The Ultimate Australia and New Zealand Travel Itinerary

For those of us who live in North America or Europe, a trip down under to Australia and New Zealand might just be the ultimate bucket list item.

These countries are so far away and full of so much adventure – from fiords, waterfalls and glowworm caves to rainforests, reefs and deserts, there’s no shortage of incredible landscapes and experiences in Oceania.

Not to mention incredible coffee, local Indigenous culture, friendly people and icons like the Sydney Opera House or original bungee jump.

Because these countries are so far away from North America and Europe, many visitors want to see both New Zealand and Australia in one trip. After all, when will they get a chance to come back to Oceania?

But these countries are huge with a ton to do. So how do you plan a single Australia and New Zealand travel itinerary to see and do it all?

In truth: you don’t. Even if you had months and months to spend in this part of the world, there would still be lots left undiscovered.

But that doesn’t mean we can’t try to experience the best of both Australia and New Zealand in just three weeks!

I first visited Oceania in 2013 when I won a free trip to Australia (how lucky am I?). I dog-sat on the Gold Coast, wandered around the icons of Sydney, ate well in Melbourne and road tripped down the Great Ocean Road.

In 2023, my husband, Colin, and I spent three weeks in New Zealand. We were wowed by Hobbiton and geothermal pools, slept on Doubtful Sound, hiked around Aoraki Mount Cook and ate our weight in meat pies!

I was lucky enough to have 3+ weeks in each country, but I know not everyone has that much time. So how do you spend 3 weeks in both Australia and New Zealand?

Let’s find out in my itinerary below!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Australia and New Zealand map

Overview of Your 3 Weeks in Australia & New Zealand

Before I get into the day-to-day itinerary, here’s a quick breakdown of how I suggest you spend your three weeks in Australia and New Zealand:

Australia portion:

• Sydney + a day trip (3 days)
• Uluru (2 days)
• Melbourne & Great Ocean Road (3 days)

New Zealand portion:

• Queenstown (2 days)
• Milford Sound & Doubtful Sound (2 days)
• Wanaka (1 day)
• Aoraki Mt Cook (2 days)
• Auckland (2 days)
• Rotorua/Taupo + Hobbiton (3 days)
• Waitomo & Hamilton (1 day)

All right, let’s dive into the detailed itinerary!

Days 1-3: See the iconic bridge, Opera House and harbour in Sydney, Australia

I recommend starting your trip in Sydney as it’s one of the easiest bases in Oceania to fly into.

I visited Sydney on my past trip to Australia in 2013 and completely fell in love with the city! I was even lucky enough to catch fireworks over the Sydney Harbour.

To help get over jet lag, start your time in Australia by checking out some of the famous Sydney icons.

Spend Day 1 and 2 getting to know the city on foot, via public transit, by bike, on a hop-on-hop-off bus or on a guided tour. Or, really splurge and check out Sydney by helicopter!

I saw a show at the Opera House, walked across the Harbour Bridge, did some Sydney shopping in the Rocks, and completed the Bondi to Coogee Beach walk. I highly recommend all of those activities!

The most popular sites in Sydney are the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Depending on your interests and budget, there are lots of ways to experience them.

On your third day, I recommend a Sydney day trip. I went on a day trip to the Blue Mountains, which were beautiful and easy to get to.

It was a great way to see more of Sydney’s natural side (though I did lose my scarf on the train ride back, which I am still sad about 10+ years later!).

Check out this Blue Mountain tour which includes breakfast, lunch, access to a wildlife park and theme park, plus beautiful views of the Three Sisters mountains.

Alternatively, you could head out on one of these Sydney day trips:

Or if you’re into wildlife, pay a visit to Koala Park Sanctuary like I did or the famous Taronga Zoo. There’s also this awesome-sounding wombat and kangaroo tour!

