Top Australia & the Pacific Outdoor Activities - page 15

Get ready for an adventure or a relaxing day in the mountains! Explore Mt Cook on a fully guided, small-group tour from Queenstown, with free time to hike, fly, or simply unwind. Highlights: • Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park • Lake Pukaki • Hooker Valley Track • Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, the Southern Alps • High Country Salmon (time dependent) • Free time for activities & walks Enjoy approximately three hours of free time at Mt Cook to make your day as adventurous or relaxed as you choose: hike alpine trails, soar above glaciers on a scenic flight, or unwind at the Hermitage Hotel with a hot chocolate, soaking in the views. Make memories that last a lifetime.

Embark on a spectacular journey at Mt Wellington one of Tasmania's tallest mountains, on this small-group bike tour that takes you on a meandering journey from the summit. Pedal your way through lush rainforest as you gently ride downhill, taking in the views of towering eucalyptus forests, gigantic ferns, and a waterfall along the way. As you ride, your guide will fill you in on the area's history and natural environment.

Hop in a kayak and paddle from Palm Cove to Double Island, where mangroves and coral reefs await. Along the way, you’ll meet turtles, fish, and small rays, and, if you’re lucky, even dolphins and whales. No previous kayaking experience is needed, and the tour is suitable for all. All kayaking equipment and light snacks are provided.

Explore the highlights of Kakadu National Park on this action-packed full-day adventure from Darwin. One of Australia’s best national parks, Kakadu is famed for its ancient rock art and rich Indigenous history, along with its spectacular scenery and saltwater crocs. You’ll visit Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, Bowali Visitor Centre, and either Ubirr Rock or Nourlangie (weather dependent). You can also add on a Jumping Crocodile Cruise for an extra thrill.

Take in the highlights of Agnes Water by land and sea on-board a unique LARC amphibious vehicle. Set out on a full-day adventure crossing tidal creeks, sandy beaches and 4WD drive trails, as you explore the Town of 1770 and Bustard Bay. Stop for lunch (included) on Middle Island, take in the views from the Bustard Head lighthouse, then get your adrenaline pumping as you try sandboarding (optional) down the dunes of Middle Island.

Take in the views of Darwin Harbour during a sunset cruise aboard the “Charles Darwin,” a deluxe 3-level catamaran. Sail past the Esplanade, Larrakeyah Barracks, Cullen Bay, and Fannie Bay, all while seated in air-conditioned comfort or outside on the sundeck. Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner featuring fresh seafood and local produce as you watch the sun set over the Top End.

Gain entry to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute at Te Puia on a guided tour of this geothermal hot spot. Take a walking path up to steaming vents, boiling mud pools and erupting Pohutu Geyser at Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley; observe the emblematic kiwi bird; and discover Maori traditions at the cultural center. Upgrade to include a cultural performance of Maori song and dance, including the warlike ‘haka.’ Showtimes are available several times a day during admittance.

Discover the Outer Great Barrier Reef in comfort aboard our large, purpose-built stable catamaran. With just 60 guests onboard, enjoy a relaxed half-day snorkel experience featuring easy access to the water, hot freshwater showers, premium equipment, and expert marine guides to help you make the most of your time on the reef.

Escape the island crowds to this unique floating platform in the South Pacific Ocean. Only accessible by boat, set off from Port Denarau for a relaxing break out at sea. Sunbathe on comfortable loungers, go snorkeling, and enjoy freshly prepared meals and a cocktail or two. Catch up with your favorite podcast with free Wi-Fi, or simply watch the world go by. Perfect for visitors looking for peace and tranquility.

Get away from the rowdy crowds on the Sunshine Coast and make some new feathered friends in the heart of Queensland with this unique hinterland experience. Enjoy interactive encounters with native and exotic birds in the walk-through aviaries at Maleny Botanic Gardens. Meet cockatoos, macaws and more and get one-of-a-kind photo opportunities with these friendly birds – on your hand, on your head, and against the backdrop of the scenic Glass House Mountains.

Embark on a cruise of Fiordland’s Doubtful Sound, starting from an easy-to-find location in Te Anau village. Travel by coach to Manapouri Lake for a short boat ride, followed by a bus trip over Wilmot Pass. En route, stop for alpine views of Fiordland National Park, park of a UNESCO-listed landscape, before taking in the dramatic landscapes, soaring peaks, and wildlife of Doubtful Sound on a cruise.

