 Australia and New Zealand are known for their stunning scenery – and their somewhat overwhelming sizes. But with our run-down of routes, taking in the most fantastic experiences the countries have to offer, you won’t miss a thing. Overland from Cairns to Sydney
Minimum duration: 2 weeks
Start: Cairns, Australia
End: Sydney, Australia 1. Cairns, Australia
Start in Cairns where underwater adventures abound – as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef it's the perfect place for ocean exploration. 2. Magnetic Island, Australia
Continue onto Magnetic Island – famous for the effect it had on Captain Cook’s compass, this mountainous island has secluded beaches and is teeming with bush land wildlife. 3. Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Explore the secluded beauty of the 74 Whitsunday Islands on a sailing trip through turquoise waters.  4. Mackay Highlands, Australia
Check out the lush rainforests and misty mountains of the Mackay Highlands – the longest stretch of subtropical forest in Australia.
5. Hervey Bay, Australia
Spot whales and dolphins, try your hand at fishing, or sit back and relax with a meal of fish and chips in the beachside town of Hervey Bay. 6. Fraser Island, Australia
Sample a slice of paradise on Fraser Island – climb sand dunes, swim in freshwater lakes and enjoy barbecues on this famous island hang-out. 7. Byron Bay, Australia
Chill-out with hippies and surfers at Byron Bay – a relaxed, beachside town with great food, friendly locals and renowned surfing spots. 8. Myall Lakes, Australia
Discover towering sand dunes, rainforest walks and the legendary view from Yacaaba Headland from your base at Myall Lakes. 9. Hunter Valley, Australia
Taste world-renowned wines at the vineyards of Hunter Valley and sample delicious local cheeses and olives – don’t forget to pick up extras for your return journey. 10. Sydney, Australia
End your trip in Sydney, Australia’s cultural capital – whether day or night, there’s plenty on offer to round off your journey in style. Complete New Zealand
Minimum duration: 1 month
Start: Auckland, New Zealand
End: Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand 1. Auckland, New Zealand
Start your trip in Auckland for a taste of Pacific Island flavour – check-out its space-age Sky Tower and numerous volcanoes. 2. Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
Continue onto Coromandel Peninsula and dig a personal pool on Hot Water Beach before trekking to the remote white sands of Cathedral Cove. 3. Rotorua, New Zealand
Sample a little Maori culture with the locals in Rotorua – don’t forget to try a ‘hangi’ meal, cooked in an underground oven. 4. Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Explore Lord of the Rings landscape in Tongariro National Park – follow one of the park’s many walking trails and catch a glimpse of the inspiration for Mt Doom.  5. Napier, New Zealand
Cycle through Hawkes Bay wine country from your base in Napier, where there are also many galleries, trails and art deco buildings to keep you busy.
6. Wellington, New Zealand
Take a cable car up to the Botanic Gardens in Wellington or head straight up Mt Victoria for panoramic views across the city. 7. Kaikoura, New Zealand
Follow the coast down to Kaikoura, a sleepy seaside village and nature-lover’s paradise with plenty of opportunities to spot a variety of sealife. 8. Christchurch, New Zealand
Next, head to the garden city of Christchurch – take a tram past heritage buildings and parks and check-out its great restaurants and vibrant arts scene. 9. Mt Cook, New Zealand
Discover the Southern Alps from your base at Mt Cook and be inspired by the adventures of Sir Edmund Hilary at the Alpine Centre. 10. Queenstown, New Zealand
Seek thrills in Queenstown – bungee jump or paraglide down the Remarkable Mountains surrounding Lake Wakatipu after riding the Skyline Gondola up for spectacular views. 11. Milford Sound, New Zealand
Chill-out with a kayak trip across the calm waters of Milford Sound, surrounded by impressive waterfalls. 12. Wanaka, New Zealand
Relax with a local beer and Kiwi-style barbecue in Wanaka after a day jam-packed with a variety of adventure sports. 13. Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
End your trip in a world of rock and ice on the huge Franz Josef Glacier, sandwiched between the sea and the Southern Alps. |