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, Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Rotorua, Auckland
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IPE3-2025
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, a captivating journey through the stunning landscapes and vibrant cities of Australia and New Zealand. Begin your adventure in Sydney, Australia's largest city, before heading to the tropical paradise of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Experience the cosmopolitan charm of Melbourne, then fly to Queenstown, New Zealand's "Adventure Capital of the World." Discover the breathtaking beauty of 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 comfortable accommodations in top hotels throughout your 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.
Day 2: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Swissotel Sydney
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4: Sydney,Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International
Meals Included: Breakfast
• 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.
Day 5: Cairns. Excursion To The Outer Great Barrier Reef
Location: Great Barrier Reef
Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International
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 6: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7: Cairns,Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins
Meals Included: Breakfast
• Transfer to Cairns for your flight to Melbourne, the cosmopolitan heart of Australia. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Day 8: Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 9: Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 10: Melbourne,Queenstown,New Zealand
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Meals Included: Breakfast
• 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.
Day 11: Queenstown. Excursion To Milford Sound
Location: Milford Sound
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront
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 12: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 13: Queenstown,Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Distinction Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
• Fly to Rotorua on New Zealand’s north island. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Day 14: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Distinction Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 15: Rotorua,Waitomo,Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Adina Auckland Britomart
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
• 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.
Day 16: Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Adina Auckland Britomart
Meals Included: Breakfast
• 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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation in various 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
Breakfast daily and 2 lunches are included.
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Local Host
A Globus Local Host will be available to discuss your vacation, answer questions, and give suggestions to make the most of your stay.
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Excursions
Excursions to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, Milford Sound, and Waitomo Glowworm Caves are included.
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Transport
Flights between Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, Queenstown, and Rotorua are included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from Australia and New Zealand are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Meals
Breakfast daily; 2 lunches
UNESCO Sites
Great Barrier Reef|Sydney Opera House|Wet Tropics of Queensland
Accommodation
Stay in luxurious accommodations including Swissotel Sydney, Pullman Cairns International, The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins in Melbourne, Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront, Distinction Hotel Rotorua, and Adina Auckland Britomart.
Mode of Transport
Travel between destinations by flights, including trips from Sydney to Cairns, Cairns to Melbourne, Melbourne to Queenstown, and Queenstown to Rotorua.
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 expect during the excursion to the Great Barrier Reef?
During the excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, you can board a catamaran and cruise to the reef. You will have the opportunity to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist.
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What will I see during the Milford Sound excursion?
During the Milford Sound excursion, you will travel by motorcoach along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, pass through Eglinton Valley, and emerge into Cleddau Valley from the Homer Tunnel. On the Milford Sound cruise, you can expect to see wildlife such as dolphins and penguins, as well as breathtaking waterfalls and scenery.
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What can I do during my leisure time in Sydney?
In Sydney, you will have leisure time to explore independently. Your Globus Local Host will be available to discuss your vacation, answer questions, and give suggestions to make the most of your stay.
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What is included in the visit to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves?
The visit to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves includes a boat trip through the caves where you can see the glowworms illuminating the cave walls.
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What kind of wildlife might I see during the Milford Sound cruise?
During the Milford Sound cruise, you might see wildlife such as dolphins and penguins.
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What are the accommodation options in Sydney?
In Sydney, you will stay at the Swissotel Sydney.
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What are the accommodation options in Cairns?
In Cairns, you will stay at the Pullman Cairns International.
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What are the accommodation options in Melbourne?
In Melbourne, you will stay at The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins.
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What are the accommodation options in Queenstown?
In Queenstown, you will stay at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront.
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What are the accommodation options in Rotorua?
In Rotorua, you will stay at the Distinction Hotel Rotorua.
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What are the accommodation options in Auckland?
In Auckland, you will stay at the Adina Auckland Britomart.
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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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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.