Things to Do in Australia & New Zealand

An international jaunt is sure to deliver a world of new sights, sounds, and flavours. But sometimes taking a long-haul flight just isn’t on the agenda. Luckily, you don’t have to escape beyond Australia and New Zealand to encounter once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From Auckland to Sydney, you will find all sorts of ways to get your blood pumping or cool your jets. No matter the desired speed of your holiday, you’ll never run out of new things to do that are practically right in your own backyard.

Queenstown need only nestle itself next to a single natural landmark to garner the attention of travellers from around the world. After all, the neighbouring vineyards and welcoming atmosphere are already an enormous draw. The city has outdone itself, however, by planting its flag near both the majestic Southern Alps and sparkling Lake Wakatipu. When you’re ready to soak in nature’s bounty for all it is worth, a trip to this South Island locale is surely in order.

• Marvel at the lush rainforest and pristine conditions of New Zealand’s world-famous fjord from the seat of a Milford Sound tour.
• Snag a ticket for the Queenstown Skyline Gondola and take in the Southern Alps as they should be seen—from the air.
• Get your adrenaline going on the Canyon Swing in Queenstown afterwards, a leisurely tour through a local vineyard invites you to cool down.
• Skydiving in Queenstown offers awe-inspiring views of the city from a whole new vantage point.
• See New Zealand’s famous fjord from above when you book a scenic Milford Sound flight that affords stunning views of the water and surrounding valleys.
• Kick up your feet and let your worries melt away from the deck of a Lake Wakatipu cruise.
• Make your way through Middle Earth as you trek along on a Pure Lord of the Rings scenic tour.
• Row your way into the heart of Mt. Aspiring National Park, paddling atop blue waters on a Queenstown Funyak trip.
• Sign up for a Queenstown highlights tour and you’ll never miss any of the top places to visit.

From Queen Street to the Auckland Domain, you won’t soon run out of attractions in this North Island city. In fact, you may never be able to take in every corner of Auckland, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying! There are dozens of restaurants beckoning you to take a bite, and when you’ve had your dose of fine cuisine it’s easy to burn it off. Thanks to water sports, you’ll never sit still for a lack of things to keep you busy. Head to the beach, then rappel down a canyon. Adventures always await!

• Feel childlike wonderment as you gaze at the glow worms on a Waitomo Caves tour.
• Be bold and try the Sky Jump from Auckland’s SkyTower—when it’s done, you’ve just conquered one of the most exhilarating activities in the city.
• Ease your worries and sip on some of the local vineyard’s finest collections when you embark on a Waiheke Island wine tour.
• Feel the wind whipping across your face on an Auckland jet boating trip to get a refreshing natural high.
• Be brave and accept an invitation to go cage diving with sharks in Auckland.
• Take off on an Auckland highlights tour to hit all the most important sites when you can’t figure out what to do in the city.

The ribbons of gold along the water in this aptly named Brisbane suburb attract surfers from across the globe. If you’re looking for fun things to do in the water during your time in Queensland, there is perhaps no better destination than Gold Coast. However, the city itself is not about to be outdone by the impressive waves waiting to be caught just off shore. Trips to Gold Coast should include places like the serene rainforest and buzzing downtown neighbourhood.

• Whiz your way down a rollercoaster at one of the top Gold Coast theme parks.
• Spend the afternoon feeding kangaroos at the famed Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in Gold Coast.
• See why Whitewater World is one of the region’s best activities for kids; there are plenty of ways to splash at this exciting theme park.
• Marvel at some of the sea’s most majestic creatures during a visit to SeaWorld® in Gold Coast.
• Pick up Dreamworld passes and see for yourself how Australia’s largest theme park delivers on its reputation for being exhilarating.
• Be blown away by performers at the Australian Outback Spectacular, who all demonstrate artistry and athleticism.
• Don’t settle for seeing only half of what the city has to offer: buy a Gold Coast super pass and save on entry to loads of major attractions.
• Laugh and scream your way down roller coasters and waterslides with a Holiday World® Pass.
• Enjoy views of pineapple farms and mountain peaks when you take the Croc Express to the Australia Zoo by way of Brisbane.
• Set off on a Gold Coast sightseeing cruise to see the skyline from a new vantage point.

Melbourne prides itself on loads of impressive attributes, not the least of which are its fine wine selection and cosmopolitan attitude. Of course, you can also dip your toes in the sand while you’re here. Once you’ve had a full dose of playing with your spade and bucket, you’ll find fun things do for every traveller in your group. From impressive city attractions such as Chinatown to more scenic destinations including St. Kilda’s Road, Melbourne offers so many places to go and things to see that any visitor is sure to leave happy.

• See what the fuss is all when you personally taste-test local vineyards’ stock on a Yarra Valley wine tour.
• Muster up your courage and head to the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere at the Eureka Skydeck.
• Bring your camera if you embark on a scenic Great Ocean Road tour along the water.
• Stick with your guide on a Melbourne city tour and you’ll never get lost as you investigate all corners of the community.
• Take a step back in time on a Sovereign Hill and Ballarat tour, where you’ll walk in the footsteps of 19th century gold miners.
• See the waterfront from the whimsical Melbourne Star Observation Wheel at sunset for a panoramic view you’ll never forget.
• Schedule time for a stop at the SEA LIFE® Melbourne Aquarium to experience the glass-bottom boat tour.
• Let yourself be giddy at the sight of the Phillip Island Penguin Parade, when your favourite waddling birds return home.
• Spare the treads on your shows by booking a Melbourne hop-on hop-off bus ticket to see the city.
• Take a train trip through the forest and across the Trestle Bridge on a popular Puffing Billy tour.

The hallmark of New South Wales’ capital city may be the opera house, but this cultural hub offers many more reasons travel here. Sydney is also one of the top places to visit because of a thriving theater scene, countless water activities, and award-winning restaurants. Fun things to do include activities for kids, so you can bring the whole gang along when Sydney is on the itinerary. Whether you want to keep your adrenaline rush going the whole time you’re in Sydney or you are looking for a quiet getaway, it’s not hard to find ways to pass the time in NSW.

• Put on your bravest face and make your way towards the sky on a Sydney bridge climb adventure.
• Spot some of the top attractions and places to visit in the city from the deck of a Sydney Harbour cruise.
• Embark on a Hunter Valley wine tour to see what New South Wales vineyards have in store.
• Learn the history of one of Sydney’s finest monuments to the arts on a Sydney Opera House tour.
• See all of the best sights and sounds on a Sydney tour with a helpful guide.
• Make your way through the city at your own pace by hopping on a Sydney hop-on hop-off bus trip.
• Get a great deal on Sydney attraction passes so you have plenty of cash left for a good meal.
• Escape the buzzing city centre and head for nature on a Blue Mountain tour.
• Eat to your heart’s content on a Hunter Valley food and wine tour outside the city.
• Visit the Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves on a tour that lets you connect with nature and explore cavernous limestone formations.