Top Australia & the Pacific Outdoor Activities - page 6

Spend a day immersed in the animal kingdom at the Melbourne Zoo. Encounter native species including koalas, wombats, and kangaroos, and local Victorian species such as indigenous penguins and seals splash. Also admire mighty Asian pachyderms at the Trail of Elephants, elegant African zebras and giraffes in open-air habitats, the energetic primates at Lemur Island, an elevated orangutan exhibit, and more.

Enjoy the sun, sand, and marine life of the Low Isles without the midday crowds—the early-morning or early-afternoon departures avoid the busiest times. Snorkel in the coral gardens, walk around the tiny islands, or take a glass-bottom boat tour so you can stay dry while admiring the underwater world. Choose whether to snorkel with or without a guide, depending on your confidence level.

Maximize your chances of spotting native Australian wildlife on this full-day tour from Darwin to Corroboree Billabong, where saltwater crocodiles and native birdlife are abundant. Step aboard a shaded, open-sided boat designed for optimal viewing, with live commentary helping you spot and understand the wildlife around you. The day also includes a stop at the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre, lunch, and round-trip hotel transport—so you can experience the Top End’s wildlife without the planning, driving, or guesswork.

Escape the crowds on land and admire Sydney’s top landmarks—including Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House—on an evening dinner cruise that includes a 3-course meal with food and wine sourced from New South Wales. Sailing at sunset means that you can admire Sydney Harbour when it's at its most photogenic, while a top deck provides you with panoramic views of the scenery.

French Polynesia’s Moorea Lagoon boasts crystal waters home to diverse marine life, with native flora and fauna flourishing in hidden coves. On this tour, paddle across the lagoon by transparent kayak and gaze over the vibrant coral reefs below. With your guide to lead the way, hit the most beautiful corners of the lagoon, snorkel among the sea turtles and rays, and gain insight into traditional Polynesian culture.

Make the most of an amazing seasonal event in French Polynesia with a whale-watching excursion between July and early November. After a pickup from an easy-to-find location in Moorea, head out into the ocean to spot migrating humpback whales in their natural environment. Look out for other marine animals, including whales and sharks. After whale-watching, return to Moorea Lagoon for some snorkeling, with all gear provided for your convenience.

Sydney's harborfront landmarks are best seen from the water, but working out vantage points and timing takes local know-how. Board a cruise past the city's historic sights, tucked-away beaches, and sandstone cliffs, with the route handled for you. Listen to commentary on the harbor's history as the views roll by, and pick the morning or afternoon departure that suits your day.

Experience Broome's Cable Beach in a unique and educational way with this sunset camel ride. This popular family-friendly activity offers a special vantage point for viewing Gantheaume Point and the gorgeous bay. The camels are outfitted with soft sad­dles for a comfortable ride. Also, learn about the his­to­ry of camels in Aus­tralia.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love this one-hour crocodile-spotting cruise on the Daintree River. Unlike many other tour boats, this one is solar powered so it's very quiet, doesn't disturb the wildlife (or you), and is free of fumes. Look out for crocs as well as other wildlife like snakes, frogs, and many kinds of birds.

Explore the Kaikoura coast on a hands-free kayak tour with an experienced guide. Use your feet to pedal your boat, so your hands are free to snap photos of New Zealand fur seals and the scenic shoreline. Choose between a sunset tour and a special seal-spotting one, where you’ll paddle to places with high chances of spotting the curious creatures. Get some exercise while having fun and admiring the views.

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.

On this Franz Josef Glacier helicopter tour and hike, land atop the glacier and explore ice caves and pinnacles with a small group. Soar above New Zealand’s Southern Alps during a scenic flight, then grab your crampons and make your way through dramatic ice formations during a moderately difficult hike. Numbers are limited to 11 to ensure personalized attention from your expert guide.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef and a lush island rain forest on this catamaran tour to Green Island from Cairns. Create your own perfect day on this protected coral cay with a variety of activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, Seawalking, nature walks, and tours on a glass-bottom boat. Upgrade to include a delicious buffet lunch on board the catamaran and/or a ride in a semi-submarine. It’s a fantastic way to discover the underwater wonders of the world’s most famous reef.

