Activities in Pacific
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Riverlife Adventure Centre
Opened in 2005, this diverse centre offers a wealth of river- and land-based activities. Group kayaking lessons along the Brisbane River are held daily at 1pm ($34), Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm ($45), or you can hire your own ($25 for 1½ hours). The paddle and prawns ($69; 1½ hours kayaking followed by beer and prawns on the riverfront deck) on Friday nights from 7pm gets rave reviews. On Thursdays at noon you can participate in traditional Aboriginal song and dance performances (adult/child $45/25) with members of the Nunukul, Yuggera, Yugimbir and Nugi tribes. Performances ($65 per person) are also held on Saturday at 7pm; bookings are essential.
reviewed
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TIME Unlimited
To Integrate Maori Experiences (TIME) is the motto. A hefty set of cultural, fishing, kayaking, trekking and sightseeing tours are outlined on their website, including excellent kayak-fishing excursions (full day $295)
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Polynesian Spa
A bathhouse opened at these Government Gardens springs in 1882, and people have been swearing by the waters ever since. There is mineral bathing (36°C to 42°C) in several picturesque pools at the lake’s edge, marble-lined terraced pools and a larger, main pool. Also here are luxury therapies (massage, mud and beauty treatments) and a cafe.
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Auckland Sea Kayaks
Takes guided trips (including lunch) to Rangitoto ($225, 10 hours) and Browns Island/Motukorea ($175, six hours). Multiday excursions also available.
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This Is Not Art Festival
Young writers, artists and music-makers celebrate.
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Adrenalin Dive
Day trips to the Yongala (from $220) and Wheeler Reef (from $280), both including two dives. Also offers snorkelling (from $180) on Wheeler Reef as well as live-aboard trips, and dive certification courses.
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Bondi Beach
Definitively Sydney, Bondi is one of the world’s great beaches: ocean and land collide, the Pacific arrives in great foaming swells and all people are equal, as democratic as sand. It’s the closest ocean beach to the city centre (8km away), has consistently good (though crowded) waves, and is great for a rough-and-tumble swim (the average water temperature is a considerate 21°C). If the sea’s angry, try the salt-water sea baths at either end of the beach; these are perfect for kids.
The two surf clubs – Bondi and North Bondi – patrol the beach between sets of red and yellow flags, positioned to avoid the worst rips and holes. Thousands of unfortunates have to be…
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Bundaberg Aqua Scuba
About 16km east of Bundaberg, the small beach hamlet of Bargara has good diving and snorkelling at Barolin Rocks and in the Woongarra Marine Park. Bundaberg Aqua Scuba offers four-day, PADI open-water diving courses for $219, but this only includes shore dives. Advanced open-water dive courses cost from $265.
reviewed
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Marama Tattoo
For traditionally designed tattoos head to Marama Tattoo in Matira Point. Popular, sterile and reliable.
reviewed
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Sail Ningaloo
The fully cashed-up can select from a number of multi-day reef-sailing cruises on board the catamaran Shore Thing.
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Opera House Guided Tours
One-hour guided tours depart half-hourly (you’ll save $5 if you book online). Tours employ archival video footage to help tell the story of the iconic building’s construction. A highlight is the Utzon Room, the only part of the house to have an interior designed by the great man himself. For a more in-depth nosy around, the two-hour early-morning backstage tour includes the Green Room and stars’ dressing rooms.
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Sydney Eco Whale Watching Small Group Cruise
4 hours (Departs Sydney, Australia)
by Viator
Want to see whales in Sydney? Experience the majestic whales close up when a large number of Humpback and Southern Right Whales start their migration north…Not LP reviewed
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Nelson Bonecarving
Admirers of Maori design will love Stephan’s acclaimed bonecarving course. He’ll supply all materials, tools, instruction, encouragement and cups of tea (plus free pick-up/drop-off in town if needed); you supply inspiration and talent and you’ll emerge with your very own bone carving.
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L'Hippocampus the Sea Horse Ranch
L'Hippocampus the Sea Horse Ranch has fun trail rides and major adventures. Offers everything from bareback swimming treks to rainforest rides, gentle beach walks or sunset trails, on acres of forest and beach for you to explore. It's a 10-minute bus ride from town.
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Green Glow Eco-Adventures
Green Glow Eco-Adventures runs customised, small-group Waitomo tours, putting a caving, rock-climbing, abseiling, photographic or glowworm spin on your day (or all of the above!). It’s based in Te Kuiti, 20 minutes from Waitomo.
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Alpine Paragliding
Tandem flights from Mystic ($130) and two-day courses $499.
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PNG High Country Tours
Samuel Lulu runs tours and treks around the jungles and caves of the Eastern Highlands and out towards Simbu. He offers village accommodation in the Namasaro Unggai district west of Goroka.
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Snowplanet
A winter wonderland that allows every day to be a snowy one, Snowplanet offers indoor skiing, tobogganing and snowboarding. It’s just off SH1, 8km south of Orewa.
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Lake Tarawera Water Taxi
Around 2km beyond The Landing is Lake Tarawera Water Taxi, which can take you anywhere on the lake, anytime.
reviewed
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Fraser Magic 4WD Hire
Hervey Bay is the most popular spot to hire a 4WD for Fraser Island.
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Fraser Island Company
Range of tours available, from small groups to coaches.
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Urban Climb
Large indoor climbing wall.
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Hukafalls Jet
This 30-minute thrill ride takes you up the river to the spray-filled foot of the Huka Falls and down to the Aratiatia Dam, all the while dodging daringly and doing acrobatic 360° turns. Trips run all day (prices include transport from Taupo) and you can bundle it in with a helicopter ride.
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Night Vision Walks
See nocturnal animals in their natural habitat.
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