Overview
Take your ensemble on a thrilling performance tour through Australia and New Zealand. Your group can look forward to exploring iconic landmarks including the Auckland Sky Tower, the Sydney Opera House, the Taronga Zoo, and Bondi Beach. They’ll also perform for international audiences.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to New Zealand (Auckland)
Day 2
Lose a day as you cross the International Date Line
Day 3
Arrive in Auckland
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Auckland Tour Director-led sightseeing
Take a walking tour of Auckland with our Tour Director. Hear about Aotearoa’s people and their place in the Pacific, the remarkable flora and fauna found from north to south, and the conflicts that have shaped the nation.
All Blacks Experience guided visit
Step into the world of New Zealand rugby on an interactive guided visit. Explore immersive exhibits, test your skills, and learn about the legacy of the All Blacks and other national teams. Discover the history, traditions, and cultural significance of the sport, including the meaning and power of the haka.
Day 4
Harbour conservation cruise
Students are the eco-stewards of the future, and this experience helps them understand the challenges facing our oceans and their role in protecting them. Head out on Waitematā Harbour aboard Dolphin Explorer for a two-hour session with marine scientists, combining expert insight with interactive, hands-on learning.
Rangitoto Island visit
Explore the youngest volcanic island located just off Auckland. Its symmetrical shape and location make it an iconic part of the city.
Auckland performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 5
Hobbiton™ Movie Set guided visit
Step into the world of The Shire on a guided visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, located on a working sheep farm. Learn how the detailed outdoor set was created, from handcrafted props to cinematic illusions used during filming. Your guide shares behind-the-scenes stories before the visit concludes at the Green Dragon Pub.
Day 6
Fly to Christchurch
Christchurch city walk
Day 7
Banks Peninsula excursion
Explore Banks Peninsula on New Zealand’s South Island, first inhabited by the Māori and later charted by Captain Cook in the 1700s. The region is known for its waterways, dramatic scenery, and abundant flora and fauna.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve visit
Visit Willowbank Wildlife Reserve to experience local animal life up close. See kiwi, kangaroos, and other native species, along with heritage farm animals and select exotic animals like lemurs and macaws, all within a natural and engaging setting.
Christchurch performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 8
Fly to Sydney
Sydney city walk
Explore Sydney on foot through The Rocks, where cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and lively shops bring the city’s past and present together. Walk across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge for sweeping harbor views, then stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens to discover native plants and scenic waterfront landscapes.
Day 9
Taronga Zoo visit
Set on Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo is home to many of Australia’s native animals. See kookaburras, koalas, dingoes, red pandas, platypuses, and more in naturalistic settings, all while enjoying views of the harbour. “Taronga” is believed to be an Aboriginal word meaning “water view.”
Sydney Opera House guided visit
Explore the Sydney Opera House and learn the story behind its iconic design. Discover architect Jørn Utzon’s vision, get a close look at the famous shell tiles, and step inside to visit performance spaces. Take in the craftsmanship and experience one of the world’s most recognized cultural landmarks.
Attend a performance at the Sydney Opera House
Enjoy a performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House. Exact performance subject to final confirmation at time of booking.
Day 10
Bondi Beach excursion
Visit Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most famous stretches of sand, known for its surf culture, lifesaving history, and vibrant atmosphere. Learn what makes Bondi unique, then enjoy free time to relax, explore, or try surfing. Continue to The Gap for coastal views and Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair for iconic harbor views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Sydney performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 11
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 3 Days in Cairns
Begin with a locally guided sightseeing tour featuring the Esplanade, Wharf Street, and the vibrant Cairns Night Market. From there, enjoy a relaxing half-day excursion to Palm Cove, known for its palm-lined beaches and tropical charm. Spend a full day exploring the Great Barrier Reef on a cruise with lunch and free time to snorkel or unwind. Cap off your stay with a memorable performance in Cairns, set against the backdrop of Australia’s tropical north before heading home.
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
Daily meals, with options varying by program. Ask your Account Manager for details
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding multi-day bus drivers)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
High school credit for students in grades 6-12, or college credit for students in grades 9-12, upon completion of the travel program and required WorldStrides online coursework
Scenes from Australia and New Zealand
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.