Things to Do in Australia And The Pacific

Built in the late-19th century by William Larnach, Larnach Castle is New Zealand’s only castle. It’s been beautifully refurbished and the grounds are carefully tended. The views across the hills and water of the Otago Peninsula are some of the best in the area. A trip to Larnach Castle is a great way to spend a day while visiting Dunedin.

Larnach Castle is actually a mock castle, as it was a home rather than a fortified battlement. No expense was spared during its construction and the Barker family who have owned it since the 1960s have restored it beautifully, adding antiques and period furniture. Enjoy touring the interior, have tea or lunch in the beautiful Ballroom Cafe, visit the plant nursery, and stroll the 35-acre grounds. You can even stay overnight on the grounds.

Tour independently with prebooked admission tickets or take part in a small-group guided tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula that also visits the castle. Additionally, some tours combine a visit to Larnach Castle with a wildlife excursion or a visit to Speight’s brewery.

Larnach Castle is located about 20 minutes from Dunedin city by car, on the Otago Peninsula. It’s not very convenient to get there by bus, so it’s better to go on a private or group tour from Dunedin or Port Chalmers (for cruise ship passengers).

While you can join a Larnach Castle tour year-round (it's open daily 365 days a year), Dunedin and its surrounding areas are best visited in the summer (December–February). The temperatures are pleasant, the daylight hours are long, and the greenery and flowers add to the natural beauty of the Otago Peninsula and the castle grounds.

Larnach Castle hosts a number of exciting events throughout the year, suited to a range of interests. These include winter evening dinners, ghost story nights, an annual winter ball, and a teddy bears’ picnic during school holidays. Check their calendar before planning a visit.

Explore the rugged, wind-swept vistas and expansive beach views at one of Western Australia’s most renowned spots for exploration, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Situated west of Busselton, visitors flock to this natural playground for its raw beauty and accessibility for activities in nature. Moss-covered waterfalls, stalagmite-filled caves and curving sands create a welcome environment for every kind of traveler.

Get your paddle on at infamous surf breaks like Smith Beach, or drop a line at the fishing hole, Moses Rock South. Epic views and panoramic scenery make the park an ideal place for bushwalking, trail hiking and cycling; afterwards, take a rest and stay awhile at the Boranup Campground. Travelers can snorkel above white sand at Cosy Corner or even try abseiling in the Calgardup Cave. For the more laid-back traveler, simply get lost wandering among the limestone and granite headlands. 

If you've ever seen a picture of Lake Pukaki, you can be forgiven for thinking there’s no way that this lake could possibly be real. After all, the color of the water—a shining, rich, deep shade of turquoise—has the same captivating and alluring effect as a pair of misty-blue eyes. The hue of the water seems to match the sky, and in addition to being surrounded by open plains, the towering spire of Aoraki/Mount Cook stands watch over most of the shoreline. Isolated, empty, and incomparably scenic, there are few places on the South Island of New Zealand which can inspire nearly as much awe. 

Running north-to-south and glacially-fed, this narrow lake parallels the road which leads to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. It’s the glacial silt from the Southern Alps which gives the lake its trademark hue, and on the clearest of days when the turquoise waters are backed by snowcapped Mount Cook, it’s a panorama that easily has the ability to drain your entire camera battery. Summer is the most popular time to visit—due to the warm temperatures and clear views of the mountains—although unpredictable alpine weather can roll through during any time of year. During the winter the views of Mount Cook are often obscured by clouds, but on the rare days when blue skies accompany the lakeside snow drifts, there is a good chance you’ll have the lake completely to yourself.

More than just a scenic picture, however, there are also numerous walking trails which begin from the shore of the lake. Seeing as the lone road leading in towards Mount Cook is the only semblance of development, ten minutes of walking on a trail can leave you enveloped by the surrounding wilderness. The road is also a popular route for cyclists touring the country by bicycle, and whether you visit independently, or on your own two wheels, or as part of a guided tour, everyone who gazes upon Lake Pukaki can agree on its unrivaled beauty.

