OCEANIA

Our closest neighbour and we often put off visiting.  You know all about the beaches and the cities but there is so much more to Australia.

Discover the four states that are filled with diverse and iconic Australian experiences that are renowned the world over: South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. Whether you’ve got two weeks to see the sights or six months to cover these vast states in a campervan, here you’ll find everything you need to know about the places to go and things to do on your unique holiday.

Step into South Australia with Adelaide festivals or a visit to the Adelaide Hills. Meet native wildlife on Kangaroo Island and swim with sea lions on the Eyre Peninsula. Explore wineries in the Barossa, Clare Valley and McLaren Vale on the Fleurieu Peninsula. South Australia’s Outback is home to the Flinders Ranges, Simpson Desert and often parched Lake Eyre.

Explore Western Australia from beach-blessed Perth. Visit Rottnest Island and Freemantle heading south for Margaret River wineries, Kalgoorlie’s goldfi elds and pink lake and Albany’s dramatic coastline. Head north for the rugged Pinnacles and Karijini National Park, and Ningaloo and Monkey Mia’s marine treasures. North in the Kimberley, an epic 4WD links Broome’s Cable Beach with Kununurra and El Questro Station.

Experience Tasmania’s World Heritage wilderness, great food and wine, compact cities and clean air. Hobart is gateway to historic Port Arthur, the wildlife of Bruny Island and Maria Island, and breathtaking Wineglass Bay in Freycinet. From Launceston or Devonport, discover Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Liffey Falls and Flinders Island in Bass Strait. Discover Tasmania’s wild west coast via Strahan.

Lose yourself in the Northern Territory’s ancient Aboriginal culture and rugged landscapes. Tropical Darwin is your gateway to World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park, lush Litchfi eld National Park, Katherine Gorge and the communities of Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land. From Alice Springs, discover the Red Centre attractions of Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Devils Marbles, the Larapinta Trail and historic Tennant Creek.

Many of our clients enjoy a Cook Islands escape and the feedback from recently returned clients has been great. There’s limited accommodation in this beautiful Pacific paradise though, so it’s important to book early if you are looking for a winter escape, especially if you are considering Aitutaki as well as Rarotonga.

The Cook Islands doesn’t do big, impersonal resorts; rather this is the home of friendly, family owned and operated accommodation and eating options. We’d be delighted to book hotels, villas and even private holiday homes for you.

We can usually hold Air NZ flights for you for up to a week and in many cases, accommodation too, giving us time to plan your perfect island escape.

Wherever you are you’ll experience the Cook Islanders’ deep sense of hospitality and you’ll quickly become accustomed to the relaxed pace. We can’t imagine anyone failing to fall in love with these friendly, gentle and very beautiful islands.

A warm lagoon, a swaying hammock and a waft of frangipani are waiting for you in the Cook Islands, just under four hours by air from New Zealand. Forget long arrival procedures and complex transfers – slipping into Island life here could not be easier.

Step off the plane in Rarotonga to a song of greeting and an ei (flower garland) welcome; very soon you will be relaxing at your accommodation – because although ‘Raro’ is the biggest of the Cooks, it is really quite small. Villages dot the shoreline, and the main town, Avarua, occupies the top end of this almost apple-shaped island. It’s probably the most easy-going national capital you’ll ever visit, and as well as a good market, has interesting boutiques and eateries. Woven bags and jewellery are two top buys here.

Chances are you’ll be staying on Raro for at least part of your visit, so do get out and explore. It has classically gorgeous lagoon beaches but also a mountainous, forest-clad interior that’s perfect for visitors wanting a little adventure. And, with a bus that circles the coast in both directions, it’s very easy to get from place to place.

Rarotonga is the stepping stone to the outer islands – these are scattered across two million squares of the Pacific, and while some lie less than an hour’s flight away, the most isolated and pristine are accessible only by sea.

Among those easily reached by air and catering for visitors are Aitutaki with its astoundingly beautiful lagoon, Atiu, Mangaia and Ma’uke. Wherever you are you’ll experience the Cook Islanders’ deep sense of hospitality and you’ll quickly become accustomed to the relaxed pace. Explore, enjoy the ambience, have a drink with the locals and join them to sing hymns on a Sunday: unforgettable.

