Australia and New Zealand: Surf Camps & Kiwi Highlights
- Tour code
AUSNZLADV01
- Start
Auckland
- End
Brisbane
- Min. age
16 years old
- Group size
Max 6-16 travellers
- Trip style
Signature
- Trip pace
Active
- Language
English
Two countries, two coastlines and plenty of time in the water: this 15-day trip runs from Auckland down New Zealand's North Island to Wellington, then across the Tasman to Sydney and up the New South Wales coast to Brisbane.
In New Zealand, you'll kayak and take a surf lesson in Raglan, experience Māori culture in a Rotorua thermal valley, stop at Huka Falls, sail on Lake Taupō and finish in the capital, Wellington.
In Australia, there's time to explore Sydney and Manly on your own terms before a train ride north to a surf camp near Coffs Harbour for another lesson and a kangaroo walk. Then it's Byron Bay's lighthouse and beaches, and a stop to meet rescued koalas on the way to Brisbane.
It's an active trip with plenty of free days, suited to travellers who like mixing adventure with downtime. Your Soca Islands Host keeps everything moving, and groups are small, from 6 to 16 travellers.
Why This Journey
Most people pick either New Zealand or Australia for a first trip down under. This one links the North Island's surf towns, geothermal valleys and lakes with Sydney's harbour and the beach towns of the east coast, without you having to plan the drives, the trans-Tasman leg or the surf lessons.
It suits travellers who'd rather be in the sea than on a coach: two surf lessons, a kayak trip and a sail on Lake Taupō, balanced with four nights in Sydney and free days in Raglan and Byron Bay to do as much or as little as you like.
Where You'll Stay
Proposed accommodation (or similar), subject to confirmation: Auckland (1 night): Mercure Auckland Queen Street; Raglan (2 nights): Raglan Sunset Motel; Rotorua (1 night): Novotel Rotorua Lakeside; Taupō (1 night): Hilton Lake Taupo; Wellington (1 night): Novotel Wellington; Sydney (4 nights): The Parkroyal Darling Harbour Hotel; Byron Bay (2 nights): Byron Bay Hotel & Apartments. Nights 11 and 12 are spent at a surf camp in Arrawarra. Rooms are based on two people sharing a double room with two beds.
Getting There
International Flights Not Included. International airfare to and from the destination is not included in the package price. Travellers are responsible for arranging their own flights and ensuring their arrival and departure align with the trip itinerary. Fly into Auckland Airport (AKL) and out of Brisbane Airport (BNE); arrival and departure airport transfers are included. Please share your confirmed flight details with Soca Islands so we can coordinate applicable arrival and departure arrangements.
What you will see and do
Paddle Raglan's harbor by sea kayak, with native bush and coastline all around
Learn to surf on both sides of the Tasman, in Raglan and at an Australian surf camp
Koalas up close, Byron Bay's beaches, the harbor in Sydney and glowing Waitomo caves
What's included
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
Accommodations in double rooms
Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip
One farewell group activity when possible
Max 16 travellers per group
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Group transportation
What's excluded
- International flights (travellers arrange their own)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Optional activities, such as the Waitomo glowworm caves, rafting, skydiving and dolphin tours
- Single room supplement (single rooms on request, subject to availability)
- Extra hotel nights before or after the trip
Group itinerary
Arrive in Auckland, where your airport transfer brings you into the city. Spend the rest of the day getting to know New Zealand's biggest city however you like, perhaps along the harbour waterfront or up Maungawhau / Mt Eden for the view.
Tonight you'll meet your Soca Islands Host and the group for a welcome briefing, then head out together for your first night in the city.
Take the backroads south to Bridal Veil Falls, where an easy walk through native bush leads to the cascade.
Carry on to laid-back Raglan on the west coast and get straight onto the water with a sea kayak trip before checking in for two nights.
Raglan is one of New Zealand's best-known surf spots, and today your surf lesson is included.
The rest of the day is free to hang out in town, hit the beach again or just relax with the group.
On the way to Rotorua you'll pass through Waitomo, with the option to visit its glowworm caves and see their ceilings light up like a night sky.
In Rotorua, a town of steam vents and bubbling mud, you'll spend the evening at Te Puia in a thermal valley for a Māori cultural experience.
The morning is yours in Rotorua: soak in hot springs, visit a geothermal park or book a rafting trip.
Later, drive to Taupō, pausing at the thundering Huka Falls, then set sail on Lake Taupō, the largest lake in the country.
A long drive south through changing landscapes, past the volcanic plateau, brings you to Wellington.
Visit Te Papa, the national museum, ride the cable car or walk Oriental Parade, and if you're up for it, head out for an optional evening in the capital's bars.
Fly from Wellington to Sydney. The evening is free to get your first taste of the city, perhaps a walk around Darling Harbour or Circular Quay.
Cross Sydney Harbour by ferry to Manly, with views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge on the way. Spend the day on its famous beach: surf, swim, or browse the cafés and shops along the waterfront.
A free day to see Sydney your way: the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, museums or a long lunch in one of its many restaurants.
Use your final day to catch whatever you haven't seen yet. Your Soca Islands Host can suggest favourites to fill the gaps.
Board a train north to Coffs Harbour, watching the coast roll by. From there it's on to a surf camp in Arrawarra, home for the next two nights.