Lake Taupo is the largest lake in New Zealand, at over 230 square miles (596 square kilometers). Formed by a prehistoric supervolcanic eruption, the lake now sits in the volcano’s dormant caldera. Walk the pristine shores of this natural taonga (treasure), kayak or waterski, or enjoy the trout fishing for which the lake is famous.

This massive lake is calm and picturesque—the perfect landscape for relaxing with friends and family. You can kick back at Acacia Bay, or avoid the crowds and head across the lake to quieter Dog Beach and Fish Beach. There’s plenty for adventurous travelers to do as well. The 6-mile (10-kilometer) Great Lake Walkway is a popular walking and cycling route, from Taupo Harbour to the end of Five Mile Bay. Swimming and kayaking are big here too, plus tour operators all around the lake offer jet boating, windsurfing, skydiving, bungee jumping, and other adventure sports. No matter your activity, you won’t help but notice the geothermal activity—there are giant steam plumes all over the place.

 

Lake Taupo is located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Rotorua, about an hour’s drive away. From Auckland or Wellington, you can catch a daily flight to the town of Taupo, or drive along State Highway 1.

 

Lake Taupo and its surroundings are beautiful at any time of year. If you’re interested in getting on or in the water, summer is the best time to visit—though it’s also the lake’s busiest time, as it’s a popular New Year destination. Try visiting in November or February, when the beaches are less crowded.

 

If you’re looking to relax in style, take a cruise around the lake. These boat trips often include a visit to Mine Bay, where Maori Master Carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell carved a series of towering sculptures into the rock, each one telling a story about the local iwi (tribe) and their ancestors.

Part of Australia’s Gondwana Rainforests, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lamington National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Covering 77 square miles (200 square kilometers), it’s known for its rich biodiversity, ancient trees, over 500 waterfalls, and more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) of hiking trails.

 

The two most accessible sections of Lamington National Park are Binna Burra and the Green Mountains. Nature lovers will revel in the park’s diverse flora and fauna, while adventure seekers will delight in the many ways to play at the park. 

Go on a guided full-day or overnight tour to get the most out of the park. Most tours start in Brisbane or the Gold Coast and stop at nearby attractions such as Mt. Tamborine and Gallery Walk. Take to the trees in a canopy walk, climb up even higher to get a bird’s-eye view, hike along one of the park’s many trails, or go swimming near a waterfall. Younger visitors will enjoy activities like bird feeding or learning to throw a boomerang.

 

 

Lamington National Park is located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, 62 miles (100 kilometers) south of Brisbane. The best way to visit is by car or as part of an organized tour by 4WD or minivan. Both sections of the park are located west of Nerang. Binna Burra is a 25-mile (40-kilometer) drive via the town of Beechmont, while the Green Mountains section is 35 miles (57 kilometers) via Canungra.

 

Lamington National Park can be visited any time of year, but the weather during the Australian spring (September through November) and autumn (March through May) is the most pleasant—warm but not wet. Expect the most rainfall during summer (December through February). Winter (June through August) temperatures can dip to freezing levels.

 

Known for its rich biodiversity, Lamington National Park is home to over 160 bird and numerous other species. Look for king parrots, cockatoos, sooty owls, pale-headed and crimson rosellas, red-browed treecreepers, yellow and black male bowerbirds, Australian brush-turkeys, Albert’s Lyrebirds, elf skinks, Lamington freshwater crays, giant barred frogs, and diamond pythons.

Reaching depths of nearly 700 feet, not only is Lake St Clair the deepest lake in Australia, it may very well be the most beautiful. Set at an elevation of 2,400 feet, this cobalt lake and its forest-lined shores make up the aquatic pearl of Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. The distant peak of Mt Olympus towers above the shoreline as visitors dip their toes in the cool waters,. Though not as tall as the park’s Mt Ossa (which, at 5,400 feet, is the tallest mountain in Tasmania), the jagged spire of Mt Olympus manages to dominate the lakeshore’s skyline.

