Australia and New Zealand Tours & Trip Packages

Australia and New Zealand Tours & Trips

7 Australia and New Zealand trips. Tours from 12 tour companies. 14 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

7 Trips match your criteria (1 - 7 shown)

Experience Fiji & Samoa
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Themes

Cultural, Relaxing Retreats

What travelers are saying

"It's hard to describe how lucky we are to have been able to work with Stephanie in planning our honeymoon to Japan. From the very beginning, Stephanie was friendly, flexible, and an absolute wealth of knowledge. We had several meetings with her leading up to our trip to come up with the perfect itinerary. Throughout this, Stephanie was mindful of our budget, without sacrificing anything. During our trip, Audley was available at all hours to help with anything and everything which was such a relief to know we had that resource available to us. I truly cannot imagine having planned this trip without all of Stephanie's guidance and knowledge- and cannot imagine taking another big trip like this without the help of Audley. Thank you again!"

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Australia & New Zealand: An Adventure Down Under
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Melbourne, Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Highlights

  • Visit Cleland Wildlife Park
  • Visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service
  • Enjoy a casual dinner of Australian cuisine
  • Explore an array of native plant, animal, and bird species
  • Discover the deep spiritual and cultural connection the Aboriginal people have to the land.
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Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"This letter is effectively what was communicated no less than 8 times in writing and conversation to OAT representatives up the chain, beginning 19 days before the trip. OAT was IMMOVABLE on allowing us to find an alternative travel companion and it was 100% due to rigid policy, not real barriers. We never expected a refund and wouldn't have blamed them if we could not fill my spot. They refused to even give us the opportunity. Appalling and sadly representative of their customer service. Congratulations, you lost two customers and one long time referral source. I only think it is fair that folks know the nature of the company at this point. An absolute shame. As a dedicated Edmund Hillary member of OAT with a history of introducing countless friends to your service including 4 who booked trips, I am writing to express my deep concern over the handling of our Galapagos trip booking in light of a recent medical emergency. This situation not only highlights significant gaps in customer communication and care but also underscores the need for immediate, effective action. Timeline of Events and Communication Issues: Initial Contact on 11/22: We contacted OAT 19 days before the trip, scheduled for 12/11, as soon as it became clear that extended surgical complications would prevent my travel. Policy of No Refunds or Changes Under 30 Days: We were informed that the trip is non-refundable under 30 days, which is understood. However, OAT also refused to allow a replacement traveler, posing zero risk to the company. Both of us called, met with the same response. Response from Exceptions Department on 11/22: The no-change policy was reiterated by the Exceptions Department on the same day. Written Escalation on 11/22: Both parties sent written letters to escalate the matter. Delayed Response Until 11/29: We did not receive any response until 11/29, with OAT mentioning the inability to make changes 12 days before the trip. Policy vs. Practical Reasons: The response seemed more policy-based than practical. We offered to cover the cost for a replacement traveler for the internal Galapagos flight, which was declined. The rep always returned to the policy prohibiting it. She further added we do not sell trips within 30 days. Upon looking the next day, I found no less than 7 different itineraries with no less than 13 different trips that I could have booked within 30 days. Further Escalation Request and Conversation on 11/30: A further request for escalation resulted in a 23-minute conversation on 11/30 without any change. Given these circumstances, I propose the following practical solution: Future Travel Credit in Exchange for Re-Selling My Space: If finding a substitute traveler is unfeasible, I suggest OAT resell my space to another interested party, crediting me for a future trip. This solution aligns with my preference and ongoing loyalty to OAT. The lack of a constructive response and rigid adherence to policy without considering exceptional circumstances is alarming. It not only affects this immediate trip but also impacts my ability to continue advocating for OAT in good conscience. An amicable and prompt resolution to this issue would speak volumes about OAT's commitment to customer satisfaction and flexibility. Unless there is a prompt and constructive resolution to this matter, we will be forced to escalate our concerns further. This includes reaching out to higher management within OAT, engaging with consumer protection agencies, sharing our experience through travel forums, and social media for breach of service. Our preference is to resolve this amicably, yet the current trajectory leaves us little choice but to pursue these avenues. I implore you to seriously consider these options and respond in a manner that reflects OAT's values of empathy and customer support. Your immediate attention to this matter is not only appreciated but necessary for a resolution that respects both parties' interests. Thank you for your understanding and prompt attention to this critical issue."

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Australia & New Zealand
5/5 Excellent
35 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Auckland, Brisbane, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Queenstown, Sydney

Highlights

  • Explore Sydney
  • Visit a local winery, sampling vintages and learning about the wine-making process in New Zealand
  • Visit Rotorua Museum
  • Explore Queensland you'll discover the spectacular Twin Rivers on a thrilling hour-long optional jet-boat ride.
  • Experience an amazing Milford Sound cruise

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Overland Journeys

What travelers are saying

"I've traveled with this company 4 times and find the value and service outstanding. If you are on a slim budget try the " last minute" opportunities. We got an incredible deal on a river cruise two months out."

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Best of New Zealand with Fiji & Sydney
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
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."

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New Years in Australia & New Zealand
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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22 day Highlights of Australia & New Zealand
5/5 Excellent
2 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Auckland, Cairns, Christchurch, Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Queenstown, Sydney, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Highlights

  • Discover cosmopolitan Melbourne on a walking tour
  • Experience the striking colour changes of Uluru at sunset
  • Discover Aboriginal rock art and learn about the sacred sights at Uluru
  • Cruise the fabulous Great Barrier Reef
  • Take a guided tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House
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Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Sarah Potter has been great helping me with multiple itineraries and customer customization. She has been very patient with their changes and questions. Highly recommend them for your South Pacific vacation package needs.-Lisa"

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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.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 7 trips to Australia and New Zealand and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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