South Pacific Booklet

South Pacific A u s t r a l i a | N e w Z e a l an d | F r e n c h P o l y n e s i a | f i j i | P ap u a N e w G u i n e a

PA P U A N E W GUINEA

TRALI S A U

NE

A

INDIAN OCEAN

W

ZEALAN

D

as our world goes , few places feel as far-

FIJI FRENCH POLYNESIA

S O U T H PAC I F I C OCEAN

flung as Oceania and the South Pacific. This smattering of islands large and small tend to strike many as young destinations, given that most of them were colonized only over the last several hundred years, but looking deeper reveals millions of years of mystery. Massive Australia dominates the region and is similar in size to the United States but with just 10% of the population. The “land down under� has more to offer than just its incredible, sprawling outback: acclaimed culinary and cultural experiences, fantastic diving and watersports on multiple coasts, and a wealth of wildlife on land and in the sea. New Zealand blends a timeless, varied landscape with ancient societies and manages to pack a healthy dose of adrenaline rushes on its compact surface.

The tropical nations of Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and French Polynesia serve up drama and romance with ease. Find endless views of impossibly-blue waters, lush jungle habitats teeming with rare wildlife, and surprising cultural experiences that truly illustrate the isolation and secrecy of the islands. Traveling to this remote and unique region with Ker & Downey reveals a distinct balance between untamed beauty and traditional cultures which remain in constant evolution, emerging as a corner of the world that is not to be missed.

Australia

G r e at B a r r i e r R e e f

W e st e r n Coast

N e w S o u t h Wa l e s ( S y d n e y )

Southwest (Perth)

Red Center

The Kimberley

Southern Australia

Ta s m a n i a

N o r t h e r n T e r r i to ry

“The Land Down Under” is redefined with Ker & Downey. Our approach to Australia is as unique as the itineraries we can create for you. Our luxury experience in Australia comes with private, exclusive and extraordinary access to places that others cannot offer. Choose to combine World Heritage Sites such as Kakadu National Park or the Great Barrier Reef with island getaways and tantalizing cityscapes to craft your own unforgettable journey.

There is no shortage of unique wildlife in Australia, which you can discover on excursion in preserves, national parks and in the wild if you are lucky. Marine life is equally as fascinating – swimming and diving are definite musts in this part of the world. If you are looking for personalized luxury or adventure travel, Australia is definitely the place for you, with rock climbing, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, sky diving and many more thrills available throughout the country.

Experiences :

Clockwise from top left: 1. Take an aerial tour of Sydney and Rose Bay 2. Explore

the Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests in the world 3. Experience the sunset at Ayers Rock 4. Wildlife encounters on Kangaroo Island

ker & downey // icons of australia

Icons of Australia Visit Australia’s landmarks, both manmade and natural, on this 15-day exploration of the Land Down Under. Explore five unique areas of the country, from the culture and cuisine of Sydney and Tasmania, to the iconic Great Barrier Reef, the red mound of Ayers Rock, and the wild Kangaroo Island.

suggested itinerary at a glance D ay :

itinerary:

A c c o m m o d at i o n :

meals:

Day 1

Arrive Sydney

Park Hyatt Sydney

Day 2

Sydney

Park Hyatt Sydney

B,L

Day 3

Sydney

Park Hyatt Sydney

B

Day 4

Daintree Rainforest

Silky Oaks Lodge

B,D

Day 5

Daintree Rainforest

Silky Oaks Lodge

B,L,D

Day 6

Daintree Rainforest

Silky Oaks Lodge

B,L,D

Day 7

Ayers Rock

Longitude 131°

B,D

Day 8

Ayers Rock

Longitude 131°

B,L,D

Day 9

Kangaroo Island

Southern Ocean Lodge

B,D

Day 10

Kangaroo Island

Southern Ocean Lodge

B,L,D

Day 11

Kangaroo Island

Southern Ocean Lodge

B,L,D

Day 12 Hobart Islington Hotel B Day 13 Hobart Islington Hotel B Day 14 Hobart Islington Hotel B Day 15 Departure B

New Zealand

N orth Is la nd South Is la nd

New Zealand has been described as “The World in Miniature”. Weeks could be spent discovering the varied and dramatic North and South Islands, from the subtropical north down through the amazing geothermal region of the volcanic plateau, to the remote, lofty, glacier-clad Southern Alps. We show you New Zealand in a way that enables you to immerse yourself in the untouched natural beauty, tranquil lakes, wild rivers, and lush forests of these islands, these jewels of the South Pacific that New Zealanders have nicknamed “Godzone”.

New Zealand’s population is only just over four million people, making it one of the world’s least crowded countries to explore. It is an ideal country if you seek peace, luxury, and tranquility. Its people are warm and friendly, and the natural beauty evokes awe and has been the backdrop for many movies, documentaries, and novels. A playground for adventure seekers and romantics alike, discover New Zealand with Ker & Downey.

