Independent Best of Australia & New Zealand
Independent Best of Australia & New Zealand
Independent Best of Australia & New Zealand
15 Days Starting in Cairns, Australia and ending in Auckland, New Zealand
Visiting: Cairns, Uluru, Sydney, Queenstown, Rotorua, Auckland
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IPO3-2024
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This is Jeopardy! Answer: Astronauts can see this coral reef system from space. Question: What is the Great Barrier Reef? But have no fear! You don’t have to start training to become an astronaut to see the largest coral reef system in the world! You are covered with this 9-day vacation, where you not only get to see the Great Barrier Reef, but your journey will also take you to Australia’s Outback. We’ve arranged for you to have a Local Host, someone who is there to answer questions, offer suggestions, and help make your vacation the trip of a lifetime. But that’s not all. We’ve also arranged your hotel reservations, daily breakfast, sightseeing, and transfers from/to your hotel to/from the airports for all intra-vacation flights, and visits to help you really understand life in Australia's Outback.Your vacation begins the moment you arrive in Cairns. We can pick you up at the airport and whisk you to your selected hotel, where your Local Host will offer you a warm greeting and information to help you get settled and personalize your trip. The next morning, after your included breakfast, you'll cruise on a catamaran to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the most amazing natural wonders on Earth! We've arranged for you to either snorkel or take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or you can attend a presentation by a marine biologist. Regardless of what you choose, you’ll be amazed at the beauty all around you. A photo cannot capture it; you must experience it for yourself.After a full day in Cairns to explore on your own (with the support of your Local Host, of course), you'll fly to the Outback, where you’ll see the sunrise at Uluru (Ayers Rock) and enjoy drinks & canapés while watching the sunset at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). While in the Outback, we've also arranged for you to visit the Uluru-Kata Cultural Centre with its amazing collection of Aboriginal arts.Then it’s on to Sydney, where we will have a Local H
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Cairns,Australia
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International
• Welcome to tropical Cairns! The balance of the day is at your leisure. Your Local Host is available to make recommendations for dining, shopping, and sightseeing.ARRIVE IN CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA • Welcome to tropical Cairns! The balance of the day is at your leisure. Your Local Host is available to make recommendations for dining, shopping, and sightseeing.
Day 2: 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)
Day 3: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International
Meals Included: Breakfast
CAIRNS • A full day at leisure to explore more of Cairns. (B)Today's I-Time TipsPerhaps select an optional excursion to see crocodiles, kangaroos, and koalas, or to the quiet mountain village of Kuranda via the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Other options: try your luck at fishing, visit the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest, or check out the many shops and galleries along Cairns’ famous Esplanade.
Day 4: Cairns,Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Location: Uluru
Accommodation Name: Desert Gardens Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
CAIRNS–ULURU (AYERS ROCK) • Today, fly to Uluru. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)
Day 5: Uluru
Location: Uluru
Accommodation Name: Desert Gardens Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
ULURU • Rise early for an inspiring sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Witness incredible views over the dunes and stunning desert landscape. Continue to Walpa Gorge for a guided walk through Kata Tjuta. This afternoon, visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, which houses an amazing collection of ceramics, paintings, and punu (woodwork) from the Anangu people, the traditional custodians of Uluru. Finish the day at “Sunset Strip” for a drink and canapés, and to witness the changing colors of the rock. (B)
Day 6: Uluru,Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney
Meals Included: Breakfast
ULURU–SYDNEY • Fly to beautiful Sydney, Australia’s largest city. The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. Why not grab dinner at a waterside restaurant and take in the energy of this vibrant city? Your Local Host is available to make recommendations and point you in the right direction. (B)
Day 7: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney
Meals Included: Breakfast
SYDNEY • Enjoy a morning guided sightseeing tour which includes a photo stop at the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Then, visit Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches. The remainder of the day is yours to explore. (B)Today's I-Time TipsYou may want to enjoy a cruise on Sydney Harbour to admire stunning views of the city from the water or visit Taronga Zoo to see some of Australia’s native animals, such as koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses. Your Local Host will have suggestions for sightseeing, dining, and shopping.
Day 8: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney
Meals Included: Breakfast
SYDNEY• Enjoy a full day at leisure in this beautiful city. (B)Today's I-Time TipsWith your free time today, why not see the city from new heights with a climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge or discover Sydney’s storied past on the Rocks Pub Tour. Travel out of town to the scenic Blue Mountains or sample wines in Hunter Valley. You may also choose to shop for souvenirs, explore the restaurants of Barangaroo, or take a ferry to nearby Manly Beach.