We can’t imagine anyone failing to fall in love with these friendly, gentle and very beautiful islands. They are one of the most charming places on earth. Rich in Polynesian culture, they are also closely linked with New Zealand – and our dollar is used there, so there’s no currency exchange to worry about on arrival.

Imagine a tropical island where there’s fun for the entire family, on a Fiji Holiday you can have: great kids clubs, great food. Doesn’t appeal? What about a boutique luxury island haven with enough beaches for you to have one to yourself?

We’re a lucky nation. As New Zealanders we live on the doorstep to Fiji: arguably, heaven on earth. For many, it’s a ‘one day’ holiday; a destination to dream about, or a desktop background on an office computer. But not for us. For Kiwis, it’s just a 3 hour flight away.

Whether you’re planning your first holiday to Fiji or your tenth, Fiji warms the heart and feeds the soul with a diversity of experiences catering for tastes and ages. From picnicking on a deserted white sandy beach with a loved one, immersing yourself in the Fijian culture, food and snorkelling the crystal lagoons, to riding the rapids of Navua River on Viti Levu, there is no doubt you’ll find your place of happiness.

It’s really Cloud 9 here on earth – and at your fingertips. Here’s every reason and handy tips as to why Fiji is your perfect holiday.

If you’re considering Fiji as your next destination, you’re obviously searching for a holiday experience only a short travelling distance from New Zealand; 3 hour flight from Auckland and a 4 hour flight from Christchurch that offers sun, sea, soft adventure and relaxation.

• Denarau Island

Just 20 minutes from Nadi Airport, Denarau is home to a range of world-class resorts offering hotel rooms, suites and luxury villas, all with facilities like lagoon style pools, fine dining restaurants and spas.

• Coral Coast

This morning you went horse riding on an almost-deserted beach, and this afternoon you watched tiny tropical fish. Spend the next day at the world-class Natadola Golf Course or sand-surfing at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes.

• Viti Levu Surrounds

Here you’ll find various locations that we know you’ll love including stunning Suncoast, Pacific Harbour also knows as Fiji’s Adventure capital and Vuda, Fiji’s yachting hub.

• Fiji Islands

There are coral gardens to be explored, turtles to feed, a wide variety of watersports including parasailing and windsurfing as well as dolphin watching, famous dives and some of the best surf breaks in the world.

• Yasawa Islands

We like to describe it as going back a couple of decades, Bula time. They have some of the most beautiful beaches on earth – fabulous stretches of white sand, facing dazzling turquoise and blue lagoons.

• Fiji North

Fiji’s Northern area has so much on offer and is renowned for incredible diving & snorkelling. Take a hike through the untouched rainforest of The Wasali Nature Reserve and enjoy the views of Savusavu.

Fiji has diverse landscapes, pristine beaches and aquatic playgrounds aligned with beautiful resorts and accommodation throughout the nation. There’s no doubt we can tailor your tropical getaway to suit your needs and wants. From ultimate luxury escapes, bucket list holidays, adventure packages, adult retreats, family getaways and more, we can create experience holidays just for you.

Think about what you most want from your time away; couples escape, family time, relax and rejuvenate, time away with friends or extended family, or maybe you are looking to celebrate a special occasion with a loved one. Small ship cruising is another way to experience the idyllic Mamanuca and Yasawa islands where every day on your itinerary is different.

Consider adding on activities or experiences. Instead of taking a boat to your island accommodation, arrive in style with a helicopter or seaplane transfer. Or if you’re staying on the mainland, add on a full day tour out to the islands.

You’ll never feel like just another tourist on Niue, the island nation a three hour flight from Auckland. That’s because, with just under 130 guest rooms, there are often more whales visiting in season than human visitors!

