Oceania Summer Escape is a 15-day journey through Australia and New Zealand, combining iconic cities, world-famous natural wonders, coastal adventures, and one of the most spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations on Earth.

Begin your adventure in Sydney, where you’ll welcome 2028 from one of the world’s most recognizable harbours as fireworks illuminate the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Continue your journey through Australia’s stunning east coast, exploring the beaches of the Gold Coast and experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

The adventure then continues across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand, where vibrant city life, scenic landscapes, and unforgettable cultural experiences await. Explore Auckland, discover the unique character of New Zealand’s largest city, and celebrate the start of a new year surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the Southern Hemisphere.

Designed for travelers who enjoy a mix of city exploration, nature, culture, and bucket-list experiences, Oceania Summer Escape delivers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation while showcasing two of the world’s most desirable travel destinations.

This journey is ideal for travelers seeking warm weather, iconic landmarks, unforgettable celebrations, and the opportunity to experience the Southern Hemisphere during its vibrant summer season.

Throughout this journey, travelers will stay in a selection of premium hotels and resorts across Australia and New Zealand, chosen for their comfort, location, and overall guest experience.

Reference properties include accommodations similar to those used in Sydney, the Gold Coast, Cairns, and Auckland, providing convenient access to the experiences included in the itinerary.

All accommodations offer comfortable guestrooms, modern amenities, and easy access to major attractions, dining, and transportation.

Reference properties for this experience include internationally recognized hotel brands and premium accommodations similar to:

• Sydney Harbour Hotel Collection, Sydney
• Gold Coast Resort & Beachfront Hotels
• Cairns Tropical Resort Properties
• Auckland City Centre Hotels

Please Note: Hotels are subject to change based on availability. Any substitutions will be of a similar standard, quality, and location to ensure a consistent travel experience.

Visa requirements vary based on nationality.

Jamaican Passport Holders
Australia: Visa required
New Zealand: NZeTA and International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) required

United States Passport Holders
Australia: Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) required
New Zealand: NZeTA and IVL required

Canadian Passport Holders
Australia: ETA required
New Zealand: NZeTA and IVL required

United Kingdom Passport Holders
Australia: ETA required
New Zealand: NZeTA and IVL required

Passport Requirements
• Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the trip completion date.
• Travelers should have a minimum of four blank passport pages available.

Happistart Visa Assistance services are available as an optional add on.

This journey takes place during the height of summer in both Australia and New Zealand, offering warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and excellent conditions for sightseeing, outdoor activities, beaches, and cultural exploration.

Australia

December and January are peak summer months in Australia. Travelers can expect warm to hot temperatures, vibrant city atmospheres, beach weather, and plenty of sunshine. Coastal destinations often experience refreshing sea breezes, while tropical regions can be warmer and more humid with occasional afternoon showers.

Average Temperatures: 20°C – 32°C (68°F – 90°F)

New Zealand

Summer in New Zealand brings pleasant temperatures, extended daylight hours, and ideal conditions for exploring cities, parks, and natural landscapes. Weather is generally comfortable and less humid than Australia, although conditions can occasionally change throughout the day.

Average Temperatures: 17°C – 26°C (63°F – 79°F)

What Travelers Should Expect

• Warm summer weather throughout the trip
• Long daylight hours for sightseeing and activities
• Strong UV exposure and sunshine
• Comfortable evenings in most destinations
• Occasional rain showers, particularly in tropical areas
• Excellent conditions for outdoor adventures, beaches, and city exploration

Travelers should pack lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket for air-conditioned venues and cooler evenings.

Daily breakfast is included throughout the trip.

Other meals are left open to allow travelers the flexibility to explore local restaurants, cafés, markets, and regional specialties at their own pace.

Recommended Daily Food Budget
• Budget Traveler: USD $25–40 per day
• Moderate Traveler: USD $50–75 per day
• Food Enthusiast: USD $75–150+ per day

Australia Highlights: Australia is known for its fresh seafood, premium steaks, barbecue culture, multicultural cuisine, and excellent coffee scene.

New Zealand Highlights: New Zealand is famous for its farm-to-table dining, lamb dishes, seafood, artisan cheeses, and world-class wines.