Day 9: Sydney,Queenstown,New Zealand
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Meals Included: Breakfast
SYDNEY–QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND• Fly to Queenstown, New Zealand’s “Adventure Capital.” The remainder of the day is at leisure. Your Local Host is available for sightseeing, shopping, and dining suggestions.(B)
Day 10: Queenstown. Excursion To Milford Sound
Location: Queenstown
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 11: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Meals Included: Breakfast
QUEENSTOWN• Enjoy a full day to explore more of beautiful Queenstown. (B)Today's I-Time TipsChoose an optional visit to a local winery to sample some of New Zealand’s best wines, take a thrilling jet boat ride on the Dart River, or tour some of the sites used in The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. Your Local Host will be available to make sightseeing, shopping, and dining recommendations.
Day 12: Queenstown,Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Distinction Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
QUEENSTOWN–ROTORUA• Fly to Rotorua, known for its hot springs, geysers, and fascinating Māori culture. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)
Day 13: 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. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)Today's I-Time TipsChoose to join an 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 14: 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 ride through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Continue to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Your evening is at leisure.(B,L)Today's I-Time TipsWhy not taste some fresh local fare at one of Auckland’s many superb restaurants on the water? Sip a glass of local wine or try a craft beer. The choices are endless!
Day 15: Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Adina Auckland Britomart
Meals Included: Breakfast
AUCKLAND• Your stay in New Zealand 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 first-class hotels including Pullman Cairns International in Cairns, Desert Gardens Hotel in Uluru, Swissotel Sydney in Sydney, Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront in Queenstown, Distinction Hotel Rotorua in Rotorua, and Adina Auckland Britomart in Auckland.
-
Meals
Breakfast daily and 2 lunches.
-
Excursions
Excursions to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, Milford Sound, and Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
-
Guided Sightseeing
Guided sightseeing tours including a visit to the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, Agrodome, National Kiwi Hatchery, and Te Puia in Rotorua.
-
Local Hosts
Local Hosts available to make recommendations for dining, shopping, and sightseeing.
-
UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and Wet Tropics of Queensland.
What's Not Included
-
International Flights
International flights to and from Australia and New Zealand are not included.
-
Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as visits to local wineries, jet boat rides, and helicopter tours 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 is recommended to be purchased separately.
-
Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into Australia and New Zealand are not included.
UNESCO Sites
Great Barrier Reef|Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park|Wet Tropics of Queensland
Meals
Breakfast daily; 2 lunches
Accommodation
Cairns: Pullman Cairns International, Uluru: Desert Gardens Hotel, Sydney: Swissotel Sydney, 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
-
What activities are available during the excursion to the Outer Great Barrier Reef?
During the excursion to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, you can choose to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist.
-
What can I do during my leisure day in Cairns?
On your leisure day in Cairns, you can select an optional excursion to see crocodiles, kangaroos, and koalas, visit the quiet mountain village of Kuranda via the Kuranda Scenic Railway, try your luck at fishing, visit the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest, or explore the shops and galleries along Cairns’ famous Esplanade.
-
What will I experience during the visit to Uluru?
At Uluru, you will witness an inspiring sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta, take a guided walk through Walpa Gorge, visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to see a collection of ceramics, paintings, and woodwork from the Anangu people, and finish the day at 'Sunset Strip' with a drink and canapés to witness the changing colors of the rock.
-
What are the highlights of the guided sightseeing tour in Sydney?
The guided sightseeing tour in Sydney includes a photo stop at the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and a visit to Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches.
-
What optional activities are available in Sydney during the leisure day?
During your leisure day in Sydney, you can climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, discover Sydney’s past on the Rocks Pub Tour, travel to the scenic Blue Mountains, sample wines in Hunter Valley, shop for souvenirs, explore the restaurants of Barangaroo, or take a ferry to Manly Beach.
-
What can I expect during the excursion to Milford Sound from Queenstown?
During the excursion to Milford Sound, you will travel by motorcoach along the shores of 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 activities are available in Rotorua?
In Rotorua, you can visit Agrodome to learn about New Zealand’s sheep industry, the National Kiwi Hatchery, and Te Puia to explore the geothermal wonderland. Optional activities include joining a Māori cultural performance and Hangi dinner, soaking in the therapeutic pools at the Polynesian Spa, taking a treetop walk through the Redwoods, or a helicopter tour to see the scenic region by air.
