the .
Day 17: Day Trip
- Full-day trip to . Visit geothermal parks, experience Maori culture, and relax in hot springs.
- Return to Auckland in the evening.
Day 18:
- Full-day trip to to see the famous glowworms. Take a boat tour through the caves.
- Return to Auckland for the night.
Day 19: Fly to
- Morning: Fly to (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the town and take a scenic gondola ride for stunning views.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant.
Day 20: Adventure Day in
- Choose your adventure: bungee jumping, skydiving, or a jet boat ride.
- Afternoon: Relax by or explore nearby Arrowtown.
- Evening: Enjoy a fun night out in .
Day 21-23: New Zealand - South Island
Day 21: Day Trip
- Full-day tour to . Take a scenic cruise through the fjords and enjoy breathtaking views.
- Return to in the evening.
Day 22:
- Drive or take a tour to . Take a guided hike or a helicopter tour for stunning views of the glacier.
- Overnight in Franz Josef.
Day 23: Return to and Departure
- Morning: Drive back to .
- Depending on your flight time, enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Depart from Airport.
Final Thoughts
This itinerary gives you a fantastic mix of urban exploration, natural wonders, and adventure activities across both Australia and New Zealand. Make sure to check local travel restrictions and book your accommodations and tours in advance. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! Safe travels! 🌏✈️
