Top Australia & the Pacific Nature Walks - page 4

Go on an open-top double-decker safari through the Australian outback on the Kinnon-family hosted Nogo Station Experience. Starting with a heritage tour of Longreach, you’ll then head out to Nogo Station’s historic shearing sheds, where you’ll learn about the prized Merino wool. From there, you’ll head out on safari across the vast outback plains, before wrapping up with a traditional pioneer ‘smoko’ under the gum trees at Captain Starlight’s Camp.

Milford Sound is an unmissable destination in the South Island, but self-driving can be risky and the return road trip from Queenstown is long. Simplify your visit on this small-group tour from Queenstown. Travel there in a luxury bus with panoramic scenic windows, allowing unobstructed views. Take a relaxing cruise on Milford Sound, beautiful in all weather, then return to Queenstown by air, saving time and maximizing the views.

Gain entry to Zealandia at night and take a guided tour of Zealandia: The Exhibition, which showcases New Zealand’s natural history. Interact with a life-size model moa and Haast’s eagle — both extinct — and learn about the country’s conservation efforts to preserve other native species. Located just minutes from central Wellington, Zealandia includes a night tour of Sanctuary Valley, a fenced eco-sanctuary and safe haven for endemic animal and bird species such as the nocturnal little spotted kiwi.

Experience one of the wonders of New Zealand’s natural world on this glowworm caving adventure in Waitomo. Pull on your boots and helmet before heading through the private farmland and native forest to the Mangarongapu Cave system with a local guide and small group. With your headlamp to light the way, hike around huge boulders and through shallow streams, and marvel at the millions of bright green glowworms illuminating the rocky limestone.

Journey to the majestic chasm of Kings Canyon on this full-day adventure from Ayers Rock. Travel across the rugged landscape of Central Australia, stopping at the Kings Creek cattle and camel station for a taste of Outback ranch life for breakfast. Choose from a strenuous walk to the canyon rim for unbeatable views, or an easier route along the canyon creek bed. Stop for lunch (own expense) at the Kings Canyon Resort.

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.

See the famous Twelve Apostles and hike through the lush forests of Great Otway National Park on a full-day tour from Melbourne. Reach the UNESCO-listed Twelve Apostles before the crowds. Continue to Great Otway National Park to hike, see beautiful waterfalls, observe local wildlife, and admire the ancient forests. On the return trip to the city, stop for an optional ice cream and look out for koalas, parrots, and kangaroos.

Discover New Zealand’s geothermal hotspots on a day trip from Rotorua to Lake Taupo, stopping to explore one of two remarkable destinations. Select Orakei Korako to see terraced pools of steaming water, or opt for Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland’s otherworldly colors. Limited to 11 people for more personal service, this day trip includes pickup and drop-off at centrally-located hotels, as well as entrance fees at the geothermal site.

Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban eco-sanctuary and home to some of New Zealand’s most extraordinary wildlife. This 2-hour guided walking tour will introduce you to native birds such as kakariki, tui, and bellbirds; rare species like takahē; and unique reptiles including green gecko and tuatara. Entrance fees are included.

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders and Aboriginal heritage of Australia's Tropical North Queensland on this full-day tour from Cairns. First, head to the Mossman Gorge to take part in a traditional smoke ceremony with the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people. Then, enjoy lunch in the Daintree Village. After lunch, join a wildlife cruise on the Daintree River where you might see a crocodile, and learn about the fragile ecosystem of this impressive, serpent-like river system. Finally, head to Thornton’s Beach, where the rainforest meets the reef.

Escape the city and explore the Kiama Coast region on this full-day adventure. Starting out from Sydney, explore bushland, forests, farmlands, and beaches, and enjoy panoramic views along the route, which includes clifftop lookouts and multiple viewpoints. Look out for indigenous wildlife, walk across secluded beaches, and snap scenic photos. Enjoy a more personal experience on this small-group tour led by a local guide.

Explore the mysterious geothermal landscape of Rotorua with this self-guided tour. After gaining access to the geothermal site, follow the well-marked trails to see colorful steaming lakes, thermal pools, geysers and more. As you wander, enjoy being immersed in native forest, with the chance to also see edible plants. This is a wonderful way to explore the fascinating geothermal world of Rotorua.