Niue is one of the world’s largest raised coral atolls and is home to around 1600 hospitable residents. There’s no such word as rush-hour on Niue, it’s one of the world’s safest destinations and you don’t need foreign exchange – Niue uses the Kiwi dollar. What many people don’t know is that Niue is far from tiny – it’s over four times the size of Rarotonga. A quarter of the island is clothed in pristine rainforest and almost the entire island is surrounded by 20 to 30 metre cliffs, and dramatic beautiful chasms and coves provide perfect swimming spots. Niue is also honeycombed with some of the South Pacific’s most spectacular and extensive caves. The island is encircled by a 64 kilometre coastal road so bikes are a great way to get around, although you can also hire a car. Diving and snorkelling around Niue’s coast is renowned for its water clarity and the richness of its marine life. Swimming with humpback whales (in season) is unforgettable and thanks to Niue’s deep surrounding waters, you can sip a cocktail and marvel at these awesome giants breaching just 50 metres from shore.

The first thing you need to know about humpback whales is not that they’re huge, but that they love to sing. Being up to 15 metres in length and weighing between 25 and 40 tons, they can certainly belt out a melody. Actually, it’s more like an anthem. On any whale diving excursion this is one way you’ll know if there’s a giant in the vicinity, because when a whale bursts into song, such is the magnitude of their voice, your lungs will rattle in your chest. In Niue, the whale season runs from July to October, with August and September offering the best opportunity to interact with one of the world’s largest mammals. With water visibility as clear as it is, swimming amongst these majestic behemoths offers a clarity you won’t find elsewhere. There are rules to ensure swimmers stay at least 200 metres away, but humpbacks are curious by nature, so if you get lucky and they approach of their own accord, revel in the experience and enjoy their titanic presence.

Exploring Niue has never been easier, with the choice of cycling or hiring a car, you can discover every inch of this beautiful island at your own pace. Once you have your vehicle or trusty bicycle, we highly recommend you go and check out these incredible, Instagram worthy, natural attractions: Limu Pools – a short walk to a popular snorkelling ocean pool (you’ll fill up your phone with pictures of this place), Avatele Beach – one of the few white sandy beaches on Niue – & Matapa Chasm – This is a fresh water bathing place of Niue’s past Kings and offers great sheltered snorkelling at any tide. If you’re into going on adventures, give these moderate to hard walking tracks a go: Talava Arches – roughly 2 hours, wear sturdy shoes and make sure you have room on your camera to take plenty of photos of the Arches, Togo Chasm – roughly 2 hours, wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to climb down a ladder to reach the sandy chasm – & Anapala Chasm – a fresh water chasm which includes 155 stairs to get there, walking down is easy, walking back up is the fun part.

Fishing in Niue is legendary, as Niue’s deep waters are accessible almost immediately from launching. For many anglers, the key target species of Yellowfin Tuna, Mahimahi and Wahoo to name but a few, can guarantee a good turn on the rod and reel. At times though, it doesn’t have to be all about the fishing. Niue’s rugged but stunning coastline is dotted with crevices and each area has its own story. Come circumnavigate the island by sea with Fish Niue Charters, learn about Niue’s coastal history, explore key snorkeling sites and encounter some of Niue’s abundant marine life. Should you find yourself fortunate enough to land a fish, anglers are offered either a piece of their catch to take away with them or you can be invited to Falala Fa Cafe & Bar where your skipper, once in-house chef, will prepare a fish dish for you from your catch.

Love the Ocean? Love to snorkel. Niue is the perfect place to experience both! Niue is a large upraised coral atoll which means there are no rivers or lakes, and this ensures crystal clear waters year-round. Join Buccaneer Adventures for a coastal tour where you will learn about Niue and its history. Along the way you may even get to meet the resident Spinner dolphins and you can get in for a unique in-water interaction with these majestic creatures. After you are done making friends with the dolphins, you will be taken to the best outer reef site in Niue for a snorkel. Be prepared to see reef sharks, barracuda, Napoleon Wrasse and Katuali, also know as a sea snake. This tour is great for the whole family and is only 2.5 hours long.

There’s truly nowhere quite like Samoa. From the moment you arrive on this idyllic nation’s shores, you will be greeted by smiles and the lively ‘Talofa’ of the locals, who are ready to treat you like a treasured friend.

A special and important part of Fa’a Samoa – ‘the Samoan way’ – are the traditions. Check out the song and dance such as the Siva at a unique cultural show for visitors. You’ll leave enchanted by the skill, grace and passion evident in the various dances, ranging from slow and captivating to thrilling and fast. The island’s abundance of colour is sure to leave an impression. Locals don lavalavas and formal dresses and decorate their homes, buses, fences and even rocks with bold tones.

