Top Australia & the Pacific Outdoor Activities - page 9

There’s no better way to appreciate the rugged wilderness, pristine beaches, and spectacular wildlife of Bruny Island than from the sea. On this 3-hour cruise by custom-built eco-cruiser, explore deep sea caves and towering cliffs as you search for wildlife from dolphins and seals to sea eagles and great white sharks. Covered open-air seating creates a real connection to your environment on the adrenaline-pumping ride.

Experience Bora Bora’s postcard-perfect views on a tour by open-air 4WD truck. Gaze out over the famed turquoise lagoon from several lookouts, see a demonstration by local artists and craftspeople, explore World War II sites, and savor delicious tropical fruits at a plantation. Circle the entire island in the morning or afternoon, or select a sunset tour that includes a glass of sparkling wine.

Observe more than 20 native bird species—including New Zealand’s famous kiwi—with admission to Kiwi Birdlife Park in central Queenstown. See wildlife shows, nature exhibits, and daily keeper presentations, and catch a rare sight of the flightless kiwi in a darkened enclosure that mimics a nocturnal environment. Your admission ticket is valid for the entire day so you can explore the park at your own pace.

See a side of Bora Bora that would be difficult to access any other way on this fun Jeep tour. Follow dirt tracks and go off road as you visit the lookout point at Mount Popoti for panoramic views, the World War II-era guns to learn about French Polynesian history, and more. As a maximum of eight travelers will be on this tour you’ll get personalized attention from your guide and plenty of room in the Jeep.

Take your Fiji adventure to new heights with a zipline tour through the treetops. Soar across 16 zipline cables at jaw-dropping speeds, covering 3 miles (5 km) in a spectacular wilderness setting with panoramic ocean views. Your 5-hour tour includes a guided exploration of limestone caves and a tasty lunch. Round-trip hotel transport is available from Nadi, Wailoaloa and Denarau.

Sydney’s highlights are spread across the harbor, and covering them on foot can take hours. This guided cycling tour lets you see more in less time while staying active. Pedal past icons such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, along with hidden corners and local favorites, as your guide shares insights into the city’s history and culture.

Enjoy a day in nature on an intimate small-group tour of the Springbrook National Park and Mount Tamborine. Visit the Natural Bridge, manmade glowworm caves, meander on Gallery Walk, and wander the impressive Tamborine Skywalk rainforest path. Native animals may pop out their heads from time to time, and stay fueled with a light lunch at a local restaurant. A great day out for families, couples, or solo travelers alike.

The desert landscape of the Pinnacles is especially atmospheric at dusk. Skip experiencing it in the company of busloads of tourists on a full-day tour from Perth that’s timed to get you to the Pinnacles for sunset. Before that, take in the views of the incredible sand dunes from the Guilderton lookout, stroll along the Hangover Bay Coast, and admire the views from the Nilgen Lookout. Includes a picnic dinner with wine.

See the untamed beauty of New Zealand’s west coast on this North Island day trip from Auckland, which saves you from having to navigate rugged roads on your own. Travel with a guide to the Waitakere Ranges, with a stop at the Arataki Visitor Centre overlook for views of the Tasman Sea out to the Pacific Ocean. Admire Maori carvings before a guided rainforest walk, then visit giant kauri trees and one of the area’s magnificent black sand beaches. A moderate fitness level is required for this active tour.

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.

Spot Akaroa Harbour’s rare Hector’s dolphins on a catamaran wildlife cruise that includes fresh-baked cookies and a drink. The 2-hull catamaran offers more stability and deck space than a single-hull boat, ensuring a comfortable spot as you scan for fur seals, white-flippered penguins, and other wildlife. Dolphin-spotting dogs are on board. Equipped with dog life-vests and a keen ear, they’ll help make your dolphin encounter an unforgettable experience.

Rarotonga offers many opportunities to swim in the sea among the fish and other sea life. But if you want to improve your chances of swimming with turtles, a sea scooter safari is the way to go. With a sea scooter you can whizz through the water much faster than with leg power alone. Be amazed at the colors and variety of the sea life you’ll encounter in the sheltered waters of Rarotonga.

Glide into the sunset during a Denarau Island dinner cruise and be welcomed aboard with a complimentary cocktail. Feast on a buffet barbecue dinner, and upgrade to savor fresh-caught chargrilled whole lobster. Enjoy musical entertainment, including a Fijian cultural show, while you watch the sun slip below the horizon—a Pacific Island evening to be remembered.

