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 This gay group journey brings together two of the Southern Hemisphere’s most exciting countries at the most festive time of year. We begin in Queenstown, New Zealand, surrounded by dramatic mountains and lakes, where the group meets and the adventure energy kicks in right away. Activity days here are all about choosing your own level of adrenaline, whether that means getting out on the water, heading into the hills, or simply soaking up the alpine scenery.
Christmas is spent in unforgettable fashion, with an overnight cruise to Doubtful Sound and a special holiday dinner shared together in true travel-family style.
From there, we trade mountains for city life as we fly to Melbourne, Australia, a culture-rich city known for laneway cafés, street art, and incredible food. After time to explore and an activity day to dive deeper, we continue on to Sydney, where iconic harbor views and coastal walks set the scene for the second half of the trip.
We'll kick off our time in Sydney with a fresh-air day in the Blue Mountains, followed by an epic New Year’s Eve celebration: a genuine bucket-list experience with world-famous fireworks. With time built in for activities, exploring, and simply enjoying being together, this itinerary balances big moments with the freedom to make the trip your own.
• All taxes
• Accommodations for your 11-day New Zealand & Australia gay tour experience
• All full breakfasts
• Two one-way domestic flights from Queenstown to Melbourne, and Melbourne to Sydney
• Welcome Dinner
• Christmas Dinner
• Overnight boat trip to Doubtful Sound
• Day trip to Blue Mountains
• Walking tour of central Melbourne
• New Year's Eve Party in Sydney (a $400 USD value)
• All transfers between itinerary stops
• Knowledgeable and fun gay trip leader
• Meals and drinks outside of those listed above
• Activities outside of the those listed above
• International Airfare to/from Australia and New Zealand
• Arrival/departure airport transfers
• Optional gratuities
Additional spending budget?
Your big-ticket items are included through the trip, but you'll want to budget for additional spending such as additional meals, drinks, shopping, activities, etc. These costs can vary dramatically with differing personal habits but we suggest expecting to spend an additional $900 USD at the lower end for the more budget-conscious and $1300 USD at the higher end for the splurgers. We suggest arriving to New Zealand with some local cash, approximately the equivalent of $200 USD.
Days 1 & 2
Our adventure begins in Queenstown, where alpine peaks, deep blue lakes, and big-sky views set the tone from the very start. Sitting beside Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by dramatic mountains, it’s often called the Adventure Capital of the World, and it lives up to the name. Whether it’s tackling an iconic bungee jump, jet-boating through canyons, hiking Ben Lomond, or visiting nearby Glenorchy’s Lord of the Rings landscapes, there are options for every pace.
Between activities, join your trip leader on the scenic Tiki Trail. It’s a steep but rewarding walk (with a gondola option if you’d rather ride) leading to sweeping views over the Remarkables and the lake: an unforgettable spot for lunch or a celebratory drink.
Queenstown is a fitting place to launch our journey... full of energy, scenery, and that “let’s do this” feeling from day one.
Day 3
A Doubtful Sound overnight cruise aboard RealNZ’s Fiordland Navigator or Milford Wanderer is one of New Zealand’s most immersive wilderness experiences, beginning with a scenic journey across Lake Manapouri and over the lush Wilmot Pass before setting sail into the vast, remote fiord. Once aboard, we pass rainforest-clad cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and deep, still waters, while expert guides share commentary and help spot wildlife such as dolphins and penguins. Christmas is celebrated on board with a special festive dinner, enjoyed together while the vessel is moored quietly beneath the stars. We settle into cozy cabins for the night and wake to sunrise over the fiord’s dramatic, mist-filled scenery and complete silence.
Days 4, 5, and 6
Get ready to explore one of the world’s most multicultural cities, also consistently ranked among the most liveable.
Melbourne is Australia’s capital of all things trendy and tasty, known for its dynamic food scene, exhilarating sports culture, and creative laneways filled with street art, hidden boutiques, and cozy cafés and bars. Coffee lovers are especially at home here: Melbourne’s café culture is legendary. You can even try the local specialty, the “Melbourne Magic.”
On the morning of our first full day here (Day 5), we’ll kick things off with a guided walking tour, then you’ll have plenty of options. Head up to the Skydeck, cruise the river, cycle the waterfront trails, explore markets and galleries, ride a heritage tram, or simply wander laneways from cocktail bar to coffee shop.
On your next free day, optional experiences include hot-air ballooning over the city, a Yarra Valley wine tour, or a Great Ocean Road day trip to the Twelve Apostles.
Days 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11
There’s no other city like it on Earth. Iconic beaches, a sparkling harbour, a vibrant gay scene, famous architecture, world-class cuisine, coffee to rival Melbourne’s, galleries, shopping, cocktail bars… it’s all waiting for you, and so much more.
While in Sydney we’ll get out on the harbour for a sightseeing cruise and visit the world-famous Bondi Beach. You can also walk the spectacular Bondi-to-Coogee coastal trail (~2 hours).
