Down Under Discovery
Down Under Discovery
Down Under Discovery
20 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Sydney, Australia
Visiting: Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Mount Cook Area, Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Australia, Melbourne, Alice Springs, Uluru, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PS-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Down Under Discovery" tour, an unforgettable journey through the cultural and natural wonders of Australia and New Zealand. Begin your adventure in Auckland, exploring the vibrant city and its historic sites before heading to Rotorua and the stunning Mount Cook region. Experience the thrill of Queenstown and the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound. Cross the Tasman Sea to Melbourne, Australia's cultural capital, and delve into its rich heritage. Discover the heart of the Outback in Alice Springs and marvel at the iconic Uluru. Conclude your journey in Sydney, with its world-renowned landmarks and vibrant harbor. This tour offers a perfect blend of beach tours, history, sightseeing, and walking, ensuring a comprehensive cultural experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Auckland,New Zealand
Location: Auckland
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Aotearoa, Māori for “land of the long white cloud.” Your room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule your flights to arrive by 4:30pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner.
Day 2: Auckland
Location: Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your day with a visit to the All Blacks Experience followed by a sightseeing tour of Auckland. See bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and historic Parnell Village. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
Day 3: Auckland,Waitomo,Rotorua
Location: Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5: Rotorua,Christchurch,Mount Cook Area
Location: Mount Cook Area, Christchurch, Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Fly to Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, then travel south to magnificent Mount Cook region, named after New Zealand’s highest peak. The Mount Cook region offers some of the darkest skies in the world – perfect for viewing the southern night sky.
Day 6: Mount Cook Area,Queenstown
Location: Queenstown, Mount Cook Area
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre for unique insight into the history and culture of this region. Then, time to explore on your own. Continue to Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.
Day 7: Queenstown. Excursion To Milford Sound
Location: Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, travel into scenic Fiordland National Park. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was famously described by author, Rudyard Kipling, as the “eighth wonder of the world.” Late evening return to Queenstown. NOTE: The excursion to Milford Sound may happen on Day 8 depending on weather and road conditions today.
Day 8: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Queenstown,Melbourne,Australia
Location: Queenstown, Australia, Melbourne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Board your flight across the Tasman Sea to Melbourne. Enjoy three nights in the city often referred to as Australia’s cultural capital. Melbourne is a blend of world-class restaurants, museums, shopping, and interesting hidden laneways.
Day 10: Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11: Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this multicultural and cosmopolitan city.
Day 12: Melbourne,Alice Springs
Location: Alice Springs, Melbourne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14: Uluru,Cairns
Location: Uluru, Cairns
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your Outback adventure continues with free time this morning. Later, fly to Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef,” one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. NOTE: Due to this remote location and limited flights, you may be booked on a connecting flight from Uluru to Cairns. Arrival in Cairns may be late in the evening. Luggage restrictions may apply to this flight. Please speak to your Tour Director for full details.
Day 15: Cairns. Excursion To The Outer Great Barrier Reef
Location: Great Barrier Reef
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran and cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a brilliant kaleidoscope of coral and sea life. Return to Cairns late this afternoon. Your evening is at leisure.
Day 16: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Meals Included: Breakfast
A full day at leisure.
Day 17: Cairns,Sydney
Location: Cairns, Sydney
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, enjoy a special visit to the Koala Gardens. Later, fly to Sydney, Australia’s largest city. Sydney is home to first-class restaurants, grand shopping arcades, and top tourist attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and the Taronga Zoo.
Day 18: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 19: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at a restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour.
Day 20: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Sydney and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at various hotels including SKYCITY Hotel in Auckland, Distinction Hotel Rotorua, The Hermitage in Mount Cook Region, Ramada Queenstown Central, The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins in Melbourne, Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, Desert Gardens Hotel in Uluru, Bailey, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort in Cairns, and Swissotel Sydney.
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Meals
Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, and 6 dinners are included.
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Sightseeing Tours
Includes visits to the All Blacks Experience, Auckland Domain, Parnell Village, Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, and a catamaran cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
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Excursions
Excursions to Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, and the Great Barrier Reef are included.
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Flights
Internal flights from Rotorua to Christchurch, Queenstown to Melbourne, Melbourne to Alice Springs, Uluru to Cairns, and Cairns to Sydney are included.
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Special Visits
Special visits to the Koala Gardens and a traditional Maori Hangi dinner are included.
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Tour Director
An expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides are included to ensure a smooth and informative experience.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and other travel documentation costs are not included.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 6 dinners
Notes
Spend New Year’s in Sydney. Ring in the New Year Down Under on this special departure. Start your vacation with a New Year’s Eve dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour with music and dancing, followed by a champagne toast and some of the most amazing fireworks you will ever see. Continue with all the must-see sights of Australia and New Zealand, including the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Melbourne, Queenstown, Mount Cook, Rotorua, and Auckland. Enjoy a sunset toast as you watch the changing colors of Uluru, go inside the famous Sydney Opera House, cruise through beautiful Milford Sound, take part in a traditional Maori Hangi dinner, enjoy spectacular views from atop Sky Tower and more. Please refer to tour, “New Year’s Eve Down Under” (Tour code PY and PYE) for more information on this special departure.
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Great Barrier Reef|Sydney Opera House|Te Wahipounamu|Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park|Wet Tropics of Queensland
Accommodation
Auckland: SKYCITY Hotel, Rotorua: Distinction Hotel Rotorua, Mount Cook Region: The Hermitage, Queenstown: Ramada Queenstown Central, Melbourne: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins, Alice Springs: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, Uluru: Desert Gardens Hotel, Cairns: Bailey, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort, Sydney: Swissotel Sydney.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes flights between key destinations such as Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Melbourne, Alice Springs, Uluru, Cairns, and Sydney, ensuring a seamless travel experience across Australia and New Zealand.
Check out our Q&As
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What time should I schedule my flight to arrive in Auckland on the first day?
You should schedule your flight to arrive by 4:30pm in order to attend the welcome briefing and dinner.
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What activities are planned for the first day in Auckland?
On the first day in Auckland, you will have a welcome briefing and dinner. Your room will be available for immediate check-in upon arrival.
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What can I expect to see during the sightseeing tour in Auckland?
During the sightseeing tour in Auckland, you will visit the All Blacks Experience, bustling Queen Street, the city's oldest park Auckland Domain, and historic Parnell Village.
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What is the highlight of the visit to the Mount Cook region?
The highlight of the visit to the Mount Cook region is the opportunity to view the southern night sky, as the region offers some of the darkest skies in the world.
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What is special about the excursion to Milford Sound?
The excursion to Milford Sound is special because it takes you into Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. It was famously described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world.'
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What should I know about the flight from Uluru to Cairns?
Due to the remote location and limited flights, you may be booked on a connecting flight from Uluru to Cairns. Arrival in Cairns may be late in the evening, and luggage restrictions may apply. Please speak to your Tour Director for full details.
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What will I experience during the excursion to the Outer Great Barrier Reef?
During the excursion to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, you will board a catamaran and cruise to the reef, where you can explore the underwater world that is a brilliant kaleidoscope of coral and sea life.
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What is included in the visit to the Koala Gardens in Cairns?
The visit to the Koala Gardens in Cairns includes a special opportunity to see koalas up close.
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What is planned for the farewell dinner in Sydney?
The farewell dinner in Sydney is hosted by your Tour Director at a restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour.
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Can I extend my stay in Sydney after the tour ends?
Yes, you can extend your stay in Sydney and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.