Exciting New Ways to Explore Nature in Australia and New Zealand

Exciting New Ways to Explore Nature in Australia and New Zealand

Recently, Intrepid’s collection of trips in Australia and New Zealand has expanded to include a variety of exciting activities that allow you to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of these regions. Just when you think you’ve uncovered every corner of Australia and New Zealand, a new year brings fresh opportunities to rediscover these incredible countries.

These trips are designed to enhance your experience in the South, offering a range of options from short getaways to luxury adventures. Highlights include scenic cruises through Doubtful Sound, thrilling zorbing races in Rotorua, gourmet truffle tastings near Sydney, and outdoor feasts in Western Australia. No matter where your journey takes you—along the coast, around the islands, or through national parks—2026 is packed with enchanting discoveries waiting for you.

1. Step into Nature at Karijini National Park, Western Australia

Karijini National Park is the second largest park in Western Australia, covering over 6,000 square kilometers. It’s a paradise for nature lovers. On the five-day Karijini Explorer trip, you’ll have the chance to get up close to one of the park’s most stunning geological features: Joffre Gorge.

Join a guide for an afternoon hike around the 50-meter-high, cone-shaped waterhole (created by a seasonal waterfall) and navigate the gorge via steep staircases and rock climbs to reach serene swimming holes. When you arrive at the base of the waterfall, you’ll definitely deserve a refreshing dip.

2. Experience the Thrill of Zorbing in New Zealand

You can leisurely hike to the summit of Mount Maunganui and then roll down the hillside in a zorbing ball, all while participating in the One Week in New Zealand: North Island trip for ages 18-35. New Zealand, the newest addition to Intrepid’s collection for young adventurers, is bursting with thrilling escapades.

Throughout the journey, you’ll visit breathtaking waterfalls, geysers, farms, and the unique Maori Village of Whakarewarewa, located next to geothermal vents in Rotorua. You’ll learn how locals harness geothermal energy while touring the area and visiting a marae (community meeting place) and tapu (sacred burial site).

3. Savor Local Cuisine in Western Australia

On the west coast of Australia lies Kalbarri National Park, a highlight of the new West Coast Adventure (Northbound) trip. Though a national park, this area is steeped in agricultural history, which you’ll explore during the Murchison Glow Dinner experience.

Unlike traditional campfire meals, this four-course dinner on the Murchison River offers a unique taste of Australia, featuring locally sourced ingredients prepared by skilled chefs, paired with delightful beverages. You’ll certainly work up an appetite after spending the afternoon exploring the 150-year history of Murchison House Station and cruising the river.

4. Spend the Night on the Water at Doubtful Sound

A new experience in the New Zealand Premium collection launching in September 2026 is an overnight cruise to Doubtful Sound—the less-explored sibling of Milford Sound. This new venture allows you to enjoy the remote coastline of New Zealand's second-largest fjord, accompanied by a naturalist on board, a three-course dinner made from local ingredients, and, weather permitting, kayaking opportunities.

With fewer vessels on the water, marine residents like Fiordland penguins, bottlenose dolphins, and seals often make appearances, easily spotted from the deck. Alongside the stunning landscapes of Fiordlands, waking up to mist and the sounds of waves lapping the shore the next morning will surely be a highlight of your Premium New Zealand South Island experience.

5. Discover Scenic Views from Above in New Zealand

The Essential New Zealand: South Island trip is crafted to truly immerse you in the wild beauty of nature. You’ll take in New Zealand’s stunning vistas from the comfort of the Skyline Gondola, on a ferry in Marlborough Sounds, and while strapped into a toboggan-style sled racing down hills in Queenstown.

When you’re not outdoors, you can engage in modern interactive experiences like the Kawatiri Museum in Westport, where you’ll learn about Polynesian heritage and the natural resources of the Buller region. Utilizing cutting-edge technology to bring stories to life, you’ll gain a comprehensive insight into the lives of the Maori in this resource-rich area of the South Island.

6. Stroll Along the Koala Trails in Australia

There are countless ways to travel from Melbourne to Sydney, and on the new Melbourne to Sydney Adventure, you’ll have the chance to experience local culture, wildlife, and cuisine. One of Intrepid’s charming explorations is a ferry ride to discover the Koala Trail on Raymond Island, renowned for offering guaranteed sightings of wild koalas.

Once you reach New South Wales, you’ll enjoy two quintessential experiences that showcase how Australians live in harmony with the land. First, you’ll walk along the coast with a local guide during the Bilbaan cultural experience. Further north, you’ll learn how farmers sustainably harvest Sydney rock oysters before savoring some local delicacies.

Discover more about the exciting new offerings in 2026 with The Goods—a collection of fresh trips and experiences designed to inspire your next adventure!