Top Australia & the Pacific Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises - page 2

Many whale-watching tours head straight into open water, but this cruise begins in Sydney Harbour, where you can enjoy breakfast or a barbecue lunch (depending on the option selected). After your meal, sail past sights such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge en route to the Pacific Ocean, in search of migrating humpback and southern right whales. A naturalist guide provides live commentary along the way, and helps you spot marine life.

The otherworldly landscapes of the Pinnacles Desert are one of Western Australia’s most impressive natural wonders. On this tour, admire the Pinnacles during a magical sunset visit, enjoy a barbecue dinner in the desert, and stay after dark to stargaze. En route, stop at Nilgen Nature Reserve to see wildflowers, sandboard at Lancelin, or visit Hangover Bay to walk on the beach and learn about indigenous food and medicine.

Venture beyond the resorts on this half-day tour of Moorea, which guarantees a first-hand look at all the island’s top sights and fuss-free transport between them. Get off the beaten path and venture to viewpoints such as Magic Mountain and Belvedere Lookout, see marae (Polynesian temples) and pineapple fields, and visit an island distillery. Expert narration is offered throughout.

Spend an afternoon relaxing and enjoying some gentle active adventures on Rarotonga’s favorite Muri Lagoon. Aboard a glass-bottom boat, spend the afternoon floating over the turquoise waters, stopping to snorkel at the reef along the way. Stop on dry land for a barbecue lunch and some island-style fun and entertainment. Transfers from along Rarotonga’s Ring Road can be provided for an extra fee.

Experience one of the wonders of the natural world up close and personal on this snorkeling and diving cruise on the Great Barrier Reef. Climb aboard a superyacht in Cairns and set sail to two different outer reef locations. Explore the colorful world underneath the water, and snorkel or dive for a closer look. A delicious barbecue lunch and light refreshments are included.

Experience one of the South Island’s finest natural attractions on a Milford Sound cruise, boarding straight from the sound. A more intimate experience is guaranteed because the boat is only filled to half its capacity. Get up-close views of New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, and Fiordland-crested penguins while enjoying complimentary coffee, tea, and biscuits as you listen to the skipper’s narration.

Fans of the Lord of the Rings movies won’t want to miss this fun half-day tour to various filming locations in the Southern Alps. You’ll enjoy exclusive access to private Arcadia Station and will also visit the beautiful Mt. Aspiring National Park. Be amazed by the natural beauty while reliving your favorite movie scenes. Don an LOTR costume and sword too, if you like.

With crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful marine life, the Bora Bora lagoon is a perfect snorkeling spot. On this morning adventure, cruise to three or four of the best snorkeling spots in the lagoon, which your captain will select based on the day’s conditions. Swim and snorkel through a coral garden, among the tropical fish, and perhaps even manta rays. Includes handy transfers from your Bora Bora accommodation.

Visiting the Blue Mountains independently can be tiring to do independently, with long distances between viewpoints. This full-day tour from Sydney simplifies the journey, connecting the region’s highlights while a driver tackles the roads. Take in sweeping views from Kings Tableland, walk to scenic spots such as Wentworth Falls or Leura Cascades, and visit the towns of Leura and Katoomba to see the Three Sisters. The day ends with a relaxing cruise along the Parramatta River back to Circular Quay.

Discover the vibrant underwater world of the outer Great Barrier Reef with a Quicksilver snorkeling cruise from Port Douglas. Board a luxurious catamaran to Agincourt Reef, where you can tailor your day with activities like snorkeling, fish feeding, semi-submersible tours, or the unique Ocean Walker helmet dive. Complete the adventure with a tasty buffet lunch and options to take your exploration deeper with scuba dives for beginners or certified divers alike.

Avoid the risk of driving to Milford Sound yourself and being distracted by the views. This group tour from Queenstown makes it easy—and safe—to visit the must-see natural attraction for a day. After a handy hotel pickup, embark on a dramatic journey through mountains, gorges, and the incredible Homer Tunnel. Make scenic stops along the way. Cruise Milford Sound in a catamaran, looking out for wildlife along the way.

Instead of glimpsing snippets of extraordinary beauty from the Milford Road, travelers in the known enjoy the entire landscape in context on this cruise of Piopiotahi, Milford Sound. Slowly turn your attention across the horizon to see glacier-carved cliffs rising from the inky waters below - when you’re travelling by boat, there’s plenty of time to take it all in before framing up the perfect shot to preserve the moment.

