Category: Australia/Oceania

Papua New Guinea Flag Papua New Guinea makes up the eastern half of the island of New Guinea–the second largest island in the world. It was divided between Germany (north) and the U.K. (south) in 1885. The latter area was transferred to Australia in 1902, which occupied the north during World War I and continued to administer the combined areas until independence in 1975.

Papua New Guinea has vast natural resources, but exploitation of them is difficult due to rugged terrain and the high cost of developing an infrastructure. Agriculture provides a subsistence livelihood for most of the population, while mineral deposits, such as oil, copper, and gold, account for a large part of export earnings.

Wildlife diversity, varied landscape, primeval indigenous communtities, and pimordial forests and mountains excite adventure travelers around the globe. However, years of bad press–some exaggerated, some not–relating to ethnic and racial conflict, as well as extreme poverty and violent crime, are cause for concern among tourists. Take the necessary precautions before going to Papua New Guinea, but enjoy it for all that it has to offer.

Traveling in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is a country so raw and untamed it attracts adventrous travelers the world over. But Papua New Guinea also suffers from major unemployment, terrible crime, and exploitation. Because of this the tourism industry is quite new and has limited infrustruture for dealing with visitors. This can make Papua New Guinea a dangerous place to travel, and for all of its beauty, there is also real danger in traveling there. If you are planning a trip to Papua New Guinea it’s wise to follow a few guidelines. First, it’s best not to travel at night; this goes especially for wandering around after dark. You should also dress conservatively so not to draw attention to yourself. It’s smart to listen to local advice and make friends with the locals around the area you are visiting, but the best advice is to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

Flying to Papua New Guinea is the easiest way to get there. Most flights leave from Australia, but you can also catch flights from other places such as Singapore, Manila, and Guam. Most flights go to Port Moresby, but there is also an airport in Alotau.

The best way to travel around the country is by flying. The main carrier–Air Niugini–has flights to small airstrips scattered around the country. There are roads around the country, but because of the terrain they are limited. There are public transportation systems (PMVs) which travel around a pre-established route; they are cheap and will drop you off anywhere along the route. Renting a car is not a good option because local tribes can take serious, and sometimes deadly, actions against drivers who get into accidents. You can also travel by boat, but this can be uncomfortable and unreliable.

Weather in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea has a hot, humid, and wet climate year round. The “defined” seasons are as follows, December to March is the wet season and May to October is the dry season. But annaul rainful in different areas ranges from 39 inches to an amazing 20 feet. The temperatures on the coast range between 77° and 86°, but in the highlands the temperatures can be very chilly.

Papua New Guinea Information
Population: 4.5 million
Government: Democracy
Square Miles: 180,508 sq mi (462,840 sq km)
Capitol: N’Djamena (pop 700,000)
Official Language: 750 indigenous languages plus