Besides the lake, the entire area is famous for housing some of the best hikes on the island. The six-day Overland Trail has its southern terminus here at Lake St Clair, and hikers who have just completed the 40-mile trail are often found on the ferry that crosses from Narcissus Bay to Cynthia Bay. Travelers just visiting for the day can spend an hour walking the lakeshore trails or tackle a six-hour backcountry journey into the surrounding Tasmanian wilderness. Since track conditions change frequently, the first stop should always be at the informative Lake St Clair Visitor Center, where not only will you get information on current trail conditions and closures, but also find exhibits on early settlers and original Aboriginal inhabitants. At the end of your hike, fire up the BBQ at the Cynthia Bay campground, wash your feet in the refreshing waters and watch as the fading afternoon sun drapes Mt Olympus in shadows.

Lake Okareka is a local favorite for swimming, fishing, and boating. Children splash in refreshing water, surrounded by green hills, and anglers fish for rainbow trout, smelt, and long-finned eels. The lake is also popular with bird-watchers; visitors scan the shoreline for swans, coots, ducks, shags, pukeko, gulls, and stilts.

 

A popular wooden boardwalk hugs the shore of Lake Okareka; it makes for a leisurely stroll through farmland that stretches down to the shore, and there is a small community of holiday homes sprinkled around the lake. The round-trip walk takes about 1.5 hours and passes native bush, sandy beaches, and shaded viewpoints of the lake.

 

Many visitors tour this area with a 2-hour amphibious Duck cruise that takes in other natural highlights. For an authentic view of the Rotorua countryside, spend a morning on a guided horseback trek through the hills.

 

 

Lake Okareka is located about 7 miles (12 kilometers) southeast of Rotorua. The boardwalk trail begins at a parking lot along Acacia Bay Road, and runs for 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers)  along the shore of the lake. Guided sightseeing tours of the Lakes usually include round-trip transportation from hotels in Rotorua.

 

Because the shimmering lake is so close to downtown Rotorua, this is an easy spot to visit on a whim if the weather suddenly seems right. It’s open daily, year-round, so there’s really no bad time to visit. Leave plenty of time to explore, and plan ahead for changing weather conditions.

 

Those searching for solitude away from the tourist crowds will find solace at Lake Okareka and its charming lakeside community. Family-friendly recreational activities tend to be quieter here than at the Blue Lake, and it’s easy to become enchanted by the picturesque surroundings of rolling green hills and native forest.

Northwestern Tasmania has some of Australia’s most stunning wilderness scenery, although much of it is only accessible by hiking for multiple days at a time. At spectacular Leven Canyon, however, just minutes from the town of Nietta, experiencing this miraculous, mountainous majesty is as easy as taking a 20 minute stroll through pristine Australian bush. Located in Leven Canyon Reserve, Leven Canyon is a forested cleft that drops nearly 1,000 vertical feet to the Leven River below. At Cruickshanks Lookout, walk from the parking lot out to a platform that hangs out over the canyon, and offers a sweeping, panoramic view of the Leven Canyon Basin. Straight ahead is Black Bluff, a tree-covered mountain that at 4,400 ft. is often snowcapped in winter, and while visitors with even the slightest fear of heights might get nervous out on the platform, the epic view and fresh mountain air make the entire experience worth it. To complete the loop trail back to the car, continue on the aptly named Forest Stairs, where nearly 700 stairs link up with a trail that loops its way back to the parking lot. For a completely different vantage point, hike the Canyon Floor walk to the rushing Leven River, where you can continue on for 30 more minutes to the scenic Devil’s Elbow. Here you’re immersed in a wilderness setting that’s virtually remained untouched, and only a moderate 1 hour stroll away from where you parked. You’ll also find tracks to cascading falls and all-day trails to the summits, so whether you’re an avid, outdoorsy hiker or simply in search of a stroll, Leven Canyon is a wilderness site that travelers of all ages can enjoy.

