Australia & New Zealand: An Adventure Downunder
$4950-$9700
Deposit: $500
Why Travel with Chicas Abroad?
- Small, intimate groups (6-10 women)
- Perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation
- Unique experiences best shared with a group of adventurous women
- Fun and experienced tour leaders who truly care about YOU
- A casual, judgment-free atmosphere
Who is Chicas Abroad?
We take women on small group adventures around the globe! We will take you out in nature to hike, kayak, bike, and do all the things with a fun group of adventure-seeking women! We also offer custom-curated adventures for you and your friends/family. Reach out to info@chicasabroad.com for more information. You can see all of our upcoming adventures and learn more about our company at chicasabroad.com
Jan 19 – Feb 1, 2027
Group size: 6 – 13
Booking Deadline: October 19, 2026
About this trip
New Zealand Explorer
Begin your adventure in New Zealand’s North Island, where laid-back Auckland and its sparkling harbours set the tone. Explore the vibrant waterfront before venturing into lush coastal rainforests, dramatic black-sand beaches, and the magical glowworm caves on your way to Rotorua. Here, bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and an unforgettable evening of Māori culture and storytelling bring the spirit of Aotearoa to life.
The journey continues south to Queenstown, surrounded by alpine peaks and crystal-clear lakes, where you’ll cruise the breathtaking Milford Sound and experience some of the most cinematic scenery on earth.
Australia Explorer
Cross the Tasman Sea to Australia, where iconic cities meet tropical wonder. In Sydney, wander historic laneways, admire postcard-perfect views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and relax on one of the city’s legendary beaches. From there, head north to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and ancient rainforests. Your days are filled with snorkeling vibrant coral gardens, gliding above the rainforest canopy, and encountering Australia’s extraordinary wildlife.
The Full New Zealand + Australia Adventure (14 Days)
For travelers who want it all, the full 14-day journey seamlessly combines both countries into one unforgettable experience—and comes with a discounted rate (up to $1000 in savings) when booked together. It’s the ultimate way to experience the culture, landscapes, and coastlines of New Zealand and Australia in one epic trip.
Designed as a women-only adventure for January 2027, this experience blends nature, culture, adventure, and connection—perfect for women ready to explore the Southern Hemisphere alongside an inspiring community of travelers.
Important Notes
Activity Level – Moderate
This journey includes a mix of city exploring, cultural experiences, light hiking, and outdoor excursions. Travelers should be comfortable walking for several hours at a relaxed pace, navigating uneven terrain in natural settings, and participating in full-day outings such as the Milford Sound cruise and Great Barrier Reef excursion. While no advanced fitness is required, a general level of mobility and stamina will ensure you get the most out of the trip. This itinerary is ideal for women who enjoy staying active, being outdoors, and experiencing nature without embarking on strenuous or high-intensity activities.
Weather
January is the height of summer in both New Zealand and Australia, bringing warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and plenty of sunshine. In New Zealand, expect mild to warm days—typically 65–80°F (18–27°C)—with cooler mornings and evenings, especially in Queenstown’s alpine setting. Australia is hotter and more tropical at this time of year: Sydney usually sits around 75–85°F (24–30°C) with low humidity, while Cairns is warm, humid, and summery, often 80–90°F (27–32°C) with chances of tropical showers. Overall, it’s an ideal season for beaches, outdoor adventures, and breathtaking summer scenery.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime?
Sneak Peek Trip Details
Jan 19 - Arrive Auckland
Settle into your hotel & explore the city
Welcome to Aotearoa (Maori name for New Zealand)! Touch down in Auckland, New Zealand’s “City of Sails,” where sparkling harbors and volcanic hills shape the skyline. After settling into your hotel, stretch your legs along the Viaduct Harbour, grab a gelato on the waterfront, or check out the lively Britomart district. In the evening, meet your fellow adventurers—your travel tribe for the next two weeks—and toast to the beginning of something big.
