Free Day and Independent Travel Options

Free days have been built into the programs so that you can experience some of the country on your own time and pursue adventures that may not be included in the program (though I think you'll agree, the programs are pretty packed!) The AUIP team realizes that travelling to the South Pacific may be a once in a lifetime opportunity and we want to help you get the most out of your time Down Under. With this in mind, we have chosen our favorite activities at each of the locations you have a free day. Likewise, we realize that you may want to extend your trip and embark on some independent travel, so we have pre-arranged flight and accommodation packages to some of the top South Pacific regions. Just scroll down to the program you are about to attend so that you can see what's on offer.

To inquire about any of these options, or if you would like help identifying a tour or flight package that is not listed on this page just click on the INQUIRE NOW box. Tour and flight options are also open to family and friends of students. Please note: submission of an inquiry form does not confirm your booking.

Disclaimer: AUIP is in no way affiliated with any of the vendors supplying the options listed on this page, and cannot be held liable for any losses which result from booking one of these options.

Free Day Options

Australia: North Queensland

MAGNETIC ISLAND FREE DAY

Option1: Magnetic Island Boat Tour

A four hour boat tour which circumvents "Maggie" Island. Snorkel in secluded bays, feed the giant Bat Fish, spot Eagles, and try your hand at catching dinner! A smorgasbord lunch will also be provided while visiting one of the 23 bays around Maggie. For those keen fisherman night fishing trips can also be arranged.

Fee: AU$80 if you reference AUIP (usual price $110). Includes: fishing/snorkeling equipment and lunch.

PORT DOUGLAS FREE DAY

Option 1: Train/Kuranda/Skyrail
Kuranda Village, nestled high in the rainforest to the west of Cairns has a lot to offer. Whether it be a stroll around the famous markets where you will find a variety of local arts and crafts or taking a long walk along the many marked tracks. You may wish to spend time at any of the many village attractions such as Koala Gardens, The Butterfly Sanctuary or Birdworld.

The journey to Kuranda Village can be as exciting as the village itself. Skyrail Cableway takes you on an hour long journey up the mountain as you seem to 'float' above the rainforest canopy towards the Village. There are rainforest walks you may wish to do along the way where you can disembark the Skyrail at three separate spots.

The Kuranda Train winds its way up or down the mountain through 15 tunnels and over 36 bridges between Cairns and Kuranda Village. This hour long journey is a step back in time and affords some exhilarating views of the beautiful Cairns region.

Fee: AU$133

Australia: South Queensland

BRISBANE AND NOOSA FREE DAY

Option 1: Fraser Island Day Tour
Experience a sensational tour of World Heritage Listed Fraser Island in an air-conditioned 20 Seat 4WD Warrior. After travelling from Brisbane you will depart Noosa by heading across the Noosa river via cable ferry crossing taking you deep into the Cooloola National Park and highlighting the Teewah or Rainbow Beach coloured sands before stopping for morning tea on the beach. After catching the barge over to Fraser Island, travel along 75 mile Beach before heading to Central Station or Pile Valley for a guided rainforest walk. It's now time for an Aussie BBQ lunch with beverages, followed by a refreshing swim in either Lake McKenzie or Lake Birrabeen. Return back to through the forests of Satinay and Brushbox down the sandy highway enjoying an afternoon tea stop on a remote beach.

If want a pickup at Noosa, you must be at waiting on the day at Noosa Information Centre Gympie Terrace at 6:25 am, tour departs at 6:30am. Please state this in the additional comments when making your booking online.

Fee: AU$263

Option 2: Byron Bay and Northern NSW Day Tour - ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE GOLD COAST
Travel to tourism hotspot, Byron Bay and stand on a bald rocky headland with a spectacular cliff on the east side, and a sheer drop of approximately 100 metres beside the commanding Cape Byron Lighthouse - the most easterly point on the Australian mainland. Includes:

Return coach transfers
Over 2 hours free time in Byron Bay
National Park Fees
Visit to Cape Byron Lighthouse
Visit to Tropical Fruit World

Fee: AU$92

Option 3: Brisbane Story Bridge Adventure Climb
You'll be exhilarated by the Climb 80 metres above the Brisbane River for 360 degree spectacular views of Brisbane and its surrounds. You will hear interesting and factual commentary by experienced climb leaders, including history and heritage information of both the city and bridge.

Experience includes – 2.5 hour tour, spectacular uninterrupted 360 degree views, one of only 3 bridge climbs in the world. There are dawn, day, twilight and night climbs to choose from.

Fee: AU$76.65 - 110.50 (dependent on day/time)

Australia: Sydney

Option 1: Blue Mountains Day Trip

A stunning World Heritage Area only a couple of hours drive from Sydney. This day trip includes the stops and bush walks to the best vantage points that the Blue Mountains has to offer as well as visiting the iconic sites of Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters and Wentworth Falls. You will also take a ride on the world's steepest inclined railway to the floor of the canyon, visit an Aboriginal Site and the picturesque village of Leura. On return to Sydney you will visit Homebush Bay and see the home of the 2000 Olympic Games before sailing back to Circular Quay down the Parramatta River.

Fee: AU$68

Option 2: Sunset Dinner Cruise

Experience the magical and iconic Sydney Harbour at sunset along with a high-quality, two-course contemporary Australian meal.

