Top Australia & the Pacific Half-day Tours - page 7

The Gordon River winds through wilderness with no road access, so the only way to reach its landmarks is from the water. Cruise out from Strahan on a morning departure instead, passing Hells Gates at the entrance to Macquarie Harbour and continuing into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Stop at Sarah Island to walk the ruins of its former penal colony and enjoy a chef-prepared lunch served on board.

Skip the beach and join this half-day riverboat tour that introduces you to Guam's history and culture—in an entertaining way. Cruise through the rainforests, along the Talofofo and Ugum rivers, learn about local flora and fauna, and visit an ancient Chamorro village to learn how old traditions are being kept alive.

The Tasman Peninsula boasts some of Tasmania’s most remote and beautiful coastal scenery, but to see the best of it you have to take to the waves. On this daily tour, cruise between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck with your guide, and admire unrivalled views over the rugged shoreline. Gaze up at vertical sea cliffs, discover deep sea caves, and spot native albatrosses, eagles, dolphins, and seals in their natural habitat.

Enjoy cycling around Auckland without the effort on an e-bike tour that helps you zoom up hills and travel smoothly on flat ground. Ride through the Auckland Domain, summit Mt. Eden, enjoy harbor views, and more. Travelers with varying fitness and cycling experience can ride together, making this a great family trip. Get fitted with a headset to listen to your guide’s commentary as you cycle.

Adventurous travelers will love this glowworm-spotting tour with a difference. As the sun gets lower in the sky, paddle in a kayak on Lake Karapiro and along the Pokaiwhenua Stream. You’ll see beautiful native plants and bird life, and rock formations that have been naturally carved over centuries. Once the light disappears, you’ll see thousands of glowworms lighting your way. This tour is a fun way to experience some of New Zealand’s best natural attractions.

Experience the best of Tahiti on a private half-day tour that encircles the island. See parts of Tahiti that many travelers miss in their hurry to other parts of French Polynesia. Stop at waterfalls, temples, tropical gardens, lookout points, and historic and cultural sites that are important to indigenous Tahitians. Learn more about French Polynesia from your guide, who will tell you many stories.

The day begins with the sighting of long-billed dolphins, who dance and twirl above the waves in a fascinating aerial ballet. We will continue with a first snorkeling stop at the site of the Aquarium, an enchanted underwater world where plane and boat wrecks lie in silence, surrounded by clouds of tropical fish. A desk and a large coral heart add a magical touch to this magical decor. Then head to the ocean to explore a spectacular site, where underwater freshwater springs spring and a multicolored coral garden flourishes. You will have the chance to swim alongside sea turtles, getting close to them in their natural habitat. However, this meeting remains subject to the presence of animals and cannot be guaranteed at every exit. Enjoy a platter of local fruit and cold drinks at our last stop, for a gourmet break in the heart of the lagoon.

Take a magical flight over some amazing water and natural formations from Broome, including flying over the Horizontal Falls. You’ll also learn from your pilot all about pearling history of the area, making a quick stop, and then continue flying by King Sound and Buccaneer Archipelago, Cape Leveque, James Price Point and much more.

Spend an afternoon on a food and walking tour of Auckland, discovering parts of the city that most first-time visitors miss out on. Stroll past city architecture while nibbling on sweet and savory treats along the way with a guide who takes care of navigating. Visit local producers of artisan wine, beer, ice cream, and other world-class offerings from Auckland's finest food purveyors and learn more about Auckland’s culinary culture as you go.

Make the most of your time in port in Christchurch with a half-day shore excursion that takes in all the highlights. Explore downtown Christchurch, stroll around Monavale Gardens, and learn how the city was rebuilt after the devasting earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Continue along the scenic Summit Road, stopping to admire the views from the Sign of the Takahe, and stop at Riverside Market for a lunch break (own expense).

Travelers short on time in Dunedin who want a comprehensive overview of the city and Otago Peninsula will enjoy this half-day small-group tour. After stops at city highlights including Baldwin Street, the University of Otago, and the Octagon, head out to the Otago Peninsula along a scenic road. A guided walk at a wildlife sanctuary offers chances to see yellow-eyed penguins, little blue penguins, fur seals, and sea lions.

Visiting Wellington's sights on foot can be challenging as the city is so hilly, and attractions are spread out. This half-day small-group guided van tour takes you to top attractions including Lyall Bay, the Weta Cave, and the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Enjoy a ride on the Wellington Cable Car for panoramic city views, with hotel pickup included for a seamless experience.

Discover the natural beauty and flavors of the Margaret River region on this small-group tour by luxury 4WD. Take a canoe trip on the Margaret River, enjoy an exhilarating off-road ride and hike on remote sea cliffs; stop for lunch and wine tastings at a renowned winery; and visit a waterfall; see an ancient waterhole where you learn about Aboriginal traditions and taste local honey.

