Geographically and economically the lands that come under the banner of Oceania are literally miles apart. Stretching across the Pacific, from New Guinea in the west to Sala y Gomez Island in the east and Hawaii in the northeast, there is a sharp contrast in the economy, culture, and landscape. The globally competitive financial markets of New Zealand and Australia are in sharp contrast to the low economies of Tuvalu and Kiribati or the other Pacific islands like Tonga and Fiji. Likewise, with the population, multicultural cities such as Melbourne and Auckland are bustling with life and far removed from some of the most remote islands that make up this region, such as Niue in Polynesia and the Keeling Islands of Australia.
Pristine beaches fringed with swaying palms, rugged volcanic mountains rising out of the blue waters and stunning coral reefs; the most famous being the Great Barrier Reef, characterize this part of the world. With its abundant and diverse marine life, Oceania is a diver’s paradise. Scuba divers converge on Vanuatu to marvel at what lies beneath the waves, while those seeking the exotic experience of an island destination make a beeline for Hawaii, Fiji or Bora Bora. Australia and New Zealand characterized by diverse landscapes, unique animals and beautiful islands draw visitors by the thousands too. Oceania with its indigenous people, stunning landscapes and enchanting wildlife is a land waiting to be explored.
Sydney is the oldest as well as the largest city in Australia. It is one of the most beautiful, cosmopolitan and safe metropolises in the world. There is far more charm and personality to this scenic city than many give her credit for. With a wide range of attractions such as the iconic beaches, delicious cuisine,…
Our visit to Auckland was a learning experience from beginning to end. Tamaki Makaurau as Maori people call it, is a city with singular culture, huge range of outdoor activities, very warm and affectionate people. Most people do not know that Auckland was the capital of New Zealand for 25 years from 1842 until 1865 which led it to become…
If there is one city where everyone feels at home, that is Melbourne. This beautiful metropolis is made up of people from all over the world, 38% of its population was born overseas. Victoria’s vibrant capital is a wonderful city that is often ranked amongst the world’s most livable each year. It is a city…
Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, is the most isolated capital city in the world. It is not quite the bustling metropolis that Sydney is, nor does it boast the quirkiness of Melbourne’s coffee connoisseurs and music lovers, but Perth is a vibrant, energetic city whose claims to fame includes picture-perfect beaches with Mediterranean…
Queenstown, a sophisticated holiday resort set in the magnificent landscapes of the Southern Alps of New Zealand, is probably one of the prettiest places in the world. Lush mountains rising from turquoise waters may seem too good to be true, but you will just have to trust your eyes! Queenstown is the party capital of New…
Despite popular belief, San Francisco doesn’t have the steepest road in the world (or even in the U.S. for that matter). Of course, what’s defined as “steepest” is certainly up for debate. But, Baldwin Street, located just a few minutes northeast of downtown Dunedin, New Zealand is reputed to be the world’s steepest residential street, according…
Not only does New Zealand offer some breath-taking views, but by traveling by car, you can benefit from roads that are easy to drive; the traffic is usually at low volumes, which all helps to add to the perfect road trip. If you are planning a holiday to New Zealand, consider one of the following…
New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington is located on the southern end of the North Island between beautiful steep hills and the ocean. Because of its diverse ecosystem, visitors can be climbing up a mountain, going to coffee tastings, touring boutique vineyards, and sailing near the coast all in one afternoon. [booking_product_helper shortname=”wellington”] Wellington Cable…
Brisbane one of the oldest cities in Australia, is the capital of the Sunshine State, Queensland. The city was established in 1825 but suffered a major developmental setback in the Great Fire of Brisbane in 1864. Another natural calamity in 1893, the Great Brisbane Flood also caused considerable damage to the developing city. Today the…
Canberra, the capital city of Australia is the political hub of the country. At the same time, this city also happens to be one of the most sought-after tourist destinations for tourists at large. Every year, a majority of tourists plan their itinerary in this beautiful city of Canberra and the city doesn’t disappoint them…