Accommodation: 4 or 5-star hotel, Auckland
Meals Included: Welcome Dinner
Jan 20 - Auckland
Auckland City Sights & West Coast Wilderness
Jan 21 - Hobbiton
Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton
Jan 22 - Māori Culture
Rotorua Geothermal Wonders & Māori Experience
Enjoy a full day of Rotorua’s most iconic experiences, starting with a city highlights tour before exploring the vibrant geothermal wonders of Wai-o-Tapu—including the famous Lady Knox Geyser and its dazzling volcanic landscapes. Continue to Te Puia for a guided journey through the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley, meeting kiwi birds, witnessing the mighty Pōhutu geyser, and learning about Māori carving and weaving traditions. In the evening, immerse yourself in Te Pā Tū, a spectacular 3.5-hour cultural celebration where seasonal Māori stories, song, and performance accompany a forest-canapé welcome and an unforgettable multi-course Māori-fusion feast. This day blends nature, culture, and cuisine into a richly memorable Rotorua experience.
Accommodation: 4 or 5-star hotel, Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Jan 23 - Queenstown
Rotorua to Queenstown
After breakfast, enjoy an assisted transfer to Rotorua Airport for your flight to Queenstown. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in and spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring Queenstown at your own pace.
Accommodation: 4 or 5-star hotel, Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Note: Flight from Rotorua to Queenstown included in the registration price.
Jan 24 - Milford Sound
Milford Sound Cruise
Set out after breakfast for a top-rated small-group adventure to the breathtaking Milford Sound, traveling in comfort aboard a premium glass-roof Mercedes coach with panoramic views. Enjoy engaging commentary and scenic stops along the journey before boarding a 1 hour 45 minute nature cruise through the majestic fiord, where you’ll spot waterfalls, fur seals, penguins, and sometimes dolphins. With a picnic lunch included and a more personal, crowd-free experience throughout the 12–13 hour day, this tour offers an unforgettable and intimate way to experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders.
Jan 25 -Queenstown Sites
Shotover Jet Tour & Winery Visit
Start your day with breakfast before meeting your driver-guide for a scenic Queenstown sightseeing tour, visiting charming Arrowtown, watching bungy jumpers in action, and taking in the beauty of Lake Wakatipu. Then brace yourself for an adrenaline-pumping Shotover Jet ride as you skim through dramatic river canyons at thrilling speeds. After the excitement, unwind at Kinross Winery for an exceptional wine experience, where expert hosts introduce you to rare Central Otago wines and the stories behind them. Your day ends with a delicious three-course sharing-style dinner featuring quintessential New Zealand dishes, from slow-cooked lamb to fresh market fish and seasonal sides—a perfect blend of adventure, flavor, and relaxation.
Accommodation: 4 or 5-star hotel, Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Jan 26 - To Sydney/Home
Queenstown to Sydney (or Home)
After breakfast, enjoy an assisted transfer to Queenstown Airport for your flight to Sydney (or home if you aren’t joining us in Australia). Upon arrival, once you’ve completed entry formalities, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. Check in and settle into your new surroundings, with the rest of the day free to relax or begin exploring Sydney at your own pace.
For those of us joining us on the Australia Explorer only, please plan to arrive in Sydney at any time this day.
Accommodation: 4 or 5-star hotel, Sydney
Meals Included: Breakfast
Note: Flights from Queenstown to Australia included for those guests joining us on the full New Zealand and Australia Adventure.
Jan 27 - Explore Sydney
Sydney City Sights & Bondi Beach
Start your day with breakfast before meeting your guide for a half-day Panoramic Sydney tour, exploring the historic Rocks district, the grand colonial architecture of Macquarie Street, and stunning viewpoints like Mrs. Macquaries Point overlooking the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Travel through the glamorous Eastern Suburbs—Kings Cross, Rose Bay, Watsons Bay—and enjoy a relaxing stop at world-famous Bondi Beach. Continue past Tamarama and Bronte before returning to the city and boarding your Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise. Spend two unforgettable hours gliding across one of the world’s most beautiful harbours, taking in iconic landmarks with live commentary, while enjoying a generous fresh buffet—including seafood—and a full beverage package. The cruise concludes at Circular Quay, where you’ll transfer back to your hotel for the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: 4 or 5-star hotel, Sydney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Jan 28 - Blue Mountains
Full Day Blue Mountains Tour
Begin your day with breakfast before meeting your guide for an unforgettable full-day adventure into the Blue Mountains. Travel west from Sydney through historic townships to Sydney Zoo, where you’ll enjoy close encounters with koalas, kangaroos, and Australia’s unique wildlife—with a cultural talk led by Aboriginal guides. Continue to the charming village of Leura before heading to Echo Point for sweeping views of the Jamison Valley and the iconic Three Sisters. Enjoy a scenic 2-course lunch perched above the escarpment, then explore Scenic World with an Unlimited Discovery Pass, giving you all-day access to the thrilling Scenic Railway, Cableway, Skyway, and tranquil rainforest Walkway. Take in dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient forests from every angle before returning to Sydney via Olympic Park, completing a richly immersive day of nature, culture, and spectacular views.