Feeling adventurous? Climbing one of the most famous bridges in the world is an optional (and unforgettable!) experience. Before celebrating New Year’s Eve in Sydney (a true bucket-list moment), we'll take a full-day trip to the Blue Mountains for fresh air, viewpoints, and dramatic scenery.
As with all our trips, there are no scheduled activities on the final day, so you’re free to depart whenever works best. Not ready to go home? We don’t blame you. We end the itinerary in Sydney so you can easily extend, stay longer, head to the Great Barrier Reef, or add more beach time. Our team is happy to help with ideas and hotel extensions.
We don't like staying in smelly shacks on our vacations and we're pretty sure you don't either! You work hard to go on vacation and we believe you deserve an enjoyable, comfortable place to wind down at the end of each day. We put a LOT of time into finding the perfect accommodation for your trip. After rigorous Wi-fi signal testing, fluffing pillows, and taking a shower or two, we've narrowed down our favorite properties. Check out our approved accommodation to see where we've stayed in the past and where we'll likely be staying on your trip.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Kamana Lakehouse Hotel
 Kamana Lakehouse in Queenstown, New Zealand is a stylish, high-altitude boutique hotel perched above Lake Wakatipu with sweeping views of the water and the iconic Remarkables mountain range. The contemporary rooms blend comfort and simplicity, some with furnished balconies perfect for soaking in the scenery after a day of adventure. On-site, there's a lively Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar, cozy common spaces with fireplaces, and private soaking tubs for relaxation. Just a short drive from central Queenstown, it’s a peaceful base for exploring the “adventure capital of the world.
Doubtful Sound, New Zealand
RealNZ Overnight Cruise
Accommodation aboard the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise on the RealNZ Navigator or Wanderer consists of comfortable private cabins with ensuite bathrooms, available in twin or double configurations. Cabins are simply styled but warm and inviting, with cozy bedding and portholes or windows that frame the surrounding fiord scenery. Shared indoor lounges and outdoor viewing decks provide relaxed spaces to unwind in the evening and enjoy the quiet, remote atmosphere of Fiordland.
Melbourne, Australia
Lancemore Crossley St. Hotel
 entrally located between the Paris end of Bourke Street, Theatre District, and Chinatown, this cosmopolitan boutique hotel has a rooftop terrace featuring views of the city. There's also a 24/7 gym and a sleek lobby bar. This hotel is home to 113 art-filled accommodation rooms, with a style that is richly layered, complex and unique. Breakfast options include continental, à la carte, and full English/Irish. The on-site restaurant serves warm dishes, fresh pastries, cheese, fruits, and juice.
Sydney
Furama Darling Harbour Hotel
 Furama Darling Harbour is a stylish, well-located 4-star hotel in Sydney’s Haymarket, perfectly positioned between vibrant Chinatown and the waterfront energy of Darling Harbour. The hotel features comfortable, contemporary rooms, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant, making it an easy and enjoyable place to unwind after a day of exploring the city. With Darling Harbour, world-class dining, shopping, and excellent transport links just steps away, it offers a seamless blend of comfort, location, and classic Sydney atmosphere.
*Please note that due to availability, these exact hotels may not all be available during all our trips. However, we will always replace these with similar hotels.
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The Climate
Our trip is scheduled during the heart of the Southern Hemisphere summer, covering the Christmas and New Year period. Because seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere, December and January bring some of the warmest, sunniest weather of the year. Temperatures are typically mild to warm, with daytime highs often in the low to mid-70s °F (low to mid-20s °C) in New Zealand, while parts of Australia can be hotter, especially inland and around Sydney and Melbourne during heat waves.
Across this period, you can expect long daylight hours, great beach conditions, and comfortable evenings perfect for dining outdoors. As with much of this region, weather can still change quickly, and coastal breezes or mountain areas may feel cooler at times. Packing layers is key, include light summer clothing along with a warm extra layer and a light rain jacket, just in case. This combination of sunshine, warmth, and festive energy makes late December and early January an ideal time to be exploring outdoors and celebrating the holidays Down Under.
The People and LGBT Friendliness
New Zealanders, commonly known as “Kiwis,” and Australians, or “Aussies,” are famously friendly, welcoming, and easygoing. You’ll likely find it effortless to meet warm, talkative locals who add to the overall experience. Both countries are known for progressive values, with several openly LGBT politicians and long-standing marriage equality laws, reflecting broad acceptance of diverse people and cultures. This diversity is visible in daily life, with vibrant Indigenous, immigrant, and queer communities contributing to a rich cultural mix. The result is two countries that feel open, united in spirit, and wonderfully welcoming to our groups.
Both New Zealand and Australia are very open-minded, and the vast majority of people are accepting of homosexuality. We have never encountered negative reactions from locals regarding our sexuality and don’t expect to in the future. That said, it’s worth noting that very public displays of affection or “enthusiasm” are best kept to private spaces, as social norms tend to favor a slightly more relaxed, low-key approach in public settings.
