Australia/Oceania Tours for Young Adults
What if you kayaked to Cathedral Cove's natural arch, explored glow-worm caves at Waitomo, and then learned about Maori culture at Mitai Village? Take a cruise through Milford Sound's beautiful fjord, then hike around beautiful Lake Tekapo. New Zealand is small, so you can see a lot of different things without having to travel a lot between regions. You can see volcanoes, Maori traditions, and beautiful alpine scenery.
10 best trips for '18 to 30 Somethings' in Australia/Oceania
Compiled by
NinaAustralia/Oceania travel expert at TourRadar
Ages 20-35 can try black water rafting through Waitomo's underground caves, jumping off waterfalls, and kayaking to Split Apple Rock in Abel Tasman National Park. Party nights at Mahinapua Hotel by the lake lead to Queenstown's Kawarau Bridge bungy jump, white water rafting down Kaituna River, and heli-hiking on Franz Josef Glacier.
Duration 17 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport, Hokitika, Franz JosefSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Kiwi Experience From $1,674
10% Off- US$1,507
New Zealand Highlights
“I went on a wild kiwi tour of New Zealand and had the time of my life. It is a trip I will never forget.”
Brendan, traveled in January
New Zealand's adventure capital welcomes young travelers with bungy jumping in Queenstown and glacier walks at Franz Josef. The Hobbiton Movie Set, Waitomo's glowworm caves, and Milford Sound cruises showcase the country's diversity from premium accommodations.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Karangahake, Waihi, Mount Maunganui, Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Waitomo, HamiltonSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Wild Kiwi From
10% Off- US$4,889+$823 upfront costs
East Coast Australia: 6 Week | Ultimate
“Everything was so well organised, which completely took the stress out of travelling and allowed me to just enjoy every single moment.”
Tessanie, traveled in October
Sydney nightlife, Byron Bay surf lessons, and Gold Coast party scenes await 18-35 travelers. Whitsunday sailing adventures, Fraser Island camping, and optional Mission Beach skydiving complete this social adventure.
Duration 43 days Destinations Sydney, Port Stephens, Byron Bay, Nimbin, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, Beerwah, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser IslandSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Room Type Shared Operator Ultimate Travel From
10% Off- US$4,879
New Zealand Explorer
“The group setting was fun and a nice bonding expensive of people from around the world.”
Lindale, traveled in August
Queenstown's extreme sports, Waitomo cave rafting, and Rotorua's cultural experiences await ages 20-35. Social hostel stays and optional Southern Alps skydiving create unforgettable memories.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Hahei, Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo, Raglan, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Wild Kiwi From $2,361
10% Off- US$2,124+$354 upfront costs
New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
“Great trip, highly recommend as a fun way to see the South Island.”
Julie, traveled in February
New Zealand's top thrills await 20-35 year olds in Queenstown's extreme sports scene, Franz Josef's glacier hikes, and Abel Tasman's kayaking ($200). Travelers connect during included breakfasts and group dinners.
Duration 16 days Destinations Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, Cape Foulwind, Westport, Punakaiki, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mount Cook National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Shared Operator G Adventures From $2,699
25% Off- US$2,024
Big South
“The South Island is beautiful. T made the trip by doing the things we wanted to do.”
Stephan, traveled in August
South Island thrills include Queenstown's famous bungy jumps, Franz Josef glacier hikes, and Abel Tasman kayaking (approx. $150). Wine tasting in Marlborough and group dinners foster friendships.
Duration 14 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Haast, Franz Josef, Hokitika, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Wild Kiwi From $2,283
10% Off- US$2,054+$342 upfront costs
New Zealand Panorama (Southbound)
“It was amazing, made the trip that much better.”
Luke, traveled in December
New Zealand's adventure capitals welcome 18-35 year olds with legendary Queenstown nightlife, Rotorua's Dawn Canopy Tour, and Lake Taupō's skydiving. Fourteen exciting locations span both islands.
Duration 16 days Destinations Auckland, Waikato, Rotorua, Huka Falls Resort, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Ohakune, Mount Ruapehu, Wellington, PictonSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Contiki From $3,175
23% Off- US$2,453
UltimateOz - Gap Year | Ultimate
“Base camp was the best part! Should be extended another day.”
Sofiane, traveled in November
Free drinks flow during Sydney pub crawls for ages 18-35. Thrills await at Stockton Sand Dunes, beach parties rock One Mile Beach, and connections form at the social Wake Up Sydney Central hostel.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sydney, Port Stephens, Nelson Bay, Coogee, Bondi Age Range Ages 18-35 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Ultimate Travel From
23% Off- US$932
New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
“Get more money for activities you will not regret.”
Jinyoung, traveled in January
New Zealand's adventure capital beckons with Queenstown's legendary nightlife and Kawarau Bridge bungy. Marvel at Franz Josef Glacier, glide through Milford Sound, and bond with fellow travelers over 8 group breakfasts and 3 dinners. Average age is 26.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Haast, Wanaka, Queenstown, Cardrona, Milford Sound, Te Anau, ManapouriSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Contiki From $1,825
26% Off- US$1,346
New Zealand North Island: Haka & Hot Springs
“Whole trip was amazing! Would definitely do it again.”
Jessie, traveled in July
Young adventurers (18-39) tackle Kaituna River rapids, soar through Rotorua's canopy tours (costs around $180), and optionally skydive over Bay of Islands. Sunset cruises, craft beer tastings, and authentic Māori cultural experiences at Kohutapu Lodge complete the journey.
