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
FIRST-CLASS | 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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Fiji: Northern Island Escape with Airfare
Escape to the green Northern Islands of Fiji to experience untouched wilderness and some of the best coral reefs in the South Pacific. Staying in a world-class resort, you’ll have the freedom to explore the islands of Vanua Levu and Taveuni and experience the remarkable underwater worlds of this island chain.- Duration:
- 10 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ On Request
- Trip Type:
- Beach & Island Escapes, Romance & Honeymoon, 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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Tasmanian Self Drive: Launceston to Hobart (or V.V.)
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Enjoy driving through Tasmania, taking in its stunning unspoiled wilderness. From Launceston travel to Swansea, explore the east coast’s beaches, granite outcrops and deserted caves.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 399
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Discover Adelaide & Barossa Valley
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Explore Adelaide, a small elegant city with colonial architecture, an abundance of parkland and a Mediterranean climate. Next visit Barossa Valley, Australia’s largest wine growing area. Wine tastings and lunch are included.- Duration:
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 408
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Lagoon Breeze Villas
Lagoon Breeze Villas is located opposite its own stunning white sandy beach on a marine reserve in the south-west coast of Rarotonga.- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 418
- Trip Type:
- Beach & Island Escapes, Romance & Honeymoon
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Discover Auckland City of Sails
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Spend three days exploring Auckland, known as the “City of Sails” because of the many yachts in the harbour. See the sights and scenery that have made this city a favourite with tourists.- Duration:
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 441
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Beautiful Bay of Islands
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Extend your stay on New Zealand’s North Island with a trip to the Bay of Islands. Enjoy the stunning coastal scenery and impeccable stretches of beach in the beautiful Bay of Islands. Visit historic Russell and Cape Reinga before heading back to the Bay and on to Auckland.- Duration:
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 537
- Trip Type:
- Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Bay of Islands Self Drive
Drive north from Auckland to beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy some leisure time and get to know the area before visiting the superb beaches of Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northernmost point.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 549
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives
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Coral Coast: Shangri La Fijian Resort
Escape to the private Yanuca Island, nestled away on Fiji’s Coral Coast, and stay at Shangri La’s Fijian Resort & Spa, which offers intimacy and convenience. Enjoy several days soaking up the sun and exploring the soft coral gardens and blue waters of this island paradise.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 554
- Trip Type:
- Beach & Island Escapes, Romance & Honeymoon, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Tahiti Discovery
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Spend several days enjoying the bounty of Tahiti, French Polynesia’s most popular island. Stay at a first-class resort and enjoy great access to beaches and lagoons. You’ll also head on an island tour to ancient temples, lush gardens, and lookout points with unbeatable views of the island.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 555
- Trip Type:
- Beach & Island Escapes, Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Tassie Convict Discovery
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Tasmania offers a world of difference from the rest of Australia. Explore the ruins of the infamous Port Arthur penal settlements, learning the history of Australia’s early convicts.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 562
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Great Aussie Surf Adventure
Five amazing days of surf, sun, great food and people await you. This is “the be all and end all” of Surf Adventures, the best way to immerse yourself in Australia’s favourite pastime.- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 564
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Ideas for 18 to 30 Somethings, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Christchurch: The Garden City
New Zealand’s South Island is one of the most stunning places in the world and Christchurch is its gateway. Enjoy some leisure time then take in a few of the “Garden City’s” attractions.- Duration:
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 565
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Coastal Drive Self Drive: Sydney to Melbourne
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Follow along the shimmering east coast of Australia, travelling from Sydney to Melbourne exploring some of the best beaches around, become acquainted with coastal living, remote coastal bushlands and relaxed Aussie lifestyle.- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 569
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Discover Sunny Perth
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Perth is an aquatic paradise with clean beaches and pleasant river foreshores. It is an ideal base to explore the diverse surrounding areas including the colourful port city of Freemantle.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 580
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Discover Melbourne Town
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: See the highlights of Melbourne with a quintessential city tour that takes you to many of the city's historic sights. Visit Philip Island to witness the famous 'Little Penguin Parade', with a stop en route to get up close and personal with kangaroos and koalas.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 599
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Bora Bora Discovery
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Experience a taste of paradise on this short stay in Bora Bora. Enjoy comfortable accommodations at a beachside resort and head on a full day snorkelling tour through the island’s lagoon, which includes a BBQ lunch on a private motu. The rest of your time is at leisure.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 648
- Trip Type:
- Beach & Island Escapes, Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Discover Wellington
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Perched on the edge of a beautiful harbour, Wellington is a stunning city. Vibrant and cultured, it combines the sophistication of a big city with the quirkiness of a charming village.- Duration:
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 650
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Coral Coast: Outrigger on the Lagoon
Escape to a 5-star resort on Fiji`s Coral Coast, where you can enjoy luxury accommodations and take advantage of Fiji`s world-famous climate. In addition to the gorgeous rooms and world-class hospitality of Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, you`ll be free to swim, snorkel, or dive to your heart`s content.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 659
- Trip Type:
- Beach & Island Escapes, Romance & Honeymoon
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Sunset Resort
The Sunset Resort is a beachfront property set on the sheltered western side of the island, 5 minutes from the airport and 8 minutes from the town of Avarua.- Duration:
- 6-13 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 675
- Trip Type:
- Beach & Island Escapes, Romance & Honeymoon
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Discover Splendid Sydney
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: From its convict origins as the first European settlement in Australia, Sydney grew into the country’s largest and most exciting city. Take time to explore the sights of splendid Sydney.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 681
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Shipwreck Coast Explorer: Self Drive
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Starting and finishing in Melbourne, enjoy a self drive tour along Victoria’s southwest coast. The Great Ocean Road offers amazing scenery, unforgettable natural features and quaint towns making it a unique vacation spot.- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 699
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Cairns Barrier Reef Discovery
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Rainforests. Enjoy time on a wave piercing catamaran then board an amphibious army duck to venture into the rainforest.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 713
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Coral Coast: Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa
Enjoy an exciting escape to paradise on this trip to Fiji`s Coral Coast. Staying at Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa, you`ll enjoy comfortable accommodations and be free to engage in exciting activities such as snorkelling, windsurfing, and Fijian fire walking.- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 714
- Trip Type:
- Beach & Island Escapes, Romance & Honeymoon, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Discover Radiant Rarotonga
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Start your stay with an island tour, circling Rarotonga to get a lay of the land. In the company of a local guide, you’ll learn about Polynesian culture and how to adjust to the laidback rhythms of island time. Cruise the lagoon in a glass bottom boat to Koromiri Island for a BBQ lunch.- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 719
- Trip Type:
- Beach & Island Escapes, Tailor-made Travel Ideas