The colourful culture and welcome attitude is not all you’ll find here – Samoa is packed with natural delights like glistening turquoise lagoons, towering volcanic landscapes, blissful beaches and banyan groves, all of which offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for adventure or relaxation – whichever holiday type suits you. There are ten islands that make up Samoa, with Upolu (home to Apia, the nation’s capital) and Savai’i as the main two. Each island has its own unique flavour and feel – though both are equally delectable.

There’s a different type of accommodation to suit every need in Samoa. No visit here is complete without spending at least one night in an open-sided, thatched beachfront fale, lulled to sleep by waves lapping the shore. If you’re splashing out, there are, of course, deluxe resorts available where you can unwind in luxury. Or if you prefer, there’s a complete range of accommodation in between. Whatever type of lodging, and however you decide to spend your time in these islands, it’s possible that you’ll leave them with more than just a tan and happy memories. Samoa… serene, spectacular and super special.

• Authentic Samoa – Stay in a Traditional Fale

In Samoan, the word for family is ‘aiga’. This special word refers to not only your immediate family, but also entire clans and communities, in keeping with the warm, welcoming vibe of Samoan culture. If you are after a true taste of Samoa and keen to have more of an authentic holiday experience we suggest you live like a local and opt to stay in one of the many beach fales dotted around the coastline. They are mostly on village land and usually family-operated and enjoy some of Samoa’s most scenic vistas and million-dollar scenery. That means you get to sleep right on the beach under a thatched roof on wooden posts, and let the gentle lapping of waves lull you to sleep. There is no power, no private facilities and no room service, but there are stunning beachfront locations, unimpeded ocean views and unbeatable R&R.

• Upolu

Upolu is Samoa’s second largest island and home to its colourful capital, Apia. Take a stroll through the city’s bustling markets. Enjoy a refreshing drink of coconut milk, or stock up on tropical fruit. Upolu has scores of dazzling white beaches, making it easy to find your own secluded cove. But take time, too, to venture inland to enjoy the verdant rainforest that echoes to the sound of tropical birds and is threaded by rivers and spectacular cascading waterfalls. To make the most of the magnificent natural attractions Upolu has to offer, hire a car – it’s a fun and easy way to get around the island.

• Savai’i

For a taste of the true Samoa you must visit Savai’i, Samoa’s largest island. It’s like travelling back in time to the way Samoa was many years ago and is the cultural experience you have yearned for. Here you can live like a local while at the same time savouring the island’s stunning natural attractions. Get high on a rainforest canopy boardwalk or if you’re a keen diver, take the opportunity to go scuba diving. Savai’i is an island of incredible contrasts – follow the lava tube trail, or blow away the cobwebs by taking an invigorating hike around the easily accessible volcanic crater on the Tafua Peninsula. Cool off afterwards by relaxing in the shade of a palm tree on a nearby white sand beach.

French Polynesia’s untouched beaches, mighty reefs, lush mountains and impossibly blue lagoons make it the perfect tropical island paradise. With a wide array of beautiful resorts, deluxe accommodation and endless water and land activities, trust us to give you an unforgettable holiday getaway tailored to your needs and wants. Be it laidback beach retreats, dream luxury holidays, or mind-blowing experiences, you can count on us to make your stay in French Polynesia a truly memorable one.

There are 118 islands and atolls that make up Tahiti, spreading over 2 million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean and traversing five archipelagos, according to Tahiti Tourisme. Literally spoilt for choice, how do you know which island you should call home?

Verdant mountains rising up from turquoise coral fringed lagoons, French chic and a touch of luxury all contribute to making The Islands of Tahiti irresistible. What we often simply refer to as Tahiti is actually five archipelagos known as French Polynesia, officially still part of France. Tahiti is the largest of the Society Islands, which also includes the gorgeous islands of Moorea and Bora Bora. The iconic beauty of The Islands of Tahiti is well known. Coral reefs, abundant with marine life, protect impossibly blue shallow lagoons – perfect places for swimming, watersports or simply admiring from an idyllic stretch of beach. Make a dream come true and find yourself in an overwater bungalow, waking up in luxury and diving into warm turquoise waters straight from your own deck.

