Tours and Trips in Australia and the Pacific

Hike a section of the Routeburn Track, one of the New Zealand Great Walks, on a guided day trip from Queenstown. This premier tramping trail is located in Mt Aspiring National Park, part of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Te Wahipounamu. You'll trek at a moderate pace up a gradual incline toward the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, learning about the regional flora from your informative guide. Numbers are limited to 12 on this small-group tour, which includes snacks, lunch and round-trip hotel transport by mini-coach.

Spend your day sea kayaking around Queen Charlotte Sound on a guided excursion from Picton. Paddle across the harbor and stop for morning tea at a remote beach, then continue into the Grove Arm of the sound and enjoy lunch in a tranquil bay. Keep an eye out for cormorants and other wildlife as you listen to expert commentary about the Marlborough Sounds from the guide.

Explore Piha, the West Coast, and the Waitakere Ranges on a tour that includes a surf lesson at a famous New Zealand surf destination. Only 30 minutes drive from Auckland, discover subtropical wilderness, tall waterfalls, panoramic views of the city and Waitakere Ranges, and Maori culture at the Arataki Visitor Centre, and then learn to surf at Piha beach with an expert instructor.

Across the state line from Brisbane and the Gold Coast is Byron Bay, a coastal town with popular beaches and ocean views. Save time spent on booking rental cars and planning your itinerary with this day trip down the coast to Byron Bay. Visit Cape Byron Lighthouse and try and spot dolphins or turtles in the South Pacific Ocean and then explore the Crystal Castle and Shambala Gardens, filled with massive crystals and tropical flora.

Combine views of the Pinnacles with a sandboarding adventure in Lancelin and a visit to Yanchep National Park on a single 11-hour tour from Perth. Get views of wild kangaroos and koalas, have lunch on the beach, and swim in the Moore River. All equipment and instruction, entrance fees, snacks, and lunch included.

Spend a day on Hobart's surround waters aboard a veteran sailboat of the famous Sydney to Hobart yacht race. As you cruise across the natural harbor and along the River Derwent, watch for marine life like dolphins and seals, and admire views of historical Hobart landmarks and the natural coastal scenery. You'll visit waterways like Storm Bay or the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, go swimming off the yacht, fish, discover secluded beaches and more. Lunch and morning and afternoon tea are included.

Enjoy two dives in the Hauraki Gulf on this charter scuba diving tour from Warkworth. As you explore the waters off the coast of New Zealand's North Island, you'll have the chance to see juvenile hammerhead sharks who migrate past the outer islands on their way to the Pacific. This dive is designed for open-water-certified divers who have logged at least 10 dives; beginner divers may participate only if you pay for a dive guide (own expense).

Discover one of the jewels in the crown of New Zealand's spectacular South Island on this full day Milford Sound hiking tour with cruise. Travel along the Milford Road from Te Anau and enjoy panoramic views over the beautiful countryside. Enjoy a 2.5-hour boat cruise through the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea, and gaze over soaring clifftops and plummeting waterfalls. Afterward, choose from a series of guided walks in the area or a 2.5-hour unguided hike of the Routeburn Great Walk to Key Summit.

Short on time? Explore Melbourne's best bits, get up close to adorable koalas and visit Phillip Island all in one day! Visit Melbourne landmarks like Captain Cook's Cottage, St Patrick's Cathedral and Fitzroy Gardens; stop to browse the stalls at Queen Victoria Market; and enjoy a walking tour of the city's neighborhoods. After lunch in the city (own expense), journey to Phillip Island to explore the Churchill Island Heritage Farm, get up close to koalas at the Koala Conservation Centre and watch the evening Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach.

Take in the highlights of the Marlborough wine region on this full-day small-group tour from Blenheim or Picton. See Peter Jackson's collection of WWI aircraft on display at the Omaka Heritage Aviation Centre, enjoy wine tasting at two Wairau Valley wineries, and sample delicious gourmet cuisine at a local restaurant (own expense).

Enjoy a fun-filled family day out at Luna Park, located on the shore of Sydney Harbour. Your admission ticket offers all-day access to the amusement park, so you can take in the views from the Ferris Wheel; enjoy unlimited rides on the Wild Mouse, Space Shuttle, and Hair Raiser; and cool off with a swim at North Sydney Pool.

Experience the Milford Sound on foot, by air, and by water on this full-day tour from Queenstown. Soak in the sights of New Zealand as you fly to Milford Sound to meet your guide. Ride the ferry to the Milford Sound track, then hike for two hours to reach the Giant Gate Waterfall. Afterwards, relax on board a scenic Milford Sound boat cruise before returning to Queenstown by air. Includes lunch, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Combine some of Marlborough's classic activities on this full-day tour: cruising on Queen Charlotte Sound and tasting some of the area's world-renowned wines. Spend the morning out cruising aboard a catamaran, then go ashore to a winery for lunch and wine tasting. Continue the afternoon with more winery visits and tastings.

Nestled in the mouth of Auckland's Hauraki Gulf, Little Barrier Island is a protected reserve known for its undisturbed wildlife, both on land and underwater. On this full-day dive trip designed for experienced divers, sail out from Warkworth and go on two separate tank dives in the waters around Little Barrier Island. Swim with the wide range of marine life that lives in the area - you might get to see dolphins or even whales!

Gain access to a gentle hiking and cycle trail on private land that was hand-hewn with a pick and shovel. Hiking (or cycling, if you prefer) with a knowledgeable guide will prevent you from getting lost, plus you'll learn about the history and ecology of the region. The trail is about 17 miles (27 kilometers) and takes several hours, but is not steep, so is suitable for active (though not necessarily super-athletic) travelers.

Make the most of your time at port in Dunedin with one of these customizable Dunedin shore excursions. Get your bearings at your own pace with a Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour, or choose between outings to Larnach Castle and Gardens and the magnificent Taieri Gorge Railway. If desired, the shore excursions can be combined with some of Dunedin's top sites, including Cadbury World Dunedin, Speight's Brewery, or the Olveston Historic Home. All shore excursions include pickup and drop-off at Port Chalmers.

Escape the concrete jungle of Auckland for a natural adventure along the North Island's west coast during this 6-hour trip to Piha and Waitakere. Explore this eco-region's wealth of rugged sea cliffs, black-sand beaches, towering 'Kauri' trees and gushing waterfalls, learning about local Maori traditions and native wildlife along the way.

Experience the mythical world of Middle Earth on a half-day tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set from Tauranga. Explore the magnificent film set and admire original props from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies on a guided tour; see iconic sites such as Gandalf's cutting, Bag End, and the Green Dragon Inn; and enjoy a Hobbit-themed lunch (own expense) at the Shires Rest Caf e.

Watch for whales, seals and dolphins on a full-day wildlife tour of Kaikoura from Christchurch. Enjoy views of surf breaks and vineyards as you cross the Canterbury Plains to Kaikoura Township, then visit a thriving colony of fur seals before browsing downtown shops. Explore the coast by catamaran on a whale watching tour, and try to spot giant sperm whales, endangered albatross and dusky dolphins. See the sun slip behind the mountains on the return trip to Christchurch for the conclusion of your tour.

Take a cruise on Milford Sound, arguably the most scenic destination on New Zealand's South Island, during this day trip from Te Anau. En route, you'll tour the features of Fiordland National Park, home to untouched alpine forest, pristine waterways, glaciers and soaring peaks. Experience sightseeing stops and bush walks before a 1.5-hour boat excursion, including a buffet lunch and narration by a well-versed guide. Numbers are limited to 15 people for a small-group experience.