Where to stay in Sydney

When I was in Sydney, I was lucky enough to stay with family friends who lived just outside the city. But if you’re not as lucky, check out these highly rated hotels:

• Adina Apartment Hotel Chippendale: These modern, serviced apartments are perfect for families with kitchens, a pool and lots of living space
• SKYE Suites Sydney: Sleek suites in the middle of central city – perfect if you’re splurging on a couple or family trip
• Wildlife Retreat at Taronga: Wake up with koalas and wallabies right outside your window at this epic hotel, which includes breakfast, a tour and zoo admission

Days 4-5: Witness impressive Uluru in the Australian Outback

Uluru (previously called Ayer’s Rock) is maybe the most well-known site in Australia, perhaps after the Sydney Opera House.

This impressive rock is in the Red Centre of Australia – quite literally in the middle of the country and deep in the outback desert. And it’s at the top of my Australia bucket list!

Uluru isn’t easy to get to and it isn’t cheap to visit. But from everything I’ve heard, it is so worth it.

Since you’re short on time, I’ve prioritized direct flights to/from Uluru on this itinerary. You can fly direct from Sydney to Ayers Rock Airport in 3.5 hours.

Some people opt to fly into Alice Springs, which is a bigger and cheaper airport. But you’ll then have to make a 5-6 hour drive to Uluru, which you just don’t have time for.

(Though if you do decide to fly into/out of Alice Springs, you can hop on a 2-night Uluru tour so you don’t have to worry about transport out to Uluru and back.)

Once in the outback, it’s all about experiencing the natural beauty and learning from the Indigenous Peoples who know this land best. Besides Uluru itself, there’s also Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta to explore.

Because this area is protected, the best way to experience it is with local guides. During your two nights in Uluru, you can head out on one or more of these highly-rated tours:

Want to make the most of your time in Uluru? Book this 2-night/3-day Uluru safari camping experience that includes meals, guides and experiences at Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon!

Where to stay in Uluru

Accommodation near Uluru is limited and, as I mentioned, can get pretty pricy. The closest accommodation is all at Ayers Rock Resort and includes:

• Sails in the Desert: Described as a “luxury desert oasis” this is the place to book if you want to treat yourself
• Emu Walk Apartments: These serviced apartments are perfect if you want a kitchen and a bit more space, or if you’re travelling with a group
• Outback Lodge: If you’re on a budget, this basic lodge with private rooms, family rooms and dorms might be a good fit

Days 6-8: Drink coffee in Melbourne and drive the Great Ocean Road

After two nights in the outback, you’ll catch a flight from Ayers Rock Airport, landing in Melbourne just under three hours later. Sadly, this will be your final stop in Australia.

When I visited Melbourne in 2013, I really loved the vibe of the city. While I don’t think there’s a ton of must-see attractions in Melbourne, it’s absolutely worth spending a day or two enjoying the great food and coffee scene.

Melbourne is also a great base for a visit to Phillip Island. I haven’t been but love the idea of visiting the Koala Reserve, seeing seals off the coast and watching the nightly Penguin Parade.

After a day or two in the city, it’s time to hit the road – the Great Ocean Road! I did a mini version of this road trip on my last visit, when my friend, Malindi, drove us to the famous 12 Apostles and back in one day.

I loved singing along to Queen in the car, being blown away by the view (and the wind!) at every stop and, most magically, spotting koalas in the wild.

So on Day 8, rent a car and treat yourself to this epic drive! Or if you want to spend more time out in nature and less in Melbourne, rent your car for Days 7 and 8, elongating your road trip.

Don’t want to rent a car? Jump on this Great Ocean Road day tour from Melbourne. Enjoy all the views and none of the stress of driving.

Where to stay in Melbourne:

I stayed in a small, grungy room in an Airbnb apartment when I was in Melbourne (I was on a student budget!) but for your trip, I’d recommend one of these central, top-rated hotels:

• The Lyall: Splurge on this fashionable hotel if you’re in the mood for something stylish in a great location
• Quest Collingwood: If you need a bit more space, these modern suites and apartments have seating areas and kitchens
• St Kilda Central Apartments: For those on a budget, these simple rooms in a cool neighbourhood might do the trick

Days 9-10: Fly to Queenstown and take in the views

From Melbourne, you’ll catch a direct flight to Queenstown to begin the New Zealand portion of your Oceania trip. Welcome to the South Island of Aotearoa (the Maori word for New Zealand meaning long, white cloud)!