Fee: AU$85

Option 3: Surf Experience

The Bondi Surf Experience is for beginners or those who want to refresh their basic skills. The course teaches you how to safely get out and up onto your first wave. You'll be taught in a small group setting, so you get plenty of hands-on help. To build up your knowledge and confidence, they will first start you out on the beach and teach you how to recognize surf conditions and practice your surfing technique before you get into the water. Then it's off into the ocean, where you start off in broken waves – the white foam created after the waves run their course. You'll be amazed at how easy, safe and enjoyable it can be to learn to surf. Where better than to start your surfing life off than the iconic Bondi Beach!

Fee: AU$95

New Zealand

QUEENSTOWN FREE DAY

Option 1: Paradise Safaris Lord of the Rings Tour

This full or half day 4WD adventure takes you from picturesque Queenstown, along the shores of mighty Lake Wakatipu and into the remote township of Glenorchy, gateway to the incredible Mount Aspiring National Park. On the way, you'll witness some of the most impressive and dramatic scenery in the world as your guide takes you on a tour of locations chosen to serve as the backdrop to scenes from the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy, X-Men: Wolverine, and many more! Extend your journey to the full day option and enjoy a gourmet lunch at a local vineyard before travelling further into the stunning scenery of the Wakatipu region.

Fee: NZ$135 half day (4.5hrs), $275 full day (8hrs)

Option 2: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise

Take a wilderness cruise on Doubtful Sound, a massive wilderness area of rugged peaks, rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets - all deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park. Known for its pristine beauty and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in Fiordland National Park and is three times longer and ten times larger than Milford Sound.

Fee: NZ$265

Option 3: TSS Earnslaw Walter Peak High Country farm

Relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel with a cruise on Queenstown's iconic vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. Launched in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is the grandest vessel ever to ply Lake Wakatipu. A cruise on this heritage vessel is the perfect way to experience Queenstown's magnificent alpine scenery. The tour also includes a tour of the Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Fee: NZ$50

Independent Travel Options

Option 1: Learn to Dive - 5 days / 4 nights (ex Cairns)

The 5 day PADI 'Open Water' Dive course is by far the most popular way to learn to dive. The adventure of learning to dive combined with staying out on the reef for 2 nights onboard a boat is really unique. The course takes you to 9 of the Great Barrier Reefs best dive sites & features 2 days of classroom and in-pool training, then it's onto the live aboard boat for the actual reef diving. There's also plenty of time to snorkel, relax & just enjoy the reef experience.

Fee: NZ$281 per day (plus EMC A$50 payable locally).

Included:

2 nights resort accommodation on nights 1 & 2
2 nights twin-share accommodation on nights 3 & 4 onboard the boat
Transfers from Cairns accommodation to training centre & boat
8 meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
PADI 'Open Water' certificate & manual
Log book
Scuba equipment

Flight packages available. Please email for departures dates.

Option 2: Magical Tropics - 7 days / 5 nights (ex Daydream Island)

Spend 7 days exploring the "magical tropics". Explore Daydream Island, the Whitsundays, Hinchinbrook Island (Australia's largest national park) and Cairns.

Fee: NZ$1,439 per person

Included:

6 nights multi-share resort accommodation
- Sailing option: substitute 2 nights in resort with 2 nights on a yacht
8 meals: 6 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- Sailing option - 11 meals: 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
An experienced & professional tour manager & driver team
Modern, air-conditioned coach with power points for charging
Sightseeing tours of all major cities
National Park fees, local taxes & service charges
A number of World Heritage sites visited

Flight packages available. Please email for departures dates.

Option 3: Sydney - 4 days / 3 nights

Want to get to know this sexy & beautiful city? Grab a value-packed collection of extras, excursions & great accommodation with our 3 night Sydney Explorer Package. You can book one before or after your tour; or take one on its own without a tour. Armed with your included Explorer bus & harbour passes, hop on & off at heaps of hot spots in Australia's largest & most diverse city. Dunk yourself in the Bondi Surf. Cruise by the Opera House. Take a ferry out to Manly. Scale the heights of the Harbour Bridge. Lose yourself in the cobbled streets of the historic rocks district.

Fee: NZ$439 per person

Included:

3 nights multi-share hotel accommodation
3 meals (breakfast)
City sightseeing bus & Harbour passes
Sydney welcome pack

Flight packages available. Please email for departures dates.

Option 4: Scenic Southern - 7 days / 6 nights (ex Christchurch or Wellington)

Take a scenice tour of the remarkable South Island of New Zealand, including Lake Ohau, Dunedin, Queenstown and Franz Joseph Glacier.

Fee: NZ$1,199 per person

Included:

6 nights multi-share accommodation: 4 nights in hotels & resorts 2 nights in lodges
9 meals: 6 breakfasts, 3 dinners
An experienced & professional tour manager & driver team
Modern, air-conditioned coach with power points for charging
Sightseeing tours of all major cities
Hotel tips, local taxes & service charges
A number of World Heritage sites visited

Flight packages available. Please email for departures dates.

Option 5: Sustainable Vineyard and Wildlife Tour with New Zealand School of Food and Wine

Come on a tour with us to some of New Zealand's most love wineries. Find out how they are making their operations sustainable.

Fee: Please inquire