Category Archives: The South Pacific

Visitors to Uluru can find out why Australia rocks

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Vacations in South Pacific locales can include stops at some of Australia's famed natural wonders. For example, travellers can join the roughly half a million tourists who come to catch a glimpse of the one-of-a-kind geological formations at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park each year.

The most famous attraction in the area is Uluru itself – formerly known as Ayers Rock – a giant monolith that stretches for nearly 350 metres while rising 800 metres above the landscape. Due to its impressive stature, the limestone formation is listed as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations.

However, while the rock may catch the attention of adventurers interested in rock climbing, park officials don't allow the activity. In addition to a number of injuries that have occured in the area, the formation is sacred to the Anangu – the native people who own the land.

The area around the formation is also home to a number of activities that are perfect for day outings. This includes explorations of springs, rock caves and sights that features ancient paintings by the Anangu. Park officials suggest walks around the base of the park, as these trails provide the best glimpse of local wildlife such as snakes, birds and frogs that come to drink or wash themselves in the water that collects at the formation's bottom.

According to the United Nation's website, Kata Tjuta are a series of rock domes that lie west of Uluru. In total, 36 domes cover the area, and each features individual rock formations perfect for a day outing. 

Those taking extended tours in Australia also don't need to worry about devoting substantial time to the attraction. According to Lonely Planet, most tours only spend 24 hours at the attraction. However, those who want their vacations in Australia to flow at a more relaxed pace can choose to work with a trusted custom tour provider with substantial experience crafting journeys in the area.

Suva, Fiji, a must for those taking vacations in South Pacific locales

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Pronounced soo-va by the locals, Suva is one of Fiji's main industrial centers. This may put it toward the bottom of the list for those looking for relaxing all-inclusive resort vacations, but for those who want to truly experience the culture of the islands, it's a prime destination. The city is the country's capital and home to half its population. Due to its diversity, travellers to this destination will find a myriad of shopping, sightseeing and dining opportunities.

One of the top attractions for shopping fanatics is the Suva Market. This spot is perfect for those looking for the right souvenirs for friends and family back home or those who want to experience the tastes of the fresh local fruits and vegetables on their vacations in Fiji.

The Fiji Museum is also located in Suva in the middle of Thurston Gardens – one of the municipality's larger parks. Here, those who want to get a glimpse of what life in the early South Pacific was like can check out artifacts from the native people and the nation's colonial period. Relics from famous ships such as the HMS Bounty – later popularized in "Mutiny on the Bounty" – can also be found at the museum.

Travellers who want another prime sightseeing opportunity can take a trip to the Government House, which is where Fiji's sitting president resides. While the actual building is closed to visitors, its unique architectural design is sure to captivate. Visitors who time their trips to coincide with the first week of the month can also catch the changing of the guard ceremony, which features a vibrant parade. The event commemorates the 12 new members of the Fiji Police Force who will have the honor of guarding the president.

With so many other fantastic beaches and attractions dotting the main island, visitors may want to choose to book their tours in Fiji with a comprehensive custom tour provider.

Vacations in New Zealand should include stops at Tongariro National Park

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While many vacationers seek relaxing or romantic vacations in South Pacific countries, once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities for adventurers are also plentiful. For experienced hikers, Tongariro National Park in New Zealand offers a number of walking and climbing opportunities.

Established by the New Zealand government in 1887, Tongariro was the nation's first national park, and it contains a number of interesting volcanic features. The park is also home to religious sites once used by the Maori – one of the native peoples of the region.

Paths such as the Lake Rotopounamu loop track offer sightseers the best opportunities to see the unique geography of the country. The lake – which is bordered by forested mountains – is great for bird watching, picnicking and photo opportunities. In the summer, visitors can even cool off after their hike by taking a 20-minute walk to the water itself.

For bikers, Ohakune Old Coach Road offers a roughly two-hour ride through the sweeping landscape. The ride even takes passengers through old railway tunnels and across bridges that at one time were used by New Zealand's European settlers. The bridges provide the most expansive views of the plains below. However, due to the park's desire to keep the road in its original condition, parts of the trail could be hampered by mud after extensive rainfall.

Only experienced adventure seekers may want to trek up Mt. Ruapehu. This challenging route takes travellers to the top of a glacier where they can gaze into the depths of the mountain's deep crater lake.

With all these amazing attractions in the same destination, visitors taking tours in New Zealand may want to hire an experienced custom tour provider that can help them extend their memorable getaway to other area sites.