Tours and Trips in Australia and the Pacific

This 5-hour shore excursion from New Zealand's Bay of Plenty highlights the rural riches of the Tauranga region. Enjoy samplings of manuka honey in this tranquil corner of the North Island where rolling farmlands dot the landscape. Head into the Kaimai mountains and follow your guide on an easy walk to the waterfall at McLaren Falls Park. A maximum of 19 participants ensures a small-group experience.

Visit Sydney's top attractions and enjoy savings of up to 45% with the Sydney Explorer Pass. Have your choice of three, four, five, or seven popular attractions, and tours to take in anytime within a 30-day period. Options include a tour of the Sydney Opera House, a hop-on hop-off Blue Mountains Explorer Bus tour, and admission to the Australian National Maritime Museum  Simply download your pass on your mobile device and enjoy direct entry to the attraction - no voucher redemption required.

Gain entry to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute at Te Puia on a guided tour of this geothermal hot spot. Take a walking path up to steaming vents, boiling mud pools and erupting Pohutu Geyser at Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley; observe the emblematic kiwi bird; and discover Maori traditions at the cultural center. Upgrade to include a 45-minute cultural performance of Maori song and dance, including the warlike 'haka.' Showtimes are available several times a day during admittance.

Delve into the history of Sydney and British Australia on a leisurely 90-minute walking tour in The Rocks district with an expert guide. Along with famous spots like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, you'll see historic buildings and colonial-era sites such as Cadman's Cottage and Garrison Church. Weave through old hidden alleyways, lanes and courtyards where the past comes alive as you hear fascinating stories of Sydney's beginnings from your guide.

Discover the history of Sydney on a 2.5-hour walking tour and pub crawl in The Rocks. Your knowledgeable and entertaining guide takes you to four of Sydney's oldest pubs where you try a different glass of craft beer, cider or wine in each venue. Learn about the early days of the British colony in Australia and hear the stories of these old-time pubs as you enjoy their rich atmosphere and tasty drinks.

When your ship pulls into port at Tauranga, take a shore excursion to McLaren Falls Park for a kayaking adventure on Lake McLaren. Paddle on the serene lake with an expert guide and look for myriad birds within reach. Peer at gentle streams that lap the tranquil water's edge and find photo ops against the scenic backdrop of steep-walled Mangapapa Canyon. A chocolate bar, bottled water and dry bag are provided along with round-trip port transport.

Gain insight into traditional Maori customs with a 2.5-hour guided tour of the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute at Te Puia, followed by a steambox lunch prepared the traditional way: cooked over steam vents at the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Walk past Pohutu Geyser, see a flax-weaving demonstration, and spot the national bird in the nocturnal Kiwi House. This small-group tour near Rotorua is limited to a maximum of 15 people for a personalized experience.

Visit the Aquarium of Western Australia and spend the morning or afternoon immersed in Australia's fascinating under water world. Get up close with five species of sharks, stingrays, and turtles in the 100-meter (320-foot) underwater tunnel, get to responsibly interact with sea stars, sea cucumbers and other marine life at the Touch Pool, and take advantage of a large offering of guided tours, talks and animal feedings times throughout the day.

Combine the best of both worlds on a tour that includes a helicopter tour and small plane tour. Ride in a fixed-wing aircraft over Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), and Lake Amadeus, then touch down at Kings Creek Station and transfer to your helicopter for your scenic 30-minute flight. Take in Kings Canyon and the George Gill ranges from the helicopter. The sunrise flight option is available for early risers, and you are guaranteed a window seat on all flights.

Uncover the secrets that make Napier such a unique and wondrous place to explore. This 5.5 hour tour, hosted by 3rd generation winemaker Don, and 4th generation farmer Roslyn, allows you to discover stunning Hawke's Bay scenery and 3 of Hawke's Bay's iconic wineries. Be amazed at breathtaking views from many private, scenic locations, experience a Hawke's Bay lifestyle farm while feeding the sheep and other animals, and wander around a beautiful country garden. Taste wine amongst the vines in your host's vineyard. This tour will take you away from the crowds to stunning places and exclusive seated wine tastings, hosted by an experienced winemaker, including Reserve wines not normally opened. This small group tour is very friendly, with warm and genuine 'Kiwi Hospitality' from husband and wife team, Don and Roslyn.

