Top Australia & the Pacific Unique Experiences

Immerse yourself in the magical Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, a UNESCO World Heritage wonder. Reconnect with nature as you explore stunning lookouts, majestic waterfalls, and lush rainforests. End your journey with a delicious organic, vegan dinner amidst the serene forest setting. Leave with a greater appreciation and understanding of the region.

Spotting dolphins from land is exciting, but kayaking alongside them is a truly special experience. From Byron Bay, journey along the waters of Cape Byron Marine Park as your local guide leads you to locations that maximize your chances of seeing bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat—you might even catch a glimpse of whales and sea turtles, too.

Paddle your way to Australia’s easternmost point on this 3-hour sea kayaking adventure from Byron Bay, including hotel pick-up. After learning to steer your tandem kayak, set out from Clarkes Beach and enjoy waterside views of landmarks like the Byron Bay lighthouse, the Julian Rocks, Wategos millionaire row and Cape Byron. Keep a look out for dolphins, sea turtles and whales as you cruise around the bay, then cool off with a swim before heading back to shore.

Learning to surf on your own means guessing at technique and trying to access equipment—difficult to arrange on vacation. Book a small-group lesson at Bondi Beach with a local instructor to cover surf and safety basics, warm-up, paddling, catching waves, and standing up. All the gear is included, so you can turn up and get straight in the water.

Delve behind the scenes at one of Queensland's best-loved breweries on this insider tour of Brisbane's XXXX Brewery. Walk through the production area, discover how the beers are created, observe the brewing process up close, then pour the perfect pint after learning from the pros. This tour includes tastings of three XXXX beers, with the option to upgrade to add burger and fries for lunch.

Explore the natural beauty of Palau on this flexibly-timed adventure. After a convenient hotel pickup, head to Neco Marine, meet your guide and get fitted with equipment. Then sail to the emerald isles of Palau’s Southern Lagoon for magnificent beaches, an underwater adventure, and a rejuvenating stop at the “Milky Way.”

Enjoy a magical 6-6.5 hour tour to the Hobbiton Movie set, used for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film series, which has made NZ famous. Leaving the port, we first travel past the stunning beaches of Mount Maunganui, a top NZ holiday destination, across the harbor bridge and into the country, over the Kaimai mountain ranges, into the lush farming district of the Waikato, the location of Hobbiton. At Hobbiton you can visit the Shires Rest Cafe, browse the souvenir shop or just take in the stunning views before joining the 2.5 hour guided tour, explore inside a Hobbit home and finish at The Green Dragon Pub with a complimentary Ale. As Cruise ship arrival times varies so much, we adjust the start time to suit, which we confirm to you when your booking is accepted, always having you back at the ship in good time for its departure. Please see the Additional Info section for details of our cancellation policy should the ship cancel its port of call within 24 hours of arrival.

What better place to learn to surf than at Surfers Paradise on Queensland’s Gold Coast? Master the basics, practice standing up on your board, and catch your first wave with this beginner-friendly 2-hour surf class. Pick a morning or afternoon start time to suit your schedule. With all equipment included and expert instructors to guide you, you can feel comfortable in the water and make real progress.

The Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are New Zealand’s most accessible glaciers, and many visitors find it hard to choose between them. This helicopter tour takes in both with a thrilling flight over snowy peaks and frozen waterfalls, and an unforgettable snow landing overlooking one of the glaciers. You’ll enjoy views of the mountainous landscape that you can’t get any other way.

Travel the full circuit of the Christchurch Tram, which departs about every 15 minutes from stops around the central city. Use your ticket to hop on and hop off at 18 stops and create your own sightseeing itinerary, or stay onboard for a comprehensive tour with live commentary. The ticket lasts all day so you can get on and off where you want.

Perfect for those staying on the island and looking to take their time, this tour offers a relaxed way to experience Samoa. Experience the best of Upolu in a single, unforgettable day with Coconut Tours. Our signature island adventure features the iconic To Sua Ocean Trench, the refreshing Piula Cave Pool, and cascading waterfalls like Sauniatu. Enjoy a scenic lunch at a premium resort, followed by your choice of beach relaxation or a coastal walk in a national park. With intimate groups and multiple weekly departures, we offer a personalized gateway to Samoa's most spectacular landscapes.

