Australia + NZ + Fiji in 25 days - Standard

Australia immediately conjures images of the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, big-wave surfing, miles of Outback and a rather endearing assortment of animals. While the country’s main cities offer charm, glamour, unique festivals, a well-preserved historical heritage, fabulous beaches and fun events, it’s also a land of immense contrast and captivating nature. The nation offers something for just about everyone – from water lovers, desert wanderers and canyon climbers, to arts and culture buffs, historians, and foodies. Australia is vast but GUEST has the highlights covered. You can choose a perfect holiday according to your personal preferences.

Unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders must apply for a visa before leaving home. You can apply for a range of visas, including tourist visas and working holiday visas, at your nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate. You can also apply for certain types of visas on the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.

Australia’s national currency is the Australian dollar which comes in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes. Coins come in 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent and one and two dollar denominations.

Banks are normally only open weekdays 9.30-4pm Monday - Friday, some stay open until 5pm on Fridays. In larger metropolitan suburban centres, major banks are increasingly opening on the weekend, too. Bank staff stick to these times rigorously, so don't be late/early.

Credit cards such as American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and JCB are accepted in Australia. Traveller's cheques are not as widely accepted in Australia as in many other countries. ATMs are numerous in both city and country areas. ATMs in the walls of buildings on streets and inside the lobbies of banks, shopping centres and other buildings are numerous. At night, service stations and convenience stores are good places to look for ATMs away from the street. Pubs, especially in city areas, will usually have an ATM located on the premises. Some ATMs may require you to swipe your card to gain entry to a secure area.

Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world − so how you get from A to B requires some thought. Hire cars are readily available in all major towns. Australians drive on the left and all cars are right hand drive. Having access to your own car has the advantages of being able to travel at your own pace, explore remote areas and visit regions with no public transport. However, as the country is so vast, this form of transport can be time consuming.

A faster option would be to make use of the numerous affordable, frequent, time-saving flights between major centres. Reliable, frequent long-haul coach services are available countrywide but they are not always cheaper than flying and are time consuming. Trains in Australia are slow, expensive and infrequent but the scenery is great! Opt for a sleeper carriage rather than an 'overnighter' seat.

Luggage allowance with Virgin Australia and Qantas Australia:
All economy fares are inclusive of one checked baggage at 23kg per person. Maximum total linear dimension (length + width + height): 140cm (55in). Plus, one standard piece of hand luggage per person at 7kgs total. Maximum dimensions: 56cm long, 36cm wide, 23cm deep. Note: No single item may exceed 32kg. Also, if you have more pieces of luggage you can book additional at surcharge. Important is to do this online before the day of travel (otherwise much higher excess luggage charges will apply).

We strongly recommend travel insurance for your entire overseas trip. Your insurance policy should include coverage for emergency medical situations, baggage loss or damage, expenses incurred from disrupted travel plans.

Australia is generally a safe destination with travellers enjoying unhindered travel experiences in terms of their personal safety and security. Our stable political system, well-maintained roads, low crime rate and high standard of health make it a safe and easy country to explore.

With common-sense, you can safely enjoy Australia's unique landscapes - from the vast outback to wild ocean beaches and pristine wilderness. However, as with all travel at home or away, you should observe the same precautions with your personal safety and possessions.

Standards of hygiene in food preparation are very high. Milk is pasteurised and meat and vegetables are perfectly safe to eat. Care should be taken, however, if preparing 'bush tucker' in outback areas as some insects and fauna are highly poisonous unless properly cooked.

'Bush tucker' is food from Australia's endemic flora and fauna and can be lean and quite delicious; kangaroo meat in particular is growing in popularity since being made legal to trade to eat only in the past two decades. For all the advent of fine dining and exotic menu items, however, the humble barbecue remains for many the quintessential Australian food experience. Various beaches and parks have barbecue stations that can be used by the public. Steak, prawns and beer tend to feature prominently.

Seafood is an integral part of the cuisine scene in all its shelled and scaled forms. Production of organic foods is increasing to meet demand and is these days widely available in the cities and larger towns. There are fine dining restaurants throughout the larger cities, particularly in Melbourne and Sydney, where big-name chefs have helped to give Australian cuisine an international reputation for bright, creative gastronomy. Regional food markets and increasing numbers of food festivals across the states are a great way to sample fresh produce. Look out for things like farmhouse cheese, speciality sausages and local fruits.

The major vineyards are outside Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart and Adelaide. The largest single wine-growing region is in the Barossa Valley, South Australia, two hours' drive from Adelaide, where high-quality red and white wines are produced. Various wineries, breweries and distilleries are open for public visits.

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: Varies by region 

Summer: 

Average highs: 25-30°C 
Average lows: 15-20°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 15-20°C 
Average lows: 5-10°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Australia depends on the region. Generally, spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. 

It really is casual all the way in Australia. Outside of the main cities, our advice would be not to bother with dressy clothes. However if you plan to visit upmarket city restaurants then you may feel more comfortable in smart casual wear. Clothes in natural fibres will work better in the heat and it is worth popping in a lightweight sweater, cardigan or pashmina wrap for cooler weather or overly fierce air conditioning. Travel light and buy your toiletries there. It is essential to include sunglasses, plenty of high factor sunscreen and a sunhat for the intense sunshine. If you are planning to visit very hot areas then pack a shirt with long sleeves and a higher neckline to prevent burning.

