Highlights of the South Pacific
Highlights of the South Pacific
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:
Tour code:
PK-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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. Tonight, 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
AUCKLAND. EXCURSION TO WAIHEKE ISLAND New Zealand Treasures 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 and 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. (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES A hidden gem known to local New Zealanders and discriminating travellers, Waiheke Island is known to many as the jewel of the Hauraki Gulf. Just 40 minutes by ferry from Auckland, this oasis of white sand, rolling hills, olive groves, and world-class vineyards is yours to enjoy! Tour this island paradise and sample wines at Stonyridge Vineyards – named one of the top 10 must-visit wineries in the world. After all – queens, kings, and world dignitaries can’t be wrong!
Day 3: Auckland,Waitomo,Matamata,Rotorua
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Distinction Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
AUCKLAND–WAITOMO–MATAMATA–ROTORUA Home, Hobbits, Home 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. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM Step into the lush pastures of the Shire with a guided walking tour of Hobbiton, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. With the mighty Kaimai Mountain ranges towering in the distance, your guide will escort you through the 12-acre movie set, recounting details of how this location was transformed and how movie magic was made here. As you meander down the paths of the enchanted village, see the most iconic sites, the Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the world-famous Green Dragon Inn where you’ll enjoy a cold beverage. The perfect ending to your Middle-Earth adventure!
Day 4: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Distinction Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
ROTORUA The Living Earth 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. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITION Explore an ancient culture of the Māori. You’ll learn the history of the area, hear storytelling, be captivated by songs and dance, and experience the famous Haka (war dance). Afterward, sit down in the Wharenui (ancestral meeting house) for an authentic Hangi dinner (roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones) and be entertained with music and dancing.
Day 5: Rotorua,Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Heritage Hotel Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
ROTORUA–QUEENSTOWN Adventure Awaits! 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. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE This evening, take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and breathtaking views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkable Mountains. Make sure to have your camera ready for fantastic photo opportunities.
Day 6: Queenstown. Excursion To Milford Sound
Location: Milford Sound
Accommodation Name: Heritage Hotel Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND Fjords, Forests & Falls 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.” Return to Queenstown late this evening. (B,L) NOTE: Excursion to Milford Sound may happen on Day 7 depending on weather and road conditions today. TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Cruise on the fiord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. Experience dense rainforest, towering mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. Have your cameras ready for marine life such as playful dolphins, seals, and penguins. It will be a day to remember as you experience New Zealand’s wild side at its absolute best!
Day 7: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Heritage Hotel Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast
QUEENSTOWN Vineyards & Views A full day at leisure for your own discoveries. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE with an optional visit to a local vineyard and sample some of the prize vintages – or maybe take a thrilling jetboat ride on the Dart River. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.
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. 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
MELBOURNE Sights & Heights 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. (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITEBEAUTY BLOOMS Set aside as a reserve in 1848, Fitzroy Gardens follows a classic Victorian-era design. Your guided tour will explain the history of the gardens while highlighting a variety of flowers, ornamental shrubs, and expansive lawns. There’s also time to explore Cook’s Cottage, originally built by the parents of Captain James Cook in Yorkshire, England and brought to Melbourne in 1934.
Day 10: Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: Stamford Plaza Melbourne
Meals Included: Breakfast
MELBOURNE Cosmopolitan Cool Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this multicultural and cosmopolitan city. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE in Melbourne with a trip out of town to sample award-winning wines in the Yarra Valley or drive along the spectacular Great Ocean Road to see the “Twelve Apostles.” You may also enjoy an optional visit to Phillip Island to see the famous Penguin Parade.
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.” 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
CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF Under The Sea 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. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTBUCKET LIST. CHECK! The only living structure on Earth that can be seen from space, the Great Barrier Reef is a masterpiece of Mother Nature. Comprising over 3,000 individual reefs and spanning over 135,135 miles (350,000 square kilometres), your day at the Reef will be one to remember. After your scenic catamaran cruise, the day is yours to explore the Reef how you like. Choose to snorkel amid the dazzling hues of fish and coral, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, attend an informative presentation by a marine biologist, or just relax and enjoy the serenity of your surroundings.
Day 13: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International
Meals Included: Breakfast
CAIRNS Sights & Bites Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore more of Cairns. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE with a trip into the Daintree Forest, the world’s oldest living rainforest and to beautiful Cape Tribulation. Other activities include a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, relaxing by your resort’s pool, or checking out the shops and galleries along Cairns’ famous Esplanade. Don’t miss the Night Markets for a bite to eat and a special souvenir.
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
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 across Sydney Harbour to Circular Quay 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
SYDNEY Celebration in Sydney Enjoy a full day at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner at a waterside restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour. (B,D)ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE in Sydney with an optional excursion to the Blue Mountains or to the Hunter valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge! This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.
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
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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.
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Meals
Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners are included.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours of various locations including Auckland, Waiheke Island, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Te Puia in Rotorua, and the Sydney Opera House.
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Excursions
Excursions to Waiheke Island, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hobbiton movie set, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Great Barrier Reef, and Hartley's Crocodile Adventure.
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Internal Flights
Internal flights between Rotorua and Queenstown, Queenstown and Melbourne, Melbourne and Cairns, and Cairns and Sydney.
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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.
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Small Group Discoveries
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.
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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
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International Flights
International flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages not mentioned in the inclusions are not covered.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and any other travel documentation costs are not included.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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