Travel guide

12 Days Across Australia & New Zealand: Sydney, Queenstown & Mount Cook

Australia & New Zealand travel guide

Glittering harbours, glacier-carved fjords, surf beaches and snow-capped peaks — Australia and New Zealand pack two of the world's most spectacular countries into one unforgettable trip across the Tasman Sea.

Here's a relaxed 12-day route that pairs Australia's sun-soaked cities with New Zealand's epic landscapes — plus the little things that make travel smooth, including staying online from the moment you land.

Day 1–3: Sydney — Icons & Harbour Life

Begin where most journeys start. Watch the sails of the Sydney Opera House glow at sunset, walk across the Harbour Bridge, and spend a slow morning at Bondi Beach before the scenic Bondi-to-Coogee coastal walk.

Tip: catch a ferry to Manly — it's the best-value harbour cruise in the city.

Day 4–5: Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road

Fly south to Melbourne for hidden laneway cafés and world-class street art, then set off on the legendary Great Ocean Road. Stop for the Twelve Apostles and spot wild koalas in the gum trees.

Tip: drive the coast westbound so the ocean stays on your left — easier stops and better views.

Day 6–8: Queenstown — Adventure Capital

Cross the Tasman to New Zealand's Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Bungy jump, jet boat the Shotover River, or simply ride the Skyline Gondola for jaw-dropping views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.

Tip: take the day trip to Milford Sound — the fjord cruise is worth every minute of the drive.

Day 9–10: Aoraki / Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo

Drive north through Central Otago to Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak. Hike the Hooker Valley Track to a glacier-fed lake, then end the day at Lake Tekapo under one of the clearest night skies on Earth.

Day 11–12: Auckland — City of Sails

Wrap up in Auckland: harbour-side dining, the view from the Sky Tower, and an easy ferry to Waiheke Island for vineyards and beaches before you fly home.

Quick Tips for Australia & New Zealand

  • Best time to visit: December–February for warm beaches, or June–August for New Zealand's ski season.
  • Getting around: fly between the countries and major cities, then rent a car for the scenic drives — especially in New Zealand.
  • Plugs & power: Type I plug, 230V in both countries — one adapter covers the whole trip.
  • Budget & currency: two currencies (AUD & NZD) and not a cheap region — book flights and stays early.

Staying Connected in Australia & New Zealand

From navigating the Great Ocean Road to finding the trailhead at Mount Cook, you'll want data that just works in both countries. With Happy Travel SIM you have two easy options:

Both give you fast 4G/5G coverage across Australia and New Zealand — no roaming bill shock, and no hunting for an airport SIM kiosk after a long flight.

Ready for Australia & New Zealand?

Pack your sense of adventure, sort your data before you go, and let the trans-Tasman journey begin.

👉 Get your Australia & New Zealand eSIM, or order a physical SIM (free shipping in Malaysia & Thailand).

Plan your connection before you fly

Choose a travel eSIM or physical SIM for your destination, then use these guides when you need setup or troubleshooting help.

Shop eSIM plans eSIM installation guides Check balance or top up
Back to blog