Spend a full day on Fitzroy Island with fast catamaran transfers from Cairns and plenty of free time to explore at your own pace. Cruise from the Marlin Marina to the island, then enjoy up to seven hours to snorkel the surrounding reef, view marine life from a glass-bottom boat, relax on the beach, or walk rainforest trails within the national park. Choose from a range of packages, including simple transfers or options which include snorkeling or glass-bottom boat activities, depending on your interests and budget.

Travel from Perth to Fremantle or vice versa on a relaxing Swan River cruise. You’ll glide along the river, admiring the waterfront scenery of Perth’s downtown skyline, upscale suburbs, and yacht clubs. Drinks may be purchased from the onboard bar. Plus, choose from several departure times to best suit your schedule.

Set out from Coles Bay on a half-day cruise across the clear waters of Wineglass Bay, an easy way to experience the highlights of Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula from the water in just a few hours—including spots hard to reach by land. Sail past white-sand beaches and dramatic granite cliffs while taking in the area’s coastal scenery, with the option to upgrade and enjoy a freshly prepared onboard lunch. As you cruise, keep watch for local wildlife such as dolphins, sea eagles, and migrating humpback whales (depending on the season).

Challenge yourself against the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall and enjoy outdoor adventure on this Kaituna River white-water rafting trip from Rotorua. Hop into your raft in the Kahikitea Forest and take to the waves with a guide. Navigate steep canyons through native forest and test your nerve over 14 challenging rapids. Splash, paddle, and roll through New Zealand’s spectacular scenery with all safety equipment and hotel transfers included.

All visitors to Wānaka see Lake Wānaka, but fewer visit a lake on an island in the lake. Be one of them on this half-day trip to Mou Waho Island. Cruise to this isolated island in the middle of Lake Wānaka and walk to the Arethusa Pool. Admire the mountain views, spot wildlife, and listen to onboard commentary. Spend time exploring the island independently before the return cruise.

Discover Sydney Harbour your way with the flexible hop-on hop-off ferry pass. Cruise between must-see destinations like Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, and Manly—all while enjoying unbeatable views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Luna Park from the water. With frequent departures throughout the day, you can hop on and off as often as you like. Stay longer at the spots you love, skip the ones you don’t, and set your own pace. Spacious indoor and outdoor seating ensures a comfortable ride—rain or shine. Want to dive deeper into the city’s stories? Optional geo-tagged smartphone commentary is available in seven languages, letting you tune in when you’re curious and tune out when you’d rather just enjoy the moment. No live guides, no fixed schedule—just Sydney, on your terms.

Soar through a 1,000-year-old native New Zealand forest on six ziplines reaching speeds up to 37 miles (60 kilometers) per hour. Cross suspended swing bridges and explore treetop platforms while looking out for native birds such as toutouwai and kererū. This half-day guided eco-adventure includes free digital photos, wet-weather gear, and return transport, with every booking supporting forest restoration. Suitable for families and groups of all ages.

The Daintree River, which meanders through one of the oldest rainforests in the world, is home to wildlife that you’re more likely to spot from the water. On this experience, cruise down the river with a guide looking for native wildlife such as crocodiles, tree snakes, and many species of birds. Learn about the unique tropical ecosystem along the way and return to the visitor center after about 60-90 minutes.

Soar through the trees and experience New Zealand’s ancient native forest like never before on an incredible must-do adventure. You'll soar along several ziplines, experience New Zealand’s one-and-only volcanic cliff walk above the forest floor, incredible swing bridges, controlled descent, and an impressive tandem zipline so you can share the experience with a friend or partner.

AQUABLUE Moorea offers an extraordinary excursion using pretty yellow helmets allowing everyone to walk under the sea safely. Much simpler than snorkeling in snorkel masks, as it is useless to know how to swim. AQUABLUE is for all people from 6 years old who want to discover the seabed safely. It's a unique experience!

The Waitomo Caves and Rotorua rank among New Zealand’s top attractions, offering natural beauty, geothermal features, and Māori culture in equal measure. Ideal for travelers short on time, this adventurous small-group tour takes in both places in the same day, with entry fees plus round-trip transport and hotel pickup from Auckland included. Discover subterranean stalagmites and glowworms at Waitomo Caves and hit top Rotorua’s attractions, including Te Puia Geothermal Park.