Top Australia & the Pacific Unique Experiences - page 4

Learn to surf like a true Aussie with a 3-hour surf lesson at the Bryon Bay Surfing School. Surf school founder Gaz Morgan or head instructors David and Sam, expertly guide small group classes and provide all equipment, making this the ideal opportunity for beginners to master the basics. After learning to paddle and stand-up on your board, take to the water to put your newfound skills into action and have a go at catching your first wave.

Escape the city for a full-day cycling adventure and pedal your way along the soaring sea cliffs, golden beaches and tree-lined promenades of Manly. Hop on your rental bike and set out on a self-guided route, passing landmarks like Manly Corso, Manly Lagoon and Cabbage Tree Bay. Stop along the way to take a dip at Shelly Beach, see the Collins waterfall or admire the scenery of Sydney Harbour National Park.

Tired of the usual tourist stops? Discover a hidden gem at Broken Bay Pearl Farm, New South Wales’ only pearl farm. Located around an hour north of Sydney on the Hawkesbury River, this experience lets you meet the dedicated farming team, learn the secrets of pearl and oyster cultivation, and enjoy a guided tour. Then, choose whether to browse the Pearls of Australia jewelry collection or simply relax with freshly shucked local oysters overlooking stunning Spectacle Island.

See two remarkable glaciers from the air on a 30-minute helicopter tour of Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. Lift off from a helipad at Fox Glacier twon, then fly across ice falls, formations, and crevasses on your way to Franz Josef Glacier, and touch down on a glacial snowfield for a photography session. Departures are available throughout the day for this 30-minute helicopter tour of two New Zealand glaciers.

Create your own tailored tour of Sydney led by a local. Your new friend will take you wherever you want to go, creating a custom itinerary based on your needs, interests, and timing. This walking tour will give you a resident’s perspective, allowing you to experience the city like a local and not a tourist.

Photograph New Zealand's spectacular scenery both inside and outside of the caves on a private photography tour with your own photographer-guide. Visit a pristine glow worm cave in the Waitomo district, and take your time to capture great shots of the glow worms and other sights. You can use larger cameras and equipment like small tripods on this photography tour, with the freedom to take more time for your photography than on standard tours. Includes guide, use of wet weather gear, and snacks.

Taste a range of great beers, and learn all about craft brewing in Sydney, on this insider, small-group tour. Perfect for visiting beer lovers looking for a local experience, this tour will whisk you to several of the city's most popular breweries. At each stop, have the chance to go a behind-the-scenes tour, meet the people who created the beer, and enjoy a generous selection of samples.

Visit four craft breweries in Brisbane on a full-day tour that introduces you to some of the city's best suds. Drink a variety of handcrafted beers and soak them up with a tasty lunch, all while learning about the beer-making process. Your expert guide is a beer lover who shares in-depth commentary and entertaining stories throughout your tour. They'll also get you behind the scenes, chatting with the brewers and sampling fresh releases.

Connoisseurs of craft beer can enjoy a delicious introduction to some of Noosa’s top breweries—all without having to worry about transport or logistics—during this brewery tour in the Noosa area. Your driver-guide leads a small group, limited to 11 passengers, to three unique breweries, where you learn about the brewing process, sample a wide range of local beers, and enjoy a hearty lunch in between. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

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.

Looking for a one-of-a-kind Melbourne outing? On this craft beer tour, you'll visit the city's hip Collingwood district, and will head to locals-loved beer bars that most visitors miss, all with just a small group for company. Led by your beer-expert guide, learn more about Melbourne’s beer scene. You'll also enjoy tutored tastings at three different venues, the opportunity to try numerous beer styles, and even snacks to go with.

Take to the waves at one of Sydney’s top surf spots with a surf class at the beautiful Maroubra Beach. In a small-group lesson with a qualified instructor and a maximum of 6 people, learn about water safety, master the basic skills, and enjoy a fun time on the water.

Choose this day-tour for a personal and comfortable visit to a number of craft beer breweries in Wellington.  With beverages and lunch included, you’re all set to have a low-stress, informal day away from the hustle and bustle of your cruise ship. This is a great way to understand, from beer to beer, why the city is the craft beer capital of New Zealand.  Make the most of Wellington’s array of craft beer and its friendly, knowledgeable residents!

Learn to surf at one of Victoria’s best spots along the Great Ocean Road. Take a surf lesson in Lorne and learn all the basics from your instructor before taking to the waves to give it a go. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Great Ocean Road and get a true Aussie surf experience on this 2-hour tour.

Take a surfing lesson at Middleton Beach, located in South Australia just outside of Adelaide. Your qualified surfing instructor teaches the basics of how to surf or assists you to refine your existing skills. Choose a morning or afternoon lesson that includes the use of a high-quality surfboard, rash top, sunscreen, and wetsuit.

Explore New Zealand's premier wine region on this morning wineries tour from Blenheim. Visit four wineries, each internationally acclaimed for their red and white wines, particularly sauvignon blanc grapes that flourish in the sun-drenched alluvial soils of Marlborough. Stroll through the vines and contemplate the meaningful things in life. The practical things, like your round-trip transport and hotel pickup, are all taken care of for you.

Sample some of Queensland’s finest wines during a 1.5-hour wine tasting experience at the Sirromet Winery in Mount Cotton. Stroll around the vineyards, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the family-run winery, then try the award-winning red, white, and sparkling wines during an expert-led tasting.

Indulge your inner foodie and learn to make dumplings like a pro with this cooking class in Melbourne. Enjoy a hands-on experience in a fun atmosphere and discover how to prepare the perfect dough for Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese dumplings using a variety of meats and vegetables. Then, savor your creation in a small group setting.

Surfing can be a great way to get to know a new area, but it can be a challenge to find the right beaches in unfamiliar territory. The instructors on this half-day surfing lesson take care of finding surf spots for you, taking you to the best beaches depending on the weather conditions. That means you can spend more time enjoying yourself and improving your surfing.

See Melbourne, Australia through the eyes of a local on this private, customizable guided walking tour of the city. List your preferences for the itinerary ahead of time or rely on your guide’s knowledge of the city for recommendations on what to see. Perfect for anyone looking to get their bearings in the city for the first time.

Swap the typical sightseeing route for the chance to see Brisbane through the eyes of a local. This private walking tour is tailored to your interests so that, rather than following a fixed itinerary, your guide adapts the experience to match your preferences, whether you're interested in historic landmarks, hidden neighborhood gems, or local food.

Learn how to catch a wave on this two-day ‘surf school’ on one of Byron Bay’s stunning beaches. Learn all the skills you need to surf and keep safe over two half-day sessions with a surf coach. Then apply your lessons at a Byron Bay beach specifically chosen by your coach to match your level of experience.

Visit four craft breweries on the Gold Coast during a full-day tour that includes lots of beer tastings and a delicious lunch. Meet the brewers, sample plenty of fresh beer, and learn what goes on behind the scenes during the brewing process. For added convenience—and so you can focus on enjoyment without worrying about driving—round-trip transfers from the Gold Coast are included.

With its abundance of breweries and bars, Melbourne is a mecca for beer lovers. Visit some of the bars favored by locals on a private craft beer tour that promises to take you off the beaten path. Taking a private tour means that you’ll benefit from the undivided attention of a guide and receive recommendations tailored to your craft beer preferences.