Australia & New Zealand Trip Overview

Discover the best of both Australia and ​New Zealand’s ​stunning landscapes and bustling urban centers on TFT’s Older Teens adventure in the Land Down Under. If you’re looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience, you’re sure to find it on this teen tour as you journey with Travel For Teens through alpine lakes, dramatic fjords, lush rainforests, stunning coral reefs, and the rugged Australian Outback.

Your journey starts in Australia, where you’ll be able to get up close with koalas and kangaroos, explore Sydney, discover the Great Barrier Reef, and of course, immerse yourself in the Australian culture and relaxed lifestyle.

Then it’s off to New Zealand’s South Island, where the stunning landscapes steal the show. Snowcapped alps, glacial valleys and star-filled skies all merge together for an adventure tour that is entirely unique from its neighbor, the North Island. Explore alpine lakes, hike to hidden glaciers, stargaze in a hot spring, explore a glow worm dell and cruise through dramatic fjords

There is no limit to the adventures you will have when you travel with us to Australia and New Zealand and discover that these countries have so much more to offer than what you will find in the guide books!

*This is a combination of our Australia for Older Teens and New Zealand for Older Teens trips. 

Price

$9295 + $500 Intra-Trip Flight + Airfare

Departures
  • Jun 29 - Jul 23 Limited
Days

25 Days

Finishing Grades

11, 12

Who Can Go On This Program?

Students from around the world!

Where We Go

Cairns, Brisbane, Moreton Island, Sydney, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Mount Cook, Omarama, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Hokitika, Arthur’s Pass, Castle Hill

Optional Group Flight There

Los Angeles (LAX) to Cairns (CNS)

Optional Group Flight Back

Christchurch (CHC) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Countries

Australia, New Zealand

During this program, you will…

  • Spot platypus and wallabies, get up close with koalas and kangaroos
  • Scuba dive* or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
  • Visit the iconic Sydney Opera House and explore the neighborhoods of Surry Hills, Manly and Bondi
  • Discover one of the most impressive glaciers in the world
  • Ride a helicopter to the top of a glacier and explore its natural ice formations- those brave enough will have the option to ice climb!*
  • Visit a world famous observatory and discover constellations, planets and the southern cross
  • Catch sunset from Queenstown’s best view points after exploring the bustling winter town
  • Cruise through the iconic fjords in Milford sound and spot seals, penguins, and dolphins
  • Hike through forests, mountains, rivers, and glaciers
  • Relax in a thermal hot spring overlooking a peaceful lake surrounded by snow capped mountains

*This is an optional add on

Trip Itinerary

DAY 1: DEPART FROM LOS ANGELES (LAX)
DAY 2: CROSS THE INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE
DAYS 3-6: CAIRNS > KURANDA RAINFOREST > ATHERTON TABLELANDS

Our first stop in Australia will take us to the “Far North Queensland”. After landing in Cairns, we will spend a full day in Kuranda, learning how to throw a boomerang, practice playing the didgeridoo, and we’ll enjoy a traditional Aussie BBQ lunch. You’ll also have the chance to get up close with koalas and kangaroos and immerse yourself in a greenhouse full of butterflies! Then we’re off to spend a full day cruising the turquoise waters on the incredible Great Barrier Reef where we’ll have the the opportunity to snorkel or scuba dive* with sea turtles exquisite sea life. In-between the adventure activities, we’ll take the time to explore the bustling city of Cairns, including visiting the famous night markets where you can pick up a souvenir or two! During our time in Cairns we will give back through Reef Teach, learning how to assist with marine conservation, including a turtle rehab center.

DAYS 8-9: BRISBANE > MORETON ISLAND

Hop on a quick flight and land in Brisbane. After exploring downtown, we’ll catch a high-speed ferry to the third-largest sand island in the world, Moreton Island. Choose how to spend your days — maybe feed wild dolphins, sand-board down giant dunes, or spend some time relaxing on the gorgeous beaches of the island.

DAYS 10-12: SYDNEY

We round out our time in Australia in Sydney, where you will explore the urban and cosmopolitan excitement of the capital city, with its splendid harbor and world-class metropolis. Visit the Botanical Gardens, discover the history of the famed Sydney Opera House, check out a movie on the world’s largest IMAX screen, stroll down Bondi and Manly Beach, enjoy the city’s fantastic shopping in Surry Hills, and explore Sydney’s world-famous fusion food scene. Relive childhood adventures at Luna Park, Sydney’s iconic theme park.

