Best of New Zealand with Sydney ( PNE)

17 Days from Auckland to Sydney

 2025 Tour Details »2026 Tour Details

It’s true that sheep outnumber people in New Zealand six to one, but lucky for ewe, this untamed land also boasts an impressive number of soaring mountains, lush rainforests, and stunning fiords. The North Island’s Bay of Islands sets the stage for the abundance of spectacular sights you’ll see on both of New Zealand’s breathtaking islands. Rotorua’s shooting geysers are only surpassed by the South Island’s soaring Southern Alps, which you’ll reach from charming Christchurch by way of the scenic TranzAlpine train. Throughout your tour of New Zealand, you’ll have the opportunity to admire incredible views of the Franz Josef Glacier, warm your toes in natural hot springs, and partake in all of the fun that Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World,” has to offer. With so many ways to work up an appetite, you’ll appreciate a special barbecue on a local farm and dinner at a New Zealand family’s home.

With its sparkling harbor, trendy beaches, and happy, go-with-the-flow locals, nothing makes a splash quite like the city of Sydney. Cap off your tour of New Zealand with an extra three days in the “Harbour City” for some Aussie-fueled culture and fun.

To know more about the visas for this vacation, click here

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Notes:

This tour visits remote regions where some facilities are not up to the first-class standards you expect from Globus. However, we have selected the best available hotels that satisfy our high standards of cleanliness and comfort.

 Meals & Itinerary

 Meals

Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 5 dinners

 Itinerary

Day 1

ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND A Māori Welcome Welcome to Aotearoa, Māori for “land of the long white cloud.” Your room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule your flights to arrive by 4:30pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner.
Dinner Dinner

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Day 2

AUCKLAND–BAY OF ISLANDS Time & Tides Start your day with a sightseeing tour of Auckland, the “City of Sails.” See bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and historic Parnell Village. Continue to the Bay of Islands, known for its stunning beauty and history. Before arriving at your resort, visit the historic Waitangi Treaty House.
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS The Waitangi Treaty House, or Busby House as it is sometimes known, was the site of some of the most important events in New Zealand’s history. It is here in 1840, New Zealand’s founding document was signed. Enjoy the interactive exhibits, see Māori cultural performances, stroll through the lush gardens, and visit the inspiring art gallery and carving studio; all with stunning views over the Bay of Islands.

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Day 3

BAY OF ISLANDS Seas the Day This morning, embark on a sightseeing cruise. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to stroll the beach, explore some of the island’s historic attractions, shop for souvenirs, or just relax at your hotel.
Breakfast Breakfast

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Take in stunning views as you glide through the islands along the Rakamangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. According to Māori legend, local warriors used to paddle through the Hole in the Rock in their canoes before departing for battle. If water dripped on them from the cave’s room, it was a good omen. Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and other marine life during your cruise, and have your camera ready as you get up close to the action. Make an island stop to give you time to stroll along the white sand beach or walk to the top of the hill for scenic views of the Bay of Islands.

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Day 4

BAY OF ISLANDS–ROTORUA Abundant Adventure Today, travel through the Bay of Plenty region to Rotorua, home to geothermal wonders, adventure activities, and a thriving Māori culture
Breakfast Breakfast

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE This evening, you may wish to join an optional outing to experience an authentic Māori village and culture performance, followed by a delicious Hangi dinner (roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones). You might even be asked to join in a Haka, the traditional war dance of the Māori.

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Day 5

ROTORUA The Living Earth This morning starts with a guided tour and visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery. Next, visit Te Puia, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area. This afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to relax in a natural hot spring, zipline through the forest, or board a floatplane for flightseeing of this beautiful region. This evening, join a LF New Zealand family for dinner in their home, a unique opportunity to interact with a local family and immerse yourself in New Zealand culture. Before the evening is over, you’ll feel like part of the family.
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CONSERVATION HEROES Only about 5% of all Kiwi birds hatched in the wild survive to adulthood, making them endangered. At The National Kiwi Hatchery, you’ll see important conservation work in action.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS At Te Puia, explore New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland, featuring dramatic geysers, bubbling mud pools, and silica terraces. See Pohutu, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere, erupting, learn how Māori use the steam to cook their food, and visit the Māori Arts and Craft Institute to see traditional carving and weaving performed before your eyes.

