Overview
Highlights of the South Pacific
Ready to wash that monotony right out of your hair? Head to the South Pacific and send it on its way. Combining fun, sun, glee, and the sea, this tour of Australia and New Zealand introduces you to the special features and creatures of both fascinating countries. Starting in New Zealand, you’ll witness Waitomo’s Glowworm Caves and Rotorua’s boiling mud pools before cruising through some of the coolest fiord scenery in the world in Queenstown’s Milford Sound. More uplifting sights await in the “Land Down Under” as you take a spin on Melbourne’s Star Observation Wheel, a dip in the kaleidoscope of coral-filled ocean at the Great Barrier Reef, and a ferry across Sydney Harbour to Manly Beach.
Highlights of Highlights of the South Pacific
Related Option Title
Highlights of the South Pacific
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.
Product Group
Highlights of the South Pacific
UNESCO Sites
Great Barrier Reef|Sydney Opera House|Te Wahipounamu|Wet Tropics of Queensland
Inclusions
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word); to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available).
Travelers Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word); to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available). Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!
Notes
Meals
Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND Kia Ora! Welcome to Auckland! 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. (D)AUCKLAND-CITYSCAPE.jpg
Day 2
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! WAIHEKE.jpg
Day 3
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!WAITOMO.jpg
Day 4
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. ROTORUA-TE-PUIA.jpg
Day 5
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. QUEENSTOWN-CITYSCAPE.jpg
Day 6
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! MILFORD-SOUND.jpg
Day 7
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.QUEENSTOWN-SHOTOVER-JET.jpg
Day 8
QUEENSTOWN–MELBOURNE Australia Bound 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. (B)MELBOURNE-SKYLINE.jpg
Day 9
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. MELBOURNE-COOKS-COTTAGE.jpg
Day 10
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.MELBOURNE-PHILLIP-ISLAND-PENGUIN-PARADE-SIGN.jpg
Day 11
MELBOURNE–CAIRNS A Kaleidoscope of Coral Today, fly to Cairns, the “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. (B,D) CAIRNS-ESPLANADE.jpg
Day 12
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. CAIRNS-GREAT-BARRIER-REEF.jpg
Day 13
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. CAIRNS-SKYRAIL.jpg
Day 14
CAIRNS–SYDNEY Aussie Adventures 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. (B)SYDNEY-BONDI-BEACH.jpg
Day 15
SYDNEY Spectacular Sydney 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! (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM The Sydney Opera House is one of the most well-known buildings in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building was designed by Jorn Utzon, a Danish architect, and was finally completed in 1973, after sixteen years of construction, at a cost of over $100 million dollars. You’ll enjoy a private guided tour of the Opera House and see its interiors and theaters. Hear untold stories, be awed by the acoustics, and learn the history and future of this amazing hall beneath the sails. SYDNEY-OPERA-HOUSE-AND-HARBOR.jpg
Day 16
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.BLUE-MOUNTAINS-THREE-SISTERS.jpg
Day 17
SYDNEY Until We Meet Again! 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. (B)SYDNEY-KOALA.jpg
Departures
| # | Air Start Date | Land Start Date | Land End Date | Land Only Price | Discount | Final | Departure Code | Status |
| 1 | 2024-10-22 | 2024-10-24 | 2024-11-09 | $6369 | $0 | $7508 | PK41024 | Not Available |
| 2 | 2024-11-05 | 2024-11-07 | 2024-11-23 | $6499 | $0 | $7638 | PK41107 | Not Available |
| 3 | 2024-11-19 | 2024-11-21 | 2024-12-07 | $6499 | $0 | $7638 | PK41121 | Not Available |