DAY 13-15: CHRISTCHURCH

Then it’s off to New Zealand, where you’ll get to know the most populated city on the South Island. Check out the Cardboard Cathedral, built to temporarily replace the city’s cathedral after the 2011 earthquake, relax in the botanical gardens, and even do some souvenir shopping at Re:START, a funky mall built out of colorful shipping containers!

DAYS 16-17: LAKE TEPAKO> LAKE PUKAKI > MOUNT COOK

Admire the stunning Lake Tekapo and relax in thermal hot springs right on the shore of the lake while enjoying the mountain views. Lake Tekapo is far away from the lights and glow of cities, and is the largest dark sky reserve in the world. This means the stargazing here cannot be beat! As the sun sets, the sky at Tekapo comes alive, and you’ll be able to admire the constellations, meteor showers, planets, and glowing stars that make Tekapo such an otherworldly experience. We will enjoy a guided tour to learn about the Tekapo’s amazing night skies with a unique combination of astronomy and storytelling. The best part of the tour comes when we revisit the hot pools to star gaze while relaxing on a floating hammock. You’ll feel like you’re soaking in the stars! We will also visit the Mount John Observatory where you will be able to look through a special telescope to see the galaxies and planets up close!

We will also visit Lake Pukaki. This glacier-fed alpine lake draws visitors from around the world to admire the snowcapped peaks reflected in its bright blue water, including the famous Mount Cook. We will visit a special hiking trail across hanging bridges and through the mountains to reach a glacial valley with an up-close view of Mount Cook. This trail is rated one of the top hiking paths in New Zealand and it is easy to see why!

DAYS 18-19: QUEENSTOWN > MILFORD SOUND

On the road to Queenstown we will stop at the stunning Clay Cliffs of Omarama. These cliffs are completely off the tourist track and every traveler who discovers them appreciates the natural beauty of this hidden gem. You will be able to scramble and climb through them, exploring every nook and cranny at this naturally formed “playground.”

After the cliffs we will arrive in Queenstown. Famous to travelers all over the world for its stunning location and wide variety of adventure activities, we will cruise through the spellbinding Milford Sound, take take in dramatic vistas composed of high mountains and rugged fjords, spot penguins and seals on the rocky shores, and watch dolphins playing in the waters around the boat. For a real adrenaline rush we’ll zoom through rock canyons in the world’s fastest jet boat! To cap off our time in Queenstown you can hike or take the gondola to the top of the city for stunning views and an incredible sunset, and check out some favorite local eateries and hot spots of this bustling ski town.

DAY 20: WANAKA

The next stop on our adventure is Wanaka, Queenstown’s quieter little sister. Wanaka is a tiny ski town directly on a crystal clear lake surrounded by mountains. You will explore Wanaka, admire the famous “Wanaka tree” perched in the center of the lake, and take advantage of the many hiking trails in the area.

DAY 21-22: FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

Franz Josef Glacier is widely regarded as the gem of the west coast and one of the most impressive sites in the world! We will go on a trek through the valley for some of the best views of this incredible glacier, marveling at its bright blue ice formations.

The glacier itself can only be accessed by helicopter. Those who would like to get in on the action will have to option to take a quick helicopter ride to the top of the glacier to explore the crevices and incredible ice formations. If you are feeling extra adventurous, you will even have the option to try ice climbing! Spending the day on a glacier is a truly unique experience and is a must do for anyone visiting New Zealand’s South Island. After a day of adventures we will relax in glacier hot pools surrounded by rainforest.

DAY 23: HOKITIKA

We will continue driving up the west coast of New Zealand and visit the stunning Hokitika Gorge. We’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll to the viewpoint overlooking a dramatic granite gorge with milky blue-green pools, surrounded by cliffs and lush forest. Hokitika is also a historical beach town with an artsy vibe home to plenty of local shops and restaurants. We will have time to explore the town and go for a walk along the beach, keeping an eye out for Little Blue Penguins!

At night, we will be in for a special surprise when we visit a glow-worm dell! The glow worms light up this small fern grotto and you will feel like you are surrounded by thousands of stars. It is a truly surreal and one of a kind experience!

DAY 24: ARTHUR'S PASS > CHRISTCHURCH

For our final full day we will begin our journey into Arthur’s Pass, famous for being one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand. We will stop at several viewpoints and make friends with the friendly keas (New Zealand’s parrot) along the way! One of the highlights of Arthur’s Pass is Castle Hill. Castle Hill is home to amazing limestone rock formations and boulders. Castle Hill has a tangible energy, and we will explore and climb across these formations and discover for ourselves why the Dalai Lama named it “The Spiritual Center of the Universe.”

