Australia & New Zealand on Points: The Trip of a Lifetime
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Some trips are vacations. Some trips rearrange how you see the world.
Australia and New Zealand fall into the second category. You land in Sydney after a flight that crossed the entire Pacific and half a day disappeared somewhere over the Date Line, and then you step outside at 7 AM into air that smells like eucalyptus and salt water, the Harbour Bridge arcing over water so blue it looks defiant — and you think: I should have come here twenty years ago.
Then you drive the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles appear through the mist like something geological that decided to become art. You fly to Queenstown and the mountains are so close and so vertical you don't believe them. You stand in a Maori meeting house in Rotorua and realize you've never been this far from home and never felt more welcomed.
This is the trip of a lifetime. People say that about a lot of trips. This one earns it.
The problem, of course, is that it's also the expense of a lifetime. Australia and New Zealand are literally as far from the United States as you can get. Round-trip economy flights run $1,200–$2,000 per person. Business class? $6,000–$14,000. Hotels in Sydney and Auckland aren't cheap. And you'll want at least two weeks — you didn't fly 16 hours to rush.
But here's why you're reading WanderWise: with the right points strategy, the most expensive parts of this trip — the flights that cross an ocean and a half — can cost you almost nothing. And the hotels that make "trip of a lifetime" feel like more than a marketing phrase? Those are bookable on points too.
Let's plan the big one.
Getting There: The Long-Haul Sweet Spots
The flight to Australia/New Zealand is the single biggest expense — and therefore the single biggest points opportunity. We're talking 15–18 hours of flying (often with a stop in Asia or the Pacific). In economy, that's endurable. In business class, it's a pleasure. In first class, it's an experience you'll talk about for years.
Here are the best ways to get there on points — ranked by value.
The Power Moves
1. Qantas via Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan (Best Value)
This is the holy grail of points travel to Australia. Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan has a partner award chart that prices Qantas flights at rates that feel like a clerical error:
| Route | Class | Alaska Miles (One Way) | Cash Price (One Way) | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US → Australia | Economy | 40,000 | $600–$1,000 | Good |
| US → Australia | Business | 55,000 | $3,000–$7,000 | Extraordinary |
| US → Australia | First Class | 70,000 | $6,000–$10,000 | Borderline absurd |
Read that again: Qantas First Class from Dallas, Los Angeles, or San Francisco to Sydney — lie-flat suite, champagne, pajamas, multi-course meal by Neil Perry — for 70,000 Alaska miles one way. The same ticket costs $8,000+ in cash.
How to earn Alaska miles: Transfer from Marriott Bonvoy (3:1 ratio, plus a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Bonvoy transferred). Or earn directly via the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card (sign-up bonus of 60,000–75,000 miles). Amex Membership Rewards does NOT transfer to Alaska — this is a Marriott or direct-earn play.
The WanderWise move: For a couple flying Qantas business class round-trip to Australia, you need 220,000 Alaska miles (55,000 × 4 segments). That's achievable through a combination of Alaska card sign-up bonuses and Marriott Bonvoy transfers. Two Alaska cards (one per spouse) yield 120,000–150,000 miles. Transfer 180,000 Marriott points to get the remaining 60,000 Alaska miles (with the 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 transferred). Marriott points can come from Marriott Bonvoy cards or Amex transfers to Marriott.
Availability note: Qantas releases award seats to Alaska Mileage Plan, but availability can be limited — especially in business and first. Search on Qantas.com for award availability, then call Alaska to book. Book 10–11 months out for the best selection, or check for last-minute releases 2–3 weeks before departure.
2. Cathay Pacific via Asia (The Stopover Strategy)
Cathay Pacific's business class is consistently rated among the world's best — herringbone seats, Hong Kong-fusion cuisine, and impeccable service. And here's the strategic bonus: Cathay flies from the US to Australia and New Zealand via Hong Kong, which means you can build in a free or low-cost stopover in one of Asia's greatest cities.
| Route | Program | Points (Round Trip) | Class | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US → Hong Kong → Sydney | Asia Miles (via Cathay) | 140,000–170,000 | Business | Direct transfer from Amex MR, Citi TY, or Capital One |
| US → Hong Kong → Auckland | Asia Miles | 140,000–170,000 | Business | Same pricing to NZ |
| US → Hong Kong → Sydney | Alaska Mileage Plan | 100,000 | Business | 50,000 each way; exceptional value |
| US → Hong Kong → Sydney | American AAdvantage | 150,000 | Business | Oneworld partner booking |
The WanderWise stopover move: Asia Miles allows a free stopover in Hong Kong on round-trip awards. Spend 3–4 days exploring Hong Kong — the Peak, the Star Ferry, dim sum in Kowloon, the street markets of Mong Kok — before continuing to Sydney or Auckland. You're breaking up the longest flight segment (US to Hong Kong is 15–16 hours; Hong Kong to Sydney is only 9) and adding a world-class city to your trip at no additional flight cost.