Get the most out of limited time in Rarotonga by swapping beach time for an exciting water adventure. Enjoy the thrill of heading out using a sea scooter—a special electric underwater device that helps you get around effortlessly. During this private tour, a guide accompanies you, and best of all—you can go to a place known for abundant sea life—including turtles and eagle rays.

Journey out to Wellington’s south coast, looking out over the Cook Strait, and visit the region’s only fur seal colony. Journey out to Karori Rock’s "leaning lighthouse" to meet this thriving community of once-endangered critters. Tea, coffee, and snacks are provided so you can relax and watch the seals in this isolated area that even many Wellingtonians don't know about.

Zip along dirt tracks, splash through muddy trails and venture off-road on this exhilarating quad bike tour of Kangaroo Island. See the rugged Aussie bushlands from your easy-to-drive ATV as you follow your guide on one of four different itineraries that showcase everything from pristine beaches and spectacular viewpoints to challenging gravel tracks.

Leave the bustle of Sydney behind during a full-day tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Head off the usual tourist trail to visit hidden spots that most travelers don't know about, and gain valuable insight thanks to the local knowledge of your guide. Throughout the day, enjoy highlights such as spotting native Australian wildlife—such as koalas and kangaroos—and snap photos at multiple scenic stops, including the Three Sisters and Govetts Leap.

Explore the coast of Kaikoura from a unique perspective – by kayak. Paddle through protected waters to see an array of wildlife, potentially including dolphins, seals and even whales (in season). With small group sizes and a certified guide leading the way, this half-day tour is perfect for nature lovers who want the chance to get up close with some of New Zealand's most iconic animals.

Spend lunch on the water during this Swan River cruise departing from Perth. As you glide leisurely down the river, feast on a buffet of hot dishes, salads, fruit, and more. While you eat, take in views of Perth’s waterfront suburbs, the historic port city of Fremantle and yacht clubs. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase. The cruise ends where it began, either in Perth or Fremantle.

At 38 hectares, it can take a long time to see all of Melbourne’s beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens by foot. This minibus tour offers a perfect solution for visitors wishing to take in the gardens’ natural beauty in just 30 minutes.

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.

Sail on a 2-masted schooner from Cairns to Green Island for a full day of snorkeling, swimming, and optional scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Spend time in the water around the magnificent coral reef, or laze on Green Island’s white sandy beaches. Refuel with a buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and indulge in a glass of wine as you cruise back to Cairns.

Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing through Tongariro National Park on a full-day guided trek that explores a spectacular volcanic landscape. Cover several miles of trail past volcanic craters, mountain springs, and vivid alpine lakes, with views of active volcanoes. Traveling with a guide means you are fully prepared and equipped for the challenging terrain of Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's gorgeous in summer or winter.

Go skydiving during your visit to the Gold Coast for an incredible thrill and spectacular views of the city, coast, and Pacific Ocean. Jump in tandem with your expert instructor, enjoying a short freefall before your instructor releases the parachute. Float gently down to Kirra Beach, one of the beautiful beaches that makes the Gold Coast justifiably famous.

Frankland Islands Reef Cruises are the only commercial operator allowed to land on stunning Normanby Island, offering ample space and time for relaxation and exploration. Customise your day trip with a variety of optional activities on our all-inclusive tour. The islands are also home to several endangered species like the green turtle, hawksbill turtle, spectacled flying-fox, and beach stone-curlews. Explore the vibrant underwater world with 200 coral species around Normanby and Mabel islands, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park's total of 600 species. On Frankland Islands, stars aren't just in the sky—they're beneath your feet! Baclogypsina sphirulata, known as Sand Stars found on Normanby Island, are typically rare and found on beaches across the Indo-Pacific. They're often considered unique to Okinawa, Japan, but it's our hidden delight that you can also discover them in a secluded spot on Normanby Island.

Experience the thrills of parasailing while on the Gold Coast of Australia. First, you’ll receive a short safety training before being outfitted with a harness. Then, soar high above the Gold Coast, up to 400 feet (122 meters) high, and take in aerial views of the coastline. This is available for solo travelers or with one or two partners. Allow approximately 90 minutes for the full experience including briefing and flight time.