It’s tough to decide which is more beautiful: the cobalt hue of the aptly named Blue Lake sparkling in the midday sun, or the deep green of the Whakarewarewa Forest that hugs the shore of the lake. Either way, the natural beauty is what makes Lake Tikitapu an ideal place to connect with nature.

 

Thanks to the pumice and rhyolite that lie at the bottom of Tikitapu and are reflected by the sun, the blue color of this small lake makes it very inviting to swimmers. Visitors can also splash into Lake Tikitapu on an amphibious Duck vehicle tour, or opt to soar above the lake and marvel at the aerial views on a helicopter or seaplane flight.

 

 

Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) lies 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) southeast of Rotorua. Of all the lakes around Rotorua, it is the closest to town. Scenic tours with a guide provide access to multiple natural features and often include round-trip hotel transport from Rotorua.

 

Blue Lake is accessible daily, year-round. A boat ramp on the north end of the lake can make the lake a busy destination on weekends. Despite its small size and shallow depth, the water is relatively cool, and the north-end beach is the place to be on the hottest days of summer.

If you’d prefer to work up a sweat before cooling off with a swim, a 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) walking trail encircles the entire lake. Hike beneath the shaded redwood groves of the Whakarewarewa Forest, and leave footprints in the sand before jumping in for a swim. From parts of the trail, you can enjoy clear views of neighboring Green Lake and its protected, sacred waters.

The turquoise-colored lake set among a mountain backdrop will wow you by day, but when the sun sets, the stars come out and give you another reason to love Lake Tekapo. 

Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it a fabulous spot for stargazing, so be sure to save time to visit the Mount John Observatory. Residents work to reduce light pollution and the astronomical rewards are clear. The high-powered telescopes can provide a view of the sky like you’ve never seen before. If the timing is right, Mount John Observatory is also a great place to see the Southern Lights, the southern hemisphere’s version of the Northern Lights, which is best seen from April through September.

Tekapo Springs can warm you up after a chilly night of stargazing. With hot pools and spas, it’s all about relaxing, unless you are traveling with kids. Then it’s about the water slide, skating rink, tube park or a combination of them all. The Church of the Good Shepard is also a popular stopping point for visitors and photography buffs.

Lake Rotoiti is the boutique cousin to the larger Lake Rotorua. Though Rotoiti is connected to its massive neighbor by the narrow Ohau Channel, it has its own relaxed feel. Sunsets on Lake Rotoiti are beautiful, and the trout fishing here is some of the best on the North Island.

 

Visitors can join a kayak tour to reach hidden beaches where hot springs bubble beneath the sands, or raft down one of the waterfalls that spill into the surrounding rivers. For a serene view of the water, hike to Okere Falls and take a short stroll to see kayakers navigating the white water. Another option is to finish a day of sightseeing with a sunset kayak tour that takes in the hot springs and glowworm caves.

 

 

Lake Rotoiti is located on the North Island, east of Rotorua and a 30-minute drive downtown. Most tours and day trips offer convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, but there is parking available for those who opt to self-drive. Please note, this lake is not to be confused with another Lake Rotoiti in Nelson Lakes National Park on the South Island.

 

Bask in the relaxing environs of one of Rotorua’s most popular lakes during the day or evening hours. Glowworms can be seen any time in the darkness of the caverns, but an evening paddle or a soak in the hot springs is ideal for taking in the soft light of sunset on the water.

 

Hiking trails in the area around Lake Rotoiti are packed with historical significance. For example, the 90-minute Hinehopu/Hongi Track, which leads toward Lake Rotoehu, has existed since 1620. It’s believed that Hinehopu—a Maori chieftainess—had a homes on the shores of Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoehu, and the forested walking path connecting the lakes was created to link the two.