The Islands of Tahiti offer a unique and memorable experience – Enjoy!

• Papeete

Papeete, on the island of Tahiti, is French Polynesia’s capital and its international gateway. Papeete is full of life and a perfect introduction to the islands’ unique fusion of French flair and exotic Polynesia.

• Bora Bora

The Pearl of the Pacific with one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, Bora Bora is a true island fantasy and a haven for the world’s glitterati who savour its charms from the ultimate in luxury hotels. Undoubtedly, the most celebrated island in French Polynesia, Bora Bora is a bucket list kind of experience for families and couples alike with its vibrant turquoise lagoon, sand-edged islets, gorgeous Overwater Bungalows, and the impressive Mt Otemanu rising in the island’s centre.

• Moorea

Jagged, steep peaks form the backbone of Moorea, just a 10- minute flight or a short 30-minute boat ride from Papeete. Its deeply incised bays, Cook’s and Oponohu, are breathtakingly beautiful and its lagoon is teeming with life. Moorea is known as the activities island offering a range of water and land based activities combined with the magnificent lagoon teeming with marine life and coral. Immerse in the warm and friendly Polynesian Culture and experience the amazing culinary delights that French Polynesia has to offer. For the adventurous traveller tackle the wild terrain on your ATV whilst enjoying the spectacular scenery from Magic Mountain or jump onboard your very own jetski and speed around the superb lagoon of Moorea.

Vanuatu is a country where the sun shines bright but the people’s smiles shine brighter. Absolutely nothing hinders the population’s enviable zeal for life. In Santo there are more cows than people. If it wasn’t for the cattle, you’d find yourself alone on the beach.

Variety, vibrancy, volcanoes − these words aptly describe Vanuatu. This necklace of lush islands in the South Pacific is a potpourri of cultures offering travellers a captivating and divergent choice of experiences, from fine dining to adventure tourism.

The people of Vanuatu are always smiling. Said to be the happiest souls in the world. Making easy and immediate connections with the nation’s people is an everyday occurrence and travellers are welcomed with open-arms.

Vanuatu is sure to be one of leaders of any island nation when it comes to cuisine – it’s steaks of the Santo beef variety are renowned. Vanuatu’s rich volcanic soil and year-round rain have helped give the country’s beef a worldwide reputation for quality. Likewise, the coffee grown on the island of Tanna has gained distinction around the globe. Where better to sample these culinary delights than in a French restaurant in the cosmopolitan capital, Port Vila. Or join in one of the Melanesian feasts organised by the major resorts.

While relaxation and fine dining are a prerequisite of most island holidays, there are a myriad of reasons for leaving your sun lounger and working up a fresh appetite. Vanuatu boasts some of the best diving sites in the world, with opportunities to explore both pristine coral reefs and wartime wrecks, making this destination a magnet for both scuba divers and snorkelers alike. And if you want to keep your feet dry but still hanker for excitement, Vanuatu has some of the world’s most active and exciting volcanoes, many of them easily accessible to visitors.

A visit to Mt Yasur has to be on the top of your to do list when visiting Vanuatu. It is the most iconic landmark on the island of Tanna, after all there aren’t many places in the world where you can stand on the rim of a live volcano and witness up close and personal the fiery display of shooting lava bombs and volcanic ash clouds.

Vanuatu and the outer islands in particular offer incredible diving and the Santo region is a favourite for divers the world over. Widely varied and catering to all levels of skill and interest, the dive sites around Santo have it all.

Experience the thrill of a shore dive of the SS President Coolidge which now rests between 20 and 60 metres and offers the world’s largest accessible wreck dive to anyone from novice to experts. There are over 20 different dives, ranging from 18 metres to 60 metres. You’ll see all sorts of WWII artefacts including tanks, jeeps and old guns. Another must dive is Million Dollar Point, which is also a shore dive.

The Pacific’s last kingdom is a paradise for seekers of pure peace. Its beautiful islands, divided into four groups, are scattered like pearls across 700,000 square kilometres of ocean. There is no shortage of deserted beaches and pristine anchorages here, and the swimming, snorkelling and diving are exceptional.

