Vacations, Tours & Travel Experiences to Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific Islands
The South Pacific is a world of its own with its special character and personality. Known as Downunder to many of us living in the northern hemisphere, a journey to this region can entail any combination of countries. Most visitors usually opt for a combination of Australia and New Zealand. However, it is very easy to include other wonderful destinations either going to or returning from the South Pacific.
Travel to Australia
Australia is both a continent and an island. When planning a visit, take into consideration the diverse nature of the country. There are exciting cosmopolitan cities, tropical jungles, rainforests, mountain ranges, deserts and wine-growing regions – all this in one country. Spend time in Sydney with its beautiful harbour, iconic opera house and historical Rocks district. Then move on to Melbourne, a cultural and sophisticated urban centre complete with suburban beach resorts (most of our trips to Australia include visits to both cities).
What are the top cities and places to visit in Australia?
Serene Canberra is Australia’s capital, architecturally designed as a model city. Adelaide offers not only its green parks but also the close by the fascinating animal sanctuary, Kangaroo Island and the outstanding wine region of the Barossa Valley. Perth has the ocean, pleasant parks, a sunny climate and nearby wine districts. When in Brisbane, make a point of visiting the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Tropical Cairns is a major gateway to the amazing Great Barrier Reef and also the Daintree Rainforest. The Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast with their excellent beaches, both offer an escape from North America’s cold climate.
Darwin can be combined with a visit to the extraordinary Kakadu National Park famous for its ancient rock art and waterfalls as well as its crocodiles. Unforgettable and mysterious Ayers Rock in the Red Centre and the Olgas are easily combined with Alice Springs. In Tasmania, you can immerse yourself in historic Hobart and take in some dramatic island scenery which includes mountains and lakes.
What are the must-see attractions in Australia?
There are many other aspects to Australia. You can cruise around the Great Barrier Reef, go skiing in the Snowy Mountains, experience the Great Ocean Road with its spectacular coastline running between Melbourne and Adelaide, enjoy excellent art galleries and museums and partake in fine dining. Whatever your interests, an Australia vacation will provide it. You will certainly want to go back again once having travelled there.
Travel to New Zealand
Just over the Tasman Sea, approximately a 3-hour flight away from Australia is New Zealand, a land of natural wonder with its spectacular mountains, active volcanoes, majestic fjords, picturesque lakes, bubbling hot springs, great beaches and rugged coastline. All of these ingredients are packed into two relatively small islands which can be seen and experienced while in New Zealand.
What are the top cities to visit in New Zealand?
The subtropical North Island contrasts perfectly with the more rugged and mountainous South Island. On the North Island, Auckland makes a good introduction to New Zealand with its attractive harbour, home to thousands of sailboats. Wellington, the country’s capital, known as the country’s centre for arts and culture, is scenically located between a stunning harbour and rolling green hills. Unique Rotorua introduces you to the world of thermal activity as well as offers insights into the Maori culture. In the far north, the Bay of Islands gives you not only delightful coastal resorts but interesting history.
Turning to the South Island, Christchurch will remind you of a typical English provincial city with its church spires, green parks and tree-lined River Avon. Queenstown is a treasure in itself with its stunning scenery, diverse outdoor activities and easy access to other interesting nearby places. It is the gateway to the dramatic Fjordland which includes the spectacular Milford Sound with its lush rainforest and majestic waterfalls and Te Anau, the starting point for several dramatic walking trails. Majestic Mount Cook cannot fail to impress with its massive, snow-clad peaks that make up the Mount Cook National Park. In the far south is Dunedin, a gracious and distinctive city with grand 19th Century buildings and beautiful gardens.
What are the top parks to visit in New Zealand?
Add to all of the above, the many beautiful national parks such as the Coromandel, the Abel Tasman and Tongariro National Parks plus the rugged coastline of the west coast of the South Island with its marine animal life, and there is absolutely no doubt that a New Zealand vacation is a true scenic wonderland.
Travel to Tahiti
Definitely break your journey in one of any of the delightful, tropical islands which offer all year round great weather with guaranteed sunshine. Tahiti is the heart of Polynesian culture with its towering jagged mountain peaks, tranquil, sheltered blue lagoons and white coral sand beaches set off by turquoise waters. Take your pick from romantic Bora Bora, breathtakingly beautiful Moorea or any of the smaller, less inhabited but equally stunning islands that make up Tahiti.
About Fiji
Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands and is known for its rugged landscapes, palm-lined beaches and coral reefs with clear lagoons. Its major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, contain most of the population. Consider a scenic cruise to the outer islands or just languish on one of the many wonderful beaches. The Cook Islands has a culture firmly anchored by traditional Polynesian values and is steeped in history. You will definitely find yourself attracted to the very friendly Cook Islanders.
Travelling to Samoa, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea
Samoa and Tonga are other stopover possibilities, each with its own special character and attractions which definitely include beautiful beaches. For something different, head to Papua New Guinea which remains one of the world’s last frontiers where you can take a river cruise into the hinterlands of this exotic island.
Plan to visit the South Pacific and discover a world of delights, Downunder!
