Independent Australian & New Zealand Explorer

heart_plus

tourhub | Globus | Independent Australian & New Zealand Explorer | IPE3-2024 | Map

location_on

34 Views

16 Days From

~~$4646~~

$4037

Independent Australian & New Zealand Explorer

16 Days

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

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

IPE3-2024

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

From:

$4646

$4037 (USD) Operator discount: -$494 The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$114 -13%

See local operators tour description
- Sign In

Tour Overview

Upon visiting Australia, Oprah Winfrey proclaimed to the locals in Sydney, “You’re so darned friendly, you must go to friendly class!” If Oprah says it, it must be true! And now Independence by Globus makes it easy for you to experience this friendliness yourself! On this 16-day Australia & New Zealand vacation, we’ve arranged your hotel reservations, daily breakfast, sightseeing, and private transfers to/from the airports from/to your hotels for your intra-vacation flights. Plus, a one-of-a-kind feature: the Globus Local Host®, someone who is there throughout your stay (in Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, and Queenstown) to ensure your vacation runs smoothly and to help you make the most of your vacation.

Your vacation begins the moment you arrive. Globus can pick you up at the airport and whisk you seamlessly to your selected hotel. Your Local Host will greet you with a smile and materials to help you get settled. The next day, after your included breakfast, we’ll pick you up at your hotel for a guided sightseeing tour with a local expert. You’ll hear inside stories behind the must-see sights, like the Opera House and Bondi Beach. And never fear...we’ve scouted the city for the best place to capture a photo of Sydney’s famous Harbour Bridge. In Melbourne, your guided sightseeing with an expert Local Guide includes the Royal Botanic Gardens and Queen Victoria Market. On the third day in each city, you have a free day to explore on your own (with your Local Host support, of course). You may want to follow in Oprah’s footsteps and climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge; explore the cobblestone streets of the Rocks, the harborside area where the first convicts settled; or participate in a game of lawn bowling. In Melbourne, visit one of Australia's leading opal companies or take an excursion to see the little penguins emerge from the sea and waddle across the beach in the world-famous Penguin Parade.

It's not just the cities you'll experience on this Australia vacation. In Cairns, we’ll take you to the Outer Great Barrier, where you can snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist. You'll be amazed by the clarity of the water and the variety of fish that will swim all around you. You may even see a green sea turtle glide by! You will also have a day at leisure so perhaps take an excursion via the Kuranda Scenic Railway to the quiet mountain village of Kuranda, or explore one of the markets to try locally grown mangoes and bananas.

After seeing the highlights of Australia, fly over the “ditch” to Queenstown, New Zealand, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” We’ll take you on what will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip: a cruise on Milford Sound which boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Continue to Rotorua where you’ll visit Agrodome to learn about New Zealand’s sheep industry and Te Puia to explore a geothermal wonderland. End your vacation in vibrant Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city.

With the time and hassles you save by letting us take care of the details, you’ve got yourself a vacation of a lifetime with the I-Time you deserve!

See local operators tour description
- Sign In

Places You'll See

Swissotel Sydney

Pullman Cairns International

The Savoy Hotel On Little Collins

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront

Distinction Hotel Rotorua

Adina Auckland Britomart

Itinerary

tourhub | Globus | Independent Australian & New Zealand Explorer | IPE3-2024 | Route Map

Not what you're looking for?

People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:

Adventure tours in Australia Adventure tours in New Zealand Adventure tours Tours in Australia Tours in New Zealand Photography tours Wildlife tours Sightseeing tours Beach tours

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Sydney,Australia

Location: Sydney, 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 and meet to discuss your vacation, answer questions, and give suggestions to make the most of your stay.

Day 2: Sydney

Location: Sydney

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Sydney

Location: Sydney

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4: Sydney,Cairns

Location: Sydney, Cairns

Meals Included: Breakfast

• 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.

Day 5: 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 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.

Day 6: Cairns

Location: Cairns

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7: Cairns,Melbourne

Location: Cairns, Melbourne

Meals Included: Breakfast

• Transfer to Cairns for your flight to Melbourne, the cosmopolitan heart of Australia. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Day 8: Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9: Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10: Melbourne,Queenstown,New Zealand

Location: Melbourne, Queenstown, Queenstown

Meals Included: Breakfast

• 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.

Day 11: Queenstown. Excursion To Milford Sound

Location: Milford Sound

Meals Included: Breakfast

• 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.

Day 12: Queenstown

Location: Queenstown

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13: Queenstown,Rotorua

Location: Queenstown, Rotorua

Meals Included: Breakfast

• Fly to Rotorua on New Zealand’s north island. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Day 14: Rotorua

Location: Rotorua

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15: Rotorua,Waitomo,Auckland

Location: Rotorua, Waitomo Caves, Auckland

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

• 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.

Day 16: Auckland

Location: Auckland

Meals Included: Breakfast

• Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

UNESCO Sites

Auschwitz|Great Barrier Reef|Sydney Opera House

Meals

Breakfast daily; 2 lunches

Accommodation

Sydney:Swissotel Sydney
Cairns:Pullman Cairns International
Melbourne:The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins
Queenstown:Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Rotorua:Distinction Hotel Rotorua
Auckland:Adina Auckland Britomart

Check out our Q&As

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.

See local operators tour description
- Sign In

Dates & Availability

tourhub Discount Available - Sign In

Jun
2024 Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Nov
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025

Wednesday - Thursday

Jun 26, 2024 - Jul 11, 2024

~~$4503~~ $4379 (USD)