Most of your first day will be spent travelling to Queenstown and getting your bearings. The best way to do this is with a walk around the lake and a Fergburger picnic (yes, these famous burgers are worth the hype!).

I really loved walking around Queenstown Gardens, just off the main lakefront beach. It was much quieter than the beach and just as scenic.

On day two in Queenstown, you can let your inner adrenaline-junkie loose by going paragliding, canyoning, zip-lining, skydiving or jet-boating.

After all, Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand and where bungee jumping was originally invented!

But if you’d rather keep your feet on the ground (like me!), there’s still lots to do in Queenstown for non-adrenaline junkies.

You can head out on a local hike (I really liked the Bob’s Cove hike), enjoy a scenic boat ride and BBQ lunch, relax in onsen pools or take off on a Lord of the Rings day tour.

Where to stay in Queenstown:

Queenstown is notorious for expensive accommodation and there are some beautiful places to splurge on with a water view. But I’ve got a budget-friendly option for you too!

• Hulbert House: If you want to splurge you can get the royal treatment at this luxury hotel with gorgeous lake views
• The Central Private Hotel: This funky boutique hotel is stylish, centrally located and surprisingly affordable given how cool it looks
• Queenstown Motel Apartments (where we stayed): If you’re on a budget, this basic option has large, though dated, rooms and is an easy stroll into the town centre

Days 11-12: Be wowed by the fiords at Milford Sound & Doubtful Sound

From Queenstown, we’re heading to one of the most magical places in all of New Zealand: Fiordland! This incredible region is full of (you guessed it) fiords, as well as mountains, waterfalls, wildlife and cute cafes.

But the highlight of this region are the two most popular and most impressive fiords: Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.

A lot of people will only visit one of these fiords, but I don’t think you should have to choose because they are both incredible. Therefore, I’ve included both on this itinerary!

When we cruised Milford Sound, we saw wild dolphins, got up close to waterfalls and were wowed by the sun setting over the steep mountains.

In Doubtful Sound we listened to the stillness over New Zealand’s deepest fiord as the fog lifted off the water – plus enjoyed indulgent dinner and breakfast buffets onboard our Doubtful Sound overnight cruise!

You’ve got a few options for how to get to the sounds from Queenstown: day tour, rental car or small plane.

We chose to rent a car (I highly recommend Discover Cars as we were able to nab a great deal going through them!) as we wanted the freedom to do a South Island road trip on our own schedule and make lots of scenic stops on the drive from Queenstown.

But if you’d rather not tackle the 4+ hour winding drive (each way) by yourself, a day tour by bus is a great option. Or if you’re short on time and want the most amazing views, opt for the flight tour!

If you decide to rent a car, here’s your plan for Days 11 & 12:

• Day 11: Check out of your Queenstown accommodation, pick up your rental car, and drive to Milford Sound making lots of beautiful stops along the way.
• Book a Milford Sound cruise for the late afternoon – I recommend booking the last one of the day so you’re not fighting with all the crowds.
• Stay overnight near Milford Sound or between Milford Sound and Te Anau.
• Day 12: Check out of your accommodation and drive to Doubtful Sound where you’ll board a day cruise or overnight cruise. I highly recommend the overnight cruise to make the most of your time on the fiord.
• You’ll wake up on Day 13 (either on the boat, if you did the overnight cruise, or in your hotel in Fiordland or Queenstown if you did the day cruise) and continue with the itinerary below.

Or, if you’d rather not drive yourself to the fiords, you can join a day tour. These tours – by bus, plane or helicopter, depart from and return to Queenstown.

The bus tour is more affordable than the plane/helicopter tour, but does make for a long day. Granted, you can sleep on the way back since you’re not driving!