Alaska Mileage Plan is even better for Cathay: 50,000 miles each way in business class, bookable online. At that price, a couple flies Cathay business class round-trip for 200,000 Alaska miles total.
3. Other Routes Worth Considering
| Route | Program | Points (RT, Business) | Why Consider It |
|---|---|---|---|
| US → Fiji → Australia/NZ | Fiji Airways (via Alaska) | 110,000 Alaska | Free Fiji stopover; break up the journey in paradise |
| US → Auckland direct | Air New Zealand (via United) | 160,000–240,000 United | Direct from LAX, SFO, Houston; dynamic pricing |
| US → Sydney | United (direct) | 160,000–240,000 United | Nonstop from LAX, SFO, Houston |
| US → Sydney via Seoul | Korean Air (via Chase UR to partners) | ~160,000 | Korean business class is excellent; stopover in Seoul |
| US → Australia via Tokyo | ANA (via Amex MR) | 165,000 | Japanese hospitality; Tokyo stopover |
The WanderWise move for stopovers: The flight to Australia/New Zealand is so long that a stopover isn't just a strategic bonus — it's a kindness to your body. Hong Kong, Tokyo, Fiji, and Singapore are all natural midpoints. Build in 2–4 nights on the way out or back. You'll arrive in Australia rested instead of wrecked, and you'll have experienced an entire additional destination.
Economy Class: When Business Isn't the Goal
If you'd rather save points for hotels and spend more time on the ground, economy is a perfectly valid choice — especially in premium economy, which several airlines offer on these routes.
| Route | Program | Points (RT, Economy) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US → Australia | United MileagePlus (via Chase UR) | 80,000–120,000 | Dynamic pricing; book early for lower end |
| US → New Zealand | United MileagePlus | 80,000–120,000 | Direct from LAX, SFO, Houston |
| US → Australia | Alaska Mileage Plan (Qantas) | 80,000 | Fixed pricing; great value |
| US → Australia | American AAdvantage | 80,000–100,000 | Oneworld; route via Sydney or Melbourne |
Pro tip for the long haul: Whatever you book, request bulkhead or exit row seats at check-in (24 hours before departure). On a 15-hour flight, the extra legroom is worth asking for. Compression socks, a quality neck pillow, and staying hydrated make a meaningful difference. Get up and walk the aisle every 2–3 hours — your body will thank you.
Where to Stay: Australia Hotels on Points
Australia's major cities have excellent hotel points coverage. Sydney and Melbourne are the anchors; add the Great Barrier Reef, the Outback, or wine country based on your itinerary.
Hyatt — The Top Picks
| Hotel | Location | Points/Night | Cash Rate | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Hyatt Sydney | Sydney | 30,000–40,000 | $800–$1,500 | Best hotel location in Australia — directly facing the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Rooftop pool. |
| Hyatt Regency Sydney | Sydney | 15,000–21,000 | $250–$400 | Excellent value; Darling Harbour location |
| Park Hyatt Melbourne | Melbourne | 25,000–35,000 | $500–$900 | Elegant, central; overlooks the Fitzroy Gardens |
The WanderWise move: The Park Hyatt Sydney is one of the best hotel redemptions on the planet. You're looking at the Sydney Opera House from your bathtub. Literally. At 30,000–40,000 Hyatt points per night (transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards), you're getting a $1,000+ per night hotel for points that cost you nothing. Three nights: 90,000–120,000 Hyatt points, saving $2,400–$4,500.
If you have World of Hyatt Globalist status (or a suite upgrade award), the Park Hyatt's Opera Suites are the kind of upgrade that makes your spouse think you planned this for months. You probably did, but they don't need to know the details.