The main island, Tongatapu, is home to the capital, Nuku’alofa, and to most of the kingdom’s resorts. Many of these are family-owned and personal, because Tonga likes to welcome its visitors in low-key style – this is a place for simpler living and genuine encounters with the local people. Tongans know that what they can offer visitors doesn’t need dressing up. It’s already perfect!

If possible, do try to see more during your stay – head out to the scenic archipelagos of Vava’u and Ha’apai. Tonga’s tropical waters are renowned for their abundant marine life, including large schools of humpback whales which breed around Vava’u in winter. If you want to see these magnificent creatures, be sure to book your visit for some time between July and October. It’s even possible to swim with them: a truly unforgettable experience. Vava’u is also a sailor’s dream destination, with beautiful natural harbours and sheltered coves. The best known of these is the deep-water Port of Refuge, where you’ll find Tonga’s most picturesque town, tiny Neiafu. And of course, the opportunities for relaxation – right throughout Vava’u – are endless. Even more remote and completely unspoiled is the Ha’apai group, with its coral atolls, glistening lagoons, pure white beaches and just a handful of inhabited islands. The way of life here really is timeless, and while it can’t offer any luxury resorts, Ha’apai is ideal for adventure and brilliant for kayaking – paddle up to a near-deserted shore, stay at beachside fale and tuck into a traditional feast with the friendly islanders!

• Tongatapu

Nuku’alofa, Tonga’s capital, will be almost certainly your first taste of the kingdom. With about a third of all Tonga’s population living here, Nuku’alofa can be a surprisingly bustling place but its size also means there’s a great array of restaurants, nightclubs and dynamic cultural shows. There’s plenty to see too, such as the Talamahu Markets with its mounds of fresh produce and selection of handcrafts, including wood carving and jewellery. Although the Royal Palace is not open to visitors, you can admire this white-timber 19th century building from the waterfront. Try to time your visit to town to include a Sunday. Tongans are ardent churchgoers and their singing is legendary. Everyone’s welcome but make sure to pack your Sunday best.

• Ha’apai

Ha’apai, on the other hand, has no towns at all. It’s a faraway world of atolls, lagoons and white sand – an untouched slice of pure Polynesia, where most islands are tiny and uninhabited. The main centre is the friendly village of Pangai on Lifuka, with a lone bank and a few small stores. Ha’apai is way off the beaten track, and if you’re looking for somewhere untouched by time, you’ll love it here. Sea-kayaking, either for short island-to-island hops, or multi-day adventures, is an ideal way to explore these islands. Whale watching, swimming with whales and kite-surfing are on offer and there’s history too: it was in these islands that the Bounty Mutiny took place. Life is simple in Ha’apai so accommodation for visitors is also no-frills. But there’s nowhere better for that back-to-nature island experience and for a genuine introduction to traditional Tongan culture.

• Vava’u

If you’re in search of empty white sands and brilliant blue waters, Vava’u is your perfect choice. This tropical archipelago has one large island and a host of smaller ones, all with shimmering lagoons, hidden coves and superb diving sites. Neiafu, the main centre, lies on the shores of the Port of Refuge, a magnificent deep-water harbour. It’s the prettiest town in Tonga, and has a Saturday market, plus shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. There is spectacular diving and snorkelling among coral gardens, shipwrecks and in mysterious sea caves. With a reputation as one of the best game-fishing locations in the Pacific, Vava’u has boats available for exhilarating searches for marlin and tuna. While Vava’u is a magnet for lovers of the outdoors, there is no need to rough it as accommodation ranges from camp sites to comfortable resorts.

• Swim with the Whales in Tonga

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with these gentle giants. Each year from June through to November, hundreds of humpback whales arrive in Tonga to spend the winter in the warmer seas for breading. Whale watching and swimming trips are available every day during the peak whale season which is from July to Oct. There is an array of interesting behavior to be seen from the boat from graceful spyhops to powerful tail slaps and full body breaching. You may even have a couple of curious whales come up to the boat to investigate. If you’re a thrill seeker then you can get into the water and swim alongside these beautiful creatures. There are rules to ensure swimmers stay at least 200 meters away, but humpbacks are curious by nature, so if you get lucky and they approach of their own accord, revel in the experience and enjoy their titanic presence.