March 5-16, 2025 + optional extension (March 16-20)

Journey Down Under—Australia + New Zealand

Two Countries. Endless Adventures. Experience Australia + New Zealand in one amazing trip! Geothermal beaches and zipline adventures. Volcanos and waterfalls. Kangaroos and hobbits (yes, in Hobbiton!). Bring your camera for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Day 1

Meet up in Sydney, Australia, for the first leg of our adventure. Walk (and eat!) your way through Sydney on a walking food tour, getting the inside scoop of the people, cultures, and dishes that make up this amazing city. Relax on a short ferry ride as you head over to Manly Harbor for an exquisite sunset on the beach.

Day 2

Journey into the Blue Mountains and visit the Featherdale Wildlife Park to experience the iconic animal species of Australia. Kangaroos and Koalas will brighten your day and give you lots of talk about as you venture onto see the natural wonders that await you.

Day 3

Spend the afternoon at the iconic Bondi Beach and Ocean Pool. Think surfer-watching, beach bars, and swimming in protected pools built right into the ocean. Ready for a night out? This is your night to catch an optional show at the Sydney Opera House.

Day 4

Fly to Auckland, New Zealand and set out on an electric bike tour of the city – the perfect way to spend your first afternoon getting to know this amazing city.

Day 5

This is a day for exploring Auckland! Enjoy a picnic at Cornwall Park (think NYC’s Central Park), housed on a volcano and featuring the remnants of a Māori fort. Visit Queen St. for some shopping, live music, and people-watching. Gather together for a panoramic sunset dinner at Sky Tower, the tallest building in Auckland.

Day 6

Enjoy a free day to do what feels best to you! Stay in the city or head north to the Bay of Islands. Float in a boat or do whatever floats your boat!

Day 7

Welcome to Hobbiton! Venture into the beautiful Matamata, nestled in Kaimai Ranges Mountains. Tour the filming location of the hobbits’ homes in Lord of the Rings series and enjoy a feast fit for a king—or a hobbit!

Day 8

Check out the lovely city center in Rotorua. Paddle board through the geothermal waters of Lake Rotomahana and spend the evening surrounded by glowworms lighting your star-filled evening tour.

Day 9

Start this day of adventure with a treetop canopy tour filled with ziplines, swing bridges, and more. Head to Lake Taupo’s Hot Water Beach for an afternoon relaxing in hot water from a natural geothermal spring.  End the evening with a cultural experience at Te Pā Tū, soaking in Māori history, traditions, and future aspirations during hours of celebration and feasting.

Day 10

There is so much to choose from as you independently explore the Lake Taupo area. Hike to Huka Falls and view hydro power in action; experience the falls by water on a high intensity jet boat ride; visit the Taupo Museum for a cultural perspective; explore more geothermal adventures in the Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley; or tour the street art of Taupo.

Day 11

Low key or high intensity? Choose to catch your dinner by fishing Lake Taupo or to walk across a volcano on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Tongariro National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site for both its natural and cultural importance. Relax the evening away at the Spa Thermal Park Hot Springs.

And, for those who’d like to keep exploring, we have an optional extension:

Day 12

Fly from Auckland to Queenstown, the adventure center of New Zealand. Later, hop in the Skyline Gondola and take in the stunning views as you ride the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere! You’ll enjoy spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu, the town, and soaring peaks. 

Day 13

Start your day with an iconic New Zealand experience – a thrilling JetBoat adventure through the Shotover Canyon. In the afternoon, visit a working farm for a “smoko” (afternoon tea) and an interactive farming experience.

Day 14

Continue your journey to the deep blue depths of Lake Tekapo and visit the church of the Good Shepherd. Choose to spend the day exploring the mountains on a scenic hike. End the day with a drive to Christchurch for the final leg of your tour.

Day 15

Hop aboard the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch and explore New Zealand’s diverse beauty.  Experience the pastureland of the Canterbury Plains before our journey through the Waimakariri Gorge. After visiting the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass in the Otira Gorge, we’ll visit a farm in the foothills of the Southern Alps.

Day 16

Finish your exploration of Christchurch (perhaps punting on the Avon River is just your speed), and then head to the airport for your flight back home. 

Cost: $5950*

Includes all travel within and between countries, breakfast each day, three delicious dinners, comfy accommodations, exciting excursions, and two personal travel guides (and friends for life, of course)

The price excludes travel insurance, transatlantic flights, and meals not mentioned above. We’d be happy to help you book flights and travel insurance, though!

*Optional extension to the South Island is $2200

Details

  • Erica Oswald, Founder of intoMOTION Travel, and Laurie Carruth, veteran tour guide, will be leading the tour

  • A deposit of $1200 (non-refundable) will reserve your spot!

  • You will need a valid passport and Visas for both New Zealand and Australia

If you're in...

  • Contact us at info@intomotiontravel.com or (916) 245-0062 to get your questions answered

  • Fill out the Adult Application HERE

  • Pay your $1200 deposit by ACH or credit card

  • Share this exclusive opportunity with your friends! #intoMotionTravel