Top Australia & the Pacific Half-day Tours - page 4

An hour or so north of Wellington, Martinborough is fast making a name for itself as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s leading wine regions. Each weekend, Wellingtonians make the trek over the Remutakas to escape to this European-style wine village. This small group tour is a convenient way to visit Martinborough. There’s no need to stress about driving on country backroads, and no need to plan the day’s itinerary - leaving you to focus on the wine and the iconic scenery.

Hop aboard a luxurious, air-conditioned catamaran for a dinner cruise from Cairns, and experience a new perspective on the city from the water's edge. Sip a complimentary welcome drink as you glide along the Cairns waterfront precinct and along the idyllic Trinity Inlet, then tuck into a delicious hot and cold buffet dinner featuring seafood and fresh local produce. Vegetarian and other dietary options can be catered for.

Take a window seat for a scenic round-trip flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound, and see the splendor of Fiordland National Park from the air and sea on this small-group excursion. Board a cruise and pass dramatic waterfalls and Mitre Peak as you travel to the Tasman Sea. Then soar over the Southern Alps on your return.

This is a great tour for those who only want to spend a half-day out or are short on time. We visit two areas on this trip, Daintree River and Mossman Gorge. We begin with a drive along the Captain Cook Highway, on the way to the Daintree River, and share a little history along the way. Here, we board a cruise along the Daintree River, looking out for local wildlife, including the estuarine crocodile, snakes, birds, frogs, and more. After the Wildlife Cruise, we enjoy morning tea with Lamingtons and tea/coffee. Once in Mossman Gorge National Park, we conduct an interpretive walk along an elevated boardwalk. Weather dependent, we can enjoy a dip in the crystal-clear rainforest stream, whilst being surrounded by the beautiful and healing Mossman Gorge rainforest. What a memorable way to spend your morning!

Short on time? Marvel over the star attractions of Australia’s Red Centre on a half-day tour from Ayers Rock. Witness the dazzling sunrise over sacred Uluru from the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing platform and learn about the rock’s spiritual importance to the Anangu indigenous people. Then, embark on a guided hike through the red desert of the Walpa Gorge and get up close to the magnificent domed rocks of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).

Let seafaring experts show you the best of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands by land and by water on this adventure cruise. With 144 different isles, it can be hard to know where to start, but your captain and crew know all the best spots to swim, snorkel, and spot marine life. Hop off at two hand-picked islands for a hike to panoramic lookout points and see the famous Hole in the Rock.

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon in the Swan Valley, tasting premium wines, gourmet treats, and soaking in stunning scenery. Led by a friendly, knowledgeable guide, visit a handpicked selection of boutique and renowned wineries for guided tastings of world-class wines, from timeless classics to exciting new blends. Enjoy a scrumptious cheeseboard along the way and stop at one of the Swan Valley’s award-winning distilleries for a tasting experience. Indulge in handmade delights at Western Australia's oldest and most awarded chocolate factory. This tour offers the perfect blend of boutique charm and well-known excellence, providing a snapshot of the Swan Valley’s best. Travel in air-conditioned comfort as your guide shares insights into the region’s history and winemaking heritage. Perfect for wine lovers and curious travellers alike. Book now for an afternoon filled with delicious tastings and unforgettable memories!

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced jet skier, this fun three-hour jet skiing tour can be tailored to your needs. Ride solo or with a guide and explore around the coastline of Moorea. Stop to swim with rays, tropical fish, and sharks. Enjoy the views while you zoom around on a thrilling adventure.

Get out of Christchurch for half a day on a North Canterbury boutique wineries tour with a platter lunch. After a short drive from Christchurch, stop at three wineries, where you taste a selection of quality wines in the up-and-coming Waipara wine region. Possible stops include Pegasus Bay, Waipara Hills, Torlesse Wines, and Waipara Springs. Learn about Waipara’s unique terroir as you sip a range of superior reds and whites.

Explore the town of Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, on a half-day tour from Adelaide. Admire the heritage architecture on North Terrace; savor sweeping city views from Adelaide’s highest peak, Mt. Lofty; shop and taste at Beerenberg Farm; and enjoy some free time to explore Hahndorf. Includes afternoon tea or a beer tasting. Transportation in a climate-controlled vehicle, and onboard commentary, saves you having to self-drive.

Black sands, native wildlife, and award-winning wine awaits you on this tour of Auckland’s wild west coast. Travel to Muriwai, a coastal enclave whose windswept beach and waves draw surfers and visitors from miles around. Stroll the beach and visit the cliff-top gannet colony, then continue to a nearby wine estate, where you’ll taste a selection of local varietals and blends.

