Discover the best ways to see Australia and New Zealand in 2025 with these new trips and revamped classics.
Australia and New Zealand are so saturated with epic cities, soul-stirring landscapes and cultural wonders that you may never get to experience them all – even if you’re a local. But it’s worth a shot.
From spotting koalas in the wild on Magnetic Island to spending the night in a vineyard near Queenstown, here’s how to get a fresh take on Australia and New Zealand in 2025.
Spot koalas on Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island makes its Intrepid debut on the new 18 to 35s Essential Brisbane to Cairns trip. The mountainous island is perfect for hiking or unwinding on the beach. With one of Australia’s largest wild koala populations, spotting these cute creatures is also a highlight of the 10-day adventure. Walk along the coast in Noosa National Park, reaching Hell’s Gate Lookout – a much more attractive view than the name suggests.
Tour Thursday Island with a Torres Strait Islander
If learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture is part of your Australia plans (and it should be), check out the new Cape York and Torres Strait Explorer trip. You’ll go on a bush food and medicine walk with an Aboriginal guide near Cooktown before venturing beyond the mainland’s northernmost point to tour Thursday Island with a local Torres Strait Islander. You’ll also camp overnight at the coconut-lined Chilli Beach – the perfect combo of chilling out and cultural immersion.
Make waves on SUP and sailing adventures
Like all of Intrepid’s 18 to 35s trips, the new Real Australia adventure offers plenty of flexibility over its two weeks. But what makes this comprehensive East Coast itinerary so special is the group activities sprinkled in between the free time – like stand-up paddleboarding near Coffs Harbour with a guide from the Gumbaynggirr community, where you’ll learn about Aboriginal culture as you glide along the river. Or the two-day sailing trip in the Whitsundays, giving you plenty of time to snorkel and scuba in the Coral Sea.
Wake up in a rainforest lodge
Sick of staring at the same laptop screen for 40 hours a week? On the new Sydney to Brisbane 18 to 35s trip you can swap digital overload for an eye-cleansing, immersive adventure through Australia’s untamed landscapes – from lush national parks to golden sandy beaches. You’ll spend time in Byron Bay and Port Macquarie – two East Coast spots known for their natural beauty – and spend a night in a rainforest lodge. You’re sure to feel the healing properties of nature with this one.
Soak in a hot tub after a wine-tasting session
Premium New Zealand Encompassed covers a lot of ground in 18 days, so for 2025 Intrepid has added some new experiences to help you recharge. Spend the night at a Gibbson Valley vineyard, washing away any tension with a soak in the hot tub after a three-course meal and wine-tasting session. Then, in Queenstown, cruise along Lake Whakatipu to a nearby farm and share a gourmet barbeque dinner with your hosts.
See wild seals in Kaikoura
The North to South Island Adventure (and its reverse itinerary, South Island to North Adventure) has been revamped for 2025 in response to traveller feedback. On a newly extended 11-day itinerary, you’ll ferry across the Cook Strait and travel further south, all the way to Christchurch. This allows for a more relaxed pace, extra free time and the chance to spot wild seals and humpback whales in Kaikoura.
Find out what else is new in 2025 with The Goods.