Marriott Bonvoy
| Hotel | Location | Points/Night | Cash Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park | Sydney | 40,000–55,000 | $300–$500 | Central; heritage building with modern rooms |
| The Tasman (Luxury Collection) | Hobart, Tasmania | 40,000–55,000 | $350–$600 | For the adventurous — gateway to MONA and Tasmanian wilderness |
| W Brisbane | Brisbane | 35,000–50,000 | $250–$400 | Riverside location; good Great Barrier Reef base |
| Marriott Melbourne Docklands | Melbourne | 30,000–40,000 | $200–$350 | Waterfront; modern, reliable |
IHG
| Hotel | Location | Points/Night | Cash Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| InterContinental Sydney | Sydney | 50,000–70,000 | $350–$600 | Circular Quay views; walking distance to Opera House |
| InterContinental Melbourne the Rialto | Melbourne | 40,000–60,000 | $250–$450 | Gothic Revival landmark building |
| Crowne Plaza properties | Various cities | 25,000–40,000 | $150–$300 | Solid mid-range options across Australia |
Where to Stay: New Zealand Hotels on Points
New Zealand's hotel points landscape is thinner than Australia's — fewer major chain properties, more boutique lodges. The strategy: use points for your city nights (Auckland, Wellington) and budget cash for the spectacular lodges and retreats in the countryside.
Best Points Options in New Zealand
| Hotel | Location | Program | Points/Night | Cash Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Hyatt Auckland | Auckland | Hyatt | 20,000–30,000 | $400–$700 | Waterfront; the best points hotel in NZ |
| Cordis Auckland (Langham) | Auckland | GHA Discovery | Varies | $200–$400 | Good central option |
| QT Wellington | Wellington | Marriott (Tribute Portfolio) | 30,000–40,000 | $200–$350 | Quirky design hotel; vibrant neighborhood |
| Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa | Queenstown | Hilton Honors | 50,000–80,000 | $300–$500 | Lake Wakatipu views; mountain surroundings |
| Sheraton Queenstown | Queenstown | Marriott Bonvoy | 35,000–50,000 | $250–$450 | New property; good location |
The WanderWise move: Book the Park Hyatt Auckland for your arrival nights (20,000–30,000 points/night via Chase UR) to recover from the flight in style. For Queenstown and the South Island, embrace cash at New Zealand's world-class boutique lodges — places like Blanket Bay, Matakauri Lodge, or Aro Hā Wellness Retreat. These aren't in loyalty programs, but they're the reason people call New Zealand transformative.
Budget-friendly alternative: New Zealand's holiday parks and motels are genuinely excellent — clean, well-equipped, and often in spectacular locations. Couples who use points for flights and Auckland hotels can spend $100–$180/night on quality motor lodges throughout the South Island and keep total cash costs remarkably low.
The 14-Day Australia & New Zealand Itinerary
This itinerary pairs Australia's greatest hits with New Zealand's South Island — arguably the most beautiful landscape on Earth. Designed for 55+ travelers who want adventure at a comfortable pace.
Days 1–5: Sydney and the Blue Mountains
Stay: Park Hyatt Sydney (3 nights, 90,000–120,000 Hyatt points) + Blue Mountains (1 night, cash)
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive SYD. Taxi to Park Hyatt. Do not fight the jet lag — stay up until a reasonable evening hour. Walk the Circular Quay waterfront: Opera House up close, Harbour Bridge overhead | Explore The Rocks — Sydney's oldest neighborhood, weekend markets, colonial pubs | Dinner at Quay (chef Peter Gilmore; views of the Opera House) or Bennelong (inside the Opera House itself) |
| 2 | Bondi to Coogee coastal walk (6 km along the cliffs; flat with gentle stairs; spectacular ocean views) | Ferry to Manly Beach — the 30-minute harbor ferry is a sightseeing cruise disguised as public transport ($5) | Return to Circular Quay; dinner in Surry Hills, Sydney's restaurant district |
| 3 | Sydney Harbour Bridge climb (for the adventurous — fully guided, safety harnesses, 360° views from the top) OR Sydney Opera House guided tour (for the architecturally inclined) | Royal Botanic Garden — free, beautiful, and home to enormous fruit bats at dusk | Sunset cocktails at Opera Bar (right beneath the Opera House sails, overlooking the harbor) |
| 4 | Drive to the Blue Mountains (90 min from Sydney). Check in to a guesthouse in Katoomba or Leura | Three Sisters lookout at Echo Point; scenic railway into the Jamison Valley (the world's steepest railway — thrilling, not scary) | Dinner in Leura — a charming village with surprising culinary depth |
| 5 | Morning bushwalk — Prince Henry Cliff Walk or the Grand Canyon Track (moderate, well-maintained) | Return to Sydney. Rest and repack | Evening at leisure; final Sydney sunset from your Park Hyatt balcony |
Sydney tip for 55+ travelers: Sydney is a walking city, but it's also hilly and spread out. The ferry system is your best friend — it connects Circular Quay to Manly, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, and Darling Harbour, and every ride is a miniature harbor cruise. Buy an Opal card (Sydney's transit card) at any convenience store. The Bondi to Coogee walk has stairs — take your time and bring water.