Join a knowledgeable local guide for a walking tour in the Rocks, one of Sydney's most popular and atmospheric neighborhoods. The Rocks district boasts a colorful history that dates to the early days of the British colony, in evidence when strolling through alleys lined with heritage buildings and convict-era artifacts. Learn about the district's seedy past and experience its stylish present day incarnation when you sip craft beers at historic pubs with a small-group limited to 12 participants.

For fans of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, visiting the official Hobbiton Movie Set is a truly unforgettable experience. On this tour, enjoy comfortable round-trip transport from Auckland and extra attention from your guide thanks to the small group size. On arrival, explore the famous film set on a guided tour, hear behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the movies, and see the Hobbit Holes, The Mill, and the Double Arched bridge. There will also be free time to shop for souvenirs or purchase lunch at the Shire's Rest Caf e.

The Great Ocean Road ranks among Australia's most impressive coastal routes, but driving it independently means missing the hidden gems and finest views. On this tour, travel the route by air-conditioned minivan and see the best of the Great Ocean Road in comfort. Hit top attractions including the UNESCO-listed Naracoorte Caves, and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour - limited to 16 people.

Soak up the sun, sea and sand of Australia's famous Sunshine Coast on this 6-hour off-road adventure, including hotel pick-up. Hop on a 4WD and zip along the sands between Noosa and Rainbow Beach. Stop to admire the scenery of the Great Sandy National Park, take in the views from Double Island Point and snap photos of the dramatic Red Canyon and Coloured Sands. After a delicious lunch, cool off with a dip in the Pacific Ocean and get a chance to glimpse dolphins, whales and sea turtles.

When your cruise ship docks in Tauranga, gain insight into New Zealand's natural and cultural heritage on a shore excursion to Rotorua. At the Te Puia Maori cultural center, discover boiling mud pools and Pohutu Geyser on a walk through the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley; learn about Maori customs at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute; and spot the elusive kiwi bird.

Enjoy a family-friendly half-day shore excursion to Waimarino Adventure Park when your ship docks in Tauranga. You can splash into the water as a human catapult, zip down the kayak slide, practice your climbing skills on the rock wall, jump on a water trampoline or take a relaxing spin in a kayak. Nibble on chocolate to keep your energy up for the fun while visiting New Zealand.

The Seasider is a scenic railway route between Dunedin and Waitati, affording spectacular views along the Pacific coast. On this tour, enjoy a hassle-free experience with prepaid tickets and soak up the scenery on-board the 90-minute round-trip train ride. Along the way, admire views of the Otago Peninsula, including Otago Harbour, Port Chalmers, Careys Bay, and Blueskin Bay.

Stroll through The Rocks on this haunted tour in Sydney. Get access to what lies behind locked gages, on narrow alleyways, and exclusive locations while listening to creepy tales from a guide. Learn about Australia's convict history and how that has shaped modern Australia.

We are a locally owned, specialised boutique tour company operated by Vicky Eastwood - your experienced & passionate New Zealand tour guide.Vicky's tours are uniquely designed to entice you to explore areas such as Christchurch, Sumner, Lyttleton, Akaroa available as half or full day tours.Mix and match a range of activities in and around the Christchurch city area. We can discuss options along the way we can personalise the tours as we go.

Relax with your very own private luxury transport to Middle-earth where you’ll join a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Visit the working farm in Matamata where director Peter Jackson shot scenes from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit.’ Knock on the door of Bilbo Baggins’ house and other hobbit holes, then enjoy a beverage at the Green Dragon Inn with lunch at The Shires Rest cafe. You’ll be driven in comfort from your Auckland hotel through New Zealand's scenic countryside to this fairytale farmland.