Planning a vacation to the other side of the world can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Australia and New Zealand remain two of the most diverse, scenic, and traveller-friendly destinations for UK visitors. Whether you’re aiming for a quick highlights tour or a two-week adventure across cities, beaches, and mountains, this guide lays out clear travel options, 3- and 7-day itineraries, and all inclusive or senior-friendly packages—designed to help you travel confidently in 2025.
Why Visit Australia & New Zealand in 2025 and How to Get There
Why These Two Countries Together?
Australia and New Zealand complement each other perfectly. While Australia offers beaches, reefs, and cities, New Zealand delivers green valleys, fjords, and volcanic wonders. Together, they provide an ideal long-haul itinerary for UK travellers who want both cultural immersion and scenic variety.
Travel Routes from the UK
– Flights depart from London Heathrow, Manchester, and Edinburgh to Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, and Christchurch with 1–2 stopovers.
– Most popular stopover hubs: Dubai, Doha, Singapore, Hong Kong.
– Airlines to consider: Emirates, Qantas, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, Qatar Airways.
– Flight time averages 22–30 hours depending on the route.
Tip: Opt for open-jaw itineraries (e.g., London to Sydney, return from Auckland) for maximum efficiency. Many Australia and New Zealand vacation packages from the UK include these configurations.
What to Do with 3 Days in Australia or New Zealand
Option 1: 3 Days in Sydney
Day 1 – Arrive and walk Circular Quay. Visit the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and dine at The Rocks.
Day 2 – Spend the morning at Bondi Beach. In the afternoon, take the coastal walk to Coogee.
Day 3 – Choose a Blue Mountains day tour or explore Darling Harbour and nearby museums.
Option 2: 3 Days in Queenstown
Day 1 – Arrive, take the Skyline Gondola, and enjoy lakeside dining.
Day 2 – Join a Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound tour.
Day 3 – Explore Arrowtown, visit a vineyard, or relax at a spa before your flight.
Accommodation Options
– Budget: Wake Up! Sydney; JUCY Snooze Queenstown
– Mid-range: Vibe Hotel Sydney; Novotel Queenstown
– Luxury: Park Hyatt Sydney; Matakauri Lodge
Best For
3 day Australia and New Zealand vacation packages designed for stopovers, quick highlights, and city tours.
How to Spend 7 Days Across Both Countries
Recommended Route: Sydney – Cairns – Auckland – Rotorua
Day 1 – Arrive in Sydney. Explore Circular Quay, Harbour Bridge, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Day 2 – Bondi Beach in the morning, Blue Mountains or Paddington Market in the afternoon.
Day 3 – Fly to Cairns. Evening at the Esplanade.
Day 4 – Full-day reef tour to the Great Barrier Reef.
Day 5 – Fly to Auckland. Evening walk around Viaduct Harbour.
Day 6 – Day trip to Rotorua for geothermal parks and Māori cultural shows.
Day 7 – Return to Auckland for final shopping or museum visits before flying home.
Where to Stay
– Sydney: Veriu Central, The Fullerton
– Cairns: Shangri-La The Marina
– Auckland: The Grand by SkyCity
– Rotorua (optional overnight): Regent of Rotorua
Perfect For
7 day Australia and New Zealand vacation packages that include internal flights, guided tours, and airport transfers.
All Inclusive and Senior Friendly Packages
Ideal For
Travellers over 55 or anyone seeking a structured, worry-free itinerary.
Typical Inclusions
– Round-trip flights from UK airports
– Domestic and regional flights
– 4- to 5-star hotels with half or full board
– Sightseeing tours and entrance fees
– Optional spa sessions, cultural workshops, or vineyard tastings
– Medical support, mobility-friendly transport, and concierge services
Why It Works for Seniors
– Tours offer moderate pacing and small groups
– Packages often come with 24/7 travel hosts
– Access to priority seating, elevators, and health care options
– Itineraries skip extreme adventure activities and focus on culture, nature, and comfort
Top Providers
– Titan Travel: Great for escorted group tours
– Saga Holidays: Focused on over-55 travel with support features
– Audley Travel: Custom, all inclusive itineraries
– Scenic Tours: Premium rail and cruise land combinations
How to Get Around and Where to Stay
Domestic Transport
– Flights: Jetstar, Qantas, Air New Zealand cover all major routes
– Scenic Trains: The Ghan (Australia), TranzAlpine (New Zealand)
– Ferries: Interislander for crossing between New Zealand’s islands
– Car Rental: Recommended for self-drives in Tasmania or South Island New Zealand
– Coach Tours: Best for guided multi-city travel
Accommodation Zones
– Australia: Sydney Harbour, Melbourne CBD, Cairns Esplanade
– New Zealand: Auckland Viaduct, Queenstown lakefront, Rotorua city centre
Where to Book
– Trailfinders: Excellent for tailor-made, multi-country itineraries
– Jet2holidays & TUI: Affordable airfare-inclusive vacation bundles
– Titan & Saga: Reliable all inclusive and senior vacation packages
– Expedia & Love Holidays: Price comparisons with broad hotel access
FAQs and Final Thoughts
Do I need two visas?
Yes. UK travellers must apply for the Australia eVisitor visa and New Zealand NZeTA before arrival.
Is travel insurance necessary?
Highly recommended due to long distances and varied medical systems.
Is it easy to combine both countries?
Yes. Flights between major cities like Sydney and Auckland take 3–4 hours and run frequently.
When’s the best time to go?
October to April offers ideal weather across both countries.
Final Thoughts
Australia and New Zealand are ideal for travellers seeking varied landscapes, well-organized tourism, and cultural depth. From the reef to the rainforest, from fjords to vineyards, this is the kind of dual-country adventure where every day delivers something new. Whether you're planning a 3 day Australia and New Zealand vacation package or a full two-week tour, getting the itinerary right starts here—with trusted routes, senior-friendly pacing, and bundled travel support.