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
- The Moa Tour
- New Zealand Explorer
- East Coast Australia: 6 Week | ULTIMATE
- New Zealand Highlights
- New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
- New Zealand Adventure- Influence & Inspire
- Big South
- Australia: Beaches and Reefs (Without Sailing)
- New Zealand Panorama (Southbound)
- New Zealand North Island: Haka & Hot Springs
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
- US$1,616
New Zealand Explorer
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I had an amazing trip and met lovely friends in the same tour. They are super helpful with advice on what you should do.”
Thi, traveled in November
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 $2,273
10% Off- US$2,046+$342 upfront costsYou save $227
East Coast Australia: 6 Week | ULTIMATE
76 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was the most amazing time for me here in Australia. Everything was being taken care of by Ultimate and Eli, so for us the only thing what we had to do was have fun.”
Femke, traveled in March
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$4,731
New Zealand Highlights
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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 $5,282
26% Off- US$3,930+$794 upfront costsYou save $1,352
New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent tour. Definitely recommend.”
patrick, 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$2,024You save $675
Duration 13 days Destinations Auckland, Waitomo, Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua, Taupo, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Wanaka, Lake WanakaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator TruTravels From
25% Off- US$2,595
Big South
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The big south was 10 out of 10 experience. The flexibility of the guides makes the trip feel more like a family and friends on holiday.”
Shanaya, traveled in April
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 $2,198
10% Off- US$1,978+$330 upfront costsYou save $220
Duration 16 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Bondi Beach, Byron Bay, Noosa, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Magnetic Island, CairnsSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Contiki From $3,825
26% Off- US$2,848+$298 upfront costsYou save $978
New Zealand Panorama (Southbound)
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was way better than I thought it would be, the guide and driver were so much friendlier and knowledgable than I expected.”
Thomas, 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, Taupo, Wellington, Kaikoura, Picton, Christchurch, Arthur's Pass National Park, HokitikaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Contiki From $2,995
13% Off- US$2,595You save $400
New Zealand North Island: Haka & Hot Springs
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This trip was absolutely amazing, from the countries that we visited right down to the Topdeck crew!!”
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$1,966You save $103
What people love about Australia/Oceania Tours for Young Adults
- New Zealand Explorer
I had an amazing trip and met lovely friends in the same tour. Our tour guides (Ben for North Island and Claudia for South Island) are local experts with their extensive knowledge of everything kiwi (culture, plants, animals...). They are super helpful with advice on what you should do, where to eat/play or how you should prepare for each day/activity...I paid for the private room which I don't regret (because I prioritize "me time" at the end of the day) but be aware that in most hostels, a private room doesn't come with a private bathroom.
Wow. I really had the time of my life. Got to see a super beautiful part of Australia with a really fun group. Activities were very well organised! Thanks to our tour guide Eli, we all quickly felt at home and quickly became a close-knit group of girls! I can recommend it to everyone. The six weeks flew by.
East Coast Australia: 6 Week | ULTIMATE
- New Zealand Highlights
I recently finished the New Zealand Highlights Tour with Wild Kiwi, and it was an incredible experience. The South Island was full of adventure, with highlights like skydiving, paddleboarding, and trekking through stunning scenery. Ben, our guide, was engaging, knowledgeable, and made the experience even better with his local insights. On the North Island, Telli took over and brought the same energy and expertise. Visiting Hobbiton was a highlight, along with jet boating and more trekking through beautiful landscapes. Both guides added so much value to the trip, making it feel seamless and enjoyable. If you're looking for a well-organized way to explore New Zealand and experience a mix of adventure and natural beauty, I highly recommend Wild Kiwi to anyone wishing to visit the country.
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.