Duration 10 days Destinations Auckland, Whangarei, Waitangi, Paihia, Cape Reinga, Ninety Mile Beach, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Waitomo, Hobbiton Movie SetSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-32 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Topdeck From $2,069
5% Off- US$1,966
What people love about Australia/Oceania Tours for Young Adults
I had the best time ever with my group and our tour guide ?! Everything was so much fun and Eli was the best tour guide ever! It was a journey I would never forget. She really made the tour so special for us. It wouldn’t be the same without her.
East Coast Australia: 6 Week | Ultimate
- New Zealand Explorer
This tour was amazing!! It was my first time out of the country in 10+ years (not to mention my first solo trip) & I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. My tour guide was Dee and she was absolutely phenomenal. As a native Kiwi herself, she was extremely well informed about the sights and activities in New Zealand and always made sure we had the best time. She made the experience even better because it felt like she was one of us. She took the time to get to know all 10/15 of us (a difficult feat at least for me haha) and she seamlessly integrated herself into our group. I appreciated the fact that she gave her honest opinion on activities we could do while staying objective and supportive with the everything the group wanted to do. I personally have a bit of a hard time talking in bigger groups so I was grateful when I got the chance to talk to her one on one on the bus. I was so lucky to have her during both weeks of my tour, and I would 1000% recommend this tour (and hopefully you get Dee as your guide hahaha) to anyone who’s even considering it. I came back to the stated with a completely new perspective. Life changing experience!!!
The itinerary was very good always busy but I would of liked an extra day in kaikora and maybe a bit more time in Christchurch. The bus ride was very comfy and always entertaining it just got bit to hot sometimes. All the hostels was very good unfortunately we wasn’t able to make it franz Josef and had a night Dunedin and that hostle wasn’t very clean and didn’t feel safe their. 4 stars for meal didn’t mean to click 3 food was good could of done with couple extra meals. Sparkles was amazing she so bubbly and fun always made sure everyone was okay even when the landslide happened she was so chilled out and made such a poor situation all good and didn’t course stress , wonderful women and hope to see her again!!!
New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
What our customers ask about Australia/Oceania Tours for Young Adults
What are the best destinations for young adults visiting Australia/Oceania for the first time?
The East Coast of Australia and New Zealand's South Island stand out as prime destinations for first-time visitors. The Australian leg typically includes the surf culture of Byron Bay the natural wonders of the Whitsundays and exploring K'gari (Fraser Island) by 4x4. New Zealand's South Island offers Queenstown's adrenaline sports the dramatic landscapes of Milford Sound and the coastal trails of Abel Tasman National Park. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "From surfing in Byron Bay to sailing around the Whitsundays - totally stunning! Would definitely recommend this tour to my friends." Places to stay run from budget-friendly spots like The Barn in Marahau to mid-range options such as the Mercure Resort in Queenstown.
How much spending money should I budget per day as a young traveler?
Daily expenses beyond tour costs average 80-100 USD in Australia and New Zealand. This covers basic meals (15-20 USD for lunch 30-40 USD for dinner) plus entertainment and activities. Adventure sports in places like Queenstown or Sydney can add 100-300 USD per activity to your budget. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The tour was great value with meals and key activities included but having extra money for nights out in Queenstown and optional activities like skydiving was essential." Many accommodations like BUNK Brisbane and Base Sydney provide kitchen facilities to help reduce food costs.
What are the most popular adventure activities for young travelers in Australia/Oceania?
Adventure seekers will find plenty of options throughout the region. Skydiving over Mission Beach costs around 300 USD while white water rafting in Cairns runs about 150 USD. Queenstown offers bungy jumping for 200 USD and many tours include surfing lessons in Byron Bay. As one TourRadar traveler recounted: "The activities were fantastic - the surfboarding and harbour cruise were my highlights I even got to drive the boat under harbour bridge!" Many tours book stays at adventure-focused spots like Base Adventure Lodge in Queenstown or Nomads in Byron Bay putting activities right at your doorstep.
What's the best time of year for young travelers to visit Australia/Oceania?
October through March brings the best combination of weather and social atmosphere. This period offers warm temperatures for coastal activities along Byron Bay and the Whitsundays plus ideal conditions for outdoor adventures on New Zealand's South Island. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "We were very lucky with the weather - our visits to Noosa Fraser Island and Airlie beach were just amazing." Popular spots like YHA hostels in major cities and The Barn in Abel Tasman see more visitors during these months creating a lively social scene.
What kind of accommodation can young travelers expect on these tours?
Accommodations focus on social settings and value with options ranging from hostels to unique local stays. Some standout examples include the tipi tents at Arts Factory Lodge in Byron Bay beachfront bungalows at Base Magnetic Island and shared rooms at JUCY Snooze Christchurch. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The hostels were fine (and that's coming from someone who had never stayed in a hostel before!)" Most places offer common spaces kitchens and social areas designed for meeting other travelers.
What's the nightlife like for young travelers in Australia/Oceania?
The region's nightlife caters well to younger crowds with plenty of social spots. Popular areas include the bar scene along Queenstown's Shotover Street Byron Bay's Beach Hotel and the always-busy Gilligan's Backpackers in Cairns. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The night will finish with a farewell dinner and drinks to toast to the incredible adventures and friends we have made." Many hostels including Base Sydney and Nomads Brisbane organize social events and pub crawls. Most tours place you near these entertainment districts making it easy to enjoy the scene with your group.