The Kimberley Coast is renowned for its dramatic sea cliffs, white-sand beaches, and ancient wonders. With this tour, set sail for Roebuck Bay and Dampier Creek on a shallow landing vessel purpose-built for exploring the beaches and bays. Admire views of the towering red cliffs and scenic wetlands, head ashore to discover 120-million-year-old dinosaur footprints, and look out for dolphins, manta rays, and other wildlife along the way.

Marvel over colorful corals and schools of tropical fish on this half-day tour of the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas. Set sail for a thrilling cruise around the Low Isles by luxury catamaran, including a delicious afternoon tea served onboard. Enjoy free time to swim or snorkel at the beaches or join a guided snorkeling tour or glass-bottom boat cruise, and learn more about the reef’s myriad sea life. This cruise is limited to 33 passengers and includes hotel pick-up and snorkeling gear.

Let a guide navigate the Skippers Canyon on this 4WD tour and avoid the risk of self-driving this treacherous but rewarding road, round-trip from Queenstown. The route affords dramatic views over the Wakatipu Basin and Shotover River Valley. Cross Skippers Bridge into the namesake township and stop at Deep Creek to try your hand at gold panning. The half-day trip includes light refreshments and hotel pickup.

Go kayaking with dolphins and 4-wheeling on the beach during a half-day tour on the Sunshine Coast, just north of Brisbane. Visit a National Park location that is only accessible by 4WD vehicle, and kayak around Double Island Point looking for dolphins, migrating whales, turtles, rays and more. Includes kayak equipment and instruction, light refreshments, and transportation by 4WD and ferry.

Embark on a 4.5 hour Cruise and Island tour in the scenic Bay of Islands, where nature's wonders and cultural exploration await. Cruising through the islands, keeping an eye out for marine wildlife and native seabirds while our knowledgeable guides offer insights into the history, ecology, and Maori culture. Stopping at Roberton Island, a pristine paradise surrounded by crystal-clear waters and lush greenery. Take a short walk to the lookout point over the twin lagoons to enjoy the panoramic views of the Bay. Visit the famous "Hole in the Rock," a breathtaking natural formation showcasing the Bay's unique geology and the Cape Brett Lighthouse Our second island stop provides the opportunity to explore secluded bays, make use of the snorkelling gear provided, have a swim or simply relax. Bring a picnic or contact Island Getaway directly to pre-order a packed lunch The perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and cultural discovery, making it a must-do experience in the Bay of Islands!

Make the most of a short stay in the Red Centre—even on the tightest of schedules—by starting your day early with sunrise over Uluru—one of the region’s must-see highlights. Enjoy a relaxed picnic breakfast before visiting Mutitjulu Waterhole and viewing ancient rock art that reveals the area’s deep cultural significance. Finish with a scenic drive around the base of Uluru, and experience its scale and beauty in just a few hours.

Experience Cape Tribulation on a half-day snorkeling adventure. After a convenient pickup at your hotel, board a sturdy ocean safari vessel and head for the cape. Throw on your gear and dive in, watching for sea turtles, eagle rays, giant clams, brilliant coral, starfish, and tropical fish as you swim along the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. Marvel at the Daintree Rainforest—a UNESCO World Heritage site—from the water.

Instead of rushing to keep up with a group, this self-guided e-bike adventure is a peaceful way to explore the cycle paths between Arrowtown and Queenstown at your own pace. Begin with a pickup at a time that suits your schedule—with e-bike rental included—then, get taken to the start point in Arrowtown. After that, independently explore the local area’s bridges, mountains, and stunning trails with breaks whenever you like.

Get up close to the beauty of the Horizontal Falls and pristine scenery of the Kimberley (the most northern region of Western Australia) on this small-group, half-day tour. Experience the thrill of a seaplane ride over Buccaneer Archipelago and Cape Leveque before landing in the calm waters of Talbot Bay. Next, take an exciting boat ride through the Horizontal Falls, followed by a more relaxed cruise around the surrounding bays and creeks. Enjoy a cooked breakfast or lunch onboard (depending on your chosen departure time) and then relax on a scenic flight back to Broome.

Explore Moorea aboard a private catamaran on this half-day excursion. Swim with rays, sharks, and tropical fish using the provided snorkeling equipment. Chat with your captain and crew about the local marine life and stretch out on the boat's deck for some sun. Snacks and beverages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) are provided.

Travelers in Rotorua don’t need to travel all the way to Waitomo to see twinkling glow-worms: there are groves in forests near the city, but you have to know where to look. Take an evening bush walk to see these increasingly rare creatures, and avoid getting lost as your guide leads the way. The evening timing means you can easily fit the tour into other daytime activities in and around Rotorua.