Tours and Trips in Australia and the Pacific

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of New Zealand's finest hikes, a 12-mile (19.4 kilometer) trail past eccentric volcanic terrain, electric green lakes, steam vents, and springs. More than 100,000 people make the trek annually, but not all of them travel with the convenience of shuttle transport. This round-trip shuttle from National Park Village takes you to the trailhead and picks you up when you've finished the hike - so you can savor the moment and relax on the return journey.

Explore Sydney like a local on this half-day sailing cruise. Your expert captain takes you out in a luxury yacht, passing close to iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Fort Denison, before continuing out to Balmoral. Snack on a light lunch that includes fresh seafood, Australian cheeses and a glass of sparkling wine. During your 4-hour sail, enjoy time to swim, learn sailing basics, or simply kick back on this small-group tour limited to 20 people, which ensures an intimate experience.

While in Tasmania, learn about some of Australia's aquatic creatures on a 45-minute tour of Seahorse World, an aquarium located outside Launceston on the northern coast. Your guide takes you through three exhibits: the Cave of the Seahorse, the Southern Ocean Aquarium, and a high-tech seahorse farm. Check out the accessible critters in the touch pool, and view marine life from the southern seas like giant cuttlefish, weedy seadragons, a Tasmanian giant crab, and sharks.

Visit Perth's favorite local getaway destination on a day trip to Rottnest Island, located just offshore in the Indian Ocean. Travel to Rottnest by high-speed ferry from either Perth or Fremantle (your choice), and then embark on a 1.5-hour sightseeing tour of the island by coach. While you listen to narration from an informative guide, check out landmarks like the West End and Wadjemup Lighthouse. Then enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore the car-free island at your leisure. You may upgrade when booking to include lunch.

Enjoy a kayak tour on the Brisbane River at night, when colorful lighting illuminates the Story Bridge and your kayak also glows with light. Have the option to upgrade the 90-minute tour with a delicious barbecue dinner to feast on when you return to shore. The barbecue is accompanied by beer, wine and soft drinks, and enjoyed at a great riverside location. Suitable for all levels of experience, the night kayak tour makes for a fantastic experience of Brisbane.

A piece of paradise in the Indian Ocean just off the coast of Perth, Rottnest Island is a favorite day trip getaway due to its white-sand beaches, isolated turquoise bays, biking paths and vehicle-free environment. Travel to the island on the high-speed ferry from either Perth or Fremantle - make your choice when booking. Then spend your time on the island however you please before returning the same day by ferry. Popular activities include snorkeling, biking and looking for quokkas, the resident wildlife.

Looking for a new underwater challenge? Embark on an unforgettable full-day scuba diving adventure in the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, open only to certified divers. Dive amid schools of tropical fish, manta rays and sea snakes; explore the remarkably preserved SS Yongala shipwreck and spot sea turtles and whale sharks. This small-group tour has a maximum of 21 participants and includes two open-water dives, lunch on-board and transport from either Townsville or Magnetic Island.

It's only from the air that you can appreciate the otherworldly landscape of the Bungle Bungle range and what better way to get an aerial view than on a small plane? Hop aboard for a 2-hour scenic flight and soar over the UNESCO-listed Purnululu National Park. Keep your camera to hand as you swoop low over the Bungle Bungles, Lake Kununurra and Lake Argyle, and catch a glimpse of the Ord Top Dam Wall and the Argyle Diamond Mine.

Escape the city for the offshore paradise of Rottnest Island, one of Perth's most popular holiday resorts. Board your high-speed ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour and soak up the scenery on an exhilarating 40-minute cruise across the Indian Ocean. Enjoy a full day to explore the car-free island independently, take in the views from the Wadjemup Lighthouse, hire a bike or relax on the sandy beaches. When it's time to leave, simply head back to the jetty to catch your return ferry.