Take in views from one of Sydney's best vantage points, the revolving restaurant at Sydney Tower, 81 stories above the ground. Dining experience includes 3-Course a-la-carte menu served with freshly baked bread, cultured butter, and Chef's selected side dish. This sophisticated restaurant offers an intimate, stylish fine dining experience, with contemporary Australian-French fusion cuisine.

Discover the thrills of the underwater world, even if you are not a certified scuba dive, with this no-certification introductory scuba diving experience in Guam. After a safety briefing and instruction on the use of equipment, join your instructor and a group of no more than four on a shallow dive up to 20 feet (7 meters), where you can admire the colorful coral reef and tropical fish.

Discover some of Central Otago’s top wineries on this small-group wine tour from Queenstown. Enjoy guided tastings at three wineries, including Gibbston Valley Winery, Kinross, and a boutique winery in Gibbston. Sample delicious regional wines and cheese, and gain insight into the delicate balances of scent and flavor at play in your glass.

Get an enchanting new perspective on Melbourne aboard a hot-air balloon flight over the city at sunrise. Soar over modern skyscrapers, urban parks, famous sporting arenas, and the Yarra River as early morning light bathes the skyline in a rosy glow. After your unforgettable flight, toast the new day with an optional buffet breakfast.

Discover the supernatural side of the Adelaide Gaol on a 2-hour ghost tour of the historic prison. Rumored to be one of Australia’s most haunted locations, the Adelaide Gaol is also one of the oldest buildings in the city. Hear spooky stories of prisoners from the past and their ghosts who are rumored to still haunt the building. Learn about Adelaide’s history and its most notorious criminals as your guide shares informative and entertaining commentary on this spine-tingling evening tour.

Marvel at the Gold Coast from above on an exciting 30-minute hot air balloon ride! Maximize your time with a short but scenic route and float over the golden beaches, shimmering waterways and forested hinterlands on a thrilling flight. Best of all: your sunrise flight means you’ll see the landscapes at their most magical, beneath the ethereal glow of the rising sun.

Discover Melbourne's bar scene, including "hidden" bars you won't find in any guidebooks, on this small-group bar-hopping tour. Visit several venues for cocktails, Australian wine, and beer, stopping into a classic pub, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked into the laneway, a wine bar with options from the nearby Yarra Valley, and another bar selected by your guide depending on your group’s interests. Your first drink is included, plus get tips for additional places to visit on your own.

Ditch the guidebook and explore Australia’s most populous city, Sydney, with a local guide. Craft an itinerary that suits your interests and hit the streets with an insider, visiting landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, as well as authentic local institutions and hot spots. Benefit from a resident’s perspective on this diverse metropolis and explore areas you might otherwise miss out on.

Wellington, long-celebrated for its bohemian liberal arts and cafe culture, is fast-becoming renowned as New Zealand’s capitol of craft beer. Visit four Wellington and Hutt Valley breweries, tasting a range of tasty local beers at each establishment on this small group day tour designed for lovers of ales, stouts, lagers and everything hoppy in-between.

The Monteith’s Brewing Company is one of New Zealand’s oldest beer-makers and a West Coast icon. Go behind the scenes at the company’s Greymouth brewery on this exclusive tour and learn about the history behind West Coast brewing. See how Monteith’s make their beer and cider and sample some of it for yourself during a hands-on beer-tasting lesson with tasting notes to help you out.

Double Island Point is one of the best places in Australia to surf, and this half-day tour from Noosa is ideal for surfers of all levels. Follow the Great Beach Drive to the island by 4WD, and enjoy magnificent views of uncrowded point break waves that you can ride for hundreds of feet, even as a beginner. Need more guidance? Upgrade to add a group or private surf lesson.

Teaching yourself to surf means guessing at technique and reading unfamiliar water on your own. Learn at Byron Bay's Main Beach instead, where a calm stretch of surf suits first attempts and an instructor covers what you need in a small group. Whether you're starting from scratch or brushing up, you get close guidance in the water.