Experiences :

Clockwise from top left: 1. Tour Napier and enjoy lunch at a local winery 2. Go off-road on

the farm at Grasmere Station 3. Fly into the Humboldts for a private picnic 4. Experience the Maori culture

ker & downey // New Zealand Discoverer

New Zealand Discoverer Embark on an Australasian adventure with New Zealand Discoverer, spending 14 days in friendly Kiwi country. Become enchanted with the islands as you jaunt north to south, leisurely discovering the beauty and diverse landscape cherished the world over.

suggested itinerary at a glance D ay :

itinerary:

A c c o m m o d at i o n :

meals:

Day 1

Arrive Auckland

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

Day 2

Bay of Islands

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

B,L,D

Day 3

Bay of Islands

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

B,L,D

Day 4

Bay of Islands

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

B,L,D

Day 5

Napier

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

B,L,D

Day 6

Napier

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

B,L,D

Day 7

Napier

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

B,L,D

Day 8

Southern Alps

Grasmere Lodge

B,L,D

Day 9

Southern Alps

Grasmere Lodge

B,D

Day 10

Southern Alps

Grasmere Lodge

B,D

Day 11

Queenstown

Matakauri Lodge

B,D

Day 12

Queenstown

Matakauri Lodge

B,L,D

Day 13

Queenstown

Matakauri Lodge

B,L,D

Day 14 Depart Queenstown B

French Polynesia

Ma rqu esas Is l a n ds So c iet y Is l a n ds

Five archipelago clusters comprise French Polynesia, with lush vegetation and terrains that vary from mountains to coral. This idyllic collection of islands in the middle of the Pacific is a popular destination for the year-round tropical climate and incredible scenery, but offers much more than just glittering beaches. Visitors will find a culture rich in heritage, with the ancient mingling with more modern influences from Europe and China. Islanders adhere to the philosophy of “aita pea pea” – no worries – and their welcoming attitude fosters immediate relaxation. Divers will discover spectacular coral in the Tuamotu and Society Islands, and sailing enthusiasts will thrill in the warm breezes and turquoise waters.

French Polynesia’s history and mythology dates back for many hundreds of years before the islands were settled permanently by European missionaries in 1797. Throughout the islands evidence of the original inhabitants can be found, including archeological discoveries of religious sites, ancient tiki statues and intricate carvings. Many of the original descendants of the islands also spread to Hawaii and New Zealand, creating new cultures with Polynesian roots.

Experiences :

Clockwise from top right: 1. Find spectacular diving and water activities 2. Explore the

villages of Atuona and Puamau on Hiva Oa 3. Indulge in spa and wellness treatments

ker & downey // Path of the Polynesians

Path of the Polynesians This whirlwind 15-day adventure follows the Path of the Polynesians throughout the Pacific. Discover the hot spots of this storied culture at Easter Island, their ancient roots in the Marquesas Islands and the Maori of New Zealand’s North Island on this journey selected by National Geographic Traveler as one of the 50 Tours of a Lifetime.

suggested itinerary at a glance D ay :

itinerary:

A c c o m m o d at i o n :

Day 1

Arrive Santiago

The Ritz-Carlton Santiago

meals:

Day 2 Easter Island

explora en Rapa Nui

B,D

Day 3 Easter Island

explora en Rapa Nui

B,L,D

Day 4 Easter Island

explora en Rapa Nui

B,L,D

Day 5

Papeete

InterContinental Tahiti Resort

B

Day 6

Hiva Oa

Hanakee Pearl Lodge

B

Day 7

Hiva Oa

Hanakee Pearl Lodge

B,L

Day 8

Nuku Hiva

Keikahanui Pearl Lodge

B

Day 9

Nuku Hiva

Keikahanui Pearl Lodge

B,L

Day 10

Papeete

InterContinental Tahiti Resort

B

Day 11

Bay of Islands

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

B,L,D

Day 12

Bay of Islands

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

B,L,D

Day 13

Rotorua

Treetops Lodge

B,L,D

Day 14

Rotorua

Treetops Lodge

B,L,D

Day 15 Departure B

Fiji

TAVEU NI & S URROUN DS

Located in the middle of the South Pacific, far from traffic and loud city noises, the 332 islands that make up Fiji are nothing short of paradise. From sandy beaches and refreshing waters to year-round tropical weather with a cool breeze rolling off the ocean, the stunning scene resembles one from a postcard. The two main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are the largest and most developed while the Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands are perfect for an island-hopping adventure.

Travel to Taveuni, the third largest island in the archipelago to explore the exclusive habitat of the Tagimaucia flower.

The waters surrounding the idyllic islands, once a nightmare to European mariners, are a snorkeler and scuba diver’s dream. The underwater scenery is an endless view of vibrant soft coral among blue water. Dive with sharks, snorkel with manta rays, and navigate the waters in a kayak before retiring to luxurious beach accommodations for a sunset cocktail.

Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea is a tropical paradise of outdoor adventures and a treasure trove of culture and nature. The mainland comprises the island of New Guinea, shared with neighboring Indonesia, and is thick with emerald rainforest, swamps, and dramatic topography. Nearly 700 Papuan and Melanesian tribes inhabit the country, each with separate languages and cultures, and each a completely unique experience for visitors who are lucky enough to be invited into their realms. Biodiversity here is incredible – every type of bird of paradise, a myriad of orchid varietals, and a collection of incredible species can be found from the coast all the way up into the mountainous highlands. As for mammals, Papua New Guinea shares many similarities with Australia’s wildlife population, though the fauna here has developed much differently over the millennia, shaped by mountainous jungle rather than arid, flat plains.

A great many smaller islands and archipelagos also make up the whole of Papua New Guinea, adding even more intrigue to the outdoor experience. Coastlines glisten with turquoise waters, sheltering stunning coral formations and even World War II wreck sites, all eagerly explored by divers year-round. There is no shortage of beach too, allowing those who simply wish to take in the natural beauty to do so at their own leisurely pace.

in fo@k er d ow n ey.com | 800. 4 2 3 . 4 2 3 6 | + 1 . 2 81 . 37 1 . 2 5 00 | k e r dow n e y.co m