After Castle Hill we will come full circle and arrive back in Christchurch, where our journey first began. We will celebrate with one final dinner while reminiscing on all of the amazing memories we made together in New Zealand.

DAY 25: RETURN FLIGHT TO THE USA

Ready For Your Next Adventure?

Space is limited, reserve your spot! Then get ready for an authentic teen travel experience this summer!

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Frequently Asked Questions

See All FAQs

What kind of teen typically participates in this program? What are the requirements to join?

Teens from all over the world join this program! Typically, our participants are culturally curious  individuals who are excited to make new friends, experience something unique, and interested in stepping out of their comfort zones and expanding their horizons.

This program is exclusively for students who are currently in 11th or 12th grade and approximately 16 to 18 years old. Students living outside of the USA are welcome to join!

Where do we stay?

Our hotels are chosen specifically in safe areas and are well suited to facilitating group supervision. We stay in centrally located accommodations, usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.

In Cairns we stay in the center of town a few blocks away from the Esplanade. On Moreton Island near Brisbane we stay in resort-style accommodation. In Sydney we stay in the heart of bustling Surry Hills, centrally located within walking distance of all the major attractions.

In Queenstown we stay a short walk from Shotover Street along the waterfront.

For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for the program.

Do most travelers go on their own?

Yes! In fact, over 75% of students who travel with us choose to come independently. This encourages teens to step further outside their comfort zone and make new friends. We believe that one of the most rewarding and exciting elements of travel is the new friendships that form along the way. When we travel by ourselves, we are bound to make new friends from all over the country and even the world. The best part is, you can travel again with your new friends on another TFT program the next summer!

If you are thinking about joining a TFT program by yourself but you are feeling unsure, please let us know! We have plenty of references from solo travelers who had great experiences and would be happy to chat with you about it.

Can I bring a friend?

Absolutely! We ask that if you do come with a friend, you and your friend(s) maintain openness to meeting new people and sharing this special experience with the entire group.

What do students like most about the Australia & New Zealand for Older Teens trip?

Students love that Australia & New Zealand for Older Teens provides an authentic adventure for teens their own age. This program is perfect for nature and adventure lovers!

What is unique about the Australia & New Zealand for Older Teens trip?

Australia & New Zealand for Older Teens combines the best of both countries — one day you will swim with sea turtles on the Great Barrier Reef and the next you’ll discover hidden gems on New Zealand’s South Island that are off the beaten path and undiscovered by most tourists

What is included?

Tuition cost includes ground transportation; accommodation; chaperones and guides; program-related activities and admissions; taxes and tips; all breakfasts and dinners.

Not included in the cost (not intended to be an exhaustive list): Airfare, visas and visa application fees, beverages other than filtered water at meals, lunches, activities and admissions not referenced in the itinerary or deemed not program related, such as movies, expenses incurred by the participant that are outside the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels, expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters, as well as personal and medical expenses.

How do the optional group flights work?

Upon registration, you will be contacted by our International Logistics Team to discuss the program’s flight details. There is no requirement to take the group flight, but there are several advantages to doing so. The group flight is usually chaperoned by a TFT staff member, and it also offers an opportunity for the students to get to know one another prior to the start of the program. Parents are responsible for coordinating transport to the departure airport – however, the logistics team will send out instructions detailing the exact meeting spot and airport point person. For additional information about flights, visit our dedicated flight page.

Our Australia & New Zealand for Older Teens program is an exciting combination of our 17-day Australia for Older Teens program and our 13-day New Zealand for Older Teens program. The flight between programs is not covered in the cost of tuition and is considered part of your international airfare. TFT will have a set group flight path from Australia to New Zealand. You can choose to book this on your own, but we recommend booking through our office as we usually are able to get better flight deals.

Who leads the program?

Our staff is a cut above the rest! We seek out two main characteristics in our counselors – extensive knowledge of and experience in our destinations, and a passion for working with teens. Our staff’s backgrounds include living abroad and working in summer camps or other educational settings. Team members are proven leaders and role models, who connect easily with others and form genuine friendships with each student – all while bringing each destination to life.

We celebrate diversity! Our staff represents 49 different nationalities, speak a combined total of 21 languages, and visited 142 countries. Additionally, 80% of our staff lived or worked abroad in their lives. With so many unique experiences to share, you are sure to gain a global perspective.

Our average minimum ratios are one staff member to every seven participants. Each program has one Trip Director with several support staff, depending on the group size. Directors must be at least 25 years old within the calendar year and have prior experience working with TFT.

What are the safety qualifications for our staff?

Our staff members undergo a rigorous hiring process. They receive the same background check as school educators, an extensive training process to go over all safety precautions and protocols, and are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid.  We exclusively hire responsible, multi-talented individuals who are safety-minded and are as passionate about teen travel as we are.

