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Adventures Down Under: Australia & New Zealand

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Adventures Down Under: Australia & New Zealand

February 23, 2027
– March 13, 2027

19 Days

Embark on an unforgettable South Pacific odyssey with Fox World Travel and Globus Vacations on Adventures Down Under: Australia & New Zealand, a brilliantly curated journey spanning two mesmerizing countries. Begin in Auckland, where your first taste of New Zealand includes dinner high above the city at the Orbit Restaurant, followed by time to explore the “City of Sails” and a delightful visit to Waiheke Island’s olive groves and world-class vineyards. Travel into the heart of the North Island to glide beneath the shimmering lights of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and stroll the whimsical paths of Hobbiton before immersing yourself in Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, Māori traditions, and an authentic Hangi feast. Continue to Queenstown, your alpine home base for visits to stunning Milford Sound, scenic gondola views from Bob’s Peak, and a day to explore your way. Cross the Tasman Sea to Australia and discover Melbourne’s landmarks, botanical treasures, and elegant high-tea experience, followed by time to enjoy its vibrant food, wine, and coastal offerings. Then fly north to Cairns for an unforgettable catamaran journey to the Outer Great Barrier Reef—an underwater world of color and brilliance—before ending your adventure in Sydney, where the iconic Opera House, Manly Beach, and a memorable harbor front farewell dinner bring your South Pacific exploration full circle. And for those who wish to continue the journey, extend your escape with an optional three-night Fiji getaway, complete with a river visit to an authentic Fijian village and warm island hospitality.

Australia

Daily Itinerary

Your journey begins at Chicago O’Hare, where you will board your flight to Auckland, New Zealand. You’ll pass over the International Dateline and arrive two days later. Or use your own air and meet us in Auckland.

Kia Ora, welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival in Auckland, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Please schedule flights to arrive by 4:30 pm in order to attend the evening’s welcome meeting and dinner. Enjoy 360-degree views of Auckland below as you dine atop SkyCity at the Orbit Restaurant.

Hotel: SkyCity Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Dinner

This morning, enjoy an orientation tour of Auckland, the “City of Sails.” See bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and the historic Parnell Village. Then, take a ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island, where we’ll visit an olive grove and a winery for a tour, tasting, and lunch. A hidden gem, Waiheke Island is known to many as the jewel of the Hauraki Golf. 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!

Hotel: Sky City Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, 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. During your visit, see the Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and other structures built for the movies. Continue to Rotorua for a 2-night stay.

Hotel: Distinction Hotel Rotorua (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

The day starts with a visit to 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 Hangi dinner where you will explore the ancient culture of Māori. 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 of roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones.

Hotel: Distinction Hotel Rotorua (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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. 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.

Hotel: Heritage Hotel Queenstown (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, travel into Fiordland National Park through the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has been honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruise on the fiord, with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths.

Hotel: Heritage Hotel Queenstown (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Consider 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. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you plan your day to explore, shop, and enjoy optional activities.

Hotel: Heritage Hotel Queenstown (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, board your flight across the Tasman Sea to Melbourne. Tonight is yours to explore this trendy city.

Hotel: Stamford Plaza Melbourne (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

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 guided tour of beautiful Fitzroy Gardens and a visit to Cook’s Cottage. Afterward, enjoy a delicious high-tea lunch. Free time is yours for the remainder of the day.

Hotel: Stamford Plaza Melbourne (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a full day at leisure exploring this multicultural and cosmopolitan city. You may want to dine at a local restaurant and immerse yourself in Melbourne’s passionate food and wine scene or walk along Chapel and Brunswick Streets, famous for great shopping. Explore 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.

Hotel: Stamford Plaza Melbourne (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Today, fly to Cairns, the “Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.” Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant.

Hotel:  Pullman Cairns International (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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 color and brilliance. Return to Cairns late this afternoon and enjoy your evening at leisure.

Hotel: Pullman Cairns International (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

A full day at leisure. 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.

Hotel: Pullman Cairns International (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

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.

Hotel: Swissotel Sydney (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Visit the Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a guided tour of its interior and theaters. Travel to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s Botanic Garden for a great photo opportunity and sweeping views of the harbour, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Visit world-famous Manley Beach with time to explore the shops or perhaps go for a stroll on the beach. Afterward, take a ferry back to Sydney Harbour and enjoy some of the city’s best views. Make sure to have your camera ready!