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Day 6

ROTORUA–MARTON–WELLINGTON Wild & Woolly Travel south today through rolling farmlands and pass massive Lake Taupo. After lunch, continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.
Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch

LOCAL FAVORITE
COUNTING SHEEP In New Zealand, sheep outnumber people 16 to 1. We’ll make a stop in the historic rural town of Marton, where we’ll visit a LF local farm and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch. During your time here, take a tour of the farm, see the animals, and learn about the importance of the sheep industry to the local economy.

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Day 7

WELLINGTON New Zealand Treasures Our day begins with a sightseeing tour of Wellington. Take a scenic cable-car ride, visit the beautiful botanic gardens, see the famous Beehive and Parliament buildings, and enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the city and harbour from the top of Mount Victoria. You’ll also spend time at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own.
Breakfast Breakfast

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS Meaning “the treasure box” in Māori, Te Papa is New Zealand’s national museum. Here you can explore the great stories of this country, Māori culture, heritage, and history. Learn about WWI, see a colossal giant squid, enjoy hands-on displays, and experience New Zealand’s many landscapes.

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Day 8

WELLINGTON–CHRISTCHURCH Legendary Landmarks Fly to Christchurch located on New Zealand’s south island. Christchurch was named after the city in England that has the same name and has a history of English heritage. A sightseeing tour highlights some of Christchurch’s famous landmarks and spectacular gardens. This evening is at leisure.
Breakfast Breakfast

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Day 9

CHRISTCHURCH–TRANZALPINE TRAIN–ARTHUR’S PASS–FRANZ JOSEF All Aboard in Christchurch Today, take one of the world’s great train journeys aboard the scenic TranzAlpine. Spend the next two nights in the small town of Franz Josef, located at the base of the impressive Franz Josef Glacier.
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Experience the South Island’s striking landscape by taking the TranzAlpine train. From the comfort of first-class carriages, see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmlands, followed by the spectacular gorges and rivers of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the majestic Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass National Park. The train features large panoramic windows, an onboard café, and in-seat audio commentary. It’s a journey of a lifetime!

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Day 10

FRANZ JOSEF Ice Sculptures This morning, explore this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage area. Admire incredible views of the Franz Josef Glacier on a locally guided tour. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Breakfast Breakfast

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SCENIC WONDERS The Franz Josef Glacier Viewpoint Walk takes you through some breathtaking landscapes. Learn about the glacier’s history, see what is left behind this majestic giant, and learn the legend of Ka Roimata O Hine Hukatere. After a short walk to the Glacier Viewpoint, be rewarded with spectacular views.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with an optional scenic flightseeing or helicopter tour, relax in one of the glacier hot pools, spend time at the West Coast Wildlife Centre, or pick up a picnic lunch and just take in the gorgeous scenery. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus.

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Day 11

FRANZ JOSEF–QUEENSTOWN Vineyards & Views Our journey today takes us along the coast and the Tasman Sea. Climb through rainforests and over Haast Pass to arrive in Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Upon arrival, enjoy a tour and a tasting at a local LF winery. Tonight, you’re free to enjoy dinner at one of Queenstown’s many restaurants or cafes and sample some of the regional wines.
Breakfast Breakfast

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES The Gibbston Valley of New Zealand is known for high-quality wines including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Rose, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. We’ll visit New Zealand’s largest wine cave and the region’s oldest vineyard at Gibbston Valley Winery. As one of the region’s founding wineries you’ll taste some of their premium wines, explore the wine cave, learn about the founding of the vineyard, and enjoy a beautiful setting.

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Day 12

QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND Sights & Sound 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.” Late evening return to Queenstown.
Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch

NOTE: The excursion to Milford Sound may happen on Day 13 depending on weather and road conditions today.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE 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!

