Top Australia & the Pacific Sightseeing Tours - page 5

Enjoy the ultimate day out in paradise at South Sea Island, in Fiji’s Mamanuca archipelago. After a cruise from Port Denarau, arrive at your tropical destination and choose from various activity options. Snorkel to discover the stunning coral reefs, kayak in the lagoons, ride a semi-submersible vessel, or upgrade to scuba dive. Feast on a barbecue lunch with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks throughout the day.

Experience the magic of sailing Sydney Harbour—without fighting the crowds on dry land—during a twilight cruise aboard a restored historic tall ship (traditional sailing vessel with rigging). See the city from a new perspective as it lights up for the evening, and sail past must-see landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. While onboard, enjoy an included dinner—saving you from finding a restaurant after the cruise ends.

Join this small group tour, max 20, and see the highlights of Australia’s capital city of Canberra. You’ll see the views from the top of Mount Ainslie, visit the NA Exhibition Center, visit the Parliament House, Australian War Museum and have the experience of seeing the Lost Post Ceremony. Your guide will take you from place to place and tell you all the history and significance of each stop.

Experience the thrill of an up-close encounter with migrating whales on this half-day cruise from Brisbane, available only between June and November. Set sail around Moreton Bay on a luxurious high-speed catamaran and tuck into a delicious buffet lunch on-board as you soak up the scenery. Finally, keep your camera to hand as you spot humpback whales swimming and breaching beside the ship – a rare opportunity to spot the gentle giants in their natural environment.

Gain entry to Zealandia at night and take a guided tour of Zealandia: The Exhibition, which showcases New Zealand’s natural history. Interact with a life-size model moa and Haast’s eagle — both extinct — and learn about the country’s conservation efforts to preserve other native species. Located just minutes from central Wellington, Zealandia includes a night tour of Sanctuary Valley, a fenced eco-sanctuary and safe haven for endemic animal and bird species such as the nocturnal little spotted kiwi.

As well as its stunning countryside, Central Otago in New Zealand is known for its world-class wine and adventure tourism. This ‘hop on, hop off’ bus tour lets you experience some of the best wineries and attractions at your own pace without the hassle of driving. Come away knowing a bit more about this slice of paradise, with commentary along the way to educate and entertain you.

Let seafaring experts show you the best of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands by land and by water on this adventure cruise. With 144 different isles, it can be hard to know where to start, but your captain and crew know all the best spots to swim, snorkel, and spot marine life. Hop off at two hand-picked islands for a hike to panoramic lookout points and see the famous Hole in the Rock.

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders and eventful history of Tasmania on a 6-hour boat tour from Strahan. The first-class catamaran ensures comfort from beginning to end. Cruise through Hell’s Gates, then enjoy a guided visit on Sarah Island, which once housed the island’s most notorious penal settlement. Enjoy a buffet lunch on board the ship, then continue your adventure with a boardwalk tour through the UNESCO listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

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.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love this full-day nature-focused tour to Kaikoura from Christchurch that avoids the need to self-drive along winding coastal roads. Look out for sperm whales, migrating humpbacks, southern right whales, orcas, and dolphins on a cruise with live commentary. Visit a fur seal colony on land, glimpse the snowy peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges during your free time, and top off the day with wine tasting (time permitting).

Venture into the rainforest of the Atherton Tablelands with an expert guide to observe Australian native animals in the wild. From Cairns, travel into the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland to observe kangaroos, lizards, and possums by daylight, then continue after sundown to look for nocturnal critters like the elusive platypus and Lumholtz tree kangaroo. Enjoy afternoon tea at Lake Barrine and dinner at a country restaurant. This small-group tour is limited to 11 people, which ensures a more personalized experience with your guide.

Get active while enjoying the great outdoors and spotting wildlife on this kayaking tour to the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. Paddle through ancient mangrove forests and keep a lookout for the dolphins that pass through. Learn about the animals and their habitat from your naturalist guide. No kayaking experience is necessary and the pace will be slow but moderate fitness is recommended.

One of the best, and easiest, ways to explore Noumea, New Caledonia is by hopping on the local green train. This fun trolley train is perfect for cruise ship passengers who are visiting the city for a short time. See all the top sights including Anse Vata Beach, Castel Hagen, Pacific Lagoon, and the Ouen Toro viewpoint.