Hotel: Swissotel Sydney (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join our optional excursions 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! Your Tour Director will help you make the most of this exciting city. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner at a waterside restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Hotel: Swissotel Sydney (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Our South Pacific adventure ends today.  Enjoy breakfast before transferring to the Sydney Airport for your flight home to Chicago. Or, add-on an extension to Fiji and explore this South Pacific Gem.

Meals: Breakfast

After your amazing tour ends in Sydney, board a flight to Fiji for three nights in this tropical paradise.

  • Highlight: Journey up the river to an Authentic Fijian Village to take part in a kava ceremony before sitting down for a traditional Fijian lunch with singing and dancing.

Note: Nadi International Airport is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from your resort on the Coral Coast. Please plan flights accordingly.

**Optional** 

Tour Highlights

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Australia
Sunrise nature landscape of beautiful ocean bay, lagoon and mountains. Wineglass bay in Tasmania, Australia
Sydney-Australia-2-300x81.jpeg
Emerald lakes on Tongariro Alpine Crossing Track, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
New Zealand
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Ride horses
  • Orientation tour of Auckland and Waiheke Island with a winery visit
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Visit the Hobbiton movie set from The Lord of the Rings trilogy
  • Visit Te Puia and Rainbow Springs
  • Enjoy a Māori cultural performance and Hangi dinner
  • Queenstown Gondola ride and visit to Fiordland National Park with Cruise on Milford Sound
  • Melbourne sightseeing tour with visit to Fitzroy Gardens
  • Great Barrier Reef cruise with choice of activities
  • Sydney Sightseeing tour with a visit to the Sydney Opera House, Botanical Gardens, and Harbour cruise

Fox Tour Manager! *

A Tour Manager from Fox World Travel will accompany the group, offering peace of mind as you travel!

We’ll also have a professional Globus Tour Director and local driver/guides for transfers and included experiences!

Hotel Icon

Hotel Accommodations

Seven-night, First-Class hotel accommodations in New Zealand including:

  • 2 nights Auckland
  • 2 nights Rotorua
  • 3 nights Queenstown

Nine-night, First-Class hotel accommodations in Australia including:

  • 3 nights Melbourne
  • 3 nights Cairns
  • 3 nights Sydney

All hotel taxes, resort fees, and baggage handling (one bag per person)

Dining Icon

Dining

  • Daily breakfast
  • 4 lunches
  • 5 dinners including a traditional Hangi dinner in Rotorua & farewell dinner in Sydney
Plane Icon

Transportation

  • Round trip air from Chicago to Auckland, New Zealand and return from Sydney, Australia (including air taxes & fees)
  • Round-trip airport/hotel motorcoach transfers when purchasing air and tour package
  • Internal New Zealand and Australia air flights

Pricing

Air & Tour Package
$11,480.00
Book Online
*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
Tour Only Package
$9,280.00
Book Online
*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy

Important Information

Initial Deposit: $400.00 per person

Fox Professional Fee: Package price includes a $50.00 non-refundable Professional Fee per reservation. Fee will be charged at the time of deposit and will show as an additional payment from Fox World Travel.

Final Payment: No later than October 27, 2026

Single Supplement: $2499.00 (single occupancies are limited)

Fiji Extension: Based on Double Occupancy

  • $1,854.00 per person

Requirements: Valid US passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from date of return

Australia Visa: US citizens require an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa for Australia.

New Zealand Visa: US citizens require a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) visa for New Zealand.

New Zealand Levy: Visitors are required to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of approximately NZD$35.

Not Included: Visas as required for entry to New Zealand and Australia, airline flights on land-only packages, airline luggage fees when applicable, gratuities for airport porters, tour guides, motorcoach drivers, meals (other than those included in the package), optional excursions, travel insurance and any items of a personal nature.

Terms: Minimum of 30 travelers required for the tour to operate and send a Fox World Travel tour manager to accompany the group. In the event the minimum number is not reached, the tour may still include a professional, local guide in destination.  Hotels, experiences, and daily itinerary are subject to change.

Group Air: A minimum of 10 passengers is needed for the group air. Flights are currently pending. The air-inclusive package includes air that has not yet been assigned, the identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier`s code-share partner, will be assigned and disclosed at a later date. Price includes approximate air taxes and fees. Air package pricing is subject to change until contracted due to the volatility of airfare costs. Checked luggage fees may apply. Frequent Flier miles may not be available to group air travel. Fox World Travel has no control over flight or equipment changes, seat assignments, delays or cancellations. Airline tickets will be non-refundable once issued. Changes will be subject to a fee plus any fare difference. Additional restrictions may apply. Pricing and flight options from other cities available upon request.

Insurance: For peace of mind, we recommend purchasing travel protection insurance. Your travel advisor can discuss options with you, including medical expense coverage, pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers, trip cancellation, trip delay, lost, delayed, or damaged baggage and more. To cover pre-existing conditions, most policies must be purchased within 14 days of making your initial deposit. Travel protection insurance prices are based on your age and the trip cost.

Cancellation Penalties:           

  • From date of deposit to October 27, 2026: Initial deposit of $400.00 per person + Fox Professional Fee
  • October 28 – December 17, 2026: 50% package price cancellation fee + applicable airline fees
  • December 18, 2026 – January 20, 2027: 75% package price cancellation fee + applicable airline fees
  • January 21, 2027 to day of departure: No refund

Fox World Cancellation Fee of $100.00 per reservation will apply in addition to any Fox Group Vacation or vendor cancellation penalties. Air is non-refundable once ticketed.

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RESPONSIBILITY: We and any sponsoring organizations act only as agent for the suppliers of travel services such as airlines, hotels, car rental companies, tour operators, restaurants, sightseeing companies, entertainment providers, and cruise lines (the “Suppliers”). We are not responsible for the acts or omissions of the Suppliers that cause losses or damages arising from physical or emotional injury, property or other economic damage, consequential damages, or monetary losses, or arising from any other causes beyond our control. We reserve the right to make any changes in the itinerary deemed necessary, and also the right to decline or retain any person as a member of the Trip. If you choose to arrange your own transportation for any portion of the Trip, we are not responsible for any arrangements or associated costs should there be a change in date that requires changes or cancellation to transportation arranged by you. We are not responsible should there be any changes with vacation hosts, tour managers, or entertainment. You grant to FWT and its designated agents the right to acquire and use the audio, photographic, video and other portrayals of your image, likeness, and voice in any medium of any nature whatsoever, including the Internet, for the purpose of trade, advertising, sales, publicity or otherwise, without compensation.

We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled travelers, but we are not responsible in the event we are unable to do so nor are we responsible for any denial of services by Suppliers. The American with Disabilities Act is only applicable within the United States and facilities for disabled individuals are limited outside its borders. Most transportation services, including a touring motor coach, are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. We regret we cannot provide individual assistance to a vacation participant for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches and other vehicles, or other personal needs. A qualified and physically able companion must accompany travelers who need such assistance and must assume full responsibility for their well-being. Motorized scooters are unsuitable for most vacations.

We have no special knowledge regarding the financial condition of the Suppliers, unsafe conditions, health hazards, weather hazards, or climate extremes at locations to which you may travel. For information concerning possible dangers at destinations, we recommend contacting the Travel Warnings Section of the U.S. State Department at (202) 647-5225 or www.travel.state.gov. For medical information, we recommend contacting the Centers for Disease Control at (877) FYI-TRIP or www.cdc.gov/travel. You assume full and complete responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of your destination(s), and all conditions regarding health, safety, security, political stability, and labor or civil unrest at such destination(s). You hereby release us from all claims arising out of any problem covered in this paragraph. You agree that the courts in Winnebago County, Wisconsin will be the exclusive jurisdiction for all claims brought by you or us, and you hereby submit to the personal jurisdiction of those courts.

We work vigilantly with the Suppliers to maintain integrity of the price you were originally quoted and placed on deposit. There may be certain circumstances where your vacation may be subject to a price increase prior to full payment due to a supplier or government issued surcharge. Prices will not increase after you make full payment, except for charges resulting from increases in government-imposed taxes or fees, fuel surcharges, exchange fluctuations or any combinations of these. Fox World Travel will make a reasonable attempt to contact you prior to issuing charges.