Unfortunately, there’s not a great option to bring you from Milford Sound to Doubtful Sound directly without renting your own car. That means you’ll have to backtrack a bit, returning to Queenstown at the end of each day.

But despite the long days and some repeat scenery, I still think it’s worth fitting both of these fiords into your itinerary. They both blew me away and I would have regretted missing out on either.

Where to stay in Fiordland:

There aren’t too many accommodation options in Fiordland – and in fact only one right in Milford Sound – but I’ll walk you through the best plan for your trip.

And remember, if you’re taking the bus or flight day tours from Queenstown, they’ll return you to Queenstown so you can just stay at your previous accommodation.

• Milford Sound Lodge: This is the main option in Milford Sound and also one of the most luxurious places to stay, with gorgeous water and mountain views
• Eglinton Valley Camp: We stayed in one of the cozy cabins here – about an hour south of Milford Sound and an hour north of Manapouri (where you leave for Doubtful Sound) that’s affordable and comfortable, but definitely in the middle of nowhere
• Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments: Some people choose to stay in Te Anau when visiting the fiords (1.75 hours from Milford Sound, 20 mins from Doubtful Sound) and this is one of the best rated options in the area with water views and apartment amenities

If you can, I recommend spending the night of Day 12 onboard a cruise ship out in the fiords. I’d recommend the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise, as that fiord is bigger and harder to get to, so the overnight is more worth it compared to a Milford Sound overnight cruise.

Day 13: Check out the famous tree in Wanaka

I hope you wake up the morning of Day 13 on beautiful Doubtful Sound after your overnight cruise. Or, if you opted for the day cruise or bus tour, you’ll be waking up back in Queenstown or at your accommodation in Fiordland.

No matter where you wake up, today you’ll be making your way to Wanaka. If you rented a car, hang onto it and drive from Manapouri (where your Doubtful Sound cruise returns) to Wanaka (3 hr drive).

Or if you’re leaving from Queenstown, you can rent a car or take the bus. Both will take about one hour to reach Wanaka.

Along the way you can make a few stops, such as through the beautiful Crown Range Summit, in charming Arrowtown and in front of the controversial Cardrona Bra Fence.

Once in Wanaka, there’s lots to do. Starting with the must-see site: #ThatWanakaTree.

This insta-famous tree is what put Wanaka on the map. It’s a cool looking tree out in the middle of the lake that people love to photograph.

Take the requisite photos but don’t miss out on the other activities in and around Wanaka. There’s lavender farms, waterfalls, hiking trails and Puzzling World.

Wanaka is also a cool town to explore on foot. I really loved walking through the little shops, getting ice cream and chilling by the lake.

Where to stay in Wanaka:

I recommend staying close to the lake and main downtown part of Wanaka so you can explore on foot!

• Marina Terrace Apartments: These luxury apartments have stunning mountain and water views, beautiful finishes and lots of room for the whole family in studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
• Archway Motels & Chalets: This is where we stayed in Wanaka and I highly recommend it. The owner was very sweet, the rooms were large and modern with helpful kitchenettes, and it was an easy stroll to the water.
• Altamont Lodge: Save a little money in these cozy log cabin-style rooms with shared bathrooms and a welcoming communal lounge.

Days 14-15: Hike around stunning Aoraki Mt. Cook

From Wanaka, we’re heading to beautiful Aoraki Mount Cook, the tallest and most famous mountain in all of New Zealand.

A lot of people visit Aoraki on a day trip but I highly recommend spending two nights here. Why? So you have a chance to actually see the mountain!

Mt Cook is notorious for being covered by the clouds. A lot of people drive all the way out only to completely miss the mountain view. By spending a night or two in the village, you not only have better access to Mt Cook but you have a lot better shot at seeing it!

We spent a few days in Mount Cook Village and took the time to unwind a bit, which you’ll probably want to do after two weeks of busy travel through Australia and New Zealand.

You can head out on low-key hikes or just sit by the fire at your mountainside lodge. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can check out heli-hikes, glacier boat rides, skydiving, scenic flights and lots of other things to do at Aoraki Mt Cook!