Discover the Fiji Highlands on this adventure-packed tour. First, take a longboat ride up the scenic Navua River, which offers views of cascading waterfalls, tropical rainforest, and picturesque island scenery. Then, visit a Fijian village to observe how the locals live. Following that, you’ll float downstream on inner tubes over gentle rapids. A riverside lunch is also included.

Take a break from lounging on the beach and head into Bora Bora’s mountains on a quad bike tour. With professional guides showing you the way you’ll explore Bora Bora’s interior, driving off-road to amazing viewpoints. Receive personalized attention on a small-group tour and have fun while seeing the sights.

Embark on a thrilling Blackwater Rafting adventure in Ruakuri Cave. Choose between two exhilarating tours: the original Black Labyrinth, where you'll float under glowworms and jump off waterfalls, or the longer Black Abyss, which includes abseiling, ziplining, and cave exploration. Both experiences offer unforgettable encounters with the natural beauty of the cave and take you to places impossible to reach on your own.

An ATV tour may be one of the most exhilarating ways to get to know Moorea. Limited to a small group, this guided tour takes you to the island's famous pineapple fields before you and your vehicle climb the peak of Belvedere for breathtaking views of both Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay. After snapping photos, visit an agricultural school, stopping to sample some homemade jam. Cross rivers and enjoy the mountain scenery as the tour continues.

Watch the sunset from the deck of a luxury catamaran on a relaxing evening cruise from Port Douglas. Admire the coastline during golden hour for epic photos, and enjoy being outside when temperatures have cooled. Your captain steers your vessel to prime viewpoints for watching the sunset and the Coral Sea, the Low Isles, and the gorgeous coastline around Port Douglas.

Enjoy Hobart from the water on Derwent River cruise. Choose your preferred time of day for your cruise, including lunch and dinner options, and then glide through the city to admire the harbor and waterfront attractions such as the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, the Tasman Bridge, Government House, Montagu Bay, and Rose Bay.

Immerse yourself in the movie magic of Hobbiton—and enjoy a hassle-free way to explore—on this full-day tour from Rotorua. Following morning pickup from select hotels, head straight to Hobbiton, passing pretty scenery along the way. Upon arrival, head right in with your included admission tickets, go for a guided tour of the highlights, and even enjoy a tasty lunch before you go.

See some of Perth’s top sights from the water on a leisurely Swan River cruise. As you depart the city center, admire Perth riverfront attractions like the Bell Tower and Kings Park, and glide past pretty suburbs to reach Fremantle, located where the river meets the Indian Ocean. Choose a departure time when booking.

Using a sea scooter while snorkeling will allow you to cover more distance easily, so you can see even more marine life. On this snorkeling tour you will use sea scooters to explore some underwater sites off Moorea. Your guide will tell you about the marine life of French Polynesia, and take you to the best spots while keeping you safe in the sea.

Discover volcanic landscapes and breathtaking scenery on New Zealand’s South Island on this Akaroa day trip from Christchurch and avoid the need to self-drive. Ascend the Banks Peninsula for beautiful views over Akaroa Harbour and the volcanic crater. Sample locally made cheeses and admire colonial architecture around Akaroa. Cruise by catamaran into the harbor, where diverse marine and bird life thrives, including rare Hector’s dolphins. Hotel transfers are included.

Enjoy an iconic experience when visiting Australia’s Red Centre—a full trek around the base of Uluru. As you start your sunrise walk around the 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) base trail, learn about the monolith’s culture, geology, and environment. Stop along the trail for a picnic breakfast with a close-up view. Your guide tells Indigenous creation stories associated with Uluru. Watch the sunrise, visit waterholes, see rock art sites, and more.