Days 6–7: Melbourne
Travel: Morning flight SYD → MEL (1.5 hours; book on Qantas via Alaska, ~12,500 miles, or cheap cash fare from $60)
Stay: Park Hyatt Melbourne (2 nights, 50,000–70,000 Hyatt points)
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Arrive Melbourne. Walk the famous laneways — Hosier Lane (street art), Centre Place, Degraves Street (coffee culture that rivals Italy) | Queen Victoria Market for lunch — Melbourne's iconic food market since 1878 | Dinner in Fitzroy or Carlton — Melbourne's dining scene is arguably Australia's best |
| 7 | National Gallery of Victoria (free; world-class collection) or Royal Botanic Gardens | Optional: Day trip to the Great Ocean Road — a long day (10-12 hours round trip with stops), but the Twelve Apostles are worth it. Alternatively, book a private tour for comfort | Evening: farewell Melbourne dinner; rooftop bar in the CBD |
The Great Ocean Road decision: It's a 4-hour drive from Melbourne to the Twelve Apostles, and most day tours take 10–12 hours. For 55+ travelers, we recommend either (a) making it an overnight trip with a stay in Apollo Bay or Port Campbell, or (b) booking a small-group tour with a comfortable vehicle and flexible stops. The scenery — rainforest, limestone cliffs, crashing Southern Ocean — is genuinely extraordinary. Don't skip it because of logistics; adjust the logistics.
Days 8–11: New Zealand's South Island — Queenstown and Beyond
Travel: Fly Melbourne → Queenstown (3.5 hours via Auckland connection, or direct on seasonal routes). Book via United/Aeroplan or cash.
Stay: Hilton Queenstown (2 nights, points) + boutique lodge in Wanaka or Te Anau (2 nights, cash)
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Arrive Queenstown. Settle in. Walk the lakefront; Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak for panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables | Lunch at Fergburger (legendary) or a lakefront restaurant | Sunset from the Skyline deck; dinner in town |
| 9 | Milford Sound day trip — one of New Zealand's crown jewels. Drive or coach through the Homer Tunnel to the fiord. Take a cruise past Mitre Peak, waterfalls, and dolphins. The scale of the landscape is almost incomprehensible | Return to Queenstown in the evening | Light dinner; rest |
| 10 | Drive Queenstown → Wanaka (1.5 hours via the Crown Range — New Zealand's highest sealed road, with views that make you pull over every five minutes) | Wanaka: Lake Wanaka waterfront walk, That Wanaka Tree (yes, the tree), Puzzling World for something whimsical | Dinner in Wanaka — smaller, quieter, and increasingly foodie |
| 11 | Morning: wine tasting in the Gibbston Valley (Central Otago is New Zealand's premier Pinot Noir region — and it's 25 minutes from Queenstown) | Afternoon: Arrowtown — a gold-rush village preserved in amber, with autumn colors that belong on a calendar | Evening: return to Queenstown or onward to your next base |
New Zealand driving tip for 55+ travelers: New Zealanders drive on the left. If you're not comfortable with that (and it's genuinely disorienting at first), consider a private driver-guide for the big scenic days. Companies like Mahu Whenua and Nomad Safaris offer small-group tours with expert drivers who know every viewpoint and every back road. Alternatively, rent an automatic transmission car and take your time — NZ roads are well-maintained but often narrow and winding.