A few hours drive south of Sydney, Jervis Bay National Park is a reserve known for its remarkable sea cliffs and beaches, but many of these highlights are difficult to get to on a day trip. If you don’t have the time for a camping trip, this cruise around the bay is a great fit for any schedule. Head out in the late morning or early afternoon and sail along the dramatic coastline, looking out for dolphins, bird life, and other local animals.

Hike through the UNESCO-listed landscape of the Blue Mountains on this active full-day eco-tour from Sydney. After a handy pickup from central Sydney, your first stop is Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park. Admire native animals up close, including kangaroos and koalas. Continue to the Blue Mountains, where you’ll walk to some great lookout points. End at the unmissable Three Sisters, where you’ll learn more about Indigenous history, before returning to Sydney.

Enjoy unobstructed views of Sydney Harbour's landmarks from a 35-foot (10.5-meter) catamaran during this evening cruise. Sail past the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge as the sky shifts from sunset colors to city lights. Light snacks and soft drinks or water are provided on board, and you are welcome to bring your own alcoholic beverages with no corkage fee. Settle in and enjoy the views without the hassle of battling the crowds on land.

Get to know Perth at your own pace on a hop-on hop-off tour that you can customize to suit your interests and time constraints. Cruise around the city by double-decker bus to see sights like the Bell Tower, Kings Park, the Swan River waterfront, and the Botanic Gardens. While you drive, listen to audio commentary available in different languages—there’s even an English channel for kids.

Make the most of your time onshore in Tauranga on a half-day tour, offered in season (October–April). Visit beautiful beaches, orchards, historical landmarks, and more as you listen to engaging commentary from your guide about the history and culture of the region. You'll even get to sample local produce such as Manuka honey, kiwifruit, and avocados.

With a 2-day pass for Tasmania’s Port Arthur Historic Site, you can explore this former convict colony, located on the Tasman Peninsula and part of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Australian Convict Sites, with the flexibility and time to make the most of your visit. Included are a self-guided audio tour, daily site talks, access to the 30-plus ruins and historical buildings, a cruise on the harbor, and a visitor guide with a map. Follow the Convict Water Supply Trail, learn what life was like as a prisoner, and see where officers lived.

Make the most of your time in New Zealand's Bay of Islands with a half-day boat tour—the perfect way to experience the area from a vantage point on the water. Cruise by 144 subtropical islands, and visit natural rock formation, Hole in the Rock, plus Cape Brett Lighthouse. Head out on a bush walk on Motuarohia (Roberton) Island and take in scenic views of the area from the island's lookout point. As you travel the waters of the bay, keep an eye out for native wildlife and marine life, and enjoy onboard commentary.

Whether it’s your first time in Wellington or you just want to see as much as possible during your time in port, this half-day sightseeing tour offers a great introduction to the city and a diverse range of sights. Visit the iconic special-effects Wētā Cave and the historic Old St. Paul’s Cathedral, ride the Wellington Cable Car to the top of the city, and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Victoria.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon in the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge. Whether you're short on time or just prefer comfortable itineraries, this half-day tour lets you see and do a lot but without cramming everything in. Cruise along the Daintree River, looking out for crocs, birds, and other wildlife. Take a nature walk in Mossman Gorge and cool off with a swim in a rainforest stream if you like.

Enjoy sweeping views of Sydney Harbour during a 20-minute scenic helicopter flight over Sydney. If you’re short on time in the city or just want to see a lot in one go, take to the skies for a quick flight with stunning panoramic views. Check off Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and Sydney Harbour Bridge without having to walk anywhere or struggle through the crowds.

Discover the wondrous wildlife and mystical natural attractions of Western Australia on this full-day tour from Perth. Discover kangaroos and koalas at Caversham Wildlife Park, and learn about the local lobster industry with a tour of a lobster plant and fresh seafood lunch in Cervantes. Take a guided walk through the eerie, lunar-like landscape of Pinnacles Desert, and get your heart racing as you speed through the massive dunes of Lancelin on a sandboarding and 4WD adventure.