Gold Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia (just an hour’s drive from Brisbane). Situated in the eastern state of Queensland, this place is all about sandy beaches, amazing waterways, surfing sports, and some of the most amazing amusement parks. Thus, all the tourists are surely going to have a great…
Hobart is the southernmost city of the Australian continent that is situated on the island state of Tasmania. The beautiful Hobart is also a very popular tourist destination as it offers a number of beautiful and picturesque locations to all the tourists. The city is often considered to be a hub of history, culture, food,…
Adelaide is known to be the capital city of South Australia. The city is considered to be a very sophisticated and vibrant city that entertains a very rich cultural heritage. The tourists here are often intrigued by the beautiful sights of some of the most amazing gardens, museums, and markets here. This makes the city…
Situated on the eastern coast of North Queensland, Australia, the city of Cairns is famous as the gateway to one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef. Once known for gold mining, the present Cairns is a sprawling urban township and a major port for the export of Australia’s natural…
One of the largest cities in New Zealand, Christchurch is known for its breathtakingly beautiful parks, gardens, and old historical buildings. However, in recent years the city has been the unfortunate target of a natural disaster. Two massive earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 resulted in the demolishment of almost 80% of its buildings in the…
While LGBT travelers might be hard-pressed to find exclusively gay hotels in Melbourne, Australia, there are hundreds of excellent gay-friendly alternatives. Victoria’s capital city enjoys a worldwide reputation for being warm and welcoming to all, including those who fly the rainbow flag. And that flag sure soars, particularly during the annual queer-tastic Midsumma Festival. Like…
The fun never seems to stop in the Land Down Under. There’s always something to see and do for every type of travelers. That includes Brisbane. A lot of people think of Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth when it comes to visiting Australia. But the real fun actually lies in Brisbane. First of all, the city’s…
Christchurch, with its old-world charm and breathtaking scenic beauty is a popular tourist destination. Acclaimed for its art scene and verdant spaces, New Zealand’s oldest and most populous city sits tucked in the picturesque Canterbury region of South Island. The serene Avon River flowing through the center of this Garden City with a spectacular park along…
What was once a vast sheep station known as Canberry is today Australia’s capital. It’s a modern, well-planned city, and staying in one of the best hotels in Canberra, Australia, will situate you perfectly for exploring its many attractions. Set amidst high grass plains, Canberra is filled with things to see and do. From cosmopolitan…
The continent of Australia with its unique flora and fauna and ever-changing landscapes is a land full of surprises and discoveries. The largest country in Oceania, Australia is also home to numerous smaller islands scattered around it. Most people are familiar with the biggest of its islands, Tasmania, but not many are aware of the…
As capital cities go, Wellington in New Zealand might not be as large when compared to those of other countries. But despite its compactness, it is jam-packed with history, culture, and natural beauty. From sandy beaches and engaging museums to leafy parks and delicious cuisine, this North Island city has it all. And when it…
Queenstown is often described as ‘the adventure capital of the world’ for its year-round adventures and bungy jumping. The birthplace of bungy jumping has a smorgasbord of activities to offer adrenaline junkies and the not so adventurous. However, this is not all that defines this resort town on New Zealand’s South Island. Built around an…
Located near the harbor, Auckland is a special city in New Zealand. Nicknamed the ‘City of Sails’, it’s the only metropolis’ and vibrant economy in the country. Apart from outdoor attractions, you’ll also find tons of monuments, museums, and art galleries here. In fact, some of them are the finest in the entire country. In…
The dazzling strip of sand that is the Gold Coast in Australia’s Queensland is the country’s most iconic holiday destination. It begins a little south-southeast of Brisbane and continues almost till Coolangatta, which is the last town before New South Wales. With shimmering high-rises, pristine white sands, and the blue waters of the Coral Sea,…