An ATV tour may be one of the most exhilarating ways to get to know Moorea. Limited to a small group, this guided tour takes you to the island's famous pineapple fields before you and your vehicle climb the peak of Belvedere for breathtaking views of both Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay. After snapping photos, visit an agricultural school, stopping to sample some homemade jam. Cross rivers and enjoy the mountain scenery as the tour continues.

Venture beyond the resorts on this half-day tour of Moorea, which guarantees a first-hand look at all the island’s top sights and fuss-free transport between them. Get off the beaten path and venture to viewpoints such as Magic Mountain and Belvedere Lookout, see marae (Polynesian temples) and pineapple fields, and visit an island distillery. Expert narration is offered throughout.

Settle in the Taboo sailing catamaran and head out into the beautiful lagoon waters surrounding Moorea on this excursion. Spend hours swimming and snorkel with all sorts of tropical fish, blacktip sharks, stingrays and more. After you've worked up an appetite, nibble on tropical fruits and sip cocktails.

See the awe-inspiring Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland on a half-day tour, led by a knowledgeable guide. Follow a well-marked path alongside bubbling hot springs and volcanic craters at Rotorua’s most comprehensive geothermal site. Be amazed by the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser, then take a tour around Waimangu Volcanic Valley, a young geothermal ecosystem.

See Sydney’s sights in less of the time—and beat summer heat or winter rain—from the comfort of a climate-controlled sightseeing bus, complete with a live guide. Carefully selected photo stops include a point where you can take a picture with both Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as Bondi Beach. As you travel, your guide will tell tales of Sydney’s history and culture—and answer your questions too.

Skip the hassle of planning logistics and experience Uluru with a small group, led by a local guide. Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, follow the Mala Walk, and visit ancient rock art sites while learning the powerful stories and traditions of the Anangu people. End the day at the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing area, and enjoy an uninterrupted sunset over Uluru with a glass of sparkling wine.

Inland Moorea is covered in great hiking trails, but don’t risk getting lost in the rainforest-covered mountains. A guide shows you the way on this half-day hike to the beautiful Afareaitu Waterfall, where you can swim to cool off. Pass Polynesian temples and lush plants along the way, and learn more about local culture from your guide. Includes a fresh-fruit tasting at a tropical garden.

When your ship docks at Waitangi Wharf, explore the beautiful Bay of Islands and see the best of Northland. Travel through the Bay of Islands with your guide and take in top attractions including the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, roaring Haruru Falls, and Manginangina Kauri Walk, where you can stroll among ancient trees. Also sample local sweet treats at the Makana Chocolate Factory.

Spend an afternoon tasting South Island wines and taking in the scenery of Central Otago on a 4-hour tour from Queenstown. Admire mountain and river views en route, including people bungee jumping from the Kawarau Bridge if you’re lucky. Your guide takes you to three wineries for tastings and a wine cave tour. The tour includes wine tastings and a cheeseboard.

With spaced-out highlights and an overwhelming mix of transport options, it can be hard to cover the best of Sydney on your own—especially if you're short on time. Keep things simple with this guided tour—with private and small-group options—and maximize your day with an itinerary that checks off plenty in one seamless experience. From the comfort of a private vehicle, visit The Rocks, Bondi Beach, and Watson’s Bay, and enjoy time to linger at sights such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Don’t risk a mediocre meal in Auckland with a local guide taking you to some of the multicultural city’s best eating spots. Sample the region’s freshest seafood, baked goods, and other tasty treats. Enjoy morning tea, a light lunch, and wine tasting; visit the Auckland Fish Market or a farmers’ market; and travel by minivan to key landmarks. Hotel transfers are included for added convenience.

Take an in-depth tour of the wine-growing region on Waiheke Island with a guide on this excursion. You'll learn about what makes the vineyards so successful and the characteristics of the local wine through guided commentary and visits to three top vineyards. With round-trip transportation from Waiheke’s ferry terminal provided, you can take full advantage of the tastings without worrying about who will drive.

Enjoy an iconic experience when visiting Australia’s Red Centre—a full trek around the base of Uluru. As you start your sunrise walk around the 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) base trail, learn about the monolith’s culture, geology, and environment. Stop along the trail for a picnic breakfast with a close-up view. Your guide tells Indigenous creation stories associated with Uluru. Watch the sunrise, visit waterholes, see rock art sites, and more.