Explore Hawaii & Oceania
The Far Side of the World, and Worth It
This part of the world is a long way from almost everywhere, and that is exactly why it should not be rushed. The mistake we see most often is treating a fourteen-hour flight as a long weekend, arriving jet-lagged, and spending the first three days recovering from the journey rather than enjoying it.
The second mistake is trying to bolt Hawaii, Fiji and New Zealand together in a fortnight. Each one deserves better than that. Our advice is simple, and we give it to nearly everyone who calls: go further, stay longer, do less. The trips people talk about years later are always the unhurried ones.
The Beauty of Hawaii & Oceania
Islands & Reef
Hawaii rewards the people who get out of the resort. We build days around the water and the volcanic country behind it, and we time the snorkelling for the early morning, before the boats and the wind arrive.
- Na Pali Coast by boat or on foot, weather permitting
- Early snorkelling at Hanauma Bay before the crowds
- Summit sunset and stargazing on Mauna Kea
- Reef days and lagoon swims across Fiji
Mountains & Fiords
New Zealand's South Island is the part of this region people underestimate. Fiordland is genuinely wild, Milford Sound is worth the early start, and Queenstown makes a comfortable base for as long as you want it.
- Milford Sound by boat, ideally overnight
- Fiordland walks and helicopter flights over the glaciers
- Queenstown as a base for lakes and wine country
- Southern Alps scenic drives at your own pace
Overwater & Barefoot
French Polynesia is where we send people who want to stop. Bora Bora is the famous one, Moorea is the one we quietly prefer, and Fiji does barefoot luxury better than anywhere. Doing very little is the whole point.
- Overwater villas on Bora Bora's lagoon
- Moorea for the mountains behind the water
- Private island resorts across Fiji
- Lagoon picnics, paddling and long, slow mornings
Explore the World Your Way
Independent Travel
Self-guided with Andrew's curated itinerary and hotel bookings.
Small Ship Expeditions
Boutique expedition cruises through remote Pacific islands.
Guided Touring
Expert-led small group tours in New Zealand and Australia.
Luxury Hotels & Villas
Premium resort stays and private villa rentals.
Where ABTC Can Take You
Hawaii
- The Big Island
- Hawaii →
- Kauai
- Maui
- Oahu
French Polynesia & the Islands
- Bora Bora
- Fiji
- Maldives
- Moorea
- Tahiti
Australia & New Zealand
- Australia
- New Zealand →
"From the very beginning, you can tell that giving his clients a top-notch, seamless experience genuinely matters to him… Andrew kept us informed, organized, and completely stress-free. His dedication, communication, and genuine care made our entire trip smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable."
Frequently Asked Questions
More time than most travelers expect is required to experience this region well. Hawaii calls for a minimum of ten days, while New Zealand and French Polynesia are best experienced over two weeks. The length of the flights means shorter trips often lose much of their value to recovery time alone. When time is limited to a week, we recommend focusing on a single island for a far richer and more immersive experience.
It's possible, though we wouldn't recommend attempting all three in under a month. The distances between them are considerable, and a shorter trip would spend a significant portion of time in transit. Two destinations pair beautifully together, and New Zealand with Fiji is one of our most frequently booked combinations.
Timing depends on the destination, as this region spans both hemispheres. New Zealand's summer runs December to February, with ski season from June to August. French Polynesia is driest from roughly May to October. Hawaii's winter, December to March, brings humpback whale season and prime north-shore surf. April to May and September to November are ideal windows for most of the region.
Kauai offers lush, dramatic scenery for those wanting quiet and natural beauty. The Big Island is ideal for volcanoes, coffee country, and Mauna Kea. Maui provides the widest range of resorts and the easiest pacing for families. Oahu suits travelers who want a city alongside the beach.
Peak travel windows call for 9 to 12 months of lead time, extending further for New Zealand between December and February, when the finest lodges are reserved early. Overwater villas in French Polynesia are especially exclusive, with limited availability each season. For a tailored answer specific to your travel plans, contact us at booknow@andrewburnstravelco.com.