Independent Australian & New Zealand Explorer
Independent Australian & New Zealand Explorer
Independent Australian & New Zealand Explorer
16 Days Starting in Sydney, Australia and ending in Auckland, New Zealand
Visiting: Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Rotorua, Auckland
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IPE3-2024
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Independent Australian & New Zealand Explorer" tour, an adventure that takes you through the stunning landscapes and vibrant cities of Australia and New Zealand. Begin your journey in Sydney, where you can explore iconic landmarks like the Opera House and Bondi Beach. Continue to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, for an unforgettable underwater experience. Discover Melbourne's cosmopolitan charm before heading to New Zealand's Queenstown, known as the "Adventure Capital of the World." Experience the breathtaking 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 first-class accommodations in each destination, ensuring a comfortable and memorable journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
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 and meet to discuss your vacation, answer questions, and give suggestions to make the most of your stay.
ARRIVE IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA • 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.SYDNEY-OPERA-HOUSE-AND-BRIDGE.jpg
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. SYDNEY-BONDI-BEACH.jpg
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. BLUE-MOUNTAINS-THREE-SISTERS.jpg
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)CAIRNS-GREAT-BARRIER-REEF.jpg
Day 5: Cairns. Excursion To The Outer Great Barrier Reef
Location: Cairns
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)CAIRNS-GREAT-BARRIER-REEF-SNORKELING.jpg
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, visiting Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure, a ride on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, or shopping for a special souvenir at the Cairns Night Markets. CAIRNS-SKYRAIL.jpg
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)MELBOURNE-KILDA-BEACH.jpg
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. MELBOURNE-PHILLIP-ISLAND-PENGUIN-PARADE-SIGN.jpg
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. MELBOURNE-SKYLINE.jpg
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)QUEENSTOWN-CITYSCAPE.jpg
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)MILFORD-SOUND.jpg
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. QUEENSTOWN-SHOTOVER-JET.jpg
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)ROTORUA-MAORI-CARVING.jpg
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. ROTORUA-TE-PUIA.jpg
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)WAITOMO.jpg
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)AUCKLAND-CITYSCAPE.jpg
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation in first-class 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.
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Meals
Daily breakfast and 2 lunches are included.
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Guided Sightseeing
Guided sightseeing tours in Sydney, Melbourne, Rotorua, and Queenstown.
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Excursions
Excursions to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, Milford Sound, and Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
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Local Hosts
Local hosts available in various cities to provide suggestions and assistance.
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Transportation
Flights between Sydney and Cairns, Cairns and Melbourne, Melbourne and Queenstown, and Queenstown and Rotorua.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as a cruise on Sydney Harbour, a climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge, a trip to Hunter Valley, a guided backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House, and more.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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International Flights
International flights to and from Australia and New Zealand are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into Australia and New Zealand are not included.
UNESCO Sites
Great Barrier Reef|Sydney Opera House|Wet Tropics of Queensland
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
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
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What kind of activities can I do during my leisure time in Sydney?
During your leisure time in Sydney, you can explore the city independently, take a cruise on Sydney Harbour, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, visit Hunter Valley for wine tasting, join a guided backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House, explore the restaurants of Spice Alley, take the Rocks Pub Tour, or learn how to surf at Bondi Beach.
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What options are available for exploring the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns?
In Cairns, you can explore the Great Barrier Reef by boarding a catamaran and choosing to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist.
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What can I do during my free day in Cairns?
During your free day in Cairns, you can take a trip into the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, relax by your resort’s pool, visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure, ride the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, or shop at the Cairns Night Markets.
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What are the highlights of the guided sightseeing tour in Melbourne?
The guided sightseeing tour in Melbourne includes visits to Federation Square, St. Patrick’s Park, Queen Victoria Market, Albert Park Lake, the Shrine of Remembrance, and St. Kilda Beach. The tour ends at the Melbourne Skydeck for views from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform.
-
What activities are available during the full-day excursion to Milford Sound from Queenstown?
During the full-day excursion to Milford Sound from Queenstown, you will travel by motorcoach along Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, view the Mirror Lakes, pass through Eglinton Valley, and emerge into Cleddau Valley from the Homer Tunnel. You will then join a Milford Sound cruise to see wildlife such as dolphins and penguins, and enjoy the breathtaking waterfalls and scenery.
-
What can I do during my leisure time in Queenstown?
In Queenstown, you can choose an optional thrilling jet boat ride on the Shotover River, visit a local winery, tour sites used to film The Lord of the Rings trilogy, hike, bike, or get on the water. Your Local Host will also have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
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What are the main attractions included in the guided sightseeing tour in Rotorua?
The guided sightseeing tour in Rotorua includes a visit to Agrodome to learn about New Zealand’s sheep industry, the National Kiwi Hatchery, and Te Puia to explore the geothermal wonderland.
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What can I expect during the visit to Waitomo Glowworm Caves?
During the visit to Waitomo Glowworm Caves, you will take a boat trip through the caves to see the glowworms illuminating the cave walls.
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What options are available for extending my stay in Auckland?
You can choose to extend your time in Auckland 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.