Independent Best of Australia & New Zealand
Independent Best of Australia & New Zealand
Independent Best of Australia & New Zealand
15 Days Starting in Cairns, Australia and ending in Auckland, New Zealand
Visiting: Cairns, Uluru, Sydney, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Rotorua, Auckland
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IPO3-2025
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Independent Best of Australia & New Zealand" tour, a thrilling adventure through two of the world's most captivating countries. Dive into the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, witness the awe-inspiring sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta, and explore the rich cultural heritage at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Enjoy a full-day excursion to the breathtaking Milford Sound, discover Rotorua's geothermal wonders and Maori culture, and experience the bustling city life of Sydney. Travel seamlessly between destinations with included flights and motorcoach excursions, and relax in luxurious accommodations in Cairns, Uluru, Sydney, Queenstown, Rotorua, and Auckland. This tour promises an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and urban excitement.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Cairns,Australia
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Pullman Cairns International
• 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: Cairns
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
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Adina Auckland Britomart
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.(B)
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at the following hotels: Pullman Cairns International in Cairns, Desert Gardens Hotel in Uluru, Swissotel Sydney in Sydney, Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront in Queenstown, Distinction Hotel Rotorua in Rotorua, and Adina Auckland Britomart in Auckland.
-
Meals
Breakfast is provided daily, along with 2 lunches.
-
Excursions
Excursions include a catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, a full-day excursion to Milford Sound, and a guided walk through Walpa Gorge in Uluru.
-
Local Host
A Local Host is available to make recommendations for dining, shopping, and sightseeing.
-
Transport
The tour includes flights between major destinations such as Cairns, Uluru, Sydney, Queenstown, Rotorua, and Auckland, along with motorcoach travel for excursions.
What's Not Included
-
Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
Meals
Breakfast daily; 2 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
Mode of Transport
The tour includes flights between major destinations such as Cairns, Uluru, Sydney, Queenstown, Rotorua, and Auckland, along with motorcoach travel for excursions.
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 in the tour?
The tour includes flights between major destinations such as Cairns, Uluru, Sydney, Queenstown, Rotorua, and Auckland, along with motorcoach travel for excursions.
-
What types of accommodation are provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at the following hotels: Pullman Cairns International in Cairns, Desert Gardens Hotel in Uluru, Swissotel Sydney in Sydney, Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront in Queenstown, Distinction Hotel Rotorua in Rotorua, and Adina Auckland Britomart in Auckland.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, breakfast is provided daily along with 2 lunches.
-
What excursions are included in the tour?
Excursions include a catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, a full-day excursion to Milford Sound, and a guided walk through Walpa Gorge in Uluru.
-
Is there a local host available during the tour?
Yes, a Local Host is available to make recommendations for dining, shopping, and sightseeing.
-
What is the itinerary for the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in Cairns, Australia. The balance of the day is at your leisure, and your Local Host is available to make recommendations for dining, shopping, and sightseeing.
-
What activities are available during the excursion to the Great Barrier Reef?
During the excursion 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 finish the day at 'Sunset Strip' for a drink and canapés while witnessing the changing colors of the rock.
-
What wildlife might I see during the Milford Sound excursion?
During the Milford Sound excursion, you may see wildlife such as dolphins and penguins, along with breathtaking waterfalls and scenery.
-
What cultural experiences are included in Rotorua?
In Rotorua, you will have the opportunity to discover hot springs, geysers, and fascinating Māori culture.
-
Are international and domestic flights included in the tour package?
No, international and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.
-
Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
-
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
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.Book with Confidence
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.