Days 12–14: Auckland and Departure
Travel: Fly Queenstown → Auckland (2 hours; Air New Zealand, book via United or cash)
Stay: Park Hyatt Auckland (2 nights, 40,000–60,000 Hyatt points)
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Arrive Auckland. Settle in. Viaduct Harbour waterfront walk | Auckland War Memorial Museum (excellent Māori and Pacific Island collections) and Auckland Domain park | Dinner at Depot or Ponsonby Central — Auckland's dining scene is underrated |
| 13 | Day trip to Waiheke Island — a 35-minute ferry from downtown Auckland to an island of vineyards, olive groves, and beaches. Wine tasting at Mudbrick, Man O' War, or Stonyridge | Lunch at a vineyard restaurant overlooking the Hauraki Gulf | Return ferry to Auckland; farewell dinner |
| 14 | Morning at leisure; pack | Depart Auckland. Fly home via your stopover city (Hong Kong, Fiji, or Tokyo), or direct via LAX/SFO |
The Points Budget: What This Trip Actually Costs
Complete breakdown for two travelers, 14-day Australia & New Zealand itinerary:
Flights
| Segment | Program | Points (for 2) | Cash Taxes/Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| US → Sydney (Business Class, Qantas via Alaska) | Alaska Mileage Plan | 220,000 | $200–$400 |
| Sydney → Melbourne | Cash or Alaska (Qantas domestic) | — or 25,000 | $120–$200 |
| Melbourne → Queenstown | Cash or United miles | — or 30,000 | $150–$300 |
| Queenstown → Auckland | Cash or United | — or 20,000 | $80–$150 |
| Auckland → US (Business Class, Cathay via Alaska) | Alaska Mileage Plan | 200,000 | $150–$350 |
| Flight Total | ~420,000–495,000 | $700–$1,400 |
Note: You can simplify by booking round-trip Qantas via Alaska (220,000 miles for two in business) and paying cash for all domestic/trans-Tasman flights (~$350–$650 total for two).
Hotels
| Property | Nights | Program | Points (1 room) | Cash Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Hyatt Sydney | 3 | Hyatt (Chase UR) | 100,000 | $2,800–$4,500 |
| Blue Mountains guesthouse | 1 | Cash | — | $150–$250 |
| Park Hyatt Melbourne | 2 | Hyatt (Chase UR) | 55,000 | $1,000–$1,800 |
| Hilton Queenstown | 2 | Hilton Honors | 110,000 | $600–$1,000 |
| NZ boutique lodge/motor lodge | 2 | Cash | — | $200–$360 |
| Park Hyatt Auckland | 2 | Hyatt (Chase UR) | 50,000 | $800–$1,400 |
| Hotel Total | 12 | 315,000 (Hyatt + Hilton) | $5,550–$9,310 |
Trip Summary
| Category | Points Used | Cash Spent |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (Business Class + domestic hops) | 420,000–495,000 (Alaska + misc.) | $700–$1,400 |
| Hotels (Hyatt, Hilton, cash mix) | ~315,000 (205K Hyatt + 110K Hilton) | $350–$610 (cash nights) |
| Dining, activities, wine tastings | — | $1,200–$2,000 |
| Car rentals, ferries, local transport | — | $600–$1,000 |
| Total | ~735,000–810,000 points | $2,850–$5,010 |
| Cash equivalent of same trip | $22,000–$38,000 | |
| You saved | $19,000–$33,000 |
The honest assessment: This is a premium points trip. 735,000+ points across programs is serious currency — it represents 2–3 years of strategic earning for most couples. But look at what you're getting: business class across the Pacific (and back via Hong Kong if you choose), Park Hyatt hotels in three cities, and two weeks across two countries. The cash equivalent is a number most people never spend on a single trip. With points, it's less than $5,000 out of pocket.
How to Earn These Points
- Alaska Airlines Visa (each spouse): 120,000–150,000 Alaska miles → flights on Qantas and Cathay
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex: 95,000 Bonvoy sign-up → transfer 60,000 Bonvoy to Alaska for 25,000 more miles
- Chase Sapphire Preferred (each spouse): 160,000 Chase UR → transfer to Hyatt for Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland
- Hilton Honors Amex Surpass: 130,000 Hilton points sign-up → Queenstown Hilton
- Normal spending over 18–24 months fills remaining gaps
Timeline: This is a 18–24 month earning plan. Start now, travel next year. The anticipation is part of the experience.
Stopover Strategies: Adding a City for Free
The distance to Australia/New Zealand is a feature, not a bug — if you play the stopover game.
Best Stopover Options
| Stopover City | Via Which Airline | Duration | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | Cathay Pacific | 2–4 days | The Peak at sunset, Star Ferry, dim sum, street markets, Lantau Island |
| Tokyo | ANA or Japan Airlines | 3–5 days | Tsukiji Market, Senso-ji Temple, Shibuya, Shinkansen to Kyoto |
| Singapore | Singapore Airlines | 2–3 days | Gardens by the Bay, hawker centers, Marina Bay Sands, Chinatown |
| Fiji | Fiji Airways | 3–5 days | Relax before the journey; Denarau Island resorts; snorkeling |
| Bali | Various via connections | 3–5 days | Ubud's rice terraces, temples, spa culture; affordable luxury |
The WanderWise move: If booking via Asia Miles (Cathay Pacific), a free Hong Kong stopover is included on round-trip awards. If booking Fiji Airways via Alaska Mileage Plan, you can build Fiji into the routing. These stopovers don't cost additional miles — they're built into the ticket. A two-week Australia trip becomes a three-week Australia + Hong Kong trip for zero extra points.
