While these vast and wild countries couldn't be more different, they are both full of hidden pockets of natural beauty that are often overlooked, but which can be easily accessible and enjoyed on a lovely, leisurely car ride. Whether you're after a solo adventure, a romantic getaway or a journey for the whole family to enjoy, Australasia road trips can be tailored to suit you.
Full to the brim with lush and untouched scenery, culture-filled cities and idyllic coastlines across both the North and South Islands, food- and nature-lovers will be blown away with New Zealand road trips. Start in Auckland and weave your way through the countryside to the country's capital Wellington, sampling local produce along the way, before hopping over to the South Island on a ferry (or drop your hire car and fly over to pick up another set of wheels) to take the winding roads around steep mountains and through verdant rolling vineyards of the South Island. Along the way you can get the adrenaline pumping with outdoors activities; indulge in wine tastings and gourmet meals; visit the many museums and learn about the nation's indigenous Maori culture.
If the idea of world-famous coastline, bustling cities and arid desert landscapes tickle your fancy, there are plenty of Australia road trips to try. The East Coast is famous for its excellent watersports and diving, so water babies should make the epic drive from Cairns - the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef - down towards the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane via the pretty coastal towns of Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday region, the ideal stop offs to swap your car for a boat on an island-hopping jolly. The stretch between culture-filled Melbourne and artsy Adelaide, on the other hand, includes the famous Great Ocean Road which promises lovely views and quaint seaside nooks, plus plenty of vineyards to enjoy; while the drive to the country's Red Centre - home to the towering sacred monolith of Uluru, or Ayers Rock - will take you from verdant countryside to the seemingly never-ending desert of the Outback without another soul in sight and give you a taste of the 'real Australia' that so many miss.
While we love fly-drive adventures for the freedom to explore at your own pace, our New Zealand and Australia experts can help you plan your route and the lovely stops to see along the way - including those secret spots that most tourists never get to see - and organise everything from guided tours to cultural experiences.