Explore the Sabeto Valley and the Garden of the Sleeping Giant during this 4-hour tour in Fiji. With your dedicated guide, wander through lush landscaping, around serene lily ponds and snap photos of delicate orchids. Visit the Sabeto Mud Baths or Sabeto Hot Springs in Sabeto Valley, then continue to Denarau to have lunch or do some shopping in Nadi. This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off and ensures personalized attention and a flexible itinerary.

The Blue Mountains are a popular day trip destination from Sydney, but you don't have to join a tour to explore the UNESCO-listed landscapes. This 1-day pass offers full access to Scenic World, one of the region's top attractions, including unlimited rides on the Scenic Skyway, Cableway, Walkway, and Railway.

Embark on a guided full-day sea kayaking adventure from Perth and get up close to the wildlife of Western Australia. Hop on a double kayak; paddle your way around scenic Shoalwater Bay, Seal Island and Penguin Island; and look out for dolphins, Australian Sea Lions, penguins and sea birds. After a delicious picnic lunch (included) by the beachside, enjoy free time to swim, snorkel or hike around the islands before heading back to the city.

Getting around all of Wellington's landmarks and attractions by yourself can be a grind: making sense of bus schedules, working out where the best spots are, finding the time to eat in between activities. This scenic tour offers a chance to visit all the must-see locations highlighted in the travel brochures - the sprawling harbour views of Mount Victoria, the props and memorabilia at Weta Workshop's Weta Cave, the marine life of Te Kopahou Reserve - without having to worry about micromanaging your itinerary.

See Rottnest Island from the water on this day trip that includes a 1.5-hour high-speed adventure wildlife boat ride. Travel to the island, a favorite local getaway due to its secluded beaches and relaxing environment, by high-speed ferry from Perth or Fremantle. Then embark on a adventure thrill ride to look for seals, dolphins, sea birds and other marine life. Afterward, you have free time on the island to explore independently; perhaps rent a bike or go swimming off one of the white-sand beaches. When booking, you may upgrade to include lunch, if you wish.

Return to nature on the famous Routeburn Track. On this private hike, roam through the ancient undergrowth of the forest and gaze up at snow-capped peaks as your local guide invites you to explore New Zealand's fascinating wilderness. A great walk, a perfect day.

If you want to leave Australia with a lasting memory, and perhaps some new skills, try this cooking class hosted by Sydney Seafood School in the Sydney Fish Market. Get a real taste of local flavors and, after watching a demonstration, try your hand at making dishes inspired by fresh Australian seafood. Enjoy included wine tastings to match the dishes and take home a recipe booklet and souvenir apron.

Soak in panoramic views of New Zealand's South Island during your 35-minute one-way flight to Queenstown from the Milford Sound. The scenic flight follows a route over Fiordland National Park, the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu, and Sutherland Falls, before landing at Queenstown airport, where a driver transfers you to your hotel.

Combine hiking on the famous Routeburn Track with a canyoning adventure in Mt. Aspiring National Park on a single active tour from Queenstown. Hike along the Routeburn Track while a guide points out the endemic flora and fauna, then reach the canyonlands, where you will rappel and swim through the caves, canyons, and pools. Refuel with a picnic lunch to wind up your strenuous tour.

Take a day trip to Rottnest Island, a popular Perth getaway due to its white-sand beaches, secluded bays, scenic bike paths and vehicle-free atmosphere. Travel to the island, just off the coast, by high-speed ferry, and then explore at your leisure with included bike rental. Some options are snorkeling or following the trails to West End, Wadjemup or Bathurst Longhouses, the pink salt lakes or include lunch at Karma Rottnest. When booking, select the option that corresponds to your departure location - either Perth or Fremantle.

Enjoy a full day of family fun at the SEA LIFE aquarium on Australia's Sunshine Coast. Explore the 11 underwater exhibit zones, get up close to sharks, stingrays and turtles in the underwater tunnel and spot a rainbow of tropical fish. That's not all: watch animal presentations such as seal and jelly fish kingdom talks, ray talk and feeding, take an ocean tunnel tour, explore the new interactive Finding Dory and Friends exhibit and see unique creatures such as lion fish and much more.