10 Days in Australia & New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Fast-Paced Australia & New Zealand Tour: Queenstown, Sydney, Tasmania & Perth

This Australia and New Zealand tour is perfect for first-time visitors looking to check out some of the landscapes and cities on offer Down Under. Starting in New Zealand, you'll marvel at the beauty of Queenstown and Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. Then, hop over to Australia and spend two or more days each in Sydney, Hobart, and Perth. Notable highlights along the way include a hike to Bondi Beach, time to explore Freycinet National Park, and a full-day cycling excursion around Rottnest Island in search of incredibly cute quokkas. 

Welcome to New Zealand! Your adventure begins in picturesque Queenstown, where any hints of jet lag will quickly pass as you cruise Lake Wakatipu and experience the dramatic Milford Sound / Piopiotahi during a scenic flight and cruise. Then, on the morning of Day 3, say goodbye to New Zealand and hop across the Tasman to Sydney, Australia. Kickstart your stay in Sydney with free time to stroll along the Circular Quay and Darling Harbour. Over the following days, embark on a guided bike tour, visit the Taronga Zoo, and spend a day hiking in the nearby Blue Mountains. 

A flight to Hobart, Tasmania, on Day 6 is next, and after refreshing at your hotel, you'll visit Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to admire the island's quirky native animals. The following day, discover the wild landscapes of Freycinet National Park during a full-day guided tour, which includes a trek to the Wineglass Bay Lookout. Then, after an evening hopping between Hobart's historic pubs, you'll catch a flight to Perth, Western Australia. Spend your final vacation days cruising along Swan River, cycling around Rottnest Island (and spotting the smiling quokkas), and soaking up the city's art scene before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Australia & New Zealand Culture Tour: Auckland, Rotorua, Melbourne, Uluru & Sydney

Crafted for travelers eager to discover the vibrant culture of Australia and New Zealand, this culture-forward trip promises an introduction to the traditions of the Māori and the Indigenous peoples. Enlightening excursions include a Te Pa Tu Māori Feast, a Wintjiri Wiru Aboriginal Drone Show, and a guided walk around the Royal Botanic Gardens. In between, enjoy a thorough tease of each country's incredible landscapes while gliding through glowworm caves, pondering the Twelve Apostles, and watching the sunrise over Uluru. 

Your culture-filled tour begins in Auckland, New Zealand, where a dinner cruise provides the perfect atmosphere to settle in. Next, wander the Hobbiton Movie Set and enjoy the starry wonderland of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves during a transfer to Rotorua. While in this geothermal-rich city, visit Te Puia Springs, the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, and Te Pa Tu before catching a flight to Melbourne, Australia. Two days here will fly by as you check out the city's many quirky bars and street art and embark on a full-day tour along the Great Ocean Road to the impossible Twelve Apostles. 

Midway through your adventure, it's time to hop on another flight, bound for Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia's outback. Two days here promises ample time to delight in the Wintjiri Wiru Aboriginal drone show, visit sacred caves at the Mutitjulu Waterhole, and indulge in delicacies during a Sounds of Silence dinner. Then, fly to Sydney, where you'll explore the Taronga Zoo, conquer the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb, and stroll the Royal Botanic Gardens. Lastly, relax on the soft sands of Bondi Beach and squeeze in a morning cruise before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Australia & New Zealand Outdoor Adventure: Queenstown, Sydney & Cairns

Focus your time on three distinct regions—Queenstown, Sydney, and Cairns—and take advantage of their many outdoor pursuits on this adventure in Australia and New Zealand. Highlights include a thrilling jetboat experience in New Zealand's adventure capital, a cruise on Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, a coastal hike in Hermitage Foreshore Reserve, and snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. With a mix of urban exploration and outdoor adventures, this itinerary is perfect for thrill-seekers eager to experience various activities while limiting travel time.