Both Australia and New Zealand offer a wide variety of international dining options, making it easy for travelers with dietary restrictions or specific food preferences to find suitable meals. Vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options are widely available in major cities.

Oceania Summer Escape is a multi destination journey across Australia and New Zealand featuring international flights, domestic flights, city exploration, coastal experiences, and outdoor activities. Travelers should be prepared for a moderately fast paced itinerary with several travel days throughout the trip.

Luggage Recommendation

We recommend traveling with:
• One checked suitcase
• One personal item or backpack

As this itinerary includes multiple domestic flights, travelers are encouraged to pack efficiently and avoid excessive luggage where possible.

Walking & Activity Level

Moderate

Travelers should be comfortable walking through airports, city centers, waterfront districts, attractions, and transportation hubs. Some days may involve extended periods of walking and standing.

Connectivity

Australia and New Zealand offer excellent mobile coverage and internet access. WiFi is widely available in hotels, airports, restaurants, and public spaces. Travelers may wish to purchase an eSIM or international roaming package before departure.

Currency

Australia: Australian Dollar (AUD)

New Zealand: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout both countries, including contactless payments.

Power & Electrical Outlets

Australia and New Zealand use Type I power outlets operating on 230V electricity.

Travelers should bring a universal travel adapter.

Health & Safety

Australia and New Zealand are considered among the safest travel destinations in the world. As with any international destination, travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and safeguard personal belongings.

Sun Exposure

Summer sun in Oceania can be significantly stronger than many travelers expect. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and proper hydration are strongly recommended throughout the trip.

Great Barrier Reef Excursion

Marine activities are weather dependent and may be adjusted based on local conditions to ensure traveler safety and the best possible experience.

New Year’s Eve in Sydney

New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest travel periods in Australia. Travelers should expect increased crowds, security screenings, road closures, and high demand for services during the celebration period.

This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking a combination of iconic cities, natural wonders, summer weather, and unforgettable bucket list experiences across two of the world’s most desirable destinations.

To make travel planning more accessible, Happistart Travel offers flexible payment options for all travelers. We encourage travelers to begin payments early to spread the cost of their trip over time.

Deposit Requirement

A non-refundable and non-transferable deposit is required to secure your space on the trip.

Your booking is not considered confirmed until the required deposit has been received.

Payment Plans

Flexible monthly payment plans are available for all travelers. Once your deposit has been paid, you may make payments at your own pace provided your balance is fully paid by the final payment deadline.

Final Payment Deadline

The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than 45 days before departure.

Failure to pay by the final payment deadline may result in cancellation of your reservation and the application of applicable cancellation fees.

Late Payment Policy

Travelers who miss a scheduled payment deadline without prior arrangement may be subject to additional fees.

A may be applied for every 10-day period a payment remains overdue.

Late Booking Fee

Travelers joining after the standard registration period may be subject to a USD $350 late booking fee in addition to the trip cost.

WeTravel Payment Platform

Payments made through the WeTravel platform may be subject to processing or platform service charges. These fees are charged directly by the payment processor and are displayed before payment is completed.

Processing fees vary based on payment method, country, and currency selected.

Alternative Payment Methods

Travelers wishing to avoid online processing fees may utilize alternative payment methods where available.

Accepted methods include:

• Bank Transfer
• Direct Deposit
• Zelle (United States)
• Other approved payment options offered by Happistart Travel

Travelers using alternative payment methods must submit proof of payment to ensure timely account updates.

Currency

Trip pricing is displayed in United States Dollars (USD) unless otherwise stated.

Payment Reminders

Automated payment reminders may be sent throughout the life of the booking to assist travelers in staying on track with their payment schedule.

Travelers are responsible for ensuring payments are made on time regardless of reminder notifications.

Questions About Payments

If you have questions regarding payment plans, payment methods, balances, or due dates, please contact the Happistart Travel team before your payment deadline to discuss available options.

Once your booking is completed and your deposit has been received, you will officially be confirmed on the Oceania Summer Escape experience.

As departure approaches, the Happistart Travel team will guide you through each stage of the preparation process to ensure a smooth and organized travel experience.

After Booking, You Can Expect:

Booking Confirmation
You will receive a confirmation email outlining your trip details, payment information, and next steps.

