South Pacific Vacations & Tours
The South Pacific is a world of its own with its special character and personality. Known as Downunder to many of us living in the northern hemisphere, a journey to this region can entail any combination of countries. Most visitors usually opt for a combination of Australia and New Zealand. However, it is very easy to include other wonderful destinations either going to or returning from the South Pacific.
Travel to Australia
Australia is both a continent and an island. When planning a visit, take into consideration the diverse nature of the country. There are exciting cosmopolitan cities, tropical jungles, rainforests, mountain ranges, deserts and wine-growing regions – all this in one country. Spend time in Sydney with its beautiful harbour, iconic opera house and historical Rocks district. Then move on to Melbourne, a cultural and sophisticated urban centre complete with suburban beach resorts (most of our trips to Australia include visits to both cities).
What are the top cities and places to visit in Australia?
Serene Canberra is Australia’s capital, architecturally designed as a model city. Adelaide offers not only its green parks but also the close by the fascinating animal sanctuary, Kangaroo Island and the outstanding wine region of the Barossa Valley. Perth has the ocean, pleasant parks, a sunny climate and nearby wine districts. When in Brisbane, make a point of visiting the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Tropical Cairns is a major gateway to the amazing Great Barrier Reef and also the Daintree Rainforest. The Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast with their excellent beaches, both offer an escape from North America’s cold climate.
Darwin can be combined with a visit to the extraordinary Kakadu National Park famous for its ancient rock art and waterfalls as well as its crocodiles. Unforgettable and mysterious Ayers Rock in the Red Centre and the Olgas are easily combined with Alice Springs. In Tasmania, you can immerse yourself in historic Hobart and take in some dramatic island scenery which includes mountains and lakes.
What are the must-see attractions in Australia?
There are many other aspects to Australia. You can cruise around the Great Barrier Reef, go skiing in the Snowy Mountains, experience the Great Ocean Road with its spectacular coastline running between Melbourne and Adelaide, enjoy excellent art galleries and museums and partake in fine dining. Whatever your interests, an Australia vacation will provide it. You will certainly want to go back again once having travelled there.
Travel to New Zealand
Just over the Tasman Sea, approximately a 3-hour flight away from Australia is New Zealand, a land of natural wonder with its spectacular mountains, active volcanoes, majestic fjords, picturesque lakes, bubbling hot springs, great beaches and rugged coastline. All of these ingredients are packed into two relatively small islands which can be seen and experienced while in New Zealand.
What are the top cities to visit in New Zealand?
The subtropical North Island contrasts perfectly with the more rugged and mountainous South Island. On the North Island, Auckland makes a good introduction to New Zealand with its attractive harbour, home to thousands of sailboats. Wellington, the country’s capital, known as the country’s centre for arts and culture, is scenically located between a stunning harbour and rolling green hills. Unique Rotorua introduces you to the world of thermal activity as well as offers insights into the Maori culture. In the far north, the Bay of Islands gives you not only delightful coastal resorts but interesting history.
Turning to the South Island, Christchurch will remind you of a typical English provincial city with its church spires, green parks and tree-lined River Avon. Queenstown is a treasure in itself with its stunning scenery, diverse outdoor activities and easy access to other interesting nearby places. It is the gateway to the dramatic Fjordland which includes the spectacular Milford Sound with its lush rainforest and majestic waterfalls and Te Anau, the starting point for several dramatic walking trails. Majestic Mount Cook cannot fail to impress with its massive, snow-clad peaks that make up the Mount Cook National Park. In the far south is Dunedin, a gracious and distinctive city with grand 19th Century buildings and beautiful gardens.
What are the top parks to visit in New Zealand?
Add to all of the above, the many beautiful national parks such as the Coromandel, the Abel Tasman and Tongariro National Parks plus the rugged coastline of the west coast of the South Island with its marine animal life, and there is absolutely no doubt that a New Zealand vacation is a true scenic wonderland.
Travel to Tahiti
Definitely break your journey in one of any of the delightful, tropical islands which offer all year round great weather with guaranteed sunshine. Tahiti is the heart of Polynesian culture with its towering jagged mountain peaks, tranquil, sheltered blue lagoons and white coral sand beaches set off by turquoise waters. Take your pick from romantic Bora Bora, breathtakingly beautiful Moorea or any of the smaller, less inhabited but equally stunning islands that make up Tahiti.
About Fiji
Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands and is known for its rugged landscapes, palm-lined beaches and coral reefs with clear lagoons. Its major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, contain most of the population. Consider a scenic cruise to the outer islands or just languish on one of the many wonderful beaches. The Cook Islands has a culture firmly anchored by traditional Polynesian values and is steeped in history. You will definitely find yourself attracted to the very friendly Cook Islanders.
