Independent Australian & New Zealand Explorer

Independent Australian & New Zealand Explorer

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Independent Australian & New Zealand Explorer

16 Days Starting in Sydney, Australia and ending in Auckland, New Zealand

Visiting: Sydney, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Rotorua, Auckland

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

IPE3-2025

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Independent Australian & New Zealand Explorer" tour, a captivating journey through the stunning landscapes and vibrant cities of Australia and New Zealand. Begin your adventure in Sydney, Australia's largest city, before heading to the tropical paradise of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Experience the cosmopolitan charm of Melbourne, then fly to Queenstown, New Zealand's "Adventure Capital of the World." Discover the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. Conclude your trip in Auckland, with the option to extend your stay and explore more of this dynamic city. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in top hotels throughout your journey.

Highlights

  • Welcome to beautiful Sydney, Australia’s largest city

  • Fly to Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef”

  • Board a catamaran and cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World

  • Fly to Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World”

  • Enjoy a full-day excursion to Milford Sound

  • Take a boat trip through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves

  • Explore Auckland on your own

Places You'll See

Swissotel Sydney

Pullman Cairns International

The Savoy Hotel On Little Collins

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Adina Auckland Britomart

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Sydney,Australia

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney

• Welcome to beautiful Sydney, Australia’s largest city. The remainder of the day is at your leisure for independent activities. Your Globus Local Host will make contact with you to discuss your vacation, answer questions, and give suggestions to make the most of your stay.

Day 2: Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney

Meals Included: Breakfast

SYDNEY • Enjoy a morning guided sightseeing tour that includes an Opera House and Harbour Bridge photo stop. Visit stunning Bondi Beach, considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Sydney. (B)Today's I-Time TipsThe remainder of the day is yours to explore this vibrant city. Your Local Host will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, dining, and shopping.

Day 3: Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney

Meals Included: Breakfast

SYDNEY • Enjoy a full day at leisure in this beautiful city. Choose from our selection of optional excursions, including a cruise on Sydney Harbour and a climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge. (B)Today's I-Time TipsSpend the day in Hunter Valley, sampling some of Australia’s best wines; or join a guided backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House. Other options include exploring the restaurants of Spice Alley, exploring the Rocks District on the Rocks Pub Tour, or learning how to surf at nearby Bondi Beach.

Day 4: Sydney,Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International

Meals Included: Breakfast

SYDNEY–CAIRNS • Fly to Cairns, “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” Enjoy a 3-night stay in this tropical paradise. The remainder of the day is yours to start exploring. (B)

Day 5: Cairns. Excursion To The Outer Great Barrier Reef

Location: Great Barrier Reef

Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF• Prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran and cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of coral and sea life. Choose to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist. Late this afternoon, return to Cairns. (B,L)

Day 6: Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International

Meals Included: Breakfast

CAIRNS • A full day at leisure. (B)Today's I-Time TipsTake a trip into the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest living rainforest, and to beautiful Cape Tribulation. Other activities include relaxing by your resort’s pool, a ride on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, or shopping for a special souvenir at the Cairns Night Markets.

Day 7: Cairns,Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation Name: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins

Meals Included: Breakfast

CAIRNS–MELBOURNE • Transfer to Cairns for your flight to Melbourne, the cosmopolitan heart of Australia. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Day 8: Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation Name: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins

Meals Included: Breakfast

MELBOURNE • Morning guided sightseeing tour includes Federation Square, St. Patrick’s Park, Queen Victoria Market (when open), Albert Park Lake, the Shrine of Remembrance, and St. Kilda Beach. Your tour ends at the Melbourne Skydeck for awe-inspiring views of Melbourne from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform. (B)Today's I-Time TipsThe remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may wish to visit the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia’s largest, oldest, and most visited art museum. Other options include window shopping on Bourke Street, a tour of the Old Melbourne Goal, once home to Australia’s notorious outlaw, Ned Kelly, or just relax at one of Melbourne’s famous coffee cafes.

Day 9: Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation Name: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins

Meals Included: Breakfast

MELBOURNE • Enjoy a full day at leisure for independent activities. (B)Today's I-Time TipsJoin an optional excursion to Phillip Island to watch the world-famous Penguin Parade, travel on the spectacular Great Ocean Road to see the magnificent 12 Apostles or explore the hidden lanes and arcades of the city.