One thing you definitely don’t want to miss is the Hooker Valley Track. This is one of the most beautiful hikes in all of New Zealand and lucky for non-hikers like me, it’s relatively flat!

You also don’t have to walk the whole track in order to get some gorgeous views. The trail is out and back, so you can do as much or little as you’d like. The first viewpoint is right before a staircase, so you could just go that far and then turn around.

Walking the Hooker Valley Track was one of my favourite experiences in New Zealand. We got lucky with a sunny day and the views were incredible the whole time.

Where to stay in Mt Cook:

I actually wrote a whole post on where to stay in Mt Cook on a budget, so check it out for even more ideas. But here are three great options to get you started:

• The Hermitage Hotel: This historic, luxury hotel is the place to stay in Aoraki Mount Cook with stunning rooms, great views, tons of amenities and delicious dining options
• Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge: This is where we stayed and its great if you want to be central in Mount Cook Village, have catering facilities and not blow your budget. Rooms are a bit dated, but they do the trick!
• Glentanner Park: This versatile accommodation – offering everything from campsites and dorm rooms to motel suites and apartments – has something for everyone and is located about 20 minutes from Mount Cook Village

Days 16-17: Fly to Auckland and explore the city

We’re moving onto the final leg of your Australia and New Zealand itinerary: Aotearoa’s North Island!

From Aoraki Mt Cook you can drive back to Queenstown (3.5 hrs) or onto Christchurch (4.25 hrs), return your car and then board a flight to Auckland (2 hrs from Queenstown, 1.5 hrs from Christchurch).

While you can drive from Aoraki Mt Cook to the North Island by taking the ferry, you simply don’t have time for it on this itinerary. You’d end up spending more time in the car than experiencing the beautiful nature outside of it.

You’ll spend the majority of Day 16 getting to Auckland between driving to Queenstown/Christchurch, flying to Auckland, and going through airports on both sides.

Once you arrive in Auckland, make your way downtown and explore. Take a stroll through Viaduct Harbour, get back to nature at Mount Eden or simply chill out at your hotel. Keep things low-key tonight before your full day in Auckland tomorrow.

On Day 17, you’ll have a choice of things to do in Auckland. Colin and I went on the Weta Workshop Unleashed tour (the company behind Lord of the Rings) and explored the incredible Auckland War Memorial Museum.

You could copy us or check out local beaches and parks, go on a food tour, museum hop, or try out the All Blacks Experience at Sky Tower.

Day 17 would also be perfect for a day trip, if cities aren’t really your thing.

The Waitakere Ranges Wilderness Experience Small Group Tour from Auckland is a great option if you want to explore waterfalls, beaches and rainforests. Or head out on the Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour – perfect for foodies and wine lovers!

Where to stay in Auckland:

Auckland is quite a walkable city, so I suggest choosing a hotel within walking distance of your Day 17 activities. Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour are some of the most popular areas.

• Park Hyatt Auckland: If you’re looking for views, this is one of the best hotels in Auckland with stunning marina views and five-star service
• M Social Auckland: This funky hotel has awesome style and a great location in Viaduct Harbour with modern and spacious rooms
• Parkside Hotel & Apartments: This is where we stayed and while not right by the water, it was an easy walk or bus ride, with large rooms and great cooking/laundry facilities.

Days 18-20: Tour Hobbiton and explore geothermal pools in Rotorua and Taupo

For the final few days of your trip, you can choose to rent a car or go on day tours from Auckland to experience more of the North Island. I’ll include info for both options below.

Don’t want to drive or deal with logistics? You can book this two day tour that covers Hobbiton, Rotorua and the Waitomo Caves!

On Day 18, you’re heading out to one of the coolest attractions in New Zealand: Hobbiton!

This is the set from the Hobbit movies, and a recreated version of the original sets used in the LOTR trilogy. Even if you’re not a big Tolkien-head (I’m certainly not), you’re not going to want to miss this.

Going on the set tour of Hobbiton feels like you’re walking through an actual fairytale. Everything feels magical and like a whole new world. No details were spared!