Travelling to Samoa, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea
Samoa and Tonga are other stopover possibilities, each with its own special character and attractions which definitely include beautiful beaches. For something different, head to Papua New Guinea which remains one of the world’s last frontiers where you can take a river cruise into the hinterlands of this exotic island.
Plan to visit the South Pacific and discover a world of delights, Downunder!
Also, visit:
- For trip, ideas see the left sidebar
- Goway's Downunder Special Services
- 56 reasons to go Downunder with Goway
- General travel information for Australia, New Zealand & The South Pacific
- Air ideas to get Downunder
- South Pacific Air Passes
Classic Australia: Melbourne, Red Centre, Cairns and Sydney
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Explore Australia’s most famous cities and natural wonders on this ideal introduction to the land Downunder. Connecting from Melbourne to Sydney, you’ll gaze upon the changing colours of Uluru, cruise the Great Barrier Reef, and go behind the scenes of the Sydney Opera House.
More DetailsAustralia & South Pacific
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Sydney Outdoors
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: A very special Sydney package which includes an exciting jet boat ride, a bicycle tour around the city, a full day to the Blue Mountains including a stop at a wildlife park and a trip to the famous Bondi Beach to enjoy learning to surf.- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,299
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Sydney Plus
Get to know this iconic city of historical sites, stunning landmarks and incredible wildlife. Explore the Rocks area and the Opera House then travel to the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley.- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,689
- Trip Type:
- Luxury and Beyond, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Sydney: Southern Capitals - City Meets Bush Premier Escorted Vacation
First-Class | ESCORTED COACH TOUR:: Enjoy a first class escorted tour of Southern Australia. Begin in Sydney, travelling to Canberra, the beautiful Snowy Mountains and the mighty Murray River before concluding in Melbourne.- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,199
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
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Sydney: Tastes of Southern Australia: Premier Escorted Vacation
FIRST-CLASS | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: See the sights of Southern Australia as you go from Sydney to Adelaide. Visit Canberra and the Snowy Mountains, then embark on the Great Ocean Road heading to Kangaroo Island and Adelaide.- Duration:
- 11 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,515
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
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Talofa Samoa
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Affordable luxury, natural beauty, white sand beaches to yourself, cascading waterfalls and tropical rainforests - it’s all here. Blissfully remote, Samoa is the perfect place to unplug and reconnect with nature or the one you love.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 2,679
- Trip Type:
- Beach & Island Escapes, Bucket List Travel Ideas, Romance & Honeymoon, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Tasmania - A Devil of an Experience
FIRST-CLASS | SPECIALTY GROUPS: Explore Australia’s island state of Tasmania on this 9-day custom group tour. The amazing natural landscapes and unique culinary scene that has been gaining global recognition in recent years give you plenty of options to pack your itinerary. Discover every corner of Tasmania with stops at Launceston, Cradle Mountain National Park, Freycinet, Richmond, and Hobart.- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Prices:
- On request
- Trip Type:
- Specialty Groups & Events
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Tasmanian Self Drive: Launceston to Hobart (or V.V.)
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Enjoy driving through Tasmania, taking in its stunning unspoiled wilderness. From Launceston travel to Swansea, explore the east coast’s beaches, granite outcrops and deserted caves.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 399
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Tassie Convict Discovery
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Tasmania offers a world of difference from the rest of Australia. Explore the ruins of the infamous Port Arthur penal settlements, learning the history of Australia’s early convicts.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 534
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Taste of Tasmania
Across the Bass Strait lies a side of Australia unlike any other.- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 724
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Small Group Touring
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The Complete South West Self Drive
Like a whole other country, Western Australia enchants visitors with natural icons unlike any found in the east, delicious wine and cuisine, and a history all of its own. Explore the southwest tip of Australia in detail and at your own pace on this self-drive adventure.- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 929
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives
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The Kimberley Ultimate Luxury Adventure Cruise
Come aboard the True North for the ultimate luxury cruise of Western Australia. Enjoy two weeks of lavish indulgence as you visit Kimberley’s iconic sites, from the majestic twin falls of King George Falls to the 20,000-year-old Bradshaw paintings dotting the region.- Duration:
- 14 Days
- Prices:
- On request
- Trip Type:
- Cruises & Sailing
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The New Guinea Encounter
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Discover the frontier on this trek into the jungles of Papua New Guinea. On this journey through the Wahgi Valley and along the Karawari River, you’ll get in touch with Indigenous villagers, see colourful birds, and explore the untouched majesty of the nation’s wilderness.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 8,090
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Bucket List Travel Ideas, Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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The Pacific Coast Highway Delight Self Drive
