Top Australia & the Pacific Nature Walks - page 5

Enjoy a day full of wilderness, waterfalls, and wildlife, all within reach of Hobart. First, head to Mt. Field National Park for a series of short walks around Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Tall Trees Track, and Lady Barron Falls. Enjoy lunch in a scenic location within the park, then head to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to see native Australian wildlife up close, including Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, and wombats. As you return to Hobart, top off your day with sweeping views over the city from the summit of Mount Wellington.

This small-group tour makes it easy to visit the Punakaiki Blowholes and Pancake Rocks from Greymouth. Avoid the hassle of self-driving and enjoy the views along the incredibly scenic coast road. Learn more about the geological processes that formed the impressive natural attraction, and enjoy a gentle walk around the well-maintained track and boardwalks.

Get up close and personal with some of Tasmania’s cutest residents on this exclusive sunset wildlife encounter. Visit Devils@Cradle after regular closing hours and meet some of sanctuary’s quolls and Tasmanian Devils in a small group, all while sampling local sweet treats and drinks. Then, as the sun sets, take a walk around the sanctuary and watch these little critters feed.

Follow in the footsteps of Tongan kings and Captain Cook on a small-group tour of Tongatapu’s eastern side and Anahulu Cave. Combining the historic sites, from ancient to the age of exploration, is a great introduction to the island’s fascinating heritage, and traveling with a small group ensures personal service from the local guide.

The Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places on Kangaroo Island to spot native wildlife, home to koalas, kangaroos, tammar wallabies, and more. On this evening walking tour, explore the sanctuary with a guide and maximize your chance of wildlife sightings. See the animals at their most active during the cooler hours of sunset and continue exploring after dark, when nocturnal animals such as echidnas and possums come out to play.

Learn all about the aboriginal heritage of Cairns on this three hour group eco cultural tour. You’ll have a river cruise across the Trinity Inlet from the Cairns Marina, then a traditional Mandigalbay Yidinji welcome and smoking ceremony. You’ll also have a tour of the Indigenous Protected Area and a guided walk through the bush to hear about Indigenous customs and the critical connection between Aboriginal culture and Country.

Visit three different habitats (a eucalypt forest, rainforest, and grassland) to observe Australian wildlife in its natural habitat. Spot koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, flying foxes, birds, and more with the help of a guide. Depending on conditions, you may also see other mammals such as pademelons. Plus, the tour Includes a locally sourced picnic lunch.

Learn about Tasmania’s most famous animal, the Tasmanian Devil, with a sanctuary tour and exclusive feeding experience. Located next to Cradle Mountain national park, the sanctuary offers a chance to see the infamous carnivores at their rowdiest time of day: lunchtime. Offering 360-degree viewing of the feeding frenzy from a walk-through enclosure, the sanctuary guides will fill you in with everything you need to know about these beloved creatures, along with the sanctuary’s important conservation work.

Home to rugged peaks, deep crater lakes, and beautiful volcanic landscapes, the Tongariro National Park ranks among the North Island’s top natural attractions. On this evening tour, follow your guide along hiking trails to Taranaki Falls on Mt. Ruapehu and learn about Tongariro’s rich geology. As the sun sinks beneath the horizon, sip a refreshing drink and soak up spectacular views over the rugged volcanic scenery.

Enjoy a day in the pristine surroundings of Daintree Rainforest on this small-group walking and boating tour. Hike through lush forest glades and a creekside valley and take a refreshing swim under a secluded waterfall. After a delicious lunch, cruise through the Daintree River on a solar-powered boat in search of crocodiles and other native wildlife.

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.

Fly along a series of high-speed ziplines at the Christchurch Adventure Park, soaring high in the air for sweeping views of the Southern Alps and Pacific Ocean that you can’t get any other way. Zipline guides and fitted protective equipment ensure a safe, fun adventure through the Port Hills. Ride four dual ziplines that soar more than 518 feet (150 meters) above the ground for a thrilling experience.

Experience Tasmania's natural beauty and native wildlife on a full-day tour to Maria Island National Park from Hobart. Only accessible by ferry, this island is home to native wildlife like Tasmanian devils and kangaroos, sheltered bays perfect for swimming, and stunning "Fossil Cliffs" with millions of years of history. Watch for whales and dolphins on the ferry journey and enjoy guided walks on the island, an experience you wouldn't be able to do on your own.

Channel your inner Hobbit and enjoy outdoor adventure in the heart of New Zealand on this Hobbit barrel run rafting tour on the Pelorus River. Pull on your wetsuit and hop aboard your raft, then drift onto the Pelorus River — made famous in the 2013 movie "The Desolation of Smaug." Stop off at filming locations used in the making of the movie to hear behind-the-scenes stories.

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.

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.

See the top attractions of the Tasman Peninsula on a full-day tour from Hobart. Take in towering sea cliffs, rock formations including Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen, and more as you explore the natural wonders along the coast. Next, discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, an infamous 19th-century penal colony with a fascinating history. Finally, stroll through the pretty streets of Richmond Village before returning to Hobart.

After exploring Rotorua’s volcanic attractions, hover above Mt. Tarawera for a different perspective on a helicopter tour. Soar above the Northern Lakes district as you take off from Rotorua. View the geothermal landscape of crater lakes and domes from the air and learn about geologic history from your guide. Land for a short, guided exploration of the volcanic terrain on foot.

A Segway tour offers an offbeat experience and the ability to cover more ground than walking. On this tour from Airlie Beach to Cannovale, you can zip along the Whitsunday Bicentennial Boardwalk, and glide by Pioneer Bay, Shingley Beach and the Coral Sea Marina while listening to your guide share insights into the area. Wrap up the tour with a stop for some dinner while watching the sun set over the Whitsunday Islands.

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.

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.

Get your day off to a great start with a guided walk to the Captain Cook Monument, followed by a breakfast barbeque on a cliff top, with sweeping views. Choose the easy walk to the monument or a slightly more challenging trail up Mt. Bates. Either way, you’ll meet up with the rest of the group for breakfast. A fun way to get active at a cooler time of day.

Thoroughly explore the coast of Western Australia between Perth and Exmouth but skip the hassle of driving on this 7-day group tour that includes accommodation, meals, and some activities. Starting in Perth, head north to Exmouth, visiting Kalbarri National Park, Shark Bay, Ningaloo Reef, and more along the way before returning to Perth. Learn more about the region through live commentary and purchase optional extra activities if you like.

Ride a catamaran to Paterson Inlet and take a guided walk at Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary. Your cruise showcases hidden coves and unspoiled beaches with informative commentary. Keep an eye out for fur seals and penguins, then learn about native birdlife and plants that flourish in the predator-free environment of Ulva Island. This tour departs Stewart Island in the afternoon, with the option to include a boxed lunch on board. Numbers are limited, for a small-group experience.