With limited time to explore Auckland, this morning discovery tour takes in all the highlights. Visit sights including The Domain, Waitemata Harbour, and Queen Street; cross the Harbour Bridge to the beaches of the North Shore, explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Devonport and Ponsonby, and take in the views from Mount Victoria.

Enjoy an active full-day tour from Hobart that includes views of the natural world from up high and down low. Start with a walk through the treetops at the Tahune Airwalk — a suspended walkway that reaches heights of up to 131 feet (40 meters). Gaze across the forest canopy and Huon River, or opt for an easier walk on the ground. Continue to Hastings Cave Reserve where you take a guided cave tour that goes into amazing caverns deep underground, then take a dip in the natural hot springs.

Fiordland is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations, but self-driving through the landscape of snow-capped mountains, towering waterfalls, and emerald greenery can be challenging—and distracting. Eliminate the hassle when you travel with a small group by coach from Queenstown. Pass Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake, and enter the hand-carved Homer Tunnel on your way to Milford Sound, where you relax on a scenic nature cruise.

Experience wine and wildlife on this comprehensive day trip from Sydney. Admire gorgeous coastal views on a scenic drive to Royal National Park, snap a selfie with a koala in Symbio Wildlife Park, and hike to a waterfall lookout in Morton National Park. Plus, enjoy a seaside lunch and boutique wine tasting—all included in the tour price. Enjoy a more personal experience with a small-group maximum of 11.

Combine a morning sightseeing tour of Auckland with afternoon wine tasting on this full-day excursion, including a winery lunch. Travel by minivan past significant landmarks, appreciate views over Auckland Harbour, and enjoy a beach stroll. Then savor wine at three award-winning North Island wineries in the Kumeu wine region. Numbers are limited to a small group to ensure a memorable experience with like-minded wine lovers. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Experience Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and cultural treasures on a fully guided small-group day tour from Auckland that saves you needing to drive. Explore the geothermal and cultural attractions at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Te Puia, enjoy Rotorua city highlights, and travel through the scenic Waikato countryside with live commentary. Includes entrance fees, water, snacks, and hotel pickup and drop-off so you can just sit back and enjoy your day.

A Milford Sound cruise is a must-do activity in southern New Zealand, but getting there independently can be stressful because of the rugged mountain roads. This full-day tour from Te Anau includes a hotel pickup and picnic lunch, so you don’t need to pack your own. Watch the views rather than the road by going with a guide and driver. See many spectacular sights along the way, including Mirror Lakes.

Take in the vast scale of Milford Sound from the air and water with a half-day trip that includes round-trip flights and a catamaran cruise. You’ll board a small plane that accommodates up to 13 passengers, lift off above the ridges and lakes of Fiordland National Park, then cruise Milford Sound all the way to the Tasman Sea. Watch for fur seals and penguins, and pass through the mists of Stirling Falls before meeting the pilot for the return trip to Queenstown.

Visit Tasmania’s Southwest National Park by air on this full-day tour from Hobart. Part of the Tasmania Wilderness World Heritage Area, the park is known for its untouched, remote wilderness setting and is mostly accessible only by plane or boat. Admire views of Hobart and southern Tasmania during the flight, and land in the park for a boat cruise on Bathurst Harbour.

Master the art of taking dramatic landscape photographs on this half-day photography tour. Starting your tour in Queenstown, head to the charming settlement of Glenorchy, famous for its beautiful views. Here you will be able to photograph a range of natural scenery, including snow-capped mountains, ancient forests and pristine lakes and rivers.

Visit the spectacular Blue Mountains and see dramatic cliffs, eucalyptus forests, and waterfalls on this small-group, late-start tour. Enjoy an immersive walk into Wentworth Falls, see the Three Sisters glow in the late afternoon sun, and enjoy stunning views from several lookouts. You also make a stop at a Major Sydney Zoo to see kangaroos, wallabies, and joeys plus koalas.

Rottnest Island is car-free, and its sights are scattered across the coast, so covering them on foot in a half-day is a stretch. Ride a bus and a historic train between the main stops instead, taking in Kingstown Barracks, Oliver Hill Battery, and the Henrietta Rocks shipwreck site. Watch for quokkas along the way, stop for photos of the turquoise bays, and hear about the island's history and its Aboriginal Noongar heritage.