21 Days Australia & New Zealand Itinerary
Embark on a 21-day adventure through Australia and New Zealand, exploring iconic cities like Sydney and Melbourne before immersing yourself in New Zealand's stunning landscapes. This trip balances urban exploration with outdoor adventures, offering a diverse and unforgettable experience within a moderate budget.
Duration
21 days
Budget
$3500
Best Time
Spring (September-November) or Autumn (March-May) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Activities
134
Daily Avg
$167/day
Cities
Sydney (3d), Melbourne (1d), Sydney (3d), Auckland (1d), Melbourne (2d), Auckland (3d), Rotorua (2d), Queenstown (1d), Rotorua (2d), Queenstown (3d)
Pace
Fast
Australia and New Zealand offer a fantastic blend of cosmopolitan cities and breathtaking natural landscapes. This itinerary balances vibrant urban exploration with thrilling adventure activities and unique cultural experiences, making it a diverse and unforgettable journey.
Your itinerary covers 7 of 11 must-have experiences
Iconic Landmarks
Day 1: Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge Views
Urban Exploration
Day 4: Explore Melbourne's Laneways
Indigenous Culture
Day 12: Attend a Maori cultural performance in Rotorua.
Scenic Drives
Day 10: Great Ocean Road Tour
Adventure Activities
Day 18: Bungy jumping in Queenstown.
Beaches & Coastline
Day 2: Travel to Bondi Beach
Wine Regions
Day 12: Wine Tasting at Mudbrick Vineyard
Geothermal Wonders
Day 14: Te Puia Geothermal Park
Wildlife Encounters
e.g., Koala Sanctuary, Penguin Parade
Hiking & Nature Walks
Day 3: Hiking in the Blue Mountains
Food & Drink Experiences
Day 6: Indulge in Melbourne's vibrant coffee culture.
Australia and New Zealand boast vibrant food scenes influenced by indigenous ingredients and multicultural communities. Expect fresh seafood, high-quality meats, and innovative dishes that blend local flavors with international techniques. From bustling city restaurants to cozy cafes, there's something for every palate.
Must-Try Dishes
A savory pie filled with minced meat and gravy, often topped with tomato sauce. It's a quintessential Aussie snack or lunch option.
📍 Bakeries, cafes, pubs, sporting events
Deep-fried battered fish served with chips (fries). A classic takeaway meal, best enjoyed by the beach. Ask for local fish like snapper or flake (shark).
📍 Takeaway shops, pubs, restaurants near the coast
A meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. Both countries claim its origin, but it's a must-try in either!
📍 Cafes, restaurants, supermarkets (pre-made)
Sponge cakes dipped in chocolate and coated in desiccated coconut. A sweet treat often enjoyed with coffee.
📍 Bakeries, cafes, supermarkets
Food Neighborhoods
Known for its diverse culinary scene, hidden laneway cafes, and high-end restaurants.
Known for its fresh seafood, Pacific Rim cuisine, and vibrant waterfront dining.
Known for its multicultural food scene, particularly in suburbs like Cabramatta (Vietnamese) and Haberfield (Italian).
Known for its coffee culture, craft beer scene, and innovative restaurants.
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available in major cities. Look for dedicated vegetarian/vegan restaurants or ask for modifications at standard restaurants. Gluten-free options are also increasingly common. For halal food, check for certified halal restaurants, especially in areas with significant Muslim populations. When in doubt, always inquire about ingredients and preparation methods.
Tipping is not mandatory in Australia or New Zealand, but it's appreciated for exceptional service (around 10-15%). It's polite to wait until everyone at the table is served before you start eating. Using your phone at the table is generally acceptable but keep it discreet. Dress codes are generally casual, but smarter attire is suitable for fine dining.
Melbourne Cup Carnival
NovemberHorse racing event in Melbourne, expect increased crowds and prices.
Auckland Arts Festival
MarchCelebration of arts and culture in Auckland, with various performances and exhibitions.
Sydney Film Festival
JuneFilm festival in Sydney, may affect traffic in certain areas.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚆Airport Link Train or Rideshare$30 (transfer)
09:00 AM - Arrive at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD)
Collect your luggage and navigate to your accommodation. Consider airport transfer options like the Airport Link train or a rideshare service.
- 🚶N/AFREE
10:00 AM - Check into Accommodation
Settle into your chosen accommodation. Consider a hostel or budget-friendly hotel in the CBD or Darling Harbour.