Best Time to Visit
| Season (Southern Hemisphere) | Months | Australia | New Zealand | Points Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Dec–Feb | Hot (85–100°F+); beach season; peak pricing | Warm (65–80°F); best hiking weather; peak | Hardest to find award space; book 11 months out |
| Autumn (Best) | Mar–May | Mild (65–80°F); fewer crowds; great nationwide | Cool, stunning autumn colors in Queenstown/Wanaka | Excellent award availability; shoulder pricing |
| Winter | Jun–Aug | Cool in south (50–65°F); ski season in NZ; Great Barrier Reef at its best | Cold, ski season; Queenstown transforms | Good availability; NZ ski lodges pricier |
| Spring (Best) | Sep–Nov | Warming up (65–80°F); wildflower season in WA; jacarandas in Sydney | Spring blooms; uncrowded hiking; lambing season | Very good availability; moderate pricing |
The WanderWise move: March through May (Southern Hemisphere autumn) is the sweet spot. Australia is cooling from summer's heat into perfect mild weather. New Zealand's South Island turns gold and red in one of the world's great autumn displays. Crowds thin. Award availability opens up. And you'll pay shoulder-season hotel rates across both countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I plan for Australia and New Zealand?
Minimum two weeks if combining both countries; three weeks is better. If you only have 10–12 days, pick one country and go deep. Trying to rush both in under two weeks will leave you jet-lagged and frustrated.
Is the long flight manageable for older travelers?
Yes, with preparation. Business class (lie-flat beds) transforms the experience — you arrive having slept 6–8 hours. In economy, request bulkhead or exit row seats, wear compression socks, hydrate aggressively (one glass of water per hour), walk the aisle every 2–3 hours, and avoid alcohol during the flight. A stopover in Asia or Fiji breaks the journey into two manageable segments instead of one marathon.
Do I need a visa?
Both countries require electronic travel authorizations for US citizens. Australia: apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) online — approved within minutes, valid for one year, costs AUD $20. New Zealand: apply for an NZeTA online — approved within 72 hours (usually faster), costs NZD $12–$17. Both are straightforward but must be done before travel.
Can I drive in Australia and New Zealand?
Yes. Both countries accept US driver's licenses alongside an International Driving Permit (IDP), which you can get at any AAA office for $20. Both countries drive on the left — take it seriously and stay alert, especially at roundabouts. Automatic transmission vehicles are available at all major rental agencies.
What about the Great Barrier Reef?
The Great Barrier Reef is accessible from Cairns or the Whitsunday Islands in northeastern Australia, adding 2–3 days to your itinerary. It's a separate trip from the Sydney/Melbourne route we've outlined, but absolutely worth it — and it adds perfectly to a 3-week itinerary. Cairns has IHG and Hilton properties bookable on points. We'll cover a Great Barrier Reef-focused itinerary in a future guide.
Your Next Step
Australia and New Zealand aren't the kind of trip you take on a whim. They're the kind of trip you plan, anticipate, earn toward, and then remember forever. The points strategy here is real — it takes 18–24 months of thoughtful credit card use to build. But what you get in return is business class across the Pacific, world-class hotels overlooking the Sydney Harbour and Lake Wakatipu, and two weeks in a part of the world that will permanently recalibrate your sense of what's beautiful.
Start earning now. Travel next year. Tell everyone you know when you get back.
That's the WanderWise way.
Ready to plan the trip of a lifetime?
- 📊 Take our Travel Score Quiz to see your points potential
- ✈️ Read our Business Class guide — the strategy applies to Australia routes too
- 💳 Read our Best Cards for 55+ guide
- 🌏 Download our free Australia & NZ on Points Planner (PDF) — enter your email
- 💬 Join the WanderWise Facebook Group and tell us: Sydney Harbour or Milford Sound?
All point values are approximate and based on current program pricing as of early 2026. Award availability and point costs fluctuate — always check current rates before booking. Alaska Mileage Plan rates for Qantas are based on the current partner award chart, which may change. Hotel points categories may vary seasonally. WanderWise may earn a commission from credit card links; see our affiliate disclosure for details.