Australia has generally good internet access in most tourist destination. When you’re booking accommodation it’s easy enough to scan the room descriptions with increasing numbers of properties offering Wi-Fi.

There aren't many places on this planet where travellers are so well catered for – in terms of both man-made enticements and splendours of the natural realm. New Zealand is bigger than the UK, with one-fourteenth the population size. Filling in the gaps are sublime forests, majestic mountains, and the stunning lakes, beaches and fiords that have made this country one of the best hiking (locals call it 'tramping') destinations on Earth. It’s renowned worldwide for having a relaxed, friendly, spacious and outdoor adventure lifestyle (think sport, walks, BBQs, and beaches). When you combine this adventurous outlook with a stunning backdrop you start to see why travellers rate New Zealand as the action/adventure/adrenalin capital of the world!

All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from NZ. As there is different Visa rules and regulations for different countries (for visits of less than 3 months) it is essential for you to check Visa Free Countries and at a New Zealand Embassy to ensure that you have the appropriate Passports and Visas before leaving home.

All visitors to New Zealand will require an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) or a Visa before entering the country. There are 60 visa-waiver-countries, such as Australia, the USA, Canada and all members of the EU.

Also in addition to the above travel authority, a further NZ$100 will be charged to each traveller entering New Zealand. This payment is part of the newly established International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). By paying the new levy, you will be helping to protect New Zealand's natural environment and its tourism infrastructure.

Currency
New Zealand's unit of currency is the dollar (NZ$). All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand, with Visa and MasterCard accepted most widely, followed by American Express and Diners Club.

Banking
New Zealand banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Some are also during weekends. Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.

Air: 

Main airlines: Air New Zealand, Jetstar Airways 
International Airports: Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport, Wellington Airport 
Domestic Airports: Queenstown Airport, Dunedin Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: No 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

We strongly recommend travel insurance for your entire overseas trip. Your insurance policy should include coverage for emergency medical situations, baggage loss or damage, expenses incurred from disrupted travel plans.

Medical and emergency services are not free to visitors; it is therefore advisable to arrange for insurance coverage before your departure. For non-emergencies, full instructions on obtaining assistance are printed in the front of all telephone directories and accommodation facilities will usually have individual arrangements with duty doctors for guests and can assist you in finding a dentist. New Zealand's medical and hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment and care.

Local cuisine: 
New Zealand cuisine is diverse, influenced by indigenous Maori culture and European settlers. Highlights include lamb, seafood, and dairy products like cheese. Maori hangi, a traditional feast cooked in an underground oven, is a must-try. Notable local drinks include New Zealand wine, particularly Sauvignon Blanc, and craft beers. 

New Zealand has a largely temperate climate. While the far north has subtropical weather during summer, and inland alpine areas of the South Island can be as cold as - 5-10°C in winter (Jul+August), most of the country lies close to the coast, which means mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and abundant sunshine.

Because New Zealand lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the average temperature decreases as you travel south. The far north of the country has an average temperature of about 15°C, while the deep south has a cooler 9°C average. January and February are the warmest months of the year, and July is the coldest.

New Zealand is typically an informal place so pack casually for comfort. Famous for having four seasons in one day; our advice if you are traveling even in the summer is to pack a light jacket or pashmina shawl just in case the weather turns cooler or if you're visiting higher altitudes. You can also expect some rain, so include a light raincoat.

Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots. New Zealand is renowned for its outdoor activities, so make sure you take swimming gear, hiking shoes, trekking pants/ shorts, sunhat and sunglasses, as well as plenty of sunscreen. If you plan to do much walking then lightweight walking shoes or sneakers are fine.

New Zealand's electricity supply runs at 230/240 volts, and we use angled two or three pin plugs (the same as Australia). Most hotels and motels provide 110 volt ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only.

The exquisite island nation of Fiji is a Melanesian country in the South Pacific Ocean comprising approximately 330 islands famously endowed with towering volcanic mountains, warm, crystal-clear tropical waters, spectacular coral reefs, tropical rainforests, coconut plantations, breathtaking waterfalls and, ofcourse, some of the world’s most pristine beaches. With its abundance of fascinating attractions, jaw-dropping scenery, warm and welcoming locals and cultural and sporting activities aplenty, Fiji is a paradise for nature lovers, culture vultures and sports enthusiasts alike. With over three hundred islands to choose from, Fiji is an amazingly versatile destination. Whether you are seeking a secluded romantic honeymoon retreat, a vibrant and boisterous backpacker island or a family-friendly resort, Fiji never disappoints.

Currency 

Local currency: Fijian Dollar 
Symbol: FJ$ 
ISO code: FJD 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: FJ$5, FJ$10, FJ$20, FJ$50, FJ$100 
Coins: 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, FJ$1, FJ$2 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: No 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Fiji Airways 
International Airports: Nadi International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Nausori International Airport, Labasa Airport, Savusavu Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Fijian cuisine reflects the islands' diverse cultural heritage, blending indigenous Fijian, Indian, Chinese, and European influences. Staples include seafood, tropical fruits, taro, coconut, and root vegetables. Notable local drinks include kava (a traditional ceremonial drink), Fiji Bitter beer, and fresh coconut water. 

Tipping: Not customary 

Annual rainfall: 1,700 - 3,000 mm 
Average temperature: 25°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 31°C 
Average lows: 22°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 29°C 
Average lows: 19°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Fiji is during the dry season from May to October when the weather is warm and sunny. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes