Tours and Trips in Australia and the Pacific

Exploring the Gold Coast Hinterland can be a challenge if you don't have your own transport, but this full-day tour from the Gold Coast offers the perfect introduction. Discover the natural wonders of the Springbrook National Park, stopping to take in the views of Mt Warning and the Numinbah Valley, and admire landmarks including the Natural Arch, Rainbow Falls, and Goomalarah Falls.

Observe yellow-eyed penguins in their nesting habitat on a small-group tour from Dunedin to the Otago Peninsula. Hear informative narration about this wildlife sanctuary and enjoy great photo ops from various lookouts. First, take a sightseeing tour of Dunedin's main landmarks including the University of Otago and Dunedin Botanic Garden. Upgrade your experience with a 1-hour stop at the Royal Albatross Center for a look at a royal albatross colony nesting area with a specialist guide. Includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or cruise port.

A safari tour of Monarto Zoo's rarely-seen giraffe enclosure provides visitors with close encounters while raising awareness about the species and conservation efforts. During the tour, your keeper/guide offers fact and anecdotes about the zoo's giraffes and encourages photos. Trained staff are on hand at all times to ensure the safety and comfort of both animals and visitors.

The Routeburn Track is one of the most beautiful - and popular - trails in New Zealand, a great gateway to the country's mountain lakes, river valleys, waterfalls, and forests. With this tour, let someone else take care of driving to the trailhead and packing lunch, and head out on a moderately difficult portion of the trial that takes you to the western end of Lake Wakatipu.

Tick off the top attractions of the Windy City on this private full-day tour of Wellington. Experience the myriad delights of New Zealand's capital as you take in the views from Mt Victoria, spot seals at Red Rocks, then go behind-the-scenes with a 45-minute tour of the Weta Cave, where the special effects for Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were created. After a scrumptious lunch at the Chocolate Fish Caf e (included), ride the cable car over Wellington and visit landmarks like the Botanical Gardens, the Parliament Buildings and the Beehive.

This full-day itinerary combines two North Island destinations: Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Rotorua. Marvel at the tiny lights of thousands of glowworms on a boat ride through the tranquil caverns. Then choose from several Rotorua attractions, including an Agrodome farm tour, Skyline Gondola ride or Polynesian Spa experience. In the afternoon, visit Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute at Te Puia. Picnic lunch and round-trip hotel transport are included from Auckland.

Glenorchy sits at the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu, along a stunningly beautiful stretch of road that runs from Queenstown to the (aptly-named) rural settlement of Paradise further north. Instead of trying to negotiate these unfamiliar (and sometimes dangerous) country roads on your own, get a driver who knows the region on this half-day drive. Spend some time exploring Glenorchy's shops and cafes, and take advantage of some remarkable alpine photo ops.

Explore Nambung National Park and Yanchep National Park on a full-day tour from Perth. Travel into a landscape of strange rock formations in the Pinnacles Desert, try sandboarding at the Lancelin Sand Dunes, and keep your eyes peeled for Australian wildlife like kangaroos, koalas, and colorful birds. You'll also learn about the local Noongar aboriginal culture in the Wangi Mia (talking place) and have a chance to swim in the Indian Ocean. Includes morning tea, picnic lunch, transportation, guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

See the Cape Bruny Lighthouse with a guide who grew up living at lighthouse stations around Tasmania, including the one at Cape Bruny. Learn about the history of the lighthouse and experience the natural beauty of Southern Tasmania's rugged coast. You'll get great photo ops, and an exhilarating view from the prism room and balcony at the top of the spiral staircase.

Step into the magical world of Middle Earth on this full-day tour of Hobbiton from Auckland. Benefit from a more personalized experience on a small-group visit, enjoy a guided tour of the famous film set including lunch at the Shire's Rest Caf e, and hear all about the filming of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies.

Photograph your way around Auckland's rugged West Coast during this full-day tour. With a professional photographer guide, visit the coastline's black sand beaches, like Karekare and Piha. Trek through rainforests filled with 1000-year-old Kauri trees. Get as much photographic advice as you like, and listen to commentary about the area's ecology, culture and history. Lunch and round-trip transportation from Auckland are included.

Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour of Melbourne's lovely gardens and CBD. On this 30-minute ride, pass historic sights like the Princess Bridge, Victorian Arts Center, Queen Victoria Gardens, Walker Fountain, King Domain Gardens, and the Shrine of Remembrance. Your driver will take a photo of you in the carriage and you're welcome to take pictures as you ride.  

Venture through Melbourne's Royal Botanic Garden with ease on this Garden Explorer tour. This efficient small-group tour takes you through the impressive gardens on an eco-friendly bus. Over the course of just 30 minutes, you'll see highlights like the Rose Pavilion, Guilfoyle's Volcano, Southern China Collection, and more. Hop off at Ornamental Lake for tea or a walk before your return to Oak Lawn.

Explore pretty Waiheke Island's beaches, vineyards, and rolling scenery on a full-day, small-group tour that includes tastings at three boutique vineyards. You'll get an overview and orientation of the island, stopping for great views and sandy beaches, and learn about local wine production as you sip Waiheke vintages. Group size is limited to five people to ensure personal service, with pickup and drop-off at the Matiatia Ferry Terminal or island hotels.

Look over exotic marine life from above during this glass-bottom boat tour that includes entry into the AQWA Aquarium of Western Australia. Set off to bob along the surface of a 1-million-gallon (3-million liter) tank to see turtles, sharks, and stingrays swimming below. In the aquarium, see a colorful coral reef and pass through an underwater tunnel where sharks swim overhead.

When your cruise ship docks in Tauranga, experience the wonders of New Zealand's North Island in a small group on this full-day tour to Rotorua. Take in sights such as Mount Maunganui, Sulphur Bay on Lake Rotorua, hot springs around Rotorua, and places of importance to the Maori people. Taste fresh kiwi fruit at an orchard, stroll through the Redwood Forest, and admire the manicured grounds of Government Gardens. Your small-group tour includes guide, entrance fees, air-conditioned transportation, and port pickup and drop-off.

Travel across Tasmania one way from Launceston to Hobart via Freycinet National Park and the famously beautiful Wineglass Bay. Have time for walking and sightseeing in the national park, then make stops for seafood, wine, and other treats at Freycinet Marine Farm and the Devils Corner Winery before evening drop-off in Hobart.

Trek across stark volcanic terrain on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand's Great Walks. This independent day hike takes you past Mt Tongariro with an optional side trip to the summit of Mt Ngauruhoe, located within the World Heritage area of Tongariro National Park. You're provided with a round-trip transfer, map and information sheet to prepare you for the 6- to 10-hour trek. Early morning shuttle service is available from your accommodation in Taupo or Turangi, or from the Base Camp or Ketetahi parking lots.

Explore two of the top attractions near Cairns on a full-day tour to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures and the rainforest village of Kuranda. Ride aboard the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda, then have time to walk around the market in the village. Then take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway back down the mountain, and head to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures for an up-close look at the crocs and native Australian wildlife. Includes entrance fees, and all transportation round-trip from Cairns.

Combine three of Adelaide's top attractions - Mount Lofty Summit, the Adelaide Hills Wildlife Park, and the village of Hahndorf - on a single day tour. Snap photos of panoramic views from Mount Lofty, learn about Australian wildlife at the park, and immerse yourself in Australia's German history in the country's oldest German settlement. German beer and cheese tastings included, as well as round-trip transportation from Adelaide CBD or Glenelg accommodations.