Destination: Australasia
Australasia is sometimes used as a term for Australia and New Zealand together in the absence of another word limited to those two countries, however it consists of much more. Read below the destinations you can reach in this area of the world.
Australia
Australia is the only country that has a whole continent to itself. World famous for its natural wonders and wide open spaces, its beaches, deserts, “the bush”, and “the Outback”, Australia is actually one of the world’s most highly urbanised countries. It is also well known for the cosmopolitan attractions of its large cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
Having lived in Australia for the majority of our lives, you would expect that we’d know a lot about it. The opposite is true, I doubt most Australians have seen as much of Australia as most foreigners who come here. I think because it is an island, far away from everywhere else, the cost of travelling overseas is about the same as travelling from the south to the north, or the east to the west.
Although we haven’t travelled extensively through Australia, we definitely know the culture inside out. And having lived in Sydney before taking off on our round-the-world travels, gave us a lot of insight into the best Things To Do in this cosmopolitan beach city. Melbourne hotels, boutique shopping and trendy bars draw many to the south for an urban contrast to Sydney city life.
New Zealand
New Zealand is a country of stunning and diverse natural beauty which includes: jagged mountains, steep fiords, pristine lakes, raging rivers, scenic beaches, and active volcanic features. The islands are one of Earth’s richest flora zones and is inhabited by some unique fauna, including many flightless birds such as the kiwi, which is the national symbol.
The Maori culture continues to play an important part in everyday New Zealand life, and there are abundant opportunities for the visitor to understand and experience the history and the present day form of Maori life.
The country is sparsely populated, but easily accessible. New Zealand has modern visitor facilities, and developed transportation networks. New Zealand holidays often have an adventure twist to nature, it is the home of jetboating through shallow gorges, and bungy jumping off anything high enough to give a thrill.
New Zealand offers the world traveler some quite thrilling cities to explore such as Christchurch on the south of the island and Auckland on the north side.
Both cities represent some of New Zealand’s largest urban areas and are culturally immersive ways to experience what it is like to live in urban city dwelling New Zealand. If you are planning to visit a city such as Auckland then be sure to do your research on where to stay and what to see.
New Zealand is also home to some truly fantastic hotels that will make your stay in the country very memorable indeed. Book your reservation at one of the many hotels in Auckland and get great deals.
Reliable and comfortable accommodation ensures that you are well equipped to explore the stunning landscapes and vistas of New Zealand and when the days cultural activities are finally over, to explore the very best that city living has to offer.
Fiji
Fiji is a Melanesian country in the South Pacific Ocean. It lies about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand and consists of an archipelago that includes 332 islands, a handful of which make up most of the land area, and approximately 110 of which are inhabited.
Fiji is the product of volcanic mountains and warm tropical waters. Its majestic and ever-varied coral reefs today draw tourists from around the world, but were the nightmare of European mariners until well into the 19th century. As a result, Fijians have retained their land and often much of the noncommercial, sharing attitude of people who live in vast extended families with direct access to natural resources.
Today, Fiji is a land of tropical rainforests, coconut plantations, fine beaches, fire-cleared hills. For Fiji holidays it is blessedly free of evils such as malaria, landmines, or terrorism that attend many similarly lovely places in the world.
Internal political events in the recent past resulted in a reduction in tourism. The Fiji tourism industry has responded by lowering prices and increasing promotion of the main resort areas that are far removed from the politics in and around the capital, Suva.
French Polynesia
French Polynesia is a set of islands that is an overseas country attached to France. Located in the South Pacific Ocean, it is halfway between California and Australia.
Tahiti and her islands cover four million square kilometers of ocean which is the same area as the European Union. However the land above sea level accounts for some 7,000 square kilometers consisting of 118 islands, grouped into five archipelagoes (4 volcanic, 1 coral).
Tahitians are proud of their islands and happy to share their way of life with their guests in many ways. They are really relaxed people who live according to the aita pea pea philosophy (meaning “no worries”). Their culture should be respected as well as their way of life. Don’t make them feel that you’re superior to them but just be natural. They are a very welcoming and warm people.
