Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Discover the rich history, culture, and natural landscape of Australia and New Zealand on this adventure from Queenstown to Sydney. Your students will walk along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, enjoy an adventurous inland safari, and take in a bird’s-eye view from an aerial gondola. Your group can also look forward to touring the Sydney Opera House, enjoy some downtime on world-famous Bondi Beach, and explore the vibrant town of Manly.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to New Zealand (Queenstown)
Day 2
Lose a day as you cross the International Date Line
Day 3
Arrive in Queenstown
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.
Wakatipu lakeside trail
Take a leisurely stroll along the serene shores of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. Beginning at the Kelvin Heights Peninsula, this picturesque trail meanders through historic farmlands and charming residential areas. Along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Remarkables mountain range and the shimmering lake. Suitable for walkers of all skill levels.
Day 4
Wakatipu Basin safari
Deer Park Heights, Kawarau Gorge, Arrowtown, Skippers Saddle
Aerial gondola to Bob’s Peak
Enjoy the perfect bird’s-eye view of Queenstown’s dramatic mountains and valleys as you ride high inside the cabin of your gondola.
Skyline Queenstown luge ride
Experience the thrill of a luge ride at Skyline Queenstown, where adventure meets breathtaking views. After a scenic gondola ride to the top, hop into a gravity-powered luge cart and navigate through twists, turns, and tunnels on a specially designed track.
Skyline Queenstown Restaurant dinner
Day 5
Milford Sound excursion
Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Mirror Lakes, Milford Sound cruise
Day 6
Fly to Sydney
Day 7
Sydney Tour Director-led sightseeing
Sydney Harbour Bridge walk, The Rocks, Royal Botanic Gardens
Sydney Opera House guided visit
Tour the world-famous Sydney Opera House. The unique design has made it an iconic performance space.
Day 8
Bondi Beach excursion
The Gap, Mrs Macquarie's Point, Explore Bondi Beach
Surf lesson on Bondi Beach (optional)
Good on ya, mate. It’s time to grab a board, catch a wave and hang ten. Well, after some first-class lessons and lots and lots of practice. Starting on the sand and then progressing to the sea, budding surfers will spend about an hour and a half learning the tricks of the trade from some of Bondi’s most colorful surfers and lifeguards. Surfboards and wetsuits are all part of the package, along with everything you need to get you surfing in style.
Fish and chips lunch
Ferry ride across the Sydney Harbour
Hop aboard the Manly Ferry, one of Sydney’s most iconic experiences. Departing regularly to and from Manly to Circular Quay, the ferry cruises past the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House before passing Kirribilli House the official residence of the Prime Minister.
Explore Manly
Get to know the vibrant Manly, known for its stunning beaches, outdoor cafés, and cool restaurants. The streets are lined with surf and beach-ware shops and little boutique stores. Get active with a scenic coastal walk or go for a swim, hire a bike or walk to Fairy Bower Beach, where the little penguins reside.
Dinner on your own
Day 9
Optional
Blue Mountains and wildlife sanctuary excursion (optional)
Spend a day at the scenic Blue Mountain National Park - the traditional homelands of six groups of indigenous people – Darug, Gundungurra, Wiradjuri, Wanaruah, Darkinjung and Tharawal. Travel through rainforests and encounter new plants and wildlife. Observe the amazing sandstone rock formation known as the Three Sisters. The Blue Mountains offer a variety of lookout points for you to take in the views.
Day 10
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.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
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
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from Australia & New Zealand South Island
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.