Ships Destinations Cruise life

Set your sights on… Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific

In a land far, far away, otherworldly landscapes and beautiful beaches meet proud cultures and epic adventures. Hop aboard Arcadia on an Exotic fly-cruise holiday to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific and live out your own enchanted story down under.

6 min 17 Jun 2024

Editorial Team

Author

Exploring the other side of the world is easier than you might think. Our epic World Cruise circumnavigates the globe, but even if you don’t have three months to spend on board with us, you can still visit far-flung destinations on Exotic fly-cruise holidays, which range from 10 to 36 nights. You’ll fly to your destination and join our beautiful ship Arcadia, mid-sized and exclusively for adults. Dubbed our ‘indulgent explorer’, she offers 15 restaurants and bars, an expansive spa, an art gallery, a three-tiered theatre and a boutique cinema. Once you’ve explored your home from home, these are just a few of the extraordinary destinations you could find on your doorstep…

Australia

When it comes to sunshine, scenery and variety, the land down under is hard to top. It’s got an entire continent’s worth of things to discover – more than 7.5 million square kilometres of glittering coastlines, tropical rainforests, world-class cities and seemingly infinite stretches of outback.

There’s no mistaking where in the world you are as Arcadia sails under the Harbour Bridge and past the Opera House into Circular Quay. And when you eventually manage to pry your attention away from Sydney’s harbour views, Australia’s biggest city has plenty more to hold your attention. Bask – or bodysurf – on a city beach at Bondi, discover 30,000 years of human history at the Australian Museum, or take a break from the hustle and bustle and head into the peaceful beauty of the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains.

Arcadia in Sydney

If Sydney is the golden child, Melbourne is the cool, cultured younger sibling. Fashion, food, coffee, art – Melburnians are known to set the trends that the rest of the world follows. This diverse metropolis is frequently found on lists of the world’s most liveable cities, and it’s easy to see why – there’s something inspiring for every lifestyle. The coffee culture can make a convert out of even the most ardent tea drinker; the urban green spaces and miles of ruggedly beautiful coastline are a haven for outdoorsy types; and ‘The G’, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest cricket ground, is mecca for fans of the game. And have we mentioned the coffee?

Australia’s natural beauty is on full display in the Whitsunday Islands. From the port of Airlie Beach you can explore this tropical paradise with its powder-soft sands, turquoise waters and colourful coral reefs. Take them in at whatever speed suits you: a high-speed RIB or catamaran can whisk you to Whitehaven Beach, regularly voted among the most beautiful beaches in the world; or help sail a tall ship and take in the islands of Daydream and South Molle or Black Island and Langford Reef. Drop anchor near a reef beach where you can snorkel and admire the darting fish and vibrant coral.

Melbourne, Australia

New Zealand

New Zealand is very nearly the antipode of the UK – geographically as far away as you can get. So, to make it to this faraway land, with its out-of-this-world landscapes, feels like a true accomplishment. In Aotearoa (the country’s Māori-language name), the grass is a little greener, the sea a little bluer, the birds a little more vocal (and less inclined to fly) and day-to-day life a little more laid back.

New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland is an intoxicating blend of urban verve and coastal cool. Pop into the trendy Ponsonby neighbourhood for a spot of boutique shopping and dining or stroll the vibrant Viaduct Harbour and ogle the sea of yachts amidst world-class bars and restaurants. With its secluded beaches, olive groves and wineries, the island of Waiheke – just a short ferry ride from central Auckland – is a dreamy place to while away an afternoon. Many of New Zealand’s most iconic attractions are reachable from the city, including the thermal wonderland of Rotorua and the glow worm caves of Waitomo.

Auckland, New Zealand

Some 250 kilometres north of Auckland, the beautiful Bay of Islands is a subtropical paradise. The micro-region encompasses 144 islands, so unsurprisingly, life here revolves around the water. Hop in a kayak and paddle out to Tapeka Point to try and spot dolphins, whales and penguins. Or immerse yourself in a different type of nature in the Puketi Forest, home to a variety of birdlife, plants and trees including the magnificent Kauri, some of which are up to 1,200 years old. The Bay of Islands is also a fantastic place to learn more about the indigenous Māori culture – this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, the first agreement between the British Crown and the Māori rangatira (chiefs).

At the opposite end of the country, on the southeast coast of the South Island, Dunedin gives you a different look at New Zealand’s natural wonders. The coastlines here are more rugged, the landscapes a little wilder. The wildlife spotting opportunities are spectacular on the Otago Peninsula – blue and yellow-eyed penguins dart across the beach, while fur seals and sea lions laze on the shore. The influence of Scottish settlers can be seen at Larnach Castle, an ornate Victorian castle built in 1871, just one example of many architecturally stunning buildings in the city.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

South Pacific

The South Pacific is a true escape from the everyday; a vast archipelago of islands dotted like jewels in turquoise seas, all strikingly different from each other in culture, language, food and landscapes, yet similar in their screensaver-worthy beauty.

Think Fiji, think tropical paradise. And you wouldn’t be wrong – these 330 islands between Hawaii and New Zealand are about as idyllic as it gets. But they’re as versatile as they are picturesque. Suva is the bustling capital, and here you’ll experience the mingling of indigenous, Indian, Chinese, Arab and European cultures that makes Fiji unique. Outside the city, you can hike through the nearby Colo-i-Suva Forest Park or venture out to the beaches, islands and reefs. The cruise port of Lautoka, on the island of Viti Levu, is known as the Sugar City after its main industry, sugar production. But there’s sweetness everywhere you look, from the local markets to the ornate temples and mosques to the lagoon that surrounds the island and offers peaceful snorkelling in its warm waters.

Beach on a tropical island with clear blue water. Dravuni Island, Fiji.

Samoa is a tropical island paradise of mountains, forests, waterfalls, lush plantations and botanical gardens bursting with colourful blooms and fruit trees. Samoa’s capital, Apia, has a laid-back vibe and bustling local markets. Tradition is important here, and you will have the chance to experience some Samoan dances – like the frenetic mosquito slap and fire knife, performed by the men, or the graceful siva, danced by the women – and see how they prepare meals in an umu (ground oven). Along the coastline you’ll find interesting volcanic formations, including the sweetly nicknamed Plum Pudding Rock, and black-sand beaches.

Peaceful Tonga (the capital Nuku’alofa’s name translates as ‘abode of love’) is the only Pacific nation never to have been colonised. Lying just west of the international date line, it’s also one of the first nations to greet each day. Travel around the island of Tongatapu and you’ll find spectacular archaeological sites including stone henges and royal terraced tombs, and some of the most spectacular blowholes in the South Pacific. At Mapu’a ‘a Vaea Blowholes, 5 kilometres of coastline comes alive as breaking waves are forced through natural fissures to spout more than 9 metres skywards.