A vacation down under in Australia and New Zealand gives you plenty to see and do. These Pacific powerhouses are known for their dramatic mountains, coral reefs, beaches, outdoor adventure sports and unique flora and fauna. If you’re booking Australia tour packages or New Zealand holiday packages, here are the top bucket-list experiences to include in your itinerary.
Bungy Jumping in New Zealand
Bungy Jumping is a rite of passage for adrenaline-driven New Zealand tour packages. You can leap off bridges, rail viaducts, the edge of a cliff or even a stadium roof while being tethered to an anchor on the jump platform. Central Queenstown has the highest bungy platform in New Zealand – it’s an 8.5-second free fall from a height of 134m! The bungy jump experience over the Waikato River is shorter (the platform is only 47m above ground) but you can choose to end it with a plunge into the water.
Jet Boat Rides Through Shotover Canyons
A jet boat ride over the Shotover River reaches a top speed of 90kmph! It’s almost like you’re flying over the water. This ride takes you deep into the famous Shotover Canyons in Queensland. With a series of action-packed twists, turns, and 360-degree spins, it’s a thrilling ride from jetty to jetty. Make sure you keep your eyes open – the steep rock walls are as impressive as the ride. You can book this experience as part of our Coast to Coast New Zealand tour package.
Sailing in Auckland
New Zealand isn’t just about adventure. Romantic New Zealand tour packages take you sailing in the Auckland harbour. Choose between high-performance race yachts and heritage shows for your excursion. As you leave behind the city’s hustle and bustle, you’ll sail under the Harbour bridge to get the best view of the iconic city skyline and volcanic peaks.
Similar sailing cruises run from Sydney Harbour.
Hot Air Ballooning in Cairns
Hot air ballooning in Australia is at the other end of the adrenaline spectrum but just as memorable. In Cairns, you’ll float over the Cairns Highlands and Atherton Tablelands. For the best experience, be prepared for an early start – we’re talking pre-dawn – rides usually start between 4.30 and 5.30 am. Of course, you’ll be amply rewarded for your efforts. As the balloon soars amidst the clouds, you’ll see a gorgeous sunrise ahead and frolicking kangaroos and wallabies below.
You can also try hot air ballooning in the Barossa Valley, Canberra, Byron Bay and many other spots.
Snorkel over the Great Barrier Reef
Australia tour packages are incomplete without a snorkeling experience. And what better place to explore the marine world than the Great Barrier Reef? After all, it is the largest coral reef in the world! Many tours follow up a hot air balloon ride in Cairns with a snorkeling and scuba diving tour. Once you dip your head underwater, you’ll be treated to a world where colourful fish weave through vibrant coral gardens. You might even spot a turtle in the distance.
Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley is renowned worldwide for its exquisite shiraz and semillon. The guided tour through the wineries is one of the key attractions of our Week in Australia tour. With over 150 cellar doors and restaurants with innovative paddock-to-plate menus, you’re sure to be spoilt for choice.
You can book a half-day or full-day tour or get a seat on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. You can even charter a horse-drawn carriage to meander through the wine country and visit boutique cellar doors for exclusive tastings.
Go Behind the Scenes at Melbourne Cricket Ground
If you’re a cricket buff, you can’t miss visiting the Melbourne Cricket Ground – even if there isn’t a match scheduled. It’s counted as the most successful ground overseas for the Indian cricket team. Given its rich history, the best way to explore the venue is with a guided tour that’s included in our Essential Australia tour package. This gives you a chance to walk along the arena’s boundary line, visit the player change rooms, take a selfie with Sachin Tendulkar’s portrait and lots more.
Booking Australia and New Zealand Tour Packages
The experiences listed above are just the tip of the iceberg. There’s so much more you can do in Australia and New Zealand – the dawn and dusk light show at Uluru, walks through Hobbiton in Matamata, heli-skiing, gondola rides, ziplining, rafting, sky diving…
It begins with booking the right holiday package. At Odyssey, we’re with you every step of the way. We’ll help you choose Australia and New Zealand tour packages or design an itinerary that packs in all the things you want to do at a pace that’s comfortable for you. Your tickets, insurance, visas – we’ll guide you through it all. Rest assured, you’ll be set for an unforgettable holiday. Want to know more – reach out today.