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Day 13

QUEENSTOWN Timeless Tales & Traditions Enjoy a full day at leisure in one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns. Tour some of the sights used to film The Lord of the Rings trilogy, shop for souvenirs, or take a thrilling jetboat ride on the dart river. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner.

Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC 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.

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Day 14

QUEENSTOWN–SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA On To Australia Today, depart Queenstown and fly to vibrant Sydney, Australia’s capital city.
Breakfast Breakfast

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE Sydney is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is home to home to first-class restaurants, beautiful beaches, grand shopping arcades, and top tourist attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and the Taronga Zoo.

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Day 15

SYDNEY Spectacular Sydney This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Your Local Host will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, dining, and shopping.
Breakfast Breakfast

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Today’s sightseeing includes an Opera House and Harbour Bridge photo stop. Visit the historic Rocks District, and a visit to stunning Bondi Beach, considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Sydney.


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Day 16

SYDNEY Sights & Sounds A full day to enjoy more of this beautiful city.
Breakfast Breakfast

ENCHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Sydney with an optional trip to the Blue Mountains, a cruise around Sydney Harbour, time to soak up the sun on nearby Manly Beach, or a thrilling climb to the top of the Sydney 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.


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Day 17

SYDNEY Until We Meet Again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast Breakfast

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 Tour Director

With Globus, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. Averaging over a decade... we’d like you to meet a Tour Director, who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

BRYCE HENDERSON

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

" I enjoy showing off New Zealand! It's an easy place to travel within, with an amazing change of scenery around each corner. Our history, both political and cultural, is unique and, along with the remarkable scenery, makes for a memorable vacation experience which I love to showcase."

Tour Director -  BRYCE HENDERSON

JULIET HUDSON

Escorting tours for more than 15 years

" Passionate about sharing the best of what Australia and New Zealand has to offer and ensuring that each of our guests experience the trip of a lifetime is why I love being a Tour Director. I enjoy finding ways to showcase and immerse our guests in the destinations we visit, bringing the itinerary to life, and adding special touches with "meet the locals" experiences, morning "power walks," "local wine tastings," and "where to eat" menu boards. I love sharing my destination knowledge and helping guests, with beaming smiles on their faces, make wonderful holiday memories."

Tour Director -  JULIET HUDSON

LEONIE BROOKS

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

" I have been guiding for over 20 years and have a passion for revealing the hidden delights of our country to those who are local or from overseas.  These can be relation to our indigenous culture, our landscape and the people. There is so much to see and to learn about, but more importantly, it is the ability to stop and soak in what is happening around us that I enjoy most. There is something for everyone!"

Tour Director -  LEONIE BROOKS

IVY YANG

Escorting tours for more than 10 years

" Originally from Taiwan. I've called Australia home for 20 years. A certified Australian Tour Guide since 2012, a Tour Director since 2015, and an accredited Kakadu National Park and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park tour guide since 2017. I have managed in excess of over 60 extended tours to destinations throughout Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. The most memorable parts of a journey are often those heartfelt moments we share with our guests, the unexpected adventures we encounter, the stories we hear, experience and learn along our journey, and the people we meet. The same itinerary could be done a thousand times but each will be unique in its own way."

Tour Director -  IVY YANG

 Accommodations

AUCKLAND

JW MARRIOTT AUCKLAND

Hotel as shown or similar
Moderate Deluxe
  Free Wifi

BAY OF ISLANDS

COPTHORNE HOTEL & RESORT

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

ROTORUA

DISTINCTION HOTEL ROTORUA

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

WELLINGTON

RYDGES WELLINGTON

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior First-Class
  Free Wifi

CHRISTCHURCH

NOVOTEL CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL SQUARE

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior Tourist-Class
  Free Wifi

FRANZ JOSEF

SCENIC HOTEL FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

Hotel as shown or similar
Moderate First-Class
  Free Wifi

QUEENSTOWN

RAMADA QUEENSTOWN CENTRAL

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

SYDNEY

SWISSOTEL SYDNEY

Hotel as shown or similar
Deluxe
  Free Wifi

 Optional Excursions

Contact your Travel Consultant for more information.
Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)



* The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Globus).
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