Luxury Australasia & South Pacific Holidays

You'd be forgiven for overlooking Australasia’s cities. While the stunning beaches and landscapes are arguably the biggest draw, the cities here are just as special.

Iconic Australia

The cities in Australia are amongst the most famous in the world. The capital, Canberra, is also known as The Bush Capital for its breathtaking nature reserves and surrounding mountain ranges. Melbourne, the laid-back arts capital of Australia, is a draw for many, as are the animal sanctuaries and river cruises in Brisbane, and the beautiful sands of Perth.

The best-known of them all, though, is Sydney. Here, the star-studded Sydney Harbour, with the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, combine with world-class dining and shopping in the city centre. Stringing together a series of Australian cities into a once-in-a-lifetime tour is the perfect way to see all the unmissable sights and get more out your luxury holiday in Australasia.

Action-packed New Zealand

New Zealand’s cities are synonymous with adventure, culture, and history. On North Island you'll find Wellington and Auckland. Wellington, the capital city, is known as the culinary heart of New Zealand and its city centre is packed with quirky cafés, lively bars, and award-winning restaurants. Auckland, the most populated city in New Zealand, is a multicultural hub of delicious dining, live music, arts, museums, and culture.

The South Island cities of Christchurch and Queenstown are home to a vast range of activities and adventures. In Christchurch you'll find river boating, botanic gardens, and vast parks. Queenstown, backdropped by the stunning Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, has stunning vineyards to explore, as well as bungee jumping off Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge and jet boating on the Dart River.

Cities in the South Pacific

When you imagine a South Pacific Island holiday you probably don’t think of a city. But with an undiscovered treasure trove waiting to be explored, maybe it should be. We all know Tahiti has stunning lagoons and coral reefs, but its capital city of Papeete shouldn't be overlooked. This French-influenced city has incredible views over the bay and mountains. The French flair also translates into incredible local cuisine, which you can taste in the delightful eateries.

Suva, the capital of Fiji, has a history and personality that's been influenced by a variety of cultures. With a strong British influence on the architecture, there're some unique sights to be seen. There are many Colonial-style gardens to wander, as well as an enchanting market and cathedral, making Suva a must-see destination.

If you love an adventure, there's plenty on offer across Australasia and the South Pacific. Offering a diverse landscape spanning the sandy outback, rugged glaciers, cloudy volcanoes and crystal-clear lagoons, get ready for an action-packed trip.

Never-ending adventures in New Zealand

Boasting some of the most stunning scenery, New Zealand is a dream for adventure lovers. From staggering mountains, colourful volcanoes and towering fjords, to sparkling lakes, misty forests and steaming geysers, opportunities to explore are truly rife.

So, where to start? Milford Sound is on many bucket lists, where you can marvel at Mitre Peak, delve into rainforests and kayak across the waters. Queenstown offers an uninhibited playground for adrenaline lovers, with everything from mountain biking and ziplining to canyoning, white water rafting, bungee jumping and even skydiving on offer!

From the astoundingly steep Franz Josef Glacier to placid Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand is sure to be a highlight of any Australasian luxury holiday.

The outback of Australia

The vast country of Australia is ideal for exploring. In fact, one of the most iconic places to visit in the whole of Australasia is Northern Territory’s Red Centre, where you’ll find the striking Uluru. There's nothing quite like watching the sunrise over the dusty sand to the sound of the didgeridoo. A walk through the towering Walpa Gorge at Kata Tjuta National Park is another must, returning to relax in your luxury lodge.

Outside the Red Centre, Pinnacles Desert is ready to be explored in Perth. For hikers, the breathtaking Blue Mountains are a must, with bush walk trails and stunning lookout points.

From the vineyards along Margaret River to deserts, forests and incredible rock formations, the list really does go on! To cram as much as possible into your Australasian holiday, why not take a luxury train journey? Or, if you choose to drive, be sure include the scenic Great Ocean Road into your plan.

South Pacific island-hopping

While many people visit to relax, holidays in the South Pacific offer their fair share of adventure, too. An island-hopping holiday in particular is a fantastic way to discover the array of things across the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Fiji and more.

In Tahiti, you can hike mountain ridges and waterfalls, discover ancient temples, take a dip in a geothermal pool or perhaps join the surfers and catch a wave. Also in French Polynesia is Moorea Island, where you can take thrilling 4WD tours to the most magical lookout points.

In Fiji, snorkelling is one of the most popular activities, though adventurous types might want to attempt climbing Mount Tomanivi! And, while Bora Bora might be known for its romantic setting, searching for hidden coves by boat isn’t to be missed.

