32 days in New Zealand & Australia Itinerary

Sheltered in an inlet of Lake Wakatipu, the resort town of Queenstown enjoys a strong reputation for its adventuring and skiing opportunities.

On the 30th (Wed), dedicate a day to the elevated beauty of Coronet Peak. And it doesn't end there: have some family-friendly fun at Skyline Queenstown, take an unforgettable tour with a helicopter tour, have fun at Break One Clay Target Shooting, and whizz through the canopy at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks.

For other places to visit, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Queenstown vacation trip planner.

Wellington to Queenstown is an approximately 3.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of ferry and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Fri) so you can travel to Melbourne.

The state of Victoria crown jewel, Melbourne boasts shaded streets, leafy residential neighborhoods, vibrant street life, and a picturesque city center.

Dedicate the 4th (Mon) to wine at some of the top wineries in the area. Next up on the itinerary: admire the natural beauty at Royal Botanic Gardens, admire nature's wide array of creatures at Melbourne Zoo, make a trip to Flinders Street Station, and contemplate the long history of Old Melbourne Gaol.

To see more things to do, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Melbourne itinerary builder.

You can do a combination of bus and flight from Queenstown to Melbourne in 6 hours. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 2 hours traveling from Queenstown to Melbourne. Expect a daytime high around 20°C in September, and nighttime lows around 7°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Tue) so you can travel to Sydney.

Lent iconic status as a result of its famous bridge and opera house, Sydney has a down-to-earth charm that enhances its spectacular setting and functional efficiency.

Kick off your visit on the 5th (Tue): admire the natural beauty at Chinese Garden of Friendship, explore the activities along Watson's Bay, then get engrossed in the history at Hyde Park Barracks Museum, and finally make a trip to Queen Victoria Building. Here are some ideas for day two: meet the residents at Taronga Zoo and then head outdoors with Outdoor Activities.

To see maps, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Sydney itinerary maker.

Traveling by flight from Melbourne to Sydney takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In September, Sydney is somewhat warmer than Melbourne - with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 7th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Sydney.

See even more of Sydney: see the grandeur of opera at Sydney Opera House, take a stroll through Darling Harbour, admire nature's wide array of creatures at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, and stroll through Manly Beach.

To find where to stay, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, read Sydney itinerary builder.

Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Brisbane.

Queensland’s biggest town and state capital, Brisbane has an attractive, manicured image based around its riverside aesthetic as well as the contrast between its high-rise center and extensive urban greenery.

Change things up with a short trip to Sea World Theme Park in Main Beach (about 1h 30 min away). Next up on the itinerary: let the kids burn off some steam at South Bank Parklands, get great views at Mount Coot-tha Lookout, and identify plant and animal life at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

For reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Brisbane trip itinerary builder.

Getting from Sydney to Brisbane by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 27°C in September, and nighttime lows around 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel to Cairns.

A neat, cosmopolitan city of shaded plazas and laid-back neighborhoods, Cairns serves as a popular base for exploration of the surrounding region and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as a center for watersport activities like surfing or waterskiing.

Venture out of the city with trips to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures (in Palm Cove) and Port Douglas (Safaris & Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas). Spend the 16th (Sat) among aquatic life with a scuba or snorkeling tour. It doesn't end there: hike along Esplanade Boardwalk and take in the local highlights with Walking tours.

For ratings, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Cairns vacation builder.

Traveling by flight from Brisbane to Cairns takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Brisbane in September: high temperatures in Cairns hover around 33°C and lows are around 21°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Tue) early enough to travel to Auckland.

The largest and most populous city in New Zealand, Auckland combines a rich history and thriving contemporary culture in an abundance of museums, art galleries, and performance venues.

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Tue): take in the architecture and atmosphere at St Patrick's Cathedral. Here are some ideas for day two: admire nature's wide array of creatures at Auckland Zoo, then take in panoramic vistas at Sky Tower, and then stop by Pauanesia.

To find traveler tips, photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Auckland trip generator.

Traveling by combination of bus, flight, and taxi from Cairns to Auckland takes 5.5 hours. The time zone difference when traveling from Cairns to Auckland is 2 hours. Traveling from Cairns in September, you will find days in Auckland are cooler (17°C), and nights are little chillier (16°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Thu) to allow time to drive to Rotorua.

Surrounded by lakes and featuring impressive areas of geothermal landscape, the city of Rotorua offers an otherwordly landscape and a welcoming, peaceful environment, with the culture of the native Maori people very much in the foreground.

Change things up with these side-trips from Rotorua: Hobbiton Movie Set Tours (in Hinuera) and Huka Falls tracks (in Taupo). Spend the 24th (Sun) immersed in therapeutic waters at a local thermal spa. There's lots more to do: take in the natural beauty of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, admire the masterpieces at Rotorua Museum, don't miss a visit to Te Puia, and take a peaceful walk through Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest.

To see photos, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Rotorua trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Auckland to Rotorua by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: fly; or take a bus. Traveling from Auckland in September, expect little chillier with lows of 11°C in Rotorua. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 26th (Tue) to allow time for travel to Wellington.

Wellington, the world's southernmost capital city and New Zealand's second most populous urban area, combines the nation's rugged history and nature with its modern and cosmopolitan present.

Start off your visit on the 26th (Tue): catch a ride on Wellington Cable Car.

For other places to visit, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, read Wellington online itinerary creator.

Traveling by flight from Rotorua to Wellington takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In September, plan for daily highs up to 16°C, and evening lows to 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Wed) early enough to travel back home.