Payment Schedule
Travelers will receive access to their booking account where they can view balances, make payments, and track their progress toward the final payment deadline.

Travel Information Collection
You may be asked to submit passport information, emergency contacts, dietary requirements, rooming preferences, and other travel details required for trip planning.

Visa & Entry Guidance
Travelers requiring visas, ETAs, or entry authorizations will receive guidance regarding application timelines and requirements.

Trip Updates
Important updates regarding flights, hotels, activities, entry requirements, and itinerary enhancements will be shared throughout the planning process.

WhatsApp Group Invitation
Travelers will be invited to join the official trip WhatsApp group where announcements, reminders, and group communication will take place.

Pre Departure Meeting
Approximately two Months before departure, travelers will be invited to attend a virtual pre departure meeting to review the itinerary, flights, destination information, packing recommendations, and final travel preparations.

Final Travel Documents
30 days before departure, travelers will receive confirmed flight information and their confirmed trip services. This includes flight details, itinerary confirmations, airport transfer information, and other essential travel arrangements needed to prepare for departure.

This information allows travelers sufficient time to review their arrangements, prepare required documentation, and finalize any remaining travel preparations.

Final Travel Pack
Prior to departure, travelers will receive a complete travel pack containing:
• Flight information
• Hotel information
• Arrival instructions
• Important travel reminders

Departure Day Support
The Happistart Travel team will remain available before and during travel to assist with questions and provide support throughout the journey.

Our goal is to ensure every traveler feels informed, prepared, and excited from the moment they book until they return home.

Terms & Conditions

By booking this experience, travelers acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in the Happistart Travel Services Agreement. The following summary highlights key conditions that apply to all hosted group trips.

Booking & Deposits
• A reservation is only considered confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit.
• Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than 45 days before departure.

Pricing
• Prices are subject to change until group reservations are secured.
• Happistart reserves the right to adjust pricing up to 45 days before departure in the event of supplier increases, including flights, accommodations, transportation, or other travel services.
• Price adjustments may be up to 20% of the original quoted price.

Hosted Group Travel
• This is a hosted group experience and requires cooperation with group schedules, meeting times, transportation arrangements, and operational instructions.
• Activities, accommodations, suppliers, transportation, and itineraries may be adjusted when necessary for operational, logistical, safety, weather, or supplier-related reasons.
• No refunds will be provided for missed activities, missed departures, voluntary withdrawal from activities, or failure to follow group instructions.

Travel Documents & Entry Requirements
• Travelers are solely responsible for ensuring they possess valid passports, visas, entry permits, transit authorizations, and any other documents required for travel.
• Happistart does not guarantee visa approval, airline boarding, immigration clearance, or entry into any destination.
• Travelers must review all travel documents immediately upon receipt and report any discrepancies within 24 hours.

Cancellations & Refunds
• More than 45 days before departure: Loss of deposit and any non-refundable supplier charges.
• Between 45 and 30 days before departure: 75% of the total trip cost is non-refundable.
• Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total trip cost is non-refundable.
• An administrative cancellation fee of up to USD $350 per traveler may apply in addition to supplier penalties and non-refundable charges.

Travel Insurance
• Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and may be required for participation on certain itineraries.
• Travelers are responsible for obtaining any additional coverage they deem necessary, including trip cancellation,, baggage, and interruption protection.

Traveler Conduct
• Travelers are expected to conduct themselves respectfully and comply with local laws and regulations.
• Happistart reserves the right to remove any traveler from activities or the trip without refund where behavior is disruptive, unsafe, unlawful, abusive, or negatively impacts the group experience.

Force Majeure & Travel Disruptions
• Happistart shall not be liable for delays, cancellations, itinerary changes, or losses caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including weather events, natural disasters, government restrictions, airline disruptions, political unrest, supplier failures, or other unforeseen circumstances.
• In such cases, refunds and compensation remain subject to supplier and insurance provider policies.

Final Acceptance
Payment of the required deposit constitutes acceptance of these Terms & Conditions and the full Happistart Travel Services Agreement governing participation in this experience.

The summary above is provided for convenience only and does not replace the full Happistart Travel Services Agreement.

For the complete Terms & Conditions, travelers should review the full Happistart Travel Services Agreement provided during the booking process.