Accommodation: 4 or 5-star hotel, Sydney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Jan 29 - To Cairns
Travel from Sydney to Cairns
After breakfast, enjoy an assisted transfer to Sydney Airport for your flight to Cairns. Upon arrival, once you’ve completed all entry formalities, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring the tropical city of Cairns at your own pace.
Accommodations: 4 or 5-star hotel, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast
Jan 30 - Reef Exploring
Great Barrier Reef Exploration
Experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef with Quicksilver’s premier cruise to Agincourt Reef, a spectacular ribbon reef on the edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf. Travel in comfort aboard a wave-piercing catamaran and spend the day exploring this vibrant underwater world—snorkel among colorful coral gardens, dive for an even closer look (optional), or stay dry while enjoying incredible marine views from the semi-submersible, underwater observatory, and viewing platform. With opportunities to witness fish feeding and even add an exhilarating helicopter flight over the reef, this is an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Morning and afternoon tea, a tropical buffet lunch, and return transfers are all included.
Accommodations: 4 or 5-star hotel, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Jan 31 - Explore Kuranda
Kuranda Rainforest Adventure
Meet your guide at the hotel and transfer to Freshwater Station, where your preferential Kuranda Scenic Railway tickets let you skip the queues and settle in for a breathtaking historic train journey from Cairns’ cane fields into the lush rainforest. Enjoy about an hour exploring Kuranda’s vibrant village and markets before boarding the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway—again without queues—to glide above and through the World Heritage–listed rainforest. Stop at Red Peak and Barron Falls for scenic lookouts, boardwalks, and interpretive experiences. After descending to the Smithfield Terminal, continue to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures for free time to explore the wildlife park, including a wetlands boat cruise among saltwater crocodiles, the thrilling Crocodile Attack Show, and an up-close look at Australia’s most venomous snakes.
Accommodations: 4 or 5-star hotel, Cairns
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Feb 1 - Departures
Farewell to Cairns
Wake up in tropical paradise one last time before your journey home. Swap photos, hugs, and memories with your travel sisters—you just explored two incredible countries together, made lifelong friendships, and experienced adventure after adventure. Until the next trip!
Meals: Breakfast
Let’s Make This Journey Yours
What’s included
Accommodation
Ground Transportation
Airport transfers are included as well as the flights within Australia and New Zealand.
Tips for Local Guides
Generous tips are provided for all LOCAL guides and drivers. Tips for the Chicas Abroad tour leader are optional and at your discretion.
Meals
All meals included as indicated in the itinerary. We can accommodate dietary restrictions.
Excursions
All excursions mentioned in itinerary
Chicas Abroad Swag
We provide amazing swag items to our guests to enjoy during and after your adventure!
What’s not included
International Flights
Full 14-day Adventure: Book your international flights to arrive in Auckland on January 19th at anytime and depart Cairns on February 1st at anytime. NZ only: Jan 19-26. AUS only: Jan 26-Feb 1.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommend to cover any unforeseen events. Chicas Abroad will provide you with a link to our recommended carrier upon booking, but you may choose any carrier.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic drinks are at your own expense
Chicas Abroad Leader Tip
If you’ve had an exceptional experience, a typical gratuity for a trip of this length ranges from $30-40 per day per person.
Personal Purchase
Souvenirs and other personal purchases are not included.