Australasia and the South Pacific Ocean is home to an incredible array of unique wildlife. From iconic kiwi birds and kangaroos, to highly valued coral reefs and marine life, take the time to admire nature on your Australasian luxury holiday.

Australia’s animals & Great Barrier Reef

There is no way to talk about Australia without mentioning the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system. From your base in the Whitsunday Islands, you can take a catamaran tour, swim, snorkel or go scuba diving to discover the truly stunning array on marine life that resides in the water. You can even take a helicopter tour to see it from above!

Oceans aside, Australia is known for its unique wildlife on land too. Families and adults alike will love meeting the residents of Kangaroo Island in their natural habitat, the rescued koalas of Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or spot kangaroos on a drive along Victoria's Great Ocean Road.

If you visit Phillip Island, you’ll also be lucky enough to see the fur seals lazing on the shore, or even a few little penguins returning to their burrows. From crocodiles to cuddly-looking Quokkas, Australia’s wildlife won’t fail to delight you!

The wonderful wildlife of New Zealand

New Zealand is home to some of Australasia’s most wonderful wildlife. Birds in particular take a lot of the spotlight – particularly the famed kiwi bird, which has become a national icon.

If you really love bird-watching, you should plan a trip to Taiaroa Head. This reserve is home to the southern hemisphere’s only mainland colony of albatross, whom you can watch from the albatross observatory. Milford Sound is another haven for wildlife lovers, where high rain fall, salt water from the sea and lush rainforests create unique conditions. The sight of fur seals, penguins and playful dolphins is a highlight for many!

Whale spotting is another very popular activity when on holiday in Australasia. In the beautiful coastal town of Kaikoura, you have a fantastic chance of seeing giant sperm whales along with dolphins, fur seals and plenty of sea birds.

The South Pacific’s untouched beauty

White sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and crystal waters… you could say that a luxury Pacific Island holiday is unrivalled in beauty.

In this undisturbed paradise, you’ll find some wonderful opportunities for snorkelling and diving. The pristine waters are home to an array of marine life that you can discover for yourself. Fiji is a highlight, an island which has become known as the ‘soft coral capital of the world’. Hosting a diverse range of underwater habitats, you can spot a kaleidoscope of fish plus manta rays, sharks, turtles and dolphins.

In French Polynesia, you‘ll find one of the best diving destinations, Fakarava. This lagoon in the Tuamotu Atolls has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and thrives with unique wildlife.

What can be said about the bliss of Australasia’s world-famous beaches that hasn’t been said already? With soft white sands, blue waters and a hot climate, sit back for a cool cocktail or enjoy some exciting activities.

The famed sands of Australia

If you’re looking for pristine white sand, endless ocean, and iconic surfing experiences, then look no further than Australia. Bondi Beach in Sydney is truly iconic and a world-famous surfing hotspot. Or, if you’d prefer a more relaxed stay, sipping cocktails in a chic waterfront bar is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Rockingham Beach is just a short journey from Perth, where the waters are home to around 150-plus bottlenose dolphins. You can even take a kayak trip to see them up close. For something a little bit unique, Squeaky Beach in Victoria is a one-of-a-kind strip of coastline. As the name suggests, every step on this sand comes with a unique sound effect!

Beautiful bays of New Zealand

The bays in New Zealand are known for their breathtaking beauty. Ringed by stunning coast with a welcoming climate, it’s an ideal destination for beach-lovers. From soft white sands to dramatic rock formations, each part of the shore hosts a variety of unique activities that offers something for every traveller.

Anchor Bay, in Tawharanui Regional Park, is one of Auckland’s greatest hidden gems. Here you'll discover rolling hills, soft sand, and blue ocean. On the south island's east coast is the rugged beauty of Koekohe Beach. Koekohe is a dream for natural history lovers, as it’s scattered with giant rock formations that were carved by the tides about 65 million years ago.

Bliss in the South Pacific

What do you get when you mix palm trees, white sand, clear waters and shining sun? You get paradise. Every island in the South Pacific could easily be described this way, particularly if you’re a lover of beaches. These islands are also home to some of the best watersports in the world, while taking a diving excursion to see stunning coral reefs is an unmissable experience on a South Pacific holiday.

The Cook Islands are another magnificent example of the beachside beauty you'll find in the region, boasting a variety of crystal-clear lagoons and soft sands that seem to go on forever. There’s a good reason why so many people consider this home to the best beaches on the planet.