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Discover New Zealand’s North Island on this 9-day road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway. Make your way from Auckland to Napier with stops at the Coromandel, Tauranga, Whakatane, and Gisborne and plenty of opportunities to explore the beaches, mountains, islands, and wildlife sanctuaries along the way. Conclude your trip with a delicious meal and glass of wine in New Zealand’s “food basket,” Hawke’s Bay.- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 2,289
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives
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The Papua New Guinea Explorer
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Spend 11 days exploring the remote highlands of Papua New Guinea. Float down jungle waterways, hike to highland villages, and meet with local villagers who are renowned for their woodcarving and subsistence lifestyles. This trip is the ultimate frontier adventure.- Duration:
- 11 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 11,750
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Bucket List Travel Ideas, Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Thermal Explorer Highway & Volcanic Loop Experience Self Drive
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Explore New Zealand’s largest lakes, geothermal landscapes, snow-capped volcanoes, prehistoric cave systems, and mountain ranges on this 10-day road trip. Drive from Auckland to Napier with stops in Hamilton, Rotorua, Taupō, and Whanganui National Park, and immerse yourself in Māori culture as you discover the geothermal heart of New Zealand’s North Island.- Duration:
- 10 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 2,319
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives
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Tikehau Discovery
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Unwind from the busyness of everyday life with a getaway to an eco-resort on a private islet in Tikehau. Spend your days exploring the waters, relaxing on a pink-sand beach, and taking full advantage of the intimate setting where there’s nothing between you and the natural world.- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 1,959
- Trip Type:
- Beach & Island Escapes, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Top End Explorer: 4 Days (Darwin - Kakadu - Katherine - Darwin) Self Drive
Enjoy the complete freedom and flexibility of a self-drive vacation through Australia’s “Top End”, beginning and ending in Darwin with stops at Kakadu and Katherine along with way.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 349
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives
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Untamed Kimberley & West Coast Escorted Vacation
MODERATE | ESCORTED COACH: Explore the rugged and contrasting landscapes of Kimberley and the West Coast on this epic journey through Western Australia. As you pass from the Top End to Perth, you’ll cruise on rivers, hike to waterholes, tour working diamond mines, explore coral reefs, relax on pristine beaches, and engage with unforgettable Indigenous cultures.- Duration:
- 21 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 11,290
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
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Value Tasmania (9 Days): Value Plus Escorted Vacation
Begin and end in Launceston, spending ten amazing days seeing the many of the highlights of Tasmania including Freycinet National Park, Port Arthur, the Cradle Mountains, Strahan and more.- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,095
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
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Victoria Encompassed
FIRST-CLASS | SPECIALTY GROUP: This exclusive post-Lions Club International Convention group tour helps you discover the beauty and bliss of the state of Victoria. Explore the stunning coastline, delve into the state’s bounty of food and wine, and see its adorable wildlife, including the Blue Penguins of Phillip Island, on this comprehensive Australian group tour.- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,049
- Trip Type:
- Specialty Groups & Events
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Walk & Kayak 3 Day
Experience the best of both worlds with two days of kayaking and one day walking the Abel Tasman Coast Track plus enjoy a scenic cruise. No previous kayaking experience is necessary.- Duration:
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 1,739
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Wellington: The Long White Cloud: Premier Escorted Luxury Vacation
Unearth cultural treasures and heartfelt moments as you travel the length of the North Island of New Zealand. Discover the cultural highlights of the capital Wellington, experience the wonder of a traditional Maori meal cooked underground in Rotorua, and delve into Art Deco art history in Napier.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 4,946
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring
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West Coast Discovery Self Drive: Perth to Broome
Get out and see the Australia less-travelled on this Western Australia self-drive. Enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace behind the wheel, with a confirmed itinerary and accommodation to make the most of your time, plus the support of Goway’s co-pilot kit, designed for Australia self-drives.- Duration:
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,049
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives
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Wines, Whales & Hot Springs
Arriving in Wellington, explore the capital before enjoying Blenheim’s wine region. Next is Kaikoura, renowned for year-round whale and dolphin watching then relax in Hamner Springs.- Duration:
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 1,269
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives
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Wonders of New Guinea
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Journey through remote jungles and villages on this adventure to Papua New Guinea. This 8-day vacation is the ultimate trek for explorers, as it introduces you to the fascinating landscapes, colourful birds, and remarkable people of this frontier nation.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 7,926
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas