Travelers eager for immersive adventures "Down Under" will have three new ways to explore Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji when Globus & Cosmos roll out fresh South Pacific itineraries for the 2026 season. The small-group Treasures of New Zealand tour dives into Māori culture and dramatic landscapes. Australia's Culture & Coastlines pairs foodie moments with reef snorkeling and city icons, while the budget-minded Classic Australia vacation delivers headline sights at a lower price. All three departures can finish with a Fiji extension, giving globe-trotters added value and flexibility.
Key Points
- Why it matters: Adds capacity to two of the world's most requested long-haul destinations.
- Three new Escorted Tours cover nine UNESCO-listed sites across Australia and New Zealand.
- Small-group option averages 18 guests for deeper community access.
- Classic Australia keeps costs low yet includes reef, harbor, and opera-house experiences.
- Optional Fiji stays create seamless South Pacific combinations without extra planning.
Snapshot
Globus' newest 14-day Treasures of New Zealand itinerary threads geothermal Rotorua, glowworm caves, and a Milford Sound Cruise, topping it with vineyard tastings and a progressive Māori dinner. Sister brand Cosmos adds Classic Australia, a 10-day tour that balances Sydney icons, Great Barrier Reef snorkeling, and Melbourne laneways, all priced for value seekers. The premium Australia's Culture & Coastlines itinerary strolls Aboriginal bush paths, sips Yarra Valley chardonnay, and offers VIP access at the Sydney Opera House. Each program allows a three-day tropical Fiji finale, letting vacationers relax beachside before returning home.
Background
A recent survey of 25,000 past Globus family travelers ranked Australia and New Zealand among the globe's top dream destinations, yet distance, cost, and planning complexity often deter visitors. Globus & Cosmos aim to lower those barriers by bundling air, intercity transport, and local expertise into turnkey packages. The brands-part of the Globus Family of Brands that also includes Avalon Waterways-have grown South Pacific departures 40 percent since 2023, mirroring Tourism Australia data that shows U.S. arrivals rebounding toward pre-pandemic highs. By pairing small-group discovery with wallet-friendly choices, the company is positioning itself for the next wave of long-haul demand.
Latest Developments
Treasures of New Zealand Debuts
Launching January 2026, this 14-day journey limits groups to 18 guests, enhancing access to community hosts and boutique wineries. Highlights include a glowworm-lit boat ride in Waitomo, a farm barbecue on the Canterbury Plains, and a jet-boat sprint in Fiordland. Travelers can soak in hot-spring pools, shear sheep alongside local farmers, then cap the adventure with an optional three-night Coral Coast stay in Fiji, complete with island sunset Cruise.
Australia's Culture & Coastlines
Running February through April 2026, the premium 14-day tour arcs from Sydney to Cairns and Melbourne. VIP moments range from a backstage Opera House walk to reef snorkeling on a private Great Barrier Reef pontoon. Guests taste Aboriginal bush tucker, sample Yarra Valley vintages, and spot koalas during a guided eucalyptus-forest walk. Five iconic cities, abundant wildlife, and curated food experiences set a high-touch tone throughout.
Classic Australia on a Budget
Cosmos' 10-day Classic Australia offers the essentials-Opera House tour, Sydney Harbour Cruise, reef snorkeling-without premium price tags. Shared accommodations and streamlined meals keep costs low, while optional Outback or Fiji add-ons extend flexibility. Daily guided sightseeing balances free time so guests can tailor activities, making the tour a gateway product for first-time South Pacific travelers.
Analysis
The trio of itineraries reflects broader post-pandemic shifts in long-haul tourism. Small-group discovery answers a growing appetite for culturally authentic, low-impact travel, while Classic Australia meets pent-up demand from cost-conscious explorers grappling with higher airfares. Globus' decision to anchor each tour with marquee experiences-Milford Sound, Great Barrier Reef, and the Sydney Opera House-underscores a strategy that blends bucket-list appeal with curated local encounters. Adding Fiji extensions leverages the hub-and-spoke flight networks of Nadi and Sydney, simplifying logistics for North American and European markets. Competitors such as G Adventures and Intrepid have expanded similar products, indicating a robust marketplace for escorted South Pacific journeys. With booking windows lengthening to ten months, announcing 2026 dates now positions Globus & Cosmos to capture early deposits and secure limited Hotel inventory in high-season destinations like Queenstown and Cairns.
Final Thoughts
By layering premium, small-group, and budget offerings-each with seamless Fiji extensions-Globus & Cosmos deliver a versatile menu that can match varied traveler profiles, from Wine Lovers to wildlife fans. The 2026 launch signals rising confidence in long-haul recovery and highlights the enduring allure of Australia and New Zealand. For advisors and independent travelers alike, the new collection widens opportunities to experience the region's iconic coastlines, cultures, and natural wonders through expertly crafted South Pacific Tours 2026.
Sources
- "Globus & Cosmos Unveil New South Pacific Tours" (https://www.travelpulse.com/news/tour-operators/globus-cosmos-unveil-new-south-pacific-tours)
- "Treasures of New Zealand - Globus Journeys" (https://www.globusjourneys.com/tour/treasures-of-new-zealand/)