Top Australia & the Pacific Nature Walks - page 6

There are few places in New Zealand where you’re likely to spot kiwis in the wild, and Stewart Island is one. Improve your chances of spotting this nocturnal bird on a guided tour at dusk. Head out for a pre-sunset cruise, spotting albatross, penguins, and fur seals, before a venture into the bush toward a secluded beach where kiwi are often spotted. For a deeper understanding of New Zealand, upgrade to the culture "kiwi and culture encounter" to hear stories of Maori and European history.

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.

Freycinet Bay National Park is renowned for its pristine white beaches and rugged, pink granite peaks. On this small-group tour, explore the park’s natural wonders on a guided one-way walk to Wineglass Bay Beach, Hazards Beach, and other beautiful lookouts. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, stop for morning tea in Wineglass Bay, and enjoy lunch on the beach before traveling back to the starting point by boat.

The Tawharanui Regional Park is a fantastic spot to take in the North Island’s diverse wildlife and dramatic scenery, but most tours focus on navigating the area by daylight. On this half-day small-group tour, spy some of the region’s nocturnal birds, insects, and reptiles — including the North Island brown kiwi — as you explore the park under an ink-black sky dotted with stars.

Embark on an exhilarating off-road adventure on this 4-hour 4x4 tour of Pemberton's National Parks. Explore the ancient Karri forests of the Warren National Park, then head to D'Entrecasteaux National Park to stroll around Dead Man’s Lake, climb the Yeagarup sand dunes and if you’re lucky, marvel over the incredible wildflower valleys (Sept-Nov only). This small-group tour is limited to 15 people to ensure a personalized experience.

Experience Wānaka from another angle with a cruise across Lake Wānaka to remote Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. Make an eco-friendly impact by planting a native tree before you leave. Opt to take a guided bush walk to reveal Mou Waho’s hidden secret: another lake, nestled atop the island, with panoramic views of Wānaka and the Southern Alps. Enjoy hot drinks and snacks surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery.

Don’t worry about what to do once you arrive at Lyttelton Harbour. On this small-group tour of the Canterbury countryside surrounding Christchurch, you’ll be transported to Sumner Beach to take in ocean views over coffee before tackling the Godley Head Loop, one of the area’s most popular hikes. Enjoy coastal views and historic World War II landmarks before a picnic lunch at Boulder Bay, surrounded by striking vistas of the Southern Alps.

Learn all about Kangaroo Island and the nature found here on this two hour small group walking tour. Your guide will take you past the Little Sahara dunes to the bushland, which is full of wildlife. Walk through gum forests that are over 500 years old. You are guaranteed to see a koala here, so make sure you bring your camera and keep it at the ready.

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.

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.

Explore the history and beauty of Grampians National Park on this full-day trip from Melbourne. Climb to the top of Boroka Lookout and other natural vista points for sweeping valley views, and bushwalk through the parklands to explore diverse habitats and spot local wildlife such as kangaroos. Learn about the area’s original inhabitants with a visit to Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre, and admire the cascading rush of waterfalls.

Travel one of the world’s most iconic coastal roads without having to drive yourself on this full-day tour. Dodge the crowds by driving the famous Great Ocean Road in reverse, stopping to view landmarks like Loch Ard Gorge and the 12 Apostles in the less-busy morning. After a light picnic lunch, hike through the Otway rainforest, look for koalas along the Kennett River, and enjoy dramatic views over Apollo Bay.

Rotorua’s volcanic history has created a landscape of lakes, hot springs, and waterfalls. See some of the most spectacular on this half-day tour, traveling in a small group with a knowledgeable guide. Exercise your legs with a bushwalk, watch springs bubble, and learn about the natural processes that have shaped this land of fire and water.

The Kepler Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, running from the shores of Lake Te Anau to Lake Manapouri and back via majestic alpine vistas. Start your trek off with this private water taxi across Lake Te Anau to Brod Bay. From there, stroll back to Te Anau along the lake’s limestone bluffs or, for more of a challenge, hike up Mount Luxmore, a summit with impressive views of Te Anau basin.

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.

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.

Experience the sun, sand and surf at Australia’s most iconic beach, with this 1.5-hour walking tour of Bondi Beach. Learn about the area’s Aboriginal heritage, see where the famous ‘Bondi Rescue’ TV show is filmed and learn how Bondi Beach became a hotspot for tourists, celebrities and surfers. Along the way, admire the Bondi Aboriginal rock art sites; pose for photos by the Bondi Pavilion and take a peek at celebrity residences located nearby.

Active, nature-loving travelers will enjoy this small-group kayaking and hiking tour of the southern part of the Abel Tasman National Park. Starting from Marahau, head out to little Adele Island, where you’re likely to spot fur seals basking in the sun. Continue your adventure on land, hiking to panoramic viewpoints and listening to the birdsong, so far from roads and settlements.

Walk among towering kauri trees in the Puketi Rainforest on a half-day, full-day or nighttime guided hike, starting from Okaihau in the Bay of Islands. A knowledgeable guide points out rare bird and plant species while you trek past thundering waterfalls on a moderately strenuous footpath though the subtropical rainforest — suitable for strong hikers. Numbers are limited to a maximum of six people to ensure a small-group experience. Morning or afternoon tea with optional lunch are included, depending on tour selected.

Set out on foot to explore Vanuatu’s jungle trails, villages, beaches, and plantations on a hiking tour that can be as relaxed—or challenging—as you want. A wide range of available trails that go from gentle waterfall hikes to more difficult jungle tracks means the day will be tailored to your group, going beyond the island’s tourist sites for a glimpse of lush nature and rural communities.

Our half-day Nadi tour offers an authentic, refreshing escape! We kick off with a spiritual journey at the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple, then immerse ourselves in local life at Namaka Market, where you'll savor a unique, fresh coconut water drink. This isn't just a sip; it's a taste of Fiji! Next, find serenity among vibrant orchids at the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. We cap it off with a rejuvenating soak in the Sabeto Mud Pools & Hot Springs, leaving you refreshed and revitalized. Experience Nadi's heart, culture, and nature in one perfectly paced adventure!

Leave the city bustle behind and set off late-morning for an afternoon and evening immersed in nature, wildlife, and open spaces in the stunning Southern Highlands. With your wildlife guide, you’ll explore private farmland and untouched bushland, watching for kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, emus—and, if you’re lucky, the elusive platypus. As you wander this peaceful landscape, learn about the Great Western Wildlife Corridor, a vital habitat link that helps animals move safely between the southern Blue Mountains and Morton National Park. Parrots flash through the trees, and surprises await around every corner. At dusk, visit a quiet river to search for wild platypus - a rare, magical sight. After dinner at Australia’s oldest licensed inn, finish the night spotlighting gliders, possums, and wombats before returning to Sydney. It’s a unforgettable experience that leaves you with a deeper connection to Australia’s wild side.

Far North Queensland's big-ticket experiences—reef, rainforest, and railway—each take a full day and require separate bookings to arrange from Cairns. Combine all of them in one package across three days: a snorkeling cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Cableway over Barron Gorge, and a full-day 4WD trip to Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation.

Hike to an exclusive waterfall in the Daintree Rainforest that only this tour can access. Join a small group for a gourmet, chef-cooked lunch and a local tropical fruit tasting in the rainforest before hiking through the lush jungle to a pristine waterfall where you can swim in the sparkling-clean water.