Still not sure? Check out my review of our Hobbiton set tour experience!

If you’re renting a car – once again, I recommend Discover Cars, who we used in Auckland to snag a great deal – it’s an easy two hour drive to the Hobbiton set.

You absolutely MUST book your tickets to Hobbiton in advance! We met a couple who were trying to buy same-day tickets, and were told they were sold out until next week – and this was in shoulder season.

Don’t miss out: Book your tickets to Hobbiton here!

After your set tour – once you’ve had a drink at the Green Dragon Inn or indulged in some second breakfast – drive onwards to Rotorua (1 hr) where you’ll be spending the next few nights.

Or, if you’re not driving, you can book a day tour from Auckland to Hobbiton.

With sweet memories of the Shire, you’ll spend Days 19 and 20 exploring the geothermal regions and natural wonders of Rotorua and nearby Taupo.

These were some of my favourite spots in all of New Zealand. It’s incredible what the earth can do!

In Rotorua, walk amongst giants in the Redwoods Forest, speed down the track at Skyline Rotorua, relax at the Polynesian Spa and indulge in a traditional Maori feast.

For geothermal activity in Rotorua, you can see neon green pools and erupting geysers at Wai-o-Tapu or walk along steaming streams and volcanic valleys at Waimangu.

Just an hour’s drive in Taupo you can grab a snack at the world’s coolest McDonald’s, sail across New Zealand’s largest lake, witness the power of Huka Falls and the Aratiatia Dam, or explore more geothermal parks and spas.

If you’re not driving, you can book a day tour from Auckland to Rotorua. This tour gives you a choice of where to visit, including a geothermal park, Maori cultural centre or spa.

Unfortunately, there’s not a great day tour option from Auckland to Taupo, except for pricy private tours. Instead you could sub in this Cathedral Cove & Coromandel Small Group Day Tour, which is very highly rated and visits one of the regions at the top of my NZ bucket list.

Where to stay in Rotorua:

I found that there weren’t a ton of hotel options in Rotorua but more apartments/Airbnbs. This is great if you’re travelling as a family or just want a bit more space.

• Hana Lodge: If you do prefer a hotel, you can’t go wrong with this luxurious yet rustic option that is super charming and serves a great breakfast
• Redwood Apartments: These apartments are very spacious and well-rated – perfect for families or bigger groups
• Aorangi Peak Cabins: This mobile home is very similar to the place where Colin and I stayed in Rotorua, only it’s sleeker and has a better view

Day 21: Discover glowworm caves and gardens in Waitomo and Hamilton

We’ve got time for one more day of adventure before your Oceania itinerary comes to an end.

Today, you’ll make your way from Rotorua to the Waitomo Caves (2 hr drive) and then onto Hamilton (1 hr drive).

First up is the Waitomo Caves, famous for glowworms! Glowworms – a bioluminescent larvae – are found in caves throughout New Zealand but seen in their greatest number in the Waitomo region.

I’m not usually one to want to spend a lot of time with insects, but these glowworms are something else. Hanging from the roof and walls of a cave, they light up like stars in the pitch black sky.

It was absolutely incredible to float on the water in a cave and see nothing but the bright blue light of the glowworms all around us. I highly recommend a glowworm cave tour – or take it up a notch with a black water rafting tour through the caves!

And if you’re not driving and still based in Auckland, you can book this Auckland to Waitomo Glowworm Caves day tour!

After your glowworm tour, continue driving to Hamilton. This cool city is most well known for Hamilton Gardens.

At 45 hectares, Hamilton Gardens is an incredible outdoor experience. There are tons of woodlands and green spaces, but the main attractions are the Enclosed Gardens.

Here you’ll find an English Tudor Garden, Ancient Egyptian Garden, Japanese Garden, Surrealist Garden and much more. Who knew gardens could be so exciting?

When we visited in 2023, entrance to all of the gardens was free. Unfortunately, the Enclosed Gardens are paid now – $20 NZD ($11 USD) as of March 2025 – but I still think they’re well worth visiting!

