Traverse New Zealand's North and South Islands, exploring hidden wonders and iconic landscapes. Witness majestic glaciers, shimmering lakes, and ancient rainforests brimming with wildlife. Immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences, fresh seasonal fare, world class wines and scenic stays. Experience a journey like no other.
Experience one of the most remote, historic sectors of the deep South in comfort on this exploratory expedition aboard the luxurious Douglas Mawson. Your journey begins in the subantarctic, where yellow-eyed penguins waddle through wizened rata forests and royal albatross nest amid megaherb moors. Cross the Antarctic Circle and cruise the pack ice, keeping watch for emperor and Adélie penguins porpoising along the ice edge, orcas patrolling for prey and snow petrels soaring against a backdrop of the vast Antarctic Ice Sheet. Embrace the spirit of adventure as you continue along the Victoria Land Coast and into the Ross Sea, where the Antarctic Ice Sheet flows into the world's largest floating ice shelf. These are historic waters, where the explorers of the Heroic Age staged their bold assaults on the South Geographic Pole. Hear the stories of their expeditions and attempt to land at some of their remarkably well-preserved huts.
Navigate through gleaming pack ice - alive with Weddell and leopard seals, Adélie and emperor penguins
Revel in the richness of the unique Ross Sea ecosystem - part of the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area
Visit rowdy beaches - crowded with harems of New Zealand sea lions
Explore rata forests - where rare yellow-eyed penguins can be found
Reflect on the remarkable achievements of the Heroic Age explorers - visit some of their historic huts
Discover the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Australian and New Zealand Subantarctic Islands on this in-depth expedition to one of the most rugged regions of this part of the world. Witness rich endemic birdlife flourishing on Stewart and Ulva Islands, including the iconic brown kiwi and friendly flightless weka. Celebrate under the crimson blossoms of the flowering rata, affectionately known as the southern Christmas tree. Experience the majesty of Fiordland's deep Sounds and Zodiac-cruise the craggy coast of the Snares and wander through enchanting rata forests on the Auckland Islands, where you can spot endemic mollymawks and hear stories of the early sealers, settlers and explorers.
Explore the antipodean subantarctic - a sanctuary for millions of breeding albatross, penguins and seals.
Discover the delicate subantarctic ecosystem and albatross nesting ground - of mystical Campbell Island
Visit rowdy beaches - crowded with harems of New Zealand sea lions
Explore rata forests - where rare yellow-eyed penguins can be found
If you love the ocean, the rainforest and Australian wildlife, this 17-day journey from Sydney to Cairns might just be for you. On this trip, you’ll walk in Crowdy Bay National Park, meet koalas at the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie and feast on a barbeque in Red Rock. Go stand-up paddleboarding with the Gumbaynggir community and learn about local Aboriginal culture. Chill out in Byron Bay and hike in lush Lamington National Park before some free time to explore Brisbane. Hit the beach in Noosa and spend two-nights sailing the Whitsundays with your new friends, where you’ll be snorkelling, swimming and visiting secret beaches. Tour Mungalla Station with a First Nations guide, look for more koalas in scenic Magnetic Island and spend a free afternoon on Mission Beach with your feet in the sand. End it all in Cairns and toast to an epic adventure along the East Coast.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hostel, Hut, Lodge
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cairns, Sydney and NSW, Sydney
Cairns, Sydney and NSW, Sydney, Noosa, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Townsville, Magnetic Island, Mission Beach, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Lamington National Park, Brisbane
This 10-day adventure from Brisbane to Cairns is perfect for those seeking the natural beauty of Queensland with a small group of new friends. You’ll explore the popular town of Noosa, home to the Coastal Walk, Sunshine Beach and Hell’s Gate lookout. Bliss out with a full free day to take an optional eco-safari and canoe adventure in the Everglades or maybe hop in 4WDs for a guided tour of K’gari. Then, spend two-nights sailing the Whitsundays, where you’ll be snorkelling, swimming and visiting secret beaches. Couple these with a tour of Mungalla Station with a local First Nations guide, a full day to explore the lush Magnetic Island and a free afternoon on Mission Beach, and you’ve got a pretty epic adventure along the east coast!
Breathe in the fresh air of the ocean and the rainforest on this week-long journey from Sydney to Brisbane, making new friends along the way. On this trip, you’ll take a walk in Crowdy Bay National Park, visit the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie, enjoy a classic Aussie barbeque in Red Rock and go stand-up paddleboarding with the Gumbaynggir community. Learn about local Aboriginal culture, soak up a free day and night in every surfer’s favourite spot (Byron Bay, of course) and fit in as many swims and sunsets as you can. Hike to the Natural Bridge rock arch in Springbrook National Park on your way to Lamington National Park, where you’ll be surrounded by natural rainforest in your excellent lodge accommodation. End it all in Brisbane, where you can choose to extend your adventure and hit the city!
On this 16-day tropical adventure, you’ll snorkel over colourful coral reefs that teem with wildlife and plunge into waterholes below hidden waterfalls. Starting in the islands of Samoa, spend time learning about the locals' traditional culture and village life. Take fully guided day tours around different parts of two islands and enjoy some time to yourself to relax and unwind. With a few nights in a fale (a traditional waterfront villa), you’ll fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves and experience traditional fire dancing and feasting – then, take on an active escapade in gorgeous Fiji! From the picturesque coast to the lush highlands, you’ll weave through the jungle to waterfalls and remote villages. Uncover the Fijian way of living off the land with village stays and sacred ceremonial customs, hike over grasslands, raft through Fiji’s volcanic rock interior and snorkel off remote beaches at Nananu-i-Ra Island. Wander through national parks and cool off in the sparkling South Pacific waters. This is paradise!
Wherever you lay your eyes in New Zealand, there’s something remarkable to look at. On this adventure from the South Island through the beauty of the North, spend 11 unforgettable days soaking up sunshine and hopping between beaches, lakes, villages and cities. A local leader will show you the best bits of this spectacular island as you jump off from Christchurch, head to seaside Kaikoura, explore trendy Wellington, marvel at the sight of Lake Taupo, learn about local culture in a Maori village, take in the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and chill out on the beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula before wrapping up in lively Auckland. Of all New Zealand’s assets, its people top the list, so embrace a warm welcome from the locals as you explore their beautiful backyard.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Accommodation on this trip is in mixed-gender multi-share dormitory style hostels with shared facilities. We are aware of a system functionality limitation incorrectly indicating "twin-share" when you manage your booking on our website.
Be prepared for a lot of travelling, some days for up to six hours but comfort breaks are built in and relevant videos are played on the coach. Some accommodation is better than others but all was clean and comfortable. We saw and experienced lots of things we would have missed had we arranged the trip ourselves. The tour director and driver were excellent and very helpful and knowledgeable.
The northern reaches of Western Australia unite some of the most diverse, and dramatic, landscapes in the country. From yawning red-rock gorges to blissfully blue marine parks, powdery white beaches to fiery orange sunsets, a colourful journey awaits. Your itinerary takes you from the below the surface of the sea at Ningaloo Reef, with Karijini, the Pinnacles and Monkey Mia just some of the postcard-perfect places in between.