Highlights of the South Pacific

Highlights of the South Pacific

85 Views
17 Days From

$8120

$7678

Highlights of the South Pacific

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

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

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

PK-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion

From: $8120 $7678 Operator discount: -$442

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-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 "Highlights of the South Pacific" tour, a cultural journey through New Zealand and Australia. Begin in Auckland with a welcome dinner at the Orbit Restaurant, offering panoramic views of the city. Explore Waiheke Island's olive groves and wineries, and marvel at the glowworms in Waitomo Caves. Visit the Hobbiton movie set and experience Rotorua's geothermal wonders and traditional Hangi dinner. In Queenstown, enjoy the adventure capital's vibrant scene and a scenic excursion to Milford Sound. Fly to Melbourne for a blend of culture and cuisine, then to Cairns for the Great Barrier Reef. Conclude in Sydney with iconic sights like the Opera House and Manly Beach. This tour offers a perfect mix of history, art, and natural beauty.

Highlights

  • Dining atop SkyCity at the Orbit Restaurant in Auckland with 360-degree views.

  • Touring Auckland's Queen Street, Auckland Domain, and Parnell Village.

  • Visiting an olive grove and winery on Waiheke Island.

  • Exploring the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Hobbiton movie set near Matamata.

  • Experiencing Te Puia's geysers, boiling mud pools, and a traditional Hangi dinner in Rotorua.

  • Traveling to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Cruising to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

  • Touring the Sydney Opera House and visiting Manly Beach.

Places You'll See

Skycity Hotel

Distinction Hotel Rotorua

Heritage Hotel Queenstown

Stamford Plaza Melbourne

Pullman Cairns International

Swissotel Sydney

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Auckland,New Zealand

Location: Auckland

Accommodation Name: SKYCITY Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule flights to arrive by 4:30 pm in order to attend the evening’s welcome meeting and dinner. Enjoy 360-degree views of Auckland below as you dine atop SkyCity at the Orbit Restaurant.

Day 2: Auckland. Excursion To Waiheke Island

Location: Auckland

Accommodation Name: SKYCITY Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy an orientation tour of Auckland, including bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and the historic Parnell Village. Then, take a ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island, where we’ll visit an olive grove and a [LF] winery for a tour, tasting, and lunch. Return to Auckland where the remainder of the day is yours to explore.

Day 3: Auckland,Waitomo,Matamata,Rotorua

Location: Auckland

Accommodation Name: Distinction Hotel Rotorua

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depart Auckland and travel through the green pastoral region of Waikato to the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Experience a guided tour through the limestone chambers and passages of the cavern. Take a silent boat trip through Glowworm Grotto as you glide quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. Next, stop at a picturesque farm near Matamata, which was transformed into the Hobbiton movie set of the Lord of the Rings films. Continue on to Rotorua for a 2-night stay.

Day 4: Rotorua

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation Name: Distinction Hotel Rotorua

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning visit Te Puia, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area with New Zealand’s largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces. Next, visit Agrodome to experience New Zealand’s sheep industry. There’s time to watch a sheep shearing demonstration, visit the farmyard nursery, and see the remarkable farm dogs as they demonstrate their ability to respond to commands and keep the sheep in line. This evening, enjoy a traditional [LF] Hangi dinner.

Day 5: Rotorua,Queenstown

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation Name: Heritage Hotel Queenstown

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Fly to Queenstown, the “Adventure capital of the World.” In addition to the non-stop action available in Queenstown, you’ll find top-notch restaurants and cafes, art galleries, shopping, spas, and wine tasting rooms. Dinner tonight is served with a view.

Day 6: Queenstown. Excursion To Milford Sound

Location: Milford Sound

Accommodation Name: Heritage Hotel Queenstown

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:
Excursion to Milford Sound may happen on Day 7 depending on weather and road conditions today.

Day 7: Queenstown

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation Name: Heritage Hotel Queenstown

Meals Included: Breakfast

A full day at leisure for your own discoveries.

Day 8: Queenstown,Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation Name: Stamford Plaza Melbourne

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, 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 9: Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation Name: Stamford Plaza Melbourne

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today’s sightseeing includes landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Drive past the lush Royal Botanical Gardens and then enjoy a [LF] guided tour of beautiful Fitzroy Gardens and a visit to Cook’s Cottage. Afterward, enjoy a delicious high-tea lunch. Enjoy free time the remainder of the day.

Day 10: Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation Name: Stamford Plaza Melbourne

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this multicultural and cosmopolitan city.

Day 11: Melbourne,Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, fly to Cairns, the “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” Upon arrival, a visit to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure introduces you to Australia’s native species. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant.

Day 12: Cairns. Excursion To The Outer Great Barrier Reef

Location: Great Barrier Reef

Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International

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 dazzling kaleidoscope of coral and sea creatures. Return to Cairns late this afternoon. Your evening is at leisure.

