Australia and New Zealand Combined Sports Tour: The 2027 Guide

If your team is flying to the other side of the world, why not see two countries? Australia and New Zealand are only a short flight apart, share the same seasons and love the same sports — rugby, netball, cricket and football. A combined tour gives players more variety, tougher opposition and a lifetime of memories.

Olimpia Tour is based in Melbourne and plans tours across Australia and New Zealand. Every tour is tailored, so costs are always on request.

Key Takeaways

• •The flight between Sydney or Melbourne and Auckland or Christchurch takes about 3–4 hours.
• •Both countries share the same seasons: winter sport from about May to September, cricket in summer.
• •Most combined tours run 14–18 days with 4–6 fixtures.
• •Players need the right entry papers for both countries (for example an Australian ETA or eVisitor plus a New Zealand NZeTA).
• •New Zealand adds adventure: Queenstown, glaciers, Hobbiton and Maori culture.

Which sports suit a combined tour best?

• •Rugby — New Zealand is rugby's spiritual home and Australia has strong school and club rugby.
• •Netball — the two strongest netball nations in the world.
• •Cricket — summer tours with fixtures in both countries.
• •Football and hockey — strong club and school competitions in both countries.

What is the best route?

• •Classic route — Sydney → Melbourne → Auckland → Rotorua.
• •South Island route — Melbourne → Sydney → Christchurch → Queenstown.
• •Short route — Brisbane or the Gold Coast → Auckland.

What does a combined tour include?

• •Fixtures against matched schools and clubs in both countries.
• •Coaching clinics with experienced, accredited coaches.
• •Watching elite sport when the calendar allows.
• •Culture and adventure — a Maori cultural experience, jet boating, wildlife parks and beaches.
• •Logistics — all flights, hotels, coaches, meals and a 24/7 support contact.

Fixtures, venues and activities are arranged through local partner suppliers, subject to confirmation.

What visas or travel permits are needed?

For Australia, many passports use an eVisitor (for example UK and EU) or an ETA (for example US, Canada, Japan and Singapore). For New Zealand, visitors from visa-waiver countries usually need an NZeTA and pay a visitor levy; Australian citizens do not. Always check the official Australian Department of Home Affairs and Immigration New Zealand websites, and carry parental consent letters for under-18s.

What does a typical 16-day tour look like?

1. Days 1–2 — Arrive in Sydney, recover, light session.

2. Days 3–5 — Two fixtures, a coaching clinic and harbour sightseeing.

3. Days 6–8 — Melbourne: one fixture, stadium tour, Great Ocean Road.

4. Day 9 — Fly to Christchurch.

5. Days 10–11 — One fixture and a clinic.

6. Days 12–14 — Queenstown: adventure activities and a final fixture.

7. Day 15 — Farewell dinner.

8. Day 16 — Depart.

How is safety managed?

We prepare a written risk assessment for every tour, following ISO 31030 travel-risk principles. It covers vetted accommodation, agreed supervision ratios, medical access, emergency procedures and a 24/7 support contact. Venues, transport and accommodation are arranged through local partner suppliers, subject to confirmation. Read our duty of care guide and our 12–18 month planning timeline.

Ready to plan your tour?

See our Sports Tours to Australia page, our rugby tours and netball tours pages. When you're ready, get a quote, message us on WhatsApp or contact us. Every tour is tailored, so costs are on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we visit Australia and New Zealand on one sports tour?

Yes. The flight between the two countries takes about 3–4 hours, and most combined tours run 14–18 days.

What is the best season for a combined tour?

Winter (about May to September) for rugby, netball, football and hockey; summer for cricket.

How many matches will we play?

Usually 4–6 fixtures across both countries, balanced with rest, coaching and adventure days.

What travel documents do we need?

The right Australian visa or ETA/eVisitor, plus an NZeTA for New Zealand if your passport is from a visa-waiver country. Check both governments' official websites.

Which New Zealand cities are best?

Auckland and Rotorua in the North Island, or Christchurch and Queenstown in the South Island.

How much does an Australia and New Zealand tour cost?

It depends on route, group size, length and inclusions. Every tour is tailored, with costs on request.