AUSTRALASIA
New Zealand
 New
Zealand's awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife
and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities,
and a great place to unwind. New Zealand society is diverse,
sophisticated, and multicultural, and the honesty, friendliness,
and openness of Kiwis will impress you. And the great advantage
of New Zealand is that all of its diverse physical, cultural, and artistic
landscapes are so close to each other!
New Zealand is in the South Pacific Ocean, 1600km (994mi)
southeast of Australia. It stretches 994miles from north
to south and consists of two large islands and a smattering
of smaller islands. The North Island 44402 sq miles and
the South Island 58301 sq miles are the two major land
masses; the next largest is Stewart Island 656 sq mi, which
lies directly beneath the South Island. The North Island
has a number of large volcanoes (including the currently
active Mount Ruapehu) and highly active thermal areas,
while the South Island boasts the Southern Alps - a spine
of magnificent mountains running almost its entire length.
In 1769, Captain James Cook circumnavigated the two main
islands aboard the Endeavour . Initial contact with
the Maoris proved violent but Cook, impressed with the
Maoris' bravery and spirit and recognising the potential
of this newfound land, grabbed it for the British crown
before setting sail for Australia.
 travel facts [pdf]
Australia
 When
you think of Australia, various images spring to mind:
Uluru (Ayers Rock), the Great Barrier Reef, and the Sydney
Opera House. But its biggest attraction is its natural
beauty, as well as its sheer vastness that gives Australia
- and its diverse population - much of its character.
Australia is an island continent situated south of Indonesia
and Papua New Guinea, and lies between the Pacific and
Indian Oceans. The world's sixth-largest country, Australia
measures some 2500 miles (4023km) east to west and 2000
miles (3200km) north to south.
Australia's original inhabitants, known as Australian
Aborigines, have the longest continuous cultural history
in the world, with origins dating back to the last Ice
Age.
Europeans began to encroach on Australia in the 16th
century: Portuguese navigators were followed by Dutch
explorers and the enterprising English pirate William Dampier.
Captain James Cook sailed the entire length of the eastern
coast in 1770, stopping at Botany Bay on the way. After
rounding Cape York, he claimed the continent for the British
and named it New South Wales.
travel facts [pdf]
Fiji
 In
the days of sailing ships it was known as the 'Cannibal
Isles' and carefully avoided by mariners because of its
fierce warriors. Fiji is now the colourful crossroads
of the South Pacific. Fiji has over 300 islands in its
archipelago, each fringed with coral reefs and lapped
by warm azure waters - the diving and snorkelling are
superb. Amid its wealth of natural beauty, Fiji's true
magic lies in its people and the fascinating blend of
their diverse cultures.
Of the 322 islands that make up the Fiji Group over 100
are inhabited by a rich mixture of vibrant, exuberant Melanesians,
East Indians, Polynesians, Micronesians, Chinese and Europeans,
each with a cuisine and culture of their own. Together
the Fiji Islands are scattered over 498071 sq miles of
the South Pacific Ocean
Fiji was the trade centre for the South Pacific during
the 19th century, and the British claimed it as a colony
in 1874. Fiji did not become independent until 10 th October
1970.
Today, Fiji is a visitor-friendly country with un-crowded
facilities. The people are vibrant and out-going whose
knowledge of English makes communication easy.
travel facts [pdf]
or contact:
CONNOISSEUR
TRAVEL SERVICES LTD
38 Silverknowes Road, Edinburgh, EH4 5LF
Telephone: 0845 1300 788
Fax: 0131 336 2220
E-Mail: enquiries@connoisseur-travel.co.uk
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