A visit to Western Australia wouldn’t be complete without an adrenaline-infused ride across the Lancelin Sand Dunes. Rolling hills of textured, white sand provide the landscape for your next sand surfing adventure. Thrill seekers rejoice, these dunes span more than a mile (2 kilometers) — the largest in Western Australia! Navigate the steep sand bumps and curves in a dirt bike, off-road vehicle or sandboard. Once you make it to the peaks you’ll bask in panoramic views of Lancelin, including vast farmland, sweeping sand dunes and refreshing coastline. Visit during dawn or dusk for killer scenery.

The town of Wanaka is a lakeside escape that drifts by under the radar—nowhere as busy as neighboring Queenstown, but arguably even more scenic. Rung by the mountains of Mt. Aspiring National Park, Wanaka also cradles Lake Wanaka inside of its river valley, where boating, kayaking, and standup paddling are popular summer activities. Imagine casually paddling a kayak beneath the Southern Alps, or parasailing in a canopy of silence while gazing toward hanging glaciers.

Of all the adventures you’ll find on Lake Wanaka, perhaps the quirkiest is a half-day tour to explore Mou Wahou Island. This offshore bird sanctuary is not only known for its wealth and diversity of bird life, but also the fact that it’s small lake, known as Arethusa Pool, is a lake on an island in a lake on an island that’s surrounded by the Pacific. Activities and offshore islands aside, Lake Wanaka is also popular for just swimming, since the shallow areas at the shore of the lake can reach as high as 65°F on the warmest days of summer.

Though it’s right next to the wildly popular Blue Lake, the Green Lake—or Rotokakahi—is a privately owned lake that isn’t open to swimming, fishing, or boating. It is sacred to the Te Arawa iwi (tribe), who are the area’s original Maori inhabitants, because the lake was the site of important battles and numerous sacred burial grounds.

 

Rotokakahi originally was named for the abundance of kakahi (crawfish) living in the lake. Though water sports are prohibited, those seeking solitude may prefer its shores over the sometimes crowded Blue Lake. Hikers will enjoy a couple of trails that trace the shoreline. Narrated helicopter and seaplane flights depart from Rotorua and soar above the geothermal landscapes of Mt. Tarawera and the North Island’s crater lakes.

 

Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake) lies about 6 miles (10 kilometers) southeast of downtown Rotorua. The Maroi site is reached from the highway via Waipa South Road and then by turning on Green Lake Road. The trail that encircles the neighboring Blue Lake also offers views of Rotokakahi. Guided sightseeing tours include round-trip hotel transport from Rotorua.

 

Green Lake is accessible daily, year-round, so there’s really no bad time to visit. Because activities mainly consist of hiking the perimeter on a forest walk, leave plenty of time and plan ahead for changing weather conditions.

In the center of the lake stands a small island known as Motutawa, where the remains of a young Maori chief are buried. It was also the site of a 19th-century slaughter at the hands of a neighboring tribe. Because this ancestral place is especially significant to the local people, the island and the entire lake are considered tapu (sacred).

The Rotorua area boasts dozens of lakes, but Lake Rotorua is larger, deeper, and older than its neighbors. Geologists believe that Rotorua, the second-largest lake on the North Island, dates back more than 200,000 years, while most of the region’s other waterways were created by the Tarawera eruption of 1886.

 

Lake Rotorua is surrounded by a geothermal playground and offers a variety of activities for travelers. Visitors may take a cruise through the Ohau Channel, which connects with Lake Rotoiti, and relax with a soak at the remote Manupirua Thermal Springs. Tour options include kayaking along the lakeshore, jetting around on a speedboat, or hurtling over falls on a white-water rafting trip.

 

Among other specialized tours are seaplane flights, which include a thrilling water takeoff and landing, and helicopter tours that offer aerial views of the city and lake. Adventure travelers may opt for a solo or tandem parasailing experience above Lake Rotorua. Horseback rides and 4WD buggy tours take travelers off the beaten path. Combine your adventure with a day trip to the Blue and Green lakes and bubbling geysers.

 

 

The shores of Lake Rotorua are only 10 minutes north of downtown Rotorua by car. Many tours and day trips offer convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, and there is ample parking available for those who opt to self-drive. Walking and public transport options are within easy reach of most accommodations.