Also, visit:
- For trip, ideas see the left sidebar
- Goway's Downunder Special Services
- 56 reasons to go Downunder with Goway
- General travel information for Australia, New Zealand & The South Pacific
- Air ideas to get Downunder
- South Pacific Air Passes
Classic Australia: Sydney, Red Centre, Cairns, Melbourne
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Explore Australia's most diverse cities and natural wonders on this journey that takes you to Sydney’s Opera House and spectacular Ayers Rock. Visit colourful Melbourne, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, and learn about the traditional Aboriginal “Dreamtime."
More DetailsAustralia & South Pacific
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The New Guinea Encounter
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Discover the frontier on this trek into the jungles of Papua New Guinea. On this journey through the Wahgi Valley and along the Karawari River, you’ll get in touch with Indigenous villagers, see colourful birds, and explore the untouched majesty of the nation’s wilderness.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 5,714
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Bucket List Travel Ideas, Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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The Papua New Guinea Explorer
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Spend 11 days exploring the remote highlands of Papua New Guinea. Float down jungle waterways, hike to highland villages, and meet with local villagers who are renowned for their woodcarving and subsistence lifestyles. This trip is the ultimate frontier adventure.- Duration:
- 11 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 8,317
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Bucket List Travel Ideas, Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Tikehau Discovery
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Unwind from the busyness of everyday life with a getaway to an eco-resort on a private islet in Tikehau. Spend your days exploring the waters, relaxing on a pink-sand beach, and taking full advantage of the intimate setting where there’s nothing between you and the natural world.- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,381
- Trip Type:
- Beach & Island Escapes, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Top End Explorer: 4 Days (Darwin - Kakadu - Katherine - Darwin) Self Drive
Enjoy the complete freedom and flexibility of a self-drive vacation through Australia’s “Top End”, beginning and ending in Darwin with stops at Kakadu and Katherine along with way.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 349
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives
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Treasures of Australia Premier Escorted Luxury Vacation
Discover the icons of Oz on this luxury vacation to Australia. As you cross the country and stay in premium accommodations, you’ll see Uluru/Ayers Rock in the Red Centre, cruise the Great Barrier Reef at Port Douglas, and explore the urban wonders of Melbourne and Sydney.- Duration:
- 15 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,495
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring
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Untamed Kimberley & West Coast Escorted Vacation
MODERATE | ESCORTED COACH: Explore the rugged and contrasting landscapes of Kimberley and the West Coast on this epic journey through Western Australia. As you pass from the Top End to Perth, you’ll cruise on rivers, hike to waterholes, tour working diamond mines, explore coral reefs, relax on pristine beaches, and engage with unforgettable Indigenous cultures.- Duration:
- 21 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 11,290
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
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Upolu & Savai'i Escape with Airfare
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Escape to Samoa to enjoy relaxation time on the islands of Savai’i and Upolu. Relax on the beach, go snorkelling, kayaking, or fishing, take a village walking tour, or try out a surf lesson. Bask in the comforts of your island resort and enjoy the unmatched hospitality of your Samoan hosts.- Duration:
- 10 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,589
- Trip Type:
- Beach & Island Escapes, Bucket List Travel Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas, Vacation Packages with Airfare
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Value Tasmania (6 Days): Value Plus Escorted Vacation
Spend six days in Tasmania first visiting the city of Launceston then journey to Freycinet National Park. Stop in historic Port Arthur and Salamanca Place before concluding in Hobart.- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,045
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
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Value Tasmania (9 Days): Value Plus Escorted Vacation
Begin and end in Launceston, spending ten amazing days seeing the many of the highlights of Tasmania including Freycinet National Park, Port Arthur, the Cradle Mountains, Strahan and more.- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,095
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
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Viti Levu: Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay
Escape to a luxury resort in the islands of Fiji and enjoy the spoils of paradise. At Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, you’ll enjoy luxurious accommodations as you take advantage of the white-sand beaches, tropical mainland, and turquoise waters of the lagoon and the South Pacific.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 128
- Trip Type:
- Beach & Island Escapes, Romance & Honeymoon, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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West Coast Discovery Self Drive: Perth to Broome
Get out and see the Australia less-travelled on this Western Australia self-drive. Enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace behind the wheel, with a confirmed itinerary and accommodation to make the most of your time, plus the support of Goway’s co-pilot kit, designed for Australia self-drives.- Duration:
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,049
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives
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Wines of the World: Santiago to Sydney
Chile and Australia – worlds apart now connected by a direct flight from Santiago to Sydney. Also connected are two of the worlds most famous wine countries. Indulge in Chilean reds and then move onto “dessert” with a sweet white in the famous Hunter Valley on this wines of the world experience.- Duration:
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,651
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers), Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Wines, Whales & Hot Springs
Arriving in Wellington, explore the capital before enjoying Blenheim’s wine region. Next is Kaikoura, renowned for year-round whale and dolphin watching then relax in Hamner Springs.- Duration:
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 819
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives
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Wonders of New Guinea
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Journey through remote jungles and villages on this adventure to Papua New Guinea. This 8-day vacation is the ultimate trek for explorers, as it introduces you to the fascinating landscapes, colourful birds, and remarkable people of this frontier nation.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 5,598
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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