The rainforest-clad islands, white-sand beaches, and vast coral reefs of the Whitsundays are even more impressive when viewed from above. With this tour, take off on a scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and admire the views from the panoramic windows. Fly over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and the Heart Reef, and enjoy a magnificent bird’s eye view of the Great Barrier Reef. Live commentary is available in English, Mandarin, and Spanish.

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship (or a replacement vessel when the steamship is undergoing maintenance). Stroll the lakeside gardens, watch a farm show, and see sheepdogs in action. Take a guided tour and enjoy free time to stroll. Savor a delicious afternoon tea with scones before heading back to Queenstown the same way you came.

Cruise Auckland's Hauraki Gulf Marine Park on a 4.5-hour eco safari to spot whales, dolphins, seals, and rare seabirds. Enjoy expert commentary and close encounters with diverse marine wildlife in stunning island scenery, departing from downtown Auckland's Viaduct Harbour.

With this Moorea Jet Ski tour, you'll get to know the island's jagged volcanic mountains, sandy beaches, and gorgeous bays—all with the help of a local guide. See more than you could on your own and hop on a solo or twin Jet Ski in search of native wildlife in their natural environment. You'll even have a chance to swim with stingrays and sharks and spot turtles, dolphins, and whales (in season).

Explore the lush beauty, amazing wildlife, and rich heritage of Tropical North Queensland on this customizable full-day trip to Kuranda from Cairns. Travel to this enchanting rainforest village aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, and choose from a variety of activities including visits to Birdworld and Rainforestation Nature Park. Hang out with koalas and exotic birds, browse local markets, and more. At the end of the day, glide through the treetops back to Cairns on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Travel from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, one of Australia’s most popular wildlife destinations, on this activity-filled day trip by ferry and coach that takes care of all the logistics. Discover natural attractions from Seal Bay Conservation Park to the Remarkable Rocks. Then, discover wildlife ranging from wallabies and echidnas to fur seals and sea lions, and even get up close with koalas and kangaroos.

Fiordland is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations, but self-driving through the landscape of snow-capped mountains, towering waterfalls, and emerald greenery can be challenging—and distracting. Eliminate the hassle when you travel with a small group by coach from Queenstown. Pass Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake, and enter the hand-carved Homer Tunnel on your way to Milford Sound, where you relax on a scenic nature cruise.

Take in the highlights of New Zealand’s largest city on this half-day tour of Auckland and benefit from your guide’s commentary. Admire views of Auckland Harbour and drive over the Harbour Bridge; gaze out over the city from the top of Mt. Eden; and see spectacular views of the Mission Bay beaches—all in just half a day, with plenty of photo stops along the way.

Zip around the Bora Bora lagoon on a morning or afternoon Jet Ski tour. Admire the views as you cruise past water bungalows, sailboats, and the lush green slopes of Mt. Otemanu. Aboard a single or double Jet Ski, race over sparkling aquamarine waters with a guide in the lead. Stop for swimming and a coconut-husking demonstration, ensuring plenty of photo ops in this Polynesian paradise.

Explore Lake Wakatipu by boat on a 1.5-hour cruise from Queenstown. As you travel to the end of the lake, you can see stunning lakeside homes, a variety of bird life, Kawarau Dam, and the magnificent scenery that surrounds Queenstown. Get unobstructed views from the sundeck or stay warm in the heated cabin, and have the option to purchase drinks from the onboard bar.

Uncover the secrets of Sydney’s heritage as you explore The Rocks on this guided walking tour of the historic precinct. Offering amazing views over the Sydney Harbour and the Campbells Cove Wharves, your guide will lead you along shady laneways and cobbled courtyards where you’ll discover some of Sydney’s earliest buildings, including Cadman’s Cottage, built in 1816 and the Garrison Church, which dates back to the 1840s.

Explore the Waitakere Ranges and Auckland’s rugged west coast, including Piha Beach, during an afternoon tour with a guide knowledgeable about New Zealand flora and fauna. From the Arataki Centre, admire sweeping views of the ocean and distant city. Learn about Māori history, stroll on the black-sand beach, and take a nature walk through a lush rainforest while you experience one of Auckland's largest regional parks.