 

Lake Rotorua is open year-round. Sunrise and sunset are especially good times for photo ops, whether you’re walking along the shore, taking a cruise, or setting out for a romantic evening stroll or family picnic. Sunny days in warmer months are ideal for water sports, but mud baths and thermal pools are perfect in winter.

 

Though it’s not as large as neighboring Lake Taupo and not as nice for swimming, Lake Rotorua offers plentiful activities and views. The 920-foot (280-meter) elevation makes Rotorua’s water cooler than some other lakes in the region. The water’s green hue comes from sulfur and minerals. The lake is also alive with fish; go fly fishing for trout and try to reel in a big one!

The Basics

The variety of tour offerings on Lake Wakatipu reflects Queenstown's reputation as a haven for the adventurous. Extreme jet boats ferry passengers to 4WD vehicles for off-road adventures in the Southern Alps or Paradise Valley; helicopter tours fly travelers over the lake, Fiordland, and Milford Sound to a picnic atop Cecil Peak; and fishing charters promise a good catch from the lake's stock of salmon and trout.

Those seeking serenity will be equally pleased with their options, from cruising aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw en route to dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm to gliding along the river on a catamaran cruise while taking in the view of the Remarkables mountain range. View the lake itself from Saint Omer Park, Queenstown Gardens, the Queenstown Trail, or one of the many restaurants on the southern shoreline in central Queenstown.

• Tour options are available for families with kids and solo adventurers alike.
  
• Be sure to dress in layers, as wind can pick up suddenly.
  
• Tours range from short, 90-minute excursions to full-day, 8-hour adventures.
  

How to Get to Lake Wakatipu

Queenstown is right on the lake, so a trip to this popular city includes easy lake access. Additional access points abound between Kingston on the south end and Glenorchy on the north end. Tours usually include round-trip pickup and drop-off from Queenstown.

When to Get There

The Southern Lakes region is a year-round travel destination, offering phenomenal skiing in winter and hiking in summer. Lake activities are more popular during the warmer months, although the glacier-fed lake remains cold regardless of the season.

Legendary Shores

Atmospheric pressures cause the water level in the lake to rise and fall about five inches (12 centimeters) every five minutes. This gave rise to the Maori legend that the rise and fall of the water is the heartbeat of a giant who lies slumbering under the water. Modern storytellers chose the lake as a filming location for the Lothlorein scenes in The Lord of the Rings.

Leura, sometimes called the “Jewel in the Mountains Crown,” is a small Blue Mountains village located about 60 miles (100 kilometers) west of Sydney. Smaller than neighboring Katoomba, with a quaint, cherry tree lined town center called the Leura Mall, the village exudes mill-town charm. There are cafes, bakeries, antiques shops, and high-end boutiques, with brightly colored flowers decorating the streets.

Visitors often stop in Leura for a relaxing lunch while sightseeing in the Blue Mountains, The village is packed with dining and shopping options, and is also home to its own bush walks like the Leura Cascades, Leura Forest, Gordon Falls, and Sublime Point, which leads to a luxury golf course. Visitors can also stop by the Everglades Gardens, a lovingly maintained 1930s Heritage Trust site with a grotto pool and teahouse.

Leura is located in the Blue Mountains about 60 miles (100 kilometers) west of central Sydney. The villa can be reached by car: it’s about a 90-minute drive or a 2-hour train ride on the Blue Mountains Line from Sydney’s Central Station.

Laura offers different activities and local festivals throughout the year. The popular, annual Garden festival and village fair take place in October.

The Three Sisters is an ancient rock formation located in the Blue Mountains National Park in the town of  Katoomba, just a short drive or train ride from Leura. The towering trio of stones has a mythical dimension: An Aboriginal Dreamtime legend tells of three sisters who lived in the Jamison Valley, fell in love with three brothers from a rival tribe, and were forbidden to marry. Visitors can access the landmark via Echo Point.