2 Weeks in Australia & New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: The Ultimate Tour of Australia & New Zealand

Tick off the renowned highlights of Australia and New Zealand on this comprehensive two-week tour. Perfect for first-time travelers eager to experience the many unique landscapes on offer down under, in New Zealand, you'll visit a charming wine island, cruise under Milford Sound / Piopiotahi's staggering waterfalls, and experience Rotorua's geothermal wonders. Then, in Australia, explore rugged Phillip Island, cruise along the Great Barrier Reef, and dine under the stars in Uluru. 

Welcome to New Zealand! Your adventure begins in Auckland, where you'll shake off the jet lag with a cruise around Waitematā Harbour and spend a day ziplining, wining, and dining on the acclaimed Waiheke Island. Then, transfer south to Rotorua and immerse yourself in Māori culture during a visit to Te Pā Tū, followed by a day discovering the region's geothermal wonders at Te Puia Springs and Hell's Gate. A flight to Queenstown is next on the agenda, and while here, you'll dine at Walter Peak High Country Farm, cruise the beautiful Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, and test your wits bungee jumping over the Nevis River.

Midway through your adventure, a short flight brings you to Melbourne, Australia. After a trip to Phillip Island to watch the heartwarming Penguin Parade, you'll transfer inland to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Experience sunset at the Kata Tjuta domes and wake early for a desert sunrise, then it's back to the airport for a flight to Cairns. Over the next two days, you'll delve into the region's legendary landscapes, first by a Great Barrier Reef tour to Green Island, followed by a leisurely hike in Daintree National Park. Lastly, catch a flight to Sydney and spend your final day checking out the city's notable highlights. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Seasonal Highlights of Australia & New Zealand

Crafted especially for those traveling in the Southern Hemisphere's winter months (May through October), this multicountry itinerary features seasonal activities and memorable wildlife encounters. Australian highlights include a whale watching experience in Sydney, snorkeling in the outer Great Barrier Reef, and delighting in up-close encounters with koalas. Then, in New Zealand, spend three days ticking off adrenaline-inducing activities in Queenstown and discovering the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. 

Upon arrival at Sydney Airport, you'll enjoy a leisurely but fascinating start to your trip with a sunset dinner cruise, a whale watching experience, and a guided tour of The Rocks on the agenda. Next, transfer north to Port Douglas, a haven for nature enthusiasts. While here, visit Wildlife Habitat to meet rescued koalas, spot colorful fish during a Great Barrier Reef cruise, and join a River Drift snorkeling experience on the Mossman River. Then, fly to Melbourne for a walk of the city's famous lanes and arcades, as well as an evening cocktail excursion before heading across the Tasman Sea.

Your first destination in New Zealand is the adventure-filled Queenstown. Enjoy a relaxing evening dining at Botswana Butchery for contemporary fare, then spend the following days tackling the Nevis Bungy, skiing or sledding up Coronet Peak, and embarking on an epic Milford Sound / Piopiotahi flight-cruise-flight experience. You'll fly to Rotorua next, and during your stay, you'll explore the Te Puia Springs and the Kiwi Conservation Centre. As your adventure winds down, head north to Auckland, but not before stopping at the Hobbiton Movie Set and the mesmerizing Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Australia & New Zealand Panorama: Palm Cove, Sydney, Auckland, Rotorua & Queenstown

Discover the best of Australia and New Zealand on this alternate, slower-paced trip that takes you from the Great Barrier Reef to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and the adventure-filled Queenstown. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this itinerary promises a range of experiences, including snorkeling in Mossman Gorge, touring Sydney's iconic landmarks, exploring Māori culture, and cruising along Milford Sound / Piopiotahi.

Your two-week journey begins in Palm Cove, Australia, a picturesque small town set between the Daintree Rainforest and the Coral Sea. Spend your first evening relaxing, then discover the tropical islands of the Great Barrier Reef onboard a catamaran and snorkel in search of water dragons on the Mossman River. Next, catch a flight to Sydney, where you'll take a surf lesson at Bondi Beach, tour the Sydney Opera House, and climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Then, after embarking on a day trip to Blue Mountains National Park, you'll board a plane bound for Auckland on New Zealand's North Island.

Spend your first evening in Auckland strolling Waitematā Harbour, before exploring the Waitākere Ranges alongside a local guide. Your journey continues to Rotorua, where a visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery offers a glimpse into the country's cherished wildlife, and an evening at Mitai Māori Village immerses you in Indigenous traditions. Next, catch a flight to Queenstown and settle in for three epic days. While a full-day excursion to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi promises to be a standout, visits to Walter Peak High Country Farm and the Skyline Gondola ensure your camera is brimming with great snapshots. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Australia & New Zealand Natural Adventure: Sydney to Queenstown

Slowing the pace down to four overnight destinations, this itinerary is ideal for nature lovers eager to experience Australia and New Zealand's captivating landscapes and gets you out shark cage diving, jet boating down backcountry rivers, and scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef. In between adrenaline-inducing activities, slow your heart rate down while cruising Doubtful Sound, riding the scenic Kuranda Rail, and sipping wine in Central Otago.

Straight after refreshing at your Sydney hotel, your adventure begins with a scenic cruise around Sydney Harbour. Kick off the following day with a tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens, then head to the Blue Mountains to hike to Govetts Leap. Next, transfer by two flights to the lively fishing city of Port Lincoln and test your courage during a thrilling shark cage diving adventure. Your final destination in Australia is Port Douglas, located in northern Queensland, and during your three-day stay, you'll scuba dive at Agincourt Ribbon Reef, ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway, and explore Rainforestation Nature Park.

On Day 9, it's time to head across the Tasman Sea to Queenstown, New Zealand. Set among the dramatic Southern Alps, there's no shortage of spectacular views to admire and thrilling activities to tick off the bucketlist. Start with a leisurely evening dining at Walter Peak High Country Farm, then take things up a notch the following days during a Dart River jet boat ride, a hike on the Routeburn Track, and a superb day cruising the remote Doubtful Sound. You'll also treat yourself to a memorable Central Otago wine tour and an evening soaking in the Onsen Hot Pools before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: New Zealand & Australia Road Trip Highlights

Take the reins on this captivating road trip across Australia and New Zealand that perfectly blends natural wonders with cultural experiences. From the geothermal landscapes of Rotorua and star-studded skies of Lake Tekapo to snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef and witnessing the awe-inspiring Uluru at sunset, this itinerary is brimming with memorable moments. You'll also experience Māori culture, embark on hikes in Mount Cook National Park, and explore the vibrant cities of Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch, Cairns, and Sydney.

Your self-drive trip starts in Auckland, and after picking up your rental car, you'll drive to Mount Eden for breathtaking city views. Then, hit the road to Rotorua, where you'll experience the geothermal wonders of the region while relaxing at the Polynesian Spa and learning about Māori culture at Te Pā Tū. Next, board a flight bound for Queenstown, the starting point of your South Island road trip. Over the following three days, you'll go to Christchurch, stopping along the way to cruise Lake Wānaka, hike the Hooker Valley Trail, and stargaze from Mount John Observatory.

The second half of your journey starts with a flight to Cairns, Australia. Settle in for a two-night stay, which gives you ample opportunity to dive or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef before embarking on a scenic drive to Cape Tribulation. Next, catch a flight to Uluru, where an award-winning Sounds of Silence dinner and a hike through Walpa Gorge showcase the highlights of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Your final days focus on Sydney's delightful culinary and nightlife scene, and you'll also have a chance to tackle the Sydney Bridge Climb before departing for home. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Australia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Australia? Check out these other two-week Australia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

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