Oceania

Australia is the size of continental Europe with most of its population on the eastern and southern coasts, so trips usually pick one or two regions: the reef and rainforest of Queensland, the red centre, or the south-east cities and coast. Internal flights cover the distances. Seasons reverse against the northern hemisphere, and the tropical north has a distinct wet season.

Fiji is an archipelago of more than 330 islands, of which about a third are inhabited, with reef diving, village culture and a range of accommodation from backpacker islands to resorts. Most arrivals land on Viti Levu and transfer by boat or small plane to the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups. Village visits follow protocols worth learning before you go.

New Zealand is two long islands of glaciers, fiords, volcanic plateau and coastline, built around self-drive travel and a well-run network of walking tracks and huts. Distances feel short on the map and take longer than expected on winding roads. Seasons are reversed: the summer peak runs from December to February.