Down Under Discovery

Down Under Discovery

133 Views
20 Days From

$10017

$9563

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:

Globus

Tour code:

PS-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $10017 $9563 Operator discount: -$454

NB: Prices correct on 22-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Visit the All Blacks Experience and tour Auckland, including Queen Street, Auckland Domain, and Parnell Village.

  • Explore the Waitomo Caves and Rotorua.

  • Travel to the Mount Cook region, known for its dark skies and stunning views of the southern night sky.

  • Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and explore Queenstown, the "Adventure Capital of the World."

  • Take an excursion to Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef and explore its underwater world.

  • Visit the Koala Gardens in Cairns.

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Places You'll See

Skycity Hotel

Distinction Hotel Rotorua

The Hermitage

The Savoy Hotel On Little Collins

Ramada Queenstown Central

Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

Desert Gardens Hotel

Bailey, A Crystalbrook Collection Resort

Swissotel Sydney

Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel

The Godley

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • 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.

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, and 6 dinners are included.

  • 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.

  • Excursions

    Excursions to Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, and the Great Barrier Reef are included.

  • Flights

    Internal flights from Rotorua to Christchurch, Queenstown to Melbourne, Melbourne to Alice Springs, Uluru to Cairns, and Cairns to Sydney are included.

  • Special Visits

    Special visits to the Koala Gardens and a traditional Maori Hangi dinner are included.

  • Tour Director

    An expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides are included to ensure a smooth and informative experience.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.'

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Wednesday

Jan 10, 2025 - Jan 29, 2025
$10129 $9674

Operator discount: -$454

Friday - Wednesday

Jan 24, 2025 - Feb 12, 2025
$10017 $9563

Operator discount: -$454

Friday - Wednesday

Feb 14, 2025 - Mar 05, 2025
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Operator discount: -$454

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Feb 28, 2025 - Mar 19, 2025
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Operator discount: -$454

Friday - Wednesday

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$10074 $9620

Operator discount: -$454

Friday - Wednesday

Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025
$10074 $9620

Operator discount: -$454

Friday - Wednesday

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$10017 $9563

Operator discount: -$454

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025
$10118 $9664

Operator discount: -$454

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 12, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025
$10118 $9664

Operator discount: -$454

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 19, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025
$10129 $9674

Operator discount: -$454

Friday - Wednesday

Oct 24, 2025 - Nov 12, 2025
$10290 $9835

Operator discount: -$454

Friday - Wednesday

Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 19, 2025
$10290 $9835

Operator discount: -$454

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.