What is the average group size?

We pride ourselves on small group sizes to create a more authentic and personalized experience. Our group sizes fall between 13 and 24 students – the perfect size to facilitate new friendships without feeling lost in a crowd! We believe smaller groups eliminate the likelihood of cliques, and allows for a well-rounded, healthy group dynamic.

How does this program connect to other programs?

Our program dates are designed specifically so that participants can opt to combine trips throughout the summer.  When connecting to another program, your counselor will escort you to the airport on the last day of the program and assist you in meeting your next group at your new destination.

 

What is the food like on this trip?

In a word – delicious! At TFT, we believe food is an integral aspect of the travel experience, and we make an effort to eat at authentic establishments whenever possible. There is no better way to immerse ourselves in the culture of a place then through sampling the local delicacies. We stray away from westernized restaurants and chains that cater to tourists, because every true traveler knows the best food is found where the locals are eating!

Australia and New Zealand are very multicultural countries with an incredible array of cuisines from around the world. Each with large migrant populations the food is as authentic and delicious as you would find in the original country. Greek, Italian, Thai, Indian, Chinese, the choice is yours! For the adventurous eaters there is also kangaroo, crocodile and emu to try.

Of course, we are always willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other dietary restrictions.

Do we ever get time to go off on our own?

Our staff and teens are nearly always together, but we do provide the opportunity to break up into smaller groups to allow for flexibility and customization within the itinerary.

We offer free time in defined safe areas – for example, shopping in a market or exploring a museum. During these times, students remain in groups of at least two and are given no more than an hour. Of course, the counselors remain nearby and available. Additionally, a lifeguard-certified counselor supervises the campers any time they are involved in water activities.

Do I need any vaccinations for this program?

We recommend checking with your family doctor regarding vaccinations and medical advice for the destination you are visiting. For more information, please check the World Health Organization’s website. Upon registration, we provide a list of recommended vaccinations that can be discussed further with your doctor. For Specific questions pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccine, click here.

What kind of visa do you need for this trip?

All US citizens will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authority visa for a fee of $20 USD prior to traveling to Australia.

Any US citizen that enters New Zealand is automatically granted a free 90-day tourist visa.

When joining a TFT trip from outside of the US, please be sure to check your country’s specific visa requirements.

Do I need to speak the language?

No, our skilled staff members will help you get around and even teach you a few fun phrases!

Authenticity is engrained in everything we do.

Eat, stay, and travel like a local. Check out what past travelers have to say about TFT and discover why we are consistently awarded “Top Youth Travel Organization” year after year!

See all program reviews

"We are so glad that we found TFT. Our child has reported that he’s had experiences of a lifetime on every single trip. The counselors are fantastic and really demonstrate positive, appropriate young adult behaviors and have been fantastic role models. Our child’s confidence has improved during each trip. We appreciate that kindness and mindfulness are components of the group expectations and dynamics. Thank you Steve and Wendy and all the TFT staff!!!"

Ellen D. Alexandria, VA

"I had the amazing opportunity of traveling to Australia and New Zealand. It was absolutely amazing. I got to do once-in-a-lifetime activities such as scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef and the Sydney Bridge Climb. These are memories that I will never forgot. for community service, we volunteered at a wallaby sanctuary. This was absolutely amazing, The wallabies were beyond cute, and they reminded me of my dog that I missed dearly. I never once imagined that I would be able to spend so much time with wallabies, and it was amazing. I had the most amazing counselors and met friends that I still keep in touch with. There was not a day that I did not love. If you have the opportunity to do this, you should, I can guarantee that you will not regret it."

Alaina P. Glen Rock, NJ

"My trip to Australia and New Zealand with Travel For Teens has changed my perspective on traveling, I was not just a tourist when I visited these foreign countries but became extremely immersed in their culture, through experiences such as watching a ritualistic haka in New Zealand to camping in the Australian outback with locals. I felt at home in these countries and not out of place, which sometimes can happen when traveling. We stayed in hostels, not big chain hotels, and got to meet so many locals that we could learn a lot from, such as where the best traditional places to eat were and where we should shop or visit if we had any free time (which luckily was not often because we always had some fun activity planned). Overall, I honestly had the time of my life on this trip and it really opened my eyes to truly experiencing different cultures, after I even told my mom that this trip has showed me that I want-NEED to continue traveling to different parts of the world for the rest of my life."

Corinna P. Boonton, NJ

Travel with us and discover why we are consistently winning awards for Top Youth Travel Organization.

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