Australia
Reef, red centre, rainforest and wild islands in one long trip, planned around the seasons of a continent.
The long way round: outback, fjords and lagoons, worth the flight if you can give it three weeks
Pacific travel: Australasia and Pacific
How to think about Australasia and Pacific
This is the far side of the world, so the first decision is how long you can give it. Australia is a continent: pick two or three areas, such as Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, rather than trying to see it all. New Zealand is smaller and best by road, from the vineyards of Marlborough to the fjords of Fiordland.
The Pacific islands are for slowing down. Fiji has village life and small island resorts in the Mamanuca and Yasawa groups. Bora Bora and the wider French Polynesia mean overwater bungalows, clear lagoons and Moorea's volcanic peaks.
The usual shape is a big country followed by an island. Fiji fits neatly between Australia and New Zealand, and Tahiti is a natural stop on the way home via the United States. Breaking the flight in Singapore, Hong Kong or Los Angeles makes the journey far kinder.
Destinations in Australasia and Pacific
Bora Bora
One volcanic peak, one vast turquoise lagoon and a ring of motu hotels built over the water: the honeymoon island.
Fiji
Island resorts on clear lagoons, soft coral reefs and a warm village welcome, an easy add-on to Australia or New Zealand.
French Polynesia
Tahiti, Moorea, the coral atolls of the Tuamotus and the wild Marquesas: 118 islands across a vast stretch of ocean.
New Zealand
Fiords, volcanoes, vineyards and fine lodges within a few hours of each other, at the far end of the world.
Journeys in Australasia and Pacific
Sample routes to start from. Every one can be changed.
South Island by road: lakes, glaciers and Fiordland in 12 nights
A self-drive loop from Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mount Cook, over to Wanaka, down to Fiordland for Milford Sound, and four nights in Queenstown to finish. Short driving days, long walks.
Sydney, Uluru, the reef and Fiji: 14 nights for families
The big Australia trip for families: Sydney harbour, two nights in the red centre at Uluru, four on the Queensland coast for the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree, then five on a small island in Fiji to rest before the flight home.
Plan your Australasia and Pacific trip
No forms to get through first. Tell us roughly what you have in mind and a specialist will take it from there.