The Cuisine
In most cities and towns, you’ll find that the cuisine in New Zealand and Australia is similar to the international fare common in North America and Europe (especially the UK), with strong influences from many cultures around the world. Because agriculture and fresh produce play a major role in both countries, expect exceptionally fresh, locally grown ingredients and high-quality meats and seafood, you’ll taste the difference. While traveling, be sure to try traditional cuisine such as Otago lamb and Green-lipped mussels in New Zealand, and Indigenous Australian–inspired dishes that highlight native herbs, spices, and bush ingredients. Travelers with varying dietary restrictions generally find it easy to locate suitable options in both countries, especially in major cities, where vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-conscious menus are widely available.
What to bring?
Our advice is simple. Pack your bag, then take half of those things out and leave them back home. It’s common to hear people wishing they’d packed less stuff, but we’ve never heard anyone complain that they didn’t bring enough. Even if you realize you forget to pack some crucial item you can always pick up a replacement once you arrive in New Zealand. Just make sure to review the climate section above and remember that our trips are run in a casual style so you can leave your tuxedos at home. We'll include some trip-specific packing advice based on expected weather as part of our update email to you, sent 10 days prior to your trip.
Money
New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) and Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD). We suggest arriving with a small amount of local currency to start, along with your regular bank card to withdraw cash from widely available ATMs along the way. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in both countries, so bring at least one; traveler’s checks are no longer recommended.
Large bills can sometimes be difficult to use in shops and restaurants, so request smaller denominations when possible.
If you can, travel with a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees — the savings add up quickly. When paying by card overseas, you may be asked whether to charge in your home currency or the local one; choose the local currency to help avoid extra fees.
Tipping
While tipping isn't a native custom in these countries, those working in the tourism industry all over the world have come to expect gratuities when providing good service. This extends to local guides, restaurant wait staff, bus drivers, and your Detours trip leader. Of course the actual amount is left up to your discretion, if you've been provided excellent service we suggest leaving around 10% for restaurant/wait staff as well as the local equivalent of a few dollars to bus drivers and luggage porters, as well as around $10-15 USD per day for local guides and your gay trip leader.
Accommodation
We have pretty high standards when it comes to choosing our accommodations, and trust us, we’ve done plenty of room-sniffing, pillow-patting, bed-jumping and bathroom inspections to make sure we stay at quality spots. To be approved as a Detours accommodations provider, a hotel/guesthouse should: be locally owned (to support the local community), be in an amazing location (close to the hot spots), and be gay-friendly. We won't be staying in 5-star Ritz-Carltons but we also won't subject you to anything we wouldn't want to stay in ourselves. Clean and comfortable and approximately 4 stars, you can count on that!
Trip Leaders
All our trips are led by one of our own gay trip leaders. They're there with you every day and their job is to help ensure that this is your trip of a lifetime by taking the hassle out of your trip and enabling you to experience everything you came to New Zealand and Australia for. Consider them like a friendly concierge that's traveling along with you. All of our trip leaders are gay and all are well-traveled and experienced in the destination they're leading in, so they'll be a great part of your experience!
Alarm Clocks
We do absolutely everything possible to avoid needing such a mundane awakening. A world without alarm clocks is one we want to be part of, and your “rise and shine” while in New Zealand and Australia should come from the excitement of what the coming day holds. However, sometimes due to current flight schedules we are required to make early departures, but we do everything we can to minimize this.
Your Group
Our gay groups are run with maximum of 16 travelers. Ages of group members vary but almost all our travelers are in their 40's, 50’s and 60’s. Whatever the age of the guys on our trips everyone's already got something in common, an exciting new experience in a new country! Each group is led by a Detours trip leader who is there to ensure everything goes off without a hitch, allowing you to focus on having the time of your life! We welcome both men and women onto our trips although it’s important to know that most groups are 100% gay men.
Solo Travelers
No problem! Don’t worry, at least half our travelers come solo and our trip will provide plenty of chances to meet great people both inside and outside of our group, including other solo travelers. As far as your accommodations go, you’ve got two choices. We can either pair you up with another solo group member in a two-bed room for no extra charge, or you can have your own room for a very reasonable surcharge.
Electrical Outlets
New Zealand and Australia use only one plug shape so it's important to bring a "Type I" plug shape on your trip here. The voltage is 230V with 50 Hz frequency. These days, the majority of items that are plugged into an outlet are built to handle varying voltage and frequency levels, but just to be sure, we suggest checking your item for its accetable range.
Staying Connected
To ensure you don't lose connection along the way, your cell phone provider likely has several roaming options available. We suggest reaching out to them prior to the trip to find out which package is right for you as it will depend on how much you intend to use your phone while traveling. Keep in mind that all accommodation and most restaurants have free WiFi available as well.
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