Independent Best of Australia & New Zealand with Fiji

Independent Best of Australia & New Zealand with Fiji

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Independent Best of Australia & New Zealand with Fiji

18 Days Starting in Cairns QLD, Australia and ending in Nadi, Fiji

Visiting: Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, Sydney, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Rotorua, Auckland, Nadi, Coral Coast

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

IPO4-2025

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-80

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Independent Best of Australia & New Zealand with Fiji" tour, exploring the natural wonders and vibrant cultures of three stunning countries. Begin your journey in tropical Cairns, Australia, with a breathtaking catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. Experience the awe-inspiring Uluru and the bustling city life of Sydney. In New Zealand, discover the adventure capital of Queenstown and the serene beauty of Milford Sound. Conclude your trip with a relaxing stay on Fiji's Coral Coast. Enjoy daily breakfasts, select lunches, and comfortable accommodations, with seamless transfers between destinations. This tour promises a perfect blend of wildlife, cultural experiences, and scenic beauty.

Highlights

  • Great Barrier Reef

  • Uluru

  • Sydney

  • Queenstown

  • Milford Sound

  • Rotorua

  • Auckland

  • Fiji

Places You'll See

Pullman Cairns International

Desert Gardens Hotel

Swissotel Sydney

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Adina Auckland Britomart

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Cairns,Australia

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International

Meals Included: Breakfast

• 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: Great Barrier Reef

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: Milford Sound

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,Nadi,Fiji,Coral Coast

Location: Nadi

Accommodation Name: Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

AUCKLAND–NADI, FIJI–CORAL COAST• Today, fly to Nadi, Fiji, and transfer to your resort on the Coral Coast. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Your Local Host is available to answer questions and make suggestions for sightseeing and dining.(B)

Day 16: Coral Coast

Location: Coral Coast

Accommodation Name: Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

CORAL COAST • Today is at leisure. (B) Today’s I-Time TipsMake sure to check the daily activities offered at your resort. You may wish to take a dip in the pool, enjoy a Fijian handicraft demonstration, get pampered at the spa, spend some time in the water with kayaks or paddleboards, or simply enjoy an amazing sunset with a cool tropical drink.

Day 17: Coral Coast

Location: Coral Coast

Accommodation Name: Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

CORAL COAST • This morning’s highlight is a half-day Sigatoka River Safari. Be transported into the heart and soul of Fiji, aboard a custom-built jet boat. Cruise your way up the magnificent Sigatoka River to visit an authentic Fijian village and experience a day in the life of the real “Kaiviti” (Fijian). The remainder of your day is yours to explore. (B,L)Today's I-Time TipsRelax on one of the beautiful beaches on the Coral Coast or sample the freshest local cuisine the area is known for!

Day 18: Coral Coast,Nadi

Location: Nadi

Meals Included: Breakfast

CORAL COAST–NADI • Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Pullman Cairns International, Desert Gardens Hotel, Swissotel Sydney, Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront, Distinction Hotel Rotorua, Adina Auckland Britomart, and Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort.

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast is included.

  • Transport

    Transfers from/to your hotel to/from the airports for all intra-vacation flights are included.

  • Sightseeing

    Sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary is included, excluding any suggested optional excursions.

  • Additional Meals

    Breakfast daily and 3 lunches are included.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visits to UNESCO Sites including Great Barrier Reef, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and Wet Tropics of Queensland are included.

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • International Travel

    International flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

Meals

Breakfast daily; 3 lunches

UNESCO Sites

Great Barrier Reef|Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park|Wet Tropics of Queensland

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, Coral Coast: Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort.

Mode of Transport

Transfers from/to your hotel to/from the airports for all intra-vacation flights.

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 kind of transportation is included during the tour?

    Transfers from/to your hotel to/from the airports for all intra-vacation flights are included.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, daily breakfast and 3 lunches are included in the tour package.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Pullman Cairns International, Desert Gardens Hotel, Swissotel Sydney, Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront, Distinction Hotel Rotorua, Adina Auckland Britomart, and Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort.

  • Will I have a local guide during the tour?

    Yes, a Local Host will be available at various points during the tour to make recommendations for dining, shopping, and sightseeing.

  • Are international flights included in the tour package?

    No, international flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package.

  • What activities are available during the visit to the Great Barrier Reef?

    During the visit to the 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 expect during the visit to Uluru?

    At Uluru, you will witness a sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta, take a guided walk through Walpa Gorge, visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, and enjoy a drink and canapés at 'Sunset Strip' while watching the changing colors of the rock.

  • What is included in the Milford Sound excursion?

    The Milford Sound excursion includes a motorcoach journey along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, viewing the Mirror Lakes, passing through Eglinton Valley, and a cruise on Milford Sound where you can see wildlife such as dolphins and penguins, as well as breathtaking waterfalls and scenery.

  • What should I know about the sightseeing schedule in Fiji?

    If your included sightseeing in Fiji is scheduled to take place on a Sunday, it will operate on Monday instead. Your Local Host will have full details upon your arrival.

  • 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

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.