Independent Best of Australia & New Zealand

15 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Group Tour
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 R...
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

What's this trip about?

    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 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 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.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start City CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA
End CityAUCKLAND</BR>

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Australia
  • New Zealand

Attractions

  • Auckland
  • Cairns
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Milford Sound
  • Queenstown
  • Rotorua
  • Sydney
  • Waitomo

Activities

  • Culture

Itinerary

Day 1: 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.

CAIRNS-GREAT-BARRIER-REEF.jpg

Day 2: 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 se...

Day 3: CAIRNS

• A full day at leisure to explore more of Cairns.

(Breakfast) Today's I-Time Tips Perhaps 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 you...

Day 4: CAIRNS–ULURU (AYERS ROCK)

• Today, fly to Uluru. The rest of the day is at leisure.

(Breakfast)

ULURU-KANGAROO-CROSSING-SIGN.jpg

Day 5: 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 Cent...

Day 6: 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.

(Breakfast)

SYDNEY-OPERA-HOUSE-AND-BRIDGE.jpg

Day 7: 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.

(Breakfast) Today's I-Time Tips You may...

Day 8: SYDNEY

• Enjoy a full day at leisure in this beautiful city.

(Breakfast) Today's I-Time Tips With 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...

Day 9: 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.

(Breakfast)

QUEENSTOWN-CITYSCAPE.jpg

Day 10: 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....

Day 11: QUEENSTOWN

• Enjoy a full day to explore more of beautiful Queenstown.

(Breakfast) Today's I-Time Tips Choose 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 ...

Day 12: QUEENSTOWN–ROTORUA

• Fly to Rotorua, known for its hot springs, geysers, and fascinating Māori culture. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

(Breakfast)

ROTORUA-TE-PUIA.jpg

Day 13: 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.

(Breakfast) Today's ...

Day 14: 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.

(Breakfast,Lunch) Today's I-Time Tips Why not taste some fresh local fare at one of Auckla...

Day 15: 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.

(Breakfast)

AUCKLAND-CITYSCAPE.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,319
Price per day$355
Last Updated: 10/14/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
06 Nov 2024
20 Nov 2024
$5,319
07 Nov 2024
21 Nov 2024
$5,319
08 Nov 2024
22 Nov 2024
$5,319
09 Nov 2024
23 Nov 2024
$5,319
10 Nov 2024
24 Nov 2024
$5,319
11 Nov 2024
25 Nov 2024
$5,319
12 Nov 2024
26 Nov 2024
$5,319
13 Nov 2024
27 Nov 2024
$5,319
14 Nov 2024
28 Nov 2024
$5,319
15 Nov 2024
29 Nov 2024
$5,319

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Globus.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Globus Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
8,808
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1,792
Average
357
Disappointing
97
Terrible
205
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Other Globus Reviews

J

Jjem123

Sep 2024

Written on

Packed but interesting tour

Very packed your with many good points, but let down by poor organisation of the bus seating. I was a solo traveller who was forced to sit next to the same person fo...

H

Horrible

Aug 2024

Written on

Don’t, just don’t.

I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction with the hotel accommodations during my recent trip with Globus. The quality of the hotels was far below what I ex...

S

Scott Howe

Aug 2024

Written on

Celtic Highlights tour was wonderful

Celtic Highlights tour was wonderful. Stewart, our Driver was an absolute professional and very courteous to all of us. Dominic, our tour guide has an amazing knowle...

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Tour Operator

Globus

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Why Travel with Globus?

Perfectly Planned. Seriously Stress Free.

After 90-plus years of sharing the world with travelers, Globus has set the gold standard for award-winning touring across virtually every continent. Our global network of premiere travel partners, operations experts, and hospitality pros share one goal in mind—an exceptional travel experience no matter where we travel together.

Beyond the Guidebooks.

While Italy is synonymous with spectacular food, it is the close family connection that brings generations of tradition to the table. Globus goes beyond typical tours to introduce you to local legends and local experiences not found on just any map. Meet the Bonajuto family at Antica Dolceria—the oldest confectionery in Sicily. More than 150 years after the dolceria was founded by Francesco Bonajuto, the family still serves its heavenly chocolates in the same spot, while also serving as international ambassadors of Sicilian cuisine. Che dolce!

Don’t Miss the Must Sees.

Why stand in line to catch a fleeting glimpse of ancient ruins and remarkable historic sites? Globus gives you VIP access with an expert Local Guide to go deeper, get closer, and soak it all in. From the Parthenon to the Vatican museums, you’ll explore Europe’s most beloved locations without getting lost in a crowd or waiting in line. Don’t just file past masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David or get only a hurried look at the Crown Jewels in Edinburgh Castle. Experience Europe’s extraordinary sights—and historic sites—with the VIP access you deserve.

Dreams Realized.