Where to stay in Hamilton:

Depending on when your flight home is, you could spend tonight in Hamilton or carry onto Auckland (1 hr 45 min drive from Hamilton). Stay central in Hamilton so you can easily get to the gardens and eateries downtown.

• Novotel Tainui Hamilton: Modern, bright and stylish rooms in the best location in Hamilton
• Norton Motel: Another central option that’s a bit more budget friendly, and with a kitchen if you’d like to cook your own meals

If you have an early flight home to catch, I recommend driving back to Auckland, returning your car today and staying by the Auckland Airport so you don’t have to stress in the morning.

Return to Auckland and fly home!

Sadly, your Australia and New Zealand trip has come to an end! If you didn’t drive to Auckland last night, drive to the airport this morning to return your car and board your flight home.

From the Sydney Opera House to Uluru to the Great Ocean Road, down luges and fiords, up mountains and Sky Towers, through geothermal parks and pools, and even across the magical land of Hobbiton, I hope this itinerary makes for one epic Oceania trip for you!

New Zealand and Australia travel FAQs

Can you see both Australia and New Zealand in 3 weeks?

Technically, yes. You can see both Australia and New Zealand in 3 weeks. But, of course, you won’t be able to see everything.

While you could easily spend your entire 3 weeks in just one country and still not see it all, I think it makes sense to split your time and get a taste of both places.

Coming from North America or Europe, it’s a long and expensive journey to reach Oceania. And while you’ll likely want to return again one day, who knows how far away that day might be?

Since you may not be back soon (if at all), you should make the most of your trip and scratch a few things off both your New Zealand and Australia bucket lists.

How much time do you need to visit Australia?

To visit all of Australia, you’d need many months. But you can get a good taste of a few locations with just a week or two.

In my above three week itinerary, I dedicate just over a week to Australia. This is enough time to (quickly) see some of the country’s main highlights like Sydney, Melbourne, Uluru and the Great Ocean Road.

With a bit more time, I’d recommend a visit up to Cairns, snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, checking out Brisbane or the Gold Coast, experiencing more of Northern Australia and the Outback, heading west to Perth or crossing over to Tasmania.

In an ideal world, I’d love to have 4-6 weeks just in Australia to really see and do it all. Actually, my dream trip would be to rent a campervan and drive the huge lap all around Australia over a couple of months.

How much time do you need to visit New Zealand?

Like Australia, you would need many months to visit all of New Zealand across both the North Island and South Island. But if you just want a taste, 10-14 days is a good amount of time in New Zealand.

With 10-14 days, you can go on a few mini road trips through Aotearoa New Zealand on both islands. You have time to get out of the cities and explore the mountains, fiords, caves, forests and beaches that make New Zealand so great.

In my itinerary above, I plan for about a week each on the South Island and the North Island hitting Queenstown, Fiordland, Wanaka, Mt Cook, Auckland, Rotorua and Hamilton.

With more time, you could explore the northern side of the South Island, such as Christchurch, the Franz Josef Glacier and Abel Tasman National Park. On the North Island there’s Wellington, the Tongariro Crossing, Coromandel Peninsula and Northland left to explore.

Wrapping up your Australia and New Zealand travel itinerary

Visiting Australia and New Zealand had been on my bucket list ever since I first started travelling. And I’m so lucky to say, I’ve ticked them both off and they totally lived up to the hype!

Coming from Canada, Oceania is very far away. Most of us won’t get to visit often, and so we have to cram as much as possible into the time we have there.

I believe my three week Australia and New Zealand travel itinerary above covers some of the best of both countries, highlighting both the urban and the natural.

Of course, three weeks isn’t nearly enough time to see all of Australia and New Zealand. But it should give you a little taste of what makes these countries so amazing.

If three weeks is all you have, it’s absolutely worth it to head down under. But hopefully, this first three week trip will inspire you to book another one!

I know I can’t wait to get back to Oceania and discover even more of this cool area of the world!