Day 10: Melbourne,Queenstown,New Zealand

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront

Meals Included: Breakfast

MELBOURNE–QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND• Fly to Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Your Local Host is available for sightseeing, shopping, and dining suggestions.(B)

Day 11: Queenstown. Excursion To Milford Sound

Location: Milford Sound

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront

Meals Included: Breakfast

QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND• Enjoy a full-day excursion to Milford Sound. First, travel by motorcoach along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. View the Mirror Lakes as you pass through Eglinton Valley. From the Homer Tunnel, emerge into Cleddau Valley. Join your Milford Sound cruise for an unforgettable experience. Be on the lookout for wildlife such as dolphins and penguins and enjoy the breathtaking waterfalls and scenery. Return to Queenstown late this evening. (B)

Day 12: Queenstown

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront

Meals Included: Breakfast

QUEENSTOWN• Enjoy a full day at leisure in beautiful Queenstown. (B)Today's I-Time TipsChoose an optional thrilling jet boat ride on the Shotover River, visit a local winery, or tour some of the sites used to film The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Hike, bike, or get on the water. Your Local Host will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

Day 13: Queenstown,Rotorua

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation Name: Distinction Hotel Rotorua

Meals Included: Breakfast

QUEENSTOWN–ROTORUA• Fly to Rotorua on New Zealand’s north island. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Day 14: Rotorua

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation Name: Distinction Hotel Rotorua

Meals Included: Breakfast

ROTORUA • Guided sightseeing includes a visit to Agrodome, where you’ll learn about New Zealand’s sheep industry, the National Kiwi Hatchery, and to Te Puia, where you’ll explore this geothermal wonderland(B)Today's I-Time TipsChoose to join our optional Māori (indigenous Polynesian people) cultural performance and Hangi dinner (roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones). Other options include a relaxing soak in one of the therapeutic pools at the Polynesian Spa, a magical treetop walk through the Redwoods, or a helicopter tour to see this scenic region by air.

Day 15: Rotorua,Waitomo,Auckland

Location: Auckland

Accommodation Name: Adina Auckland Britomart

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

ROTORUA–WAITOMO–AUCKLAND• Head north to Waitomo, where you will take a boat trip through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Continue on to Auckland where your evening is at leisure. (B,L)

Day 16: Auckland

Location: Auckland

Accommodation Name: Adina Auckland Britomart

Meals Included: Breakfast

AUCKLAND• Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Auckland and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.(B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in various hotels including Swissotel Sydney, Pullman Cairns International, The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins, Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront, Distinction Hotel Rotorua, and Adina Auckland Britomart.

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily and 2 lunches are included.

  • Local Host

    A Globus Local Host will be available to discuss your vacation, answer questions, and give suggestions to make the most of your stay.

  • Excursions

    Excursions to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, Milford Sound, and Waitomo Glowworm Caves are included.

  • Transport

    Flights between Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, Queenstown, and Rotorua are included.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from Australia and New Zealand are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and activities not listed in the itinerary 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.

Meals

Breakfast daily; 2 lunches

UNESCO Sites

Great Barrier Reef|Sydney Opera House|Wet Tropics of Queensland

Accommodation

Stay in luxurious accommodations including Swissotel Sydney, Pullman Cairns International, The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins in Melbourne, Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront, Distinction Hotel Rotorua, and Adina Auckland Britomart.

Mode of Transport

Travel between destinations by flights, including trips from Sydney to Cairns, Cairns to Melbourne, Melbourne to Queenstown, and Queenstown to Rotorua.

Notes

During the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season, certain activities may not be available. A different activity may be substituted or a refund offered if your included activity is not available. Intra-tour flights not included.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of activities can I expect during the excursion to the Great Barrier Reef?

    During the excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, you can board a catamaran and cruise to the reef. You will have the opportunity to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist.

  • What will I see during the Milford Sound excursion?

    During the Milford Sound excursion, you will travel by motorcoach along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, pass through Eglinton Valley, and emerge into Cleddau Valley from the Homer Tunnel. On the Milford Sound cruise, you can expect to see wildlife such as dolphins and penguins, as well as breathtaking waterfalls and scenery.

  • What can I do during my leisure time in Sydney?

    In Sydney, you will have leisure time to explore independently. Your Globus Local Host will be available to discuss your vacation, answer questions, and give suggestions to make the most of your stay.

  • What is included in the visit to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

    The visit to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves includes a boat trip through the caves where you can see the glowworms illuminating the cave walls.

  • What kind of wildlife might I see during the Milford Sound cruise?

    During the Milford Sound cruise, you might see wildlife such as dolphins and penguins.

  • What are the accommodation options in Sydney?

    In Sydney, you will stay at the Swissotel Sydney.

  • What are the accommodation options in Cairns?

    In Cairns, you will stay at the Pullman Cairns International.

  • What are the accommodation options in Melbourne?

    In Melbourne, you will stay at The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins.

  • What are the accommodation options in Queenstown?

    In Queenstown, you will stay at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront.

  • What are the accommodation options in Rotorua?

    In Rotorua, you will stay at the Distinction Hotel Rotorua.

  • What are the accommodation options in Auckland?

    In Auckland, you will stay at the Adina Auckland Britomart.

  • 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.

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.