-
What will I experience during the visit to Waitomo Glowworm Caves?
During the visit to Waitomo Glowworm Caves, you will take a boat ride through the caves to see the glowworms illuminating the cave walls.
-
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
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026
Friday - Friday
Nov 15, 2024 - Nov 29, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Jan 07, 2025 - Jan 21, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Jan 08, 2025 - Jan 22, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jan 09, 2025 - Jan 23, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Feb 11, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Feb 12, 2025 - Feb 26, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Feb 13, 2025 - Feb 27, 2025Friday - Friday
Feb 14, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Feb 15, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Feb 16, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025Monday - Monday
Feb 17, 2025 - Mar 03, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Feb 18, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Feb 19, 2025 - Mar 05, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Feb 20, 2025 - Mar 06, 2025Friday - Friday
Feb 21, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 08, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Feb 23, 2025 - Mar 09, 2025Monday - Monday
Feb 24, 2025 - Mar 10, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 11, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Feb 26, 2025 - Mar 12, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Feb 27, 2025 - Mar 13, 2025Friday - Friday
Feb 28, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Mar 01, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025Monday - Monday
Mar 03, 2025 - Mar 17, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Mar 04, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Mar 05, 2025 - Mar 19, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Mar 06, 2025 - Mar 20, 2025Friday - Friday
Mar 07, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Mar 09, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025Monday - Monday
Mar 10, 2025 - Mar 24, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Mar 11, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Mar 12, 2025 - Mar 26, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Mar 13, 2025 - Mar 27, 2025Friday - Friday
Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Mar 16, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025Monday - Monday
Mar 17, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Mar 18, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Mar 19, 2025 - Apr 02, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Mar 20, 2025 - Apr 03, 2025Friday - Friday
Mar 21, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Mar 22, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Mar 23, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025Monday - Monday
Mar 24, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Mar 25, 2025 - Apr 08, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Mar 26, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Mar 27, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025Friday - Friday
Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025Monday - Monday
Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025Friday - Friday
Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025Friday - Friday
Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025Friday - Friday
Apr 18, 2025 - May 02, 2025Friday - Friday
Apr 25, 2025 - May 09, 2025Friday - Friday
May 02, 2025 - May 16, 2025Friday - Friday
May 09, 2025 - May 23, 2025Friday - Friday
May 16, 2025 - May 30, 2025Friday - Friday
May 23, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025Friday - Friday
May 30, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025Friday - Friday
Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025Friday - Friday
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025Friday - Friday
Jun 20, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025Friday - Friday
Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025Friday - Friday
Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025Friday - Friday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Friday - Friday
Jul 18, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Friday - Friday
Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 22, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Friday - Friday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Friday - Friday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Friday - Friday
Sep 19, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025Friday - Friday
Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Friday - Friday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025Friday - Friday
Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025Friday - Friday
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025Friday - Friday
Oct 24, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025Friday - Friday
Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025Friday - Friday
Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025Friday - Friday
Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 28, 2025Friday - Friday
Nov 21, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025Friday - Friday
Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025Friday - Friday
Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025Friday - Friday
Dec 12, 2025 - Dec 26, 2025Friday - Friday
Dec 19, 2025 - Jan 02, 2026Friday - Friday
Dec 26, 2025 - Jan 09, 2026Friday - Friday
Jan 02, 2026 - Jan 16, 2026Friday - Friday
Jan 09, 2026 - Jan 23, 2026Friday - Friday
Jan 16, 2026 - Jan 30, 2026Friday - Friday
Jan 23, 2026 - Feb 06, 2026Friday - Friday
Jan 30, 2026 - Feb 13, 2026Friday - Friday
Feb 06, 2026 - Feb 20, 2026Friday - Friday
Feb 13, 2026 - Feb 27, 2026Friday - Friday
Feb 20, 2026 - Mar 06, 2026Friday - Friday
Feb 27, 2026 - Mar 13, 2026Friday - Friday
Mar 06, 2026 - Mar 20, 2026Friday - Friday
Mar 13, 2026 - Mar 27, 2026Friday - Friday
Mar 20, 2026 - Apr 03, 2026Friday - Friday
Mar 27, 2026 - Apr 10, 2026Friday - Friday
Apr 03, 2026 - Apr 17, 2026Book 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.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.