Day 13: Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore more of Cairns.

Day 14: Cairns,Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, fly to Sydney, Australia’s largest and oldest city. Known for its beautiful harbor, superb beaches, and iconic Opera House; Sydney is a city that dazzles. From its convict history to modern skyscrapers, you’ll discover a city with hidden gems, a thriving art and culture scene, unique shopping, beautiful gardens, and amazing opportunities for dining with a view.

Day 15: Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney

Meals Included: Breakfast

Explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Visit the Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a guided tour of its interiors and theaters. Travel to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s Botanic Garden for a great photo opportunity and sweeping views of the harbor. Next, visit world-famous Manly Beach with time to explore the shops or perhaps go for a stroll on the beach. Afterward, take a ferry back to Sydney Harbour and enjoy some of the city’s best views. Make sure to have your camera ready!

Day 16: Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner at a waterside restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Day 17: Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: Swissotel 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

    Accommodation in various hotels including SKYCITY Hotel in Auckland, Distinction Hotel Rotorua, Heritage Hotel Queenstown, Stamford Plaza Melbourne, Pullman Cairns International, and Swissotel Sydney.

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners are included.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours of various locations including Auckland, Waiheke Island, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Te Puia in Rotorua, and the Sydney Opera House.

  • Excursions

    Excursions to Waiheke Island, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hobbiton movie set, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Great Barrier Reef, and Hartley's Crocodile Adventure.

  • Internal Flights

    Internal flights between Rotorua and Queenstown, Queenstown and Melbourne, Melbourne and Cairns, and Cairns and Sydney.

  • Special Dinners

    Special dinners including a welcome dinner in Auckland, a traditional Hangi dinner in Rotorua, and a farewell dinner at a waterside restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour.

  • Small Group Discoveries

    Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House, Te Wahipounamu, and Wet Tropics of Queensland.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages not mentioned in the inclusions are not covered.

  • Optional Activities

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

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and any other travel documentation costs are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Meals

Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 5 dinners

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|Wet Tropics of Queensland

Accommodation

Auckland: SKYCITY Hotel, Rotorua: Distinction Hotel Rotorua, Queenstown: Heritage Hotel Queenstown, Melbourne: Stamford Plaza Melbourne, Cairns: Pullman Cairns International, Sydney: Swissotel Sydney

Mode of Transport

The tour includes flights between key destinations such as Auckland to Queenstown, Queenstown to Melbourne, Melbourne to Cairns, and Cairns to Sydney. Additionally, ferry rides and coach transfers are provided for various excursions.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of activities can I expect on Waiheke Island?

    On Waiheke Island, you will visit an olive grove and a winery for a tour, tasting, and lunch.

  • What unique experience is included in Rotorua?

    In Rotorua, you will visit Te Puia, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area with New Zealand’s largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces. You will also visit the Agrodome to experience New Zealand’s sheep industry, including a sheep shearing demonstration and a traditional Hangi dinner.

  • What can I expect during the visit to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

    At the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, you will experience a guided tour through the limestone chambers and passages of the cavern, and take a silent boat trip through Glowworm Grotto, gliding quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling.

  • What is special about the Milford Sound excursion?

    The Milford Sound excursion takes you into scenic Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its breathtaking scenery. The excursion may happen on Day 6 or Day 7 depending on weather and road conditions.

  • What are some highlights of the Melbourne city tour?

    The Melbourne city tour includes landmarks such as Parliament House, the Shrine of Remembrance, and the Royal Botanical Gardens. You will also enjoy a guided tour of Fitzroy Gardens and a visit to Cook’s Cottage, followed by a high-tea lunch.

  • What activities are planned in Cairns?

    In Cairns, you will visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure to see Australia’s native species. You will also board a catamaran to cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, where you can explore the underwater world of coral and sea creatures.

  • What can I expect during the Sydney city tour?

    During the Sydney city tour, you will visit the Sydney Opera House for a guided tour, travel to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for views of the harbor, visit Manly Beach, and take a ferry back to Sydney Harbour for some of the city’s best views.

  • What is included in the farewell dinner in Sydney?

    The farewell dinner in Sydney is a special event held at a waterside restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour.

  • 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

Thursday - Saturday

Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
$7956

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Nov 06, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025
$8120 $7678

Operator discount: -$442

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Operator discount: -$442

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Operator discount: -$568

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Operator discount: -$568

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Operator discount: -$568

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$8714 $8146

Operator discount: -$568

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Operator discount: -$568

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$8785 $8216

Operator discount: -$568

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Operator discount: -$568

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$8827 $8259

Operator discount: -$568

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$8875 $8307

Operator discount: -$568

Thursday - Saturday

Nov 19, 2026 - Dec 05, 2026
$8875 $8307

Operator discount: -$568

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.