Start with a surf lesson on this stretch of the New South Wales coast.
Later, set off on a walk to spot kangaroos, then enjoy free time at the beach or looking for marine life.
Travel north through national parks and coastal scenery to Byron Bay.
Walk up to Cape Byron Lighthouse at mainland Australia's most easterly point, keeping an eye out for dolphins and, in season, passing whales.
Byron Bay is all yours today. Laze on the beach, find a quiet cove or book an optional skydive, kayak trip or dolphin tour.
On the road to Brisbane, you'll call in at the Daisy Hill Koala Centre, where rescued koalas are cared for and conservation staff explain the threats they face.
Your trip wraps up once you reach the city that afternoon; stay on if you'd like to explore more.
Accommodations
Here's a glimpse of the hotels we selected for this adventure.
Mercure Auckland Queen Street
A modern hotel at 500 Queen Street, at the upper end of Auckland's main street near Karangahape Road, with the cafés and bars of K Road and Ponsonby close by. The waterfront, Britomart and the ferry terminal are about 2 km downhill along Queen Street.
Breakfast is available and the Lone Star restaurant is on site.
Rooms are 20 m² (215 ft²).
Hotel websiteRaglan Sunset Motel
A motel in the heart of Raglan village, a few minutes from the beaches and the surf breaks the town is known for. The cafés, surf shops and harbour of this laid-back coastal town are a short walk away.
Studio units have a balcony or patio, some have kitchenettes, and there is free Wi-Fi and a guest laundry.
Hotel websiteNovotel Rotorua Lakeside
A hotel at the lake end of Tutanekai Street in Rotorua, about 100 m from Lake Rotorua and a few minutes' walk from Eat Street and the town center. Government Gardens and the geothermal sights are close by.
Guests have free access to geothermal mineral pools, and there is an indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, the Atlas Restaurant for breakfast and dinner, and a bar with a lake-view terrace.
Rooms are 28 m² (301 ft²).
Hotel websiteHilton Lake Taupo
A hotel on the edge of Taupō with views over Lake Taupō, close to Huka Falls and a short drive from the lakefront and town center.
Hotel websiteNovotel Wellington
A city hotel at 133 The Terrace in central Wellington, with direct lift access down to Lambton Quay, the city's main shopping street. The Cable Car, the waterfront and Te Papa are all within walking distance.
The Caucus Restaurant and Bar serves breakfast and all-day dining.
Rooms are 25 m² (269 ft²).
Hotel website
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour sits on Day Street on the city side of Darling Harbour, a few minutes' walk from the waterfront, ICC Sydney and the shops and offices of the CBD. Town Hall station and the light rail are close by, which makes it easy to get around Sydney between group activities.
On site are BARKERS restaurant, ABODE Bistro and Bar, in-room dining and meeting spaces, and Club floor rooms come with lounge access overlooking Darling Harbour.
Rooms are 31 m² (334 ft²), with a king-size bed or two queen-size beds.
Hotel websiteByron Bay Hotel & Apartments
A central hotel on Fletcher Street in Byron Bay, about 150 metres from Main Beach and steps from the cafés, shops and bars of Jonson Street.
There is a swimming pool, and room types range from hotel rooms to apartments.
Rooms
You'll stay at Trip Hotel.
- Included
Shared double
Shared with the person you book with, or a fellow traveller of the same sex.
- +$4,174 per person
Single room
A room to yourself, subject to availability.
Room prices are per person for the Apr 11, 2027 departure and can differ on other dates. You choose your room when you book.
Tour FAQS
Fly into Auckland Airport (AKL) and out of Brisbane Airport (BNE).
Proposed accommodation (or similar), subject to confirmation: Mercure Auckland Queen Street in Auckland, Raglan Sunset Motel in Raglan, Novotel Rotorua Lakeside in Rotorua, Hilton Lake Taupo in Taupō, Novotel Wellington in Wellington, The Parkroyal Darling Harbour Hotel in Sydney, Byron Bay Hotel & Apartments in Byron Bay. Nights 11 and 12 are at a surf camp in Arrawarra.
International Flights Not Included. International airfare to and from the destination is not included in the package price. Travellers are responsible for arranging their own flights and ensuring their arrival and departure align with the trip itinerary. Please share your confirmed flight details with Soca Islands so we can coordinate applicable arrival and departure arrangements.
Yes. Arrival and departure airport transfers are included. Please share your confirmed flight details with Soca Islands so we can coordinate applicable arrival and departure arrangements.
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners are included. Other meals are at your own cost.
Extra nights can be requested, subject to hotel availability; contact our Customer Experience team for a quote.
There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.
We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.
Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.
Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.
While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:
- Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
- Up-to-date medical advice:
- US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
- UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
- Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.
3. Government travel advice:
- US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
- Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.
4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.
We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.
We believe solo travelers shouldn’t have to pay extra to explore the world. That’s why our group trips are designed around shared accommodation and do not include a single supplement. Solo travelers joining our group trips are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with another traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
Some of our Independent trips are structured differently. For these itineraries, solo travelers will need to book at the single occupancy rate.
Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.
Would you like to learn more or customise our Australia and New Zealand: Surf Camps & Kiwi Highlights trip?
Have questions about accommodations, accessibility, group preferences, or dietary needs? Complete the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.
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