Independent Best of Australia & New Zealand
Independent Best of Australia & New Zealand
Independent Best of Australia & New Zealand
15 Days
Visiting: Cairns, Uluru, Sydney, Queenstown, New Zealand, Rotorua, Waitomo, Auckland
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IPO3-2024
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Trip 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! Independence by Globus has you 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 a set of materials 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 Host waiting to welcome you to this bustling city. The next day, after your included breakfast, we’ll pick you up at your hotel for guided sightseeing with a local expert. Hear the insider stories around the must-see sights, such as the Opera House and Bondi Beach. A full day in Sydney gives you time to explore on your own or to take one of the many optional excursions we offer. Perhaps climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge, shop for a special souvenir, or take an excursion to the Blue Mountains. Your Local Host will have plenty of suggestions.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. Between the sightseeing we've included and the transportation we've arranged, including the catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef, and the time you save by letting us take care of the details, with all the I-Time you deserve!
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Cairns,Australia
Location: Cairns, Cairns
• 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
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 3: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4: Cairns,Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Location: Cairns, Uluru
Meals Included: Breakfast
• Today, fly to Uluru. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 5: Uluru
Location: Uluru
Meals Included: Breakfast
• 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 & canapés, and to witness the changing colors of the rock.
Day 6: Uluru,Sydney
Location: Uluru, Sydney
Meals Included: Breakfast
• Fly to beautiful Sydney, Australia’s largest city. The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. Why not grab sinner at a waterside restaurant and take in the energy of this vibrant city? You Local Host is available to make recommendations and point you in the right direction.
Day 7: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 9: Sydney,Queenstown,New Zealand
Location: Sydney, Queenstown, New Zealand
Meals Included: Breakfast
• 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.
Day 10: Queenstown. Excursion To Milford Sound
Location: Queenstown
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 11: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 12: Queenstown,Rotorua
Location: Queenstown, Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
• Fly to Rotorua, known for its hot springs, geysers, and fascinating Māori culture. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Day 13: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 14: Rotorua,Waitomo,Auckland
Location: Rotorua, Waitomo, Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15: Auckland
Location: Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast
• Your stay in New Zealand ends with breakfast this morning.
UNESCO Sites
Auschwitz|Great Barrier Reef|Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Meals
Breakfast daily; 2 lunches
Accommodation
Cairns:Pullman Cairns InternationalUluru:Desert Gardens HotelSydney:Swissotel Sydney Queenstown:Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown LakefrontRotorua:Distinction Hotel RotoruaAuckland:Adina Auckland Britomart
Check out our Q&As
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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.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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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.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.