| 4 | 2025-01-14 | 2025-01-16 | 2025-02-01 | $6819 | $0 | $8208 | PK50116 | Available |
| 5 | 2025-01-28 | 2025-01-30 | 2025-02-15 | $7199 | $0 | $8588 | PK50130K | Not Available |
| 6 | 2025-02-11 | 2025-02-13 | 2025-03-01 | $6819 | $0 | $8208 | PK50213 | Not Available |
| 7 | 2025-02-25 | 2025-02-27 | 2025-03-15 | $6819 | $0 | $8208 | PK50227 | Not Available |
| 8 | 2025-03-04 | 2025-03-06 | 2025-03-22 | $7199 | $0 | $8588 | PK50306K | Not Available |
| 9 | 2025-03-18 | 2025-03-20 | 2025-04-05 | $6819 | $0 | $8208 | PK50320 | Available |
| 10 | 2025-04-01 | 2025-04-03 | 2025-04-19 | $6769 | $0 | $8158 | PK50403 | Available |
| 11 | 2025-09-02 | 2025-09-04 | 2025-09-20 | $7109 | $0 | $8334 | PK50904 | Not Available |
| 12 | 2025-09-16 | 2025-09-18 | 2025-10-04 | $6869 | $0 | $8258 | PK50918 | Not Available |
| 13 | 2025-09-30 | 2025-10-02 | 2025-10-18 | $7319 | $0 | $8708 | PK51002K | Available |
| 14 | 2025-10-21 | 2025-10-23 | 2025-11-08 | $6929 | $0 | $8318 | PK51023 | Not Available |
| 15 | 2025-11-04 | 2025-11-06 | 2025-11-22 | $6979 | $0 | $8368 | PK51106 | Available |
| 16 | 2025-11-18 | 2025-11-20 | 2025-12-06 | $6979 | $0 | $8368 | PK51120 | Available |
| 17 | 2026-01-13 | 2026-01-15 | 2026-01-31 | $7489 | $0 | $8973 | PK60115 | Available |
| 18 | 2026-01-27 | 2026-01-29 | 2026-02-14 | $7909 | $0 | $9393 | PK60129K | Available |
| 19 | 2026-02-10 | 2026-02-12 | 2026-02-28 | $7489 | $0 | $8973 | PK60212 | Not Available |
| 20 | 2026-02-24 | 2026-02-26 | 2026-03-14 | $7489 | $0 | $8973 | PK60226 | Available |
| 21 | 2026-03-03 | 2026-03-05 | 2026-03-21 | $7909 | $0 | $9393 | PK60305K | Available |
| 22 | 2026-03-17 | 2026-03-19 | 2026-04-04 | $7489 | $0 | $8973 | PK60319 | Available |
| 23 | 2026-03-31 | 2026-04-02 | 2026-04-18 | $7439 | $0 | $8923 | PK60402 | Available |
| 24 | 2026-09-15 | 2026-09-17 | 2026-10-03 | $7549 | $0 | $9033 | PK60917 | Available |
| 25 | 2026-09-29 | 2026-10-01 | 2026-10-17 | $8039 | $0 | $9523 | PK61001K | Available |
| 26 | 2026-10-20 | 2026-10-22 | 2026-11-07 | $7609 | $0 | $9093 | PK61022 | Available |
| 27 | 2026-11-03 | 2026-11-05 | 2026-11-21 | $7669 | $0 | $9153 | PK61105 | Available |
| 28 | 2026-11-17 | 2026-11-19 | 2026-12-05 | $7669 | $0 | $9153 | PK61119 | Available |
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | SKYCITY Hotel | This spacious hotel allows you to relax in style while enjoying more than 20 restaurants, cafes and bars, a theatre, free live entertainment on selected nights and the iconic Sky Tower - all right on your doorstep! Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. Additional amenities include a casino, spa services, and a fitness facility. This is a smoke-free property. | Auckland | Corner Victoria & Federal St. | First-Class |
| 2 | Distinction Hotel Rotorua | Situated 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. | Rotorua | 390 Fenton St. PO Box 983 | First-Class |
| 3 | Heritage Hotel Queenstown | The Heritage Queenstown is a lodge-style hotel constructed from stone & cedar, standing proud above the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with views of the majestic Remarkables mountains. The hotel features coin-operated, self-service laundry, fitness room, on-site restaurant and bar, and pool. | Queenstown | 91 Fernhill Road | Superior First-Class |
| 4 | Stamford Plaza Melbourne | "The theater district, Collins Street shops, and Melbourne's international sporting precincts, including the MCG, Olympic Park Tennis Center, and AAMI Park Soccer Stadium, are all within walking distance of the hotel's ideal location at the ""Paris end"" of Little Collins Street. Discover the renowned laneways, rooftop bar, and bustling dining scenes of Melbourne, including Chinatown, all of which are just minutes away from the hotel." | Melbourne | 111 Little Collins St | First-Class |
| 5 | Pullman Cairns International | Pullman 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. | Cairns | 17 Abbott St | Superior First-Class |
| 6 | Swissotel 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. | Sydney | 68 Market Street | Deluxe |
