If you are looking for diversity, Australia will not let you down. As the sixth largest country in the world, Australia has an array of natural beaches, sprawling deserts, clear coral reefs and bustling coastal cities. Deciding on the best time of year to travel to Australia can be tricky as the country has so many different time zones, landscapes and micro-climates. Generally, the summer period in Australia is between December and February and during this time, the beaches in Sydney seem like heaven on Earth.
Australia is the perfect place to embrace an active holiday and I would encourage you to throw yourself into an immersive experience – snorkel the Great Barrier reef, walk the sandy beaches and cycle through the forested tracks. Whether it is experiencing the wild and wonderful Kimberley, wine regions, Blue Mountains, trekking Tasmania or enjoying the cosmopolitan life in Melbourne or Sydney, engaging in an activity in such a special landscape will enhance your perspective and travel memory of Australia.
Geographically, it makes sense to combine both Australia and New Zealand together in an extended trip. New Zealand is breathtaking and every view is a camera opportunity. The country was invented for active and outdoorsy people who can take full advantage of the snow-capped mountains, picturesque lakes and full-flowing rivers. The country is split between North Island and South Island and the majority of people will explore both.
North Island is home to the country’s capital city, Wellington. Surrounded by charming landscapes and fuelled by caring people, Wellington is a compact city that is definitely worth a visit. The city is a hub of cuisine, history, nature and culture – and a great way to experience this is by doing the City to Sea walk along the waterfront. Other must-dos include visiting the clear waters of Oriental Bay and hiking the Makara Peak trail. This is a looped walk along the wild west coast beach, offering exquisite views along the way.
South Island is the larger of the two and is definitely not to be rushed. The main center of South Island is Christchuch – a city that centers around agriculture, fishing, manufacturing and tourism. Christchurch, along with most cities in Australia and New Zealand, offer exceptional coffee, wine and general cuisine. The dramatic landscape is another main draw to South Island. Its mountains, fjords and glacial valleys have been a popular location for the production of films such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Chronicles of Narnia. There is no doubt that your time in New Zealand will feel like a Hollywood film – every destination, hotel and view will be mesmerizing, I guarantee it.
Other parts of this fascinating region include Papua New Guinea where swimming with the sedate whale sharks in the coral reefs will leave you amazed about the life of the largest fish in the ocean. Other destinations include Fiji, Samoa, Palau, Vanuatu and Tonga where new and exciting adventures abound.