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- 🚶Walk from accommodationFREE
11:00 AM - Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge Views
Walk around Circular Quay to admire the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Take photos and soak in the atmosphere.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Circular Quay$25
01:00 PM - Lunch at The Rocks
Enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes or pubs in The Rocks, Sydney's historic district.
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- 🚶Walk from The Rocks$20
02:00 PM - Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout
Climb the Harbour Bridge Pylon for panoramic views of the city and harbour. A cheaper alternative to the BridgeClimb.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Harbour Bridge PylonFREE
04:00 PM - Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Relax and explore the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden, offering stunning views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk or light rail from Royal Botanic Garden$30
06:00 PM - Dinner at Darling Harbour
Have dinner at Darling Harbour, known for its lively atmosphere and diverse dining options.
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The Rocks/Circular Quay
Central location, close to major attractions, and good transport links.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Spring (September-November) or Autumn (March-May) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Spring in Australia and New Zealand is characterized by mild temperatures, sunny days, and occasional showers. The weather is generally pleasant for exploring cities and enjoying outdoor adventures. Expect some variability, especially in mountainous regions.
Spring (September-November) offers pleasant weather with fewer crowds compared to summer. It's a great time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Check for public holidays as they may affect opening hours and transportation schedules.
Getting Around
Sydney trains and ferries; Melbourne trams; good intercity flights
Opal (Sydney) / Myki (Melbourne) / Go Card (Brisbane)
Get a transit card for your city. Melbourne trams are free in the CBD zone.
Travel
USD 400-600 (Inter-country flights and local transport)Accommodation
USD 60-100 per night (mix of hostels, budget hotels, and Airbnb)Food
USD 40-60 per day (mix of affordable restaurants, self-catering, and snacks)Activities
USD 500-800 (tours, entry fees, and adventure activities)Utilize public transport options like trains, buses, and trams. Consider purchasing multi-day transport passes.
Opt for hostels, budget hotels, or Airbnb stays outside the city center for lower prices.
Take advantage of free activities like walking tours, parks, and beaches. Look for happy hour deals and lunch specials at restaurants.
- Purchase an international SIM card or eSIM for convenient data access.
- Download offline maps and translation apps for easier navigation.
- Pack layers of clothing to accommodate varying weather conditions.
- Familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquette.
- Book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during peak season.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Lightweight, waterproof jacket
- 3Sunscreen and hat
- 4Reusable water bottle
- 5Universal travel adapter
Visa / ETA
Australia requires an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) for many nationalities, and New Zealand requires an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority). Apply several weeks in advance.
Flights & Accommodation
Book well in advance, especially if traveling during peak season (Dec-Feb) or Australian/New Zealand school holidays, to secure better rates and availability.
Rental Car
If planning a road trip, book several months ahead, particularly for popular routes or campervans, as they can sell out or become very expensive.
Popular Tours & Experiences
Book iconic attractions like Milford Sound cruises, Hobbiton tours, Sydney Opera House tours, or Great Barrier Reef trips weeks or months in advance as they often sell out.
Travel Insurance
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Highly recommended for international travel.
eSIM / Physical SIM
Arrange your mobile connectivity prior to arrival (e.g., pre-order an eSIM) for immediate access to maps and information upon landing.
Inter-island Ferry (NZ)
If traveling between New Zealand's North and South Islands by car or as a foot passenger, book the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry crossing well in advance, especially with a vehicle.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website or app
📍 Vodafone stores at airports or in city centers
📍 Spark stores at airports or in city centers
📍 Travel Wifi website (requires pre-booking and delivery)
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public libraries in urban areas. Many public spaces also offer free WiFi, although speeds may vary. Rural areas may have limited or no WiFi access.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival for the best data speeds and coverage, especially if you plan to travel outside of major cities. Check the coverage maps of different providers before making a decision. Download offline maps for areas with limited connectivity. Be aware of roaming charges if using your home country's SIM.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two angled flat pins + ground
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
10% for good service; not mandatory
Round up
Not expected
Tipping is not expected in Australia but appreciated for exceptional service.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Australia and New Zealand are generally safe countries for tourists. Exercise common sense and be aware of your surroundings.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
000
000
000
000 for all emergencies. 112 from mobiles.
Payments
Australia is very cashless
Universally accepted
Tap and go is the norm — even at farmers markets
Contactless is standard everywhere. EFTPOS (local debit) also common.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
Spring (September-November) and Autumn (March-May) offer the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer (December-February) is peak season, while winter (June-August) can be cold, especially in the South Island of New Zealand.
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