The Colosseum. The Prado. Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Each Globus tour always includes the legendary landmarks, the major attractions, and the must-see sites. Going beyond the iconic exteriors, we lead you to the front of the line, straight through the door, and inside the walls of Europe’s most awe-inspiring places for an exclusive look behind the scenes. With priority access, we ensure you behold the sights you’ve long dreamed of—without waiting any longer!

Do as the Locals Do.

When in Rome—or London, Paris, or Barcelona—we arrange for you to do as the locals do, not just what the tourists do. In every itinerary, we include hands-on, authentic experiences for a true taste of a day in the life. Board a private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, bake scones in an Irish farmhouse, or sample Geysir Schnapps in Iceland. By striking a golf ball at St. Andrews or dancing the Sirtaki while sipping ouzo, you truly get to step into someone else’s shoes and experience the world from an insider’s perspective.

Adventure, a la Carte

While Globus vacations get you up close and personal to the world's must-see sights and unforgettable experiences, we also know the value of spending time on your own to explore as you please. After all, travel is meant to be filled with memorable moments of your own with serendipitous surprises that can’t be planned or scheduled. We build free time into every itinerary so you can leisurely explore the beckoning bookstore, tempting café table, or whimsical window shopping that's schedule free. Don’t wait a lifetime for that once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s waiting just around the corner!

Pick your Passion.

Maybe you’re an art lover, a foodie, or a history buff. Perhaps you’re moved by music, art, cuisine, or theater. Or maybe making tracks in the great outdoors is more your speed. We offer a wide array of optional excursions and activities—tailored to a variety of fitness levels and interests—so you can customize your adventure with your own personal passions and preferences. Each Globus excursion and activity has been personally tested by us and handpicked to allow you to really get to know each destination. You never have to choose between included and optional excursions, since optional activities fit seamlessly with your vacation schedule!

A Friend in Every City.

Join us and a few of our friends in your next dream destination. After all, we’ve spent over 90 years making friends in virtually every city and country in the world who let us in on local secrets, like where to find the best scone, stein, or spumoni; the best people-watching table; or the best view of wide-open spaces. Every Globus vacation includes local experts who share the stories behind the sights and Local Favorites you won’t find in the guidebooks. Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides hail from the region through which you’re traveling. No one is more familiar, passionate, or eager to share insider knowledge than our local pros!


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Logistics

Accommodation

Pullman Cairns InternationalPullman Cairns International is an upscale hotel exuding the architectural grandeur of the city's rich colonial past. Overlooking Cairns Harbour and the lush mountain hinterland, this 321-room hotel is perfectly positioned in the CBD to take advantage of all the city has to offer. After a great day of sightseeing, dine in Coco's Restaurant, grab a drink at the Lobby Bar, or pamper yourself at Vie Spa. Laundry is available through the hotel for a fee.CairnsAustralia17 Abbott StDesert Gardens HotelCentrally located to all resort facilities, the hotel offers a range of accommodation, outdoor pool, coin-operated self-service laundry, and the popular Bunya bar. It's only a short stroll to the Resorts' numerous lookouts, where you can view what is arguably Australia's best sunset, with the spectacular play of colors across the face of Uluru and the surrounding desert.UluruAustraliaYulara DriveSwissotel Sydney The Swissotel Sydney is surrounded by Sydney's most exclusive shopping centres, such as the beautiful Queen Victoria Building and iconic Westfield Sydney and is within walking distance to all of Sydney's famous landmarks and cultural attractions. Enjoy a seasonally inspired dinner menu at JPB or delight in a unique buffet high tea at Crossroads Bar. The hotel offers a wide choice of treatments at the Day Spa as well as a gym, heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi.SydneyAustralia68 Market Street Copthorne Hotel &amp; Resort Queenstown LakefrontWithin a tranquil, garden setting, the Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront blends superior facilities and comfort with friendly, personal service and offers panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountain peaks. The resort is a short stroll from the town center, and minutes from Queenstown's key tourist attractions and adventure activities. After a great day of sightseeing, relax at the Impressions Cocktail Bar and Impressions Restaurant with views over the lake and mountains or take a dip in the two spa pools. Wireless broadband internet access is available in all public areas (fee may apply). The hotel also features coin-operated, self-service laundry.QueenstownNew ZealandCorner Frankton Rd &amp; Adelaide StDistinction Hotel RotoruaSituated adjacent to the Whakarewarewa Forest, Distinction Hotel Rotorua is located minutes away from the city center of Rotorua. The hotel features a heated outdoor pool and spa, underground private grotto spas, on-site restaurant and bar, laundry facilities and dry cleaning, and complimentary Wi-Fi. RotoruaNew Zealand390 Fenton St. PO Box 983Adina Auckland Britomart Situated in downtown Auckland, Adina Auckland Britomart is only minutes away from the City's best offerings. The hotel features a fitness center, on-site restaurant and bar, apartment-style guestrooms with laundry available, and complimentary Wi-Fi. AucklandNew Zealand2 Tapora Street,
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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
globus-IPO3

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