Why visit both Australia & New Zealand in one trip?

When planning an Australia & New Zealand trip for my clients I like to start them off in Australia.
Starting your itinerary in Australia often makes the most sense for travelers coming from the United States. One reason is practicality: many of Australia’s major highlights are located in large, easy-to-navigate cities where renting a car is not necessary. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne have excellent public transportation, organized tours, and centrally located attractions that make exploring simple without the need to drive. Another reason is distance. Australia is the farthest spot on this trip, so flying there first allows you to get the longest travel day out of the way right. 

The best itinerary, while in Australia. When planning 2 weeks in Australia & New Zealand you’ll have 12-nights total (remember the times zones). Dividing it up equally is a good idea so 6-nights in Australia will allow for 2 different destinations. I recommend choosing either Sydney & Cairns OR Melbourne & Cairns. This give you one cosmopolitan city plus the opportunity to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. 

Travel from Australia to New Zealand. Cairns offers a few flights non-stop flights, per week, from Cairns to Christchurch. With 6-nights in NZ  I recommend visiting New Zealand’s most scenic island – the South Island. The South Island itinerary should include 1-nights Christchurch, TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth + coach to Franz Josef. Here you’ll be on the West side of the South Island – the glacier side. 

Final stop in Queenstown, New Zealand. Set along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and framed by the dramatic Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown is one of the most breathtaking destinations in New Zealand. Definitely a memorable last stop. It’s the adventure capitol of the South Pacific as there’s nothing you can’t do here all while enjoying clear air and natural beauty. 

For detailed itinerary for a two week Australia & New Zealand itinerary email today!