Upon arriving in Queenstown, New Zealand, your adventure begins with a delightful cruise on Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet dinner. Over the next two days, delve deeper into the region's many remarkable landscapes: first while flying to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi for a nature cruise, followed by a Central Otago wine-tasting tour, an exciting jet boat ride in Shotover River Canyon, and a relaxing evening at the Onsen hot pools. Then, catch a flight to Sydney, Australia, on Day 4, where you'll settle into your three-night stay with a cruise around Sydney Harbour and bar hopping in The Rocks. 

While in Sydney, you'll also visit the Taronga Zoo, sample innovative dishes during a Potts Point foodie experience, and embark on an Aboriginal bush tucker tour through the Royal Botanic Gardens. Then, round off your stay hiking in the Hermitage Foreshore Reserve before flying north to Cairns. A memorable Zootastic 5 experience is first on the agenda here, followed by a delve into the region's many activities. These include a day trip to the mountain village of Kuranda, a sailing excursion over the Great Barrier Reef, and a River Drift snorkeling tour in the rainforest on Mossman River. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Sydney & New Zealand's South Island Ultimate Adventure

Experience sunny Sydney and embark on an activity-filled road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown on this Australia and New Zealand adventure. In Sydney, you'll climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge and meet koalas at the Symbio Wildlife Park. Then, hop over to New Zealand, where you'll stargaze while soaking in hot pools, heli-hike on Haupapa / Tasman Glacier, cruise Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, and bungee jump off the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown. 

Begin your trip in Sydney, where the excitement of a sunset BridgeClimb on the Sydney Harbour Bridge will quickly shake off any travel fatigue. The excitement continues the next day during a guided tour from The Rocks to Bondi Beach, followed by a food tour and show at the iconic Sydney Opera House. You'll also embark on a wildlife, waterfalls, and wineries tour along the Grand Pacific Drive before saying farewell to Sydney and catching a flight to Christchurch, New Zealand. Here, you'll enjoy a unique moving dinner onboard a historic tram and participate in a Māori cultural food tour.

Nearing the halfway mark of your trip, it's time to pack up your rental car and hit the road to Lake Tekapo, a charming town set against the Southern Alps. During your stay, experience the infinity of the night sky while soaking in Tekapo Springs, 4WD through Mackenzie Country, and embark on an epic heli-hike on Haupapa / Tasman Glacier. Then, continue to Queenstown, where you'll spend the final days of your adventure ticking off numerous memorable activities. These include a ride up the Skyline Gondola, a bungee jump off Kawarua Bridge, a cruise on Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, and a short hike of your choice. Learn more

Itinerary #5: New Zealand South Island Road Trip & Melbourne

Embark on an outdoor adventure-packed self-drive down New Zealand's West Coast and spend three days soaking up Melbourne's coastlines and culinary scene on this road trip. Perfect for travelers seeking a fast-paced tour, the journey starts in Christchurch and includes a night each in Punakaiki, Hokitika, and Franz Josef / Waiau before reaching Queenstown. Then, hop over to Melbourne to tour the Great Ocean Road and soar over the city in a hot-air balloon.

Your 10-day trip starts with an overnight stay in the resilient small city of Christchurch, New Zealand, and while here, you'll enjoy an introduction to Māori culture through a culinary tour. Then, speed your way west through Arthur's Pass to Greymouth on a scenic train ride, where you'll pick up your rental car and embark on a three-day road trip to Queenstown. Along the way, visit Punakaiki to admire its unique pancake rocks, explore a captivating glowworm cave in Hokitika, and experience an exhilarating heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier.

Upon arriving in Queenstown, kick off your stay with a leisurely cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Then, rise early for a Milford Sound / Piopiotahi flight and cruise experience, giving you the rest of the day free to bungee jump from Kawarua Bridge and dine at the award-winning Rata. Another early start is on the cards the following morning for a flight over to Australia. Your destination is Melbourne, and over three days here, you'll have plenty of time for a road trip along the nearby Great Ocean Road and to experience the city's highlights during a hot-air balloon ride and guided walking tour. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Australia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Australia? Check out these other 10-day Australia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

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