Australasia and Pacific Articles (22 articles found)

Embarking on a Journey to Mordor As a lover of gentle strolls through bucolic English countryside, the idea of a 12-mile hike across a volcanic moonscape did not initially appeal to me in the slightest. However, with New Zealand's reputation for its remarkable landscapes and my inner Frodo Baggins calling me to adventure, I decided to surrender to the allure of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

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Introduction to Aitutaki Are you tired of sitting at home, wasting away in front of your screen? Are you feeling the itch to travel and explore? Well, buckle up, because we're about to embark on a virtual journey to the Cook Islands, specifically the island of Aitutaki. It's a place where you'll find crystal clear waters, swaying palm trees, and a distinct lack of tourists all clamoring for the same spot on the beach.

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A Symphony in Snow and Stone Picture this: a colossal titan of stone and ice, soaring skywards in a dazzling display of nature's might. A land of ethereal beauty, so achingly perfect it could only be the work of the gods themselves.

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1998: A year when the internet was as young and wild as I was, a digital frontier mirroring my own trek up Australia's east coast. With a backpack that carried my life and a map that was more decoration than direction, I embarked on a journey through the land of kangaroos, surf, and the quirkiest creatures this side of a sci-fi novel. Let's start with Newcastle, a city with the charm of a coal miner's handshake - firm, unpretentious, and covered in a fine layer of historical soot.

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In the grand, sunburnt country of Australia, there lies a stretch of coastline that whispers tales of surf, sand, and the suburban dream. This is the fabled run from Sydney to Brisbane, a concrete and saltwater stained yellow brick road that promises the intrepid traveler a glimpse into the raw, beating heart of the 'Real Australia'.

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A Bit of Background Stewart Island, affectionately known as New Zealand's "third island," is often overshadowed by its larger siblings in the land of the Kiwis - the North and South Islands. With a population of fewer than 400 people, it's akin to the distant cousin with the funny accent that everyone forgets to invite to the family reunion.

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The Enigmatic Moai Imagine standing on a remote volcanic island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, staring into the eyes of a massive stone statue, carved from the very rock on which you stand. The statue, or Moai, as they are locally known, towers over you, its massive head and elongated body casting an imposing shadow.

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An Introduction to the Frenzied Beauty of Kimberley My time in the wicked and untamed Australian terrain known as the Kimberley Region has left me scratching my head in awe and disgust. The sheer ferocity of the wildlife and the extreme isolation of the land have taken their toll on my sanity.

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The Land Where Kangaroos Rule Australia's Kangaroo Island may evoke images of a marsupial utopia, where kangaroos roam freely and frolic in the sun. While these noble beasts do indeed abound, the island offers a veritable cornucopia of natural wonders, quirky wildlife, and delightful gastronomic experiences, all of which are inexplicably underrated in the grand scheme of Australian tourism.

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An Adventure in the Antipodes As a weary traveler, it's not uncommon to find yourself in some of the most remote and exotic locations on Earth, often pondering questions such as, "How in the name of all that's holy did I end up here? " In this case, "here" refers to the majestic Milford Sound in New Zealand, a place so breathtakingly beautiful that it makes you forget momentarily that you're on the bottom side of the planet, and that you're still not entirely sure which way is up. Getting to Milford Sound: A Journey Through Middle Earth First things first, getting to Milford Sound is no easy feat.

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The Garden Island: A Verdant Fever Dream As I stumbled off the 11-hour flight from Los Angeles, my bleary eyes were assaulted by the impossibly lush and vibrant landscape of Fiji's Taveuni. The third-largest island of the Fijian archipelago, Taveuni is known as "the Garden Island" for its abundant and diverse flora.

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Some might call it the windiest city on earth, others might praise its vibrant arts scene, or its rich cultural history. No matter how one might describe it, Wellington, New Zealand is an unforgettable destination, worthy of any intrepid traveler's bucket list.

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Good people of the world, let me draw your attention to a place where time stands still, where dinosaurs still roam, and where the ocean does a disappearing act daily. A place where pearls are the currency, and crocodiles are the overlords.

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G'day mate! Are you looking for some unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences in Brisbane? Well, you've come to the right place! As a seasoned traveller, I've got the inside scoop on some of the city's best-kept secrets. Get ready to ditch the typical tourist traps and delve into some of the quirkier side of Brissie. Explore the hidden laneways of the CBDForget about the crowded shopping malls and check out the city's hidden laneways instead.

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There are some positive signs that humanity may well be winning the battle against Covid-19. Vaccinations are ramping up, and recent studies have shown that those who've already caught the virus have antibodies that are proving effective in preventing reinfection. I mention this because there's not much international travel going on while Covid-19 is grounding airplanes and preventing visas from being issued.

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Moving within your city is difficult enough but moving overseas is even more complicated. There are so many things to consider when planning a move overseas including finances, shipping and tying up loose ends, and this can be one of the biggest transitions you will make in your life. Moving to Australia doesn't have to be difficult, especially if you have the right set of skills and can contribute to the economy.

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Queenstown's spectacular scenery, vibrant town centre and lively food scene has made it one of the most popular travel destinations in New Zealand. All year round people flock there to see the sights and experience the adventurous Queenstown activities.

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Known for its world-class wine, gourmet food and sunny climate, New Zealand's Marlborough region is an ideal tourist destination. Within Marlborough are delightful towns like Picton and Blenheim where there is plenty to see and do.

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Located on the eastern shores of Tasman Bay, Nelson is known for its gorgeous weather and adventurous outdoor activities. There is a great range of things to do in the Nelson Tasman region and a whole lot of delicious food and wine to try.

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Wellington's active outdoor lifestyle, world-class dining and cultural attractions have made it a top travel destination. Here is a short guide to New Zealand's charismatic capital city. Things to Do in WellingtonOne of the most popular things to do in Wellington is a ride on the iconic Wellington Cable Car.

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There are so many things to do in Auckland that it's hard to pack it all into one trip. Fantastic food, adventurous activities, and stunning views are all part of Auckland's appeal.

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Samoa is a truly fantastic place to visit, with lots to see and do. If you are the adventurous type, and have decided to book Samoa for your next holiday destination, and are wondering what to do in Samoa, here are some exciting and slightly more unusual activities to take part in on your trip. Dive SavaiiOne of the jewels in the crown of Samoa is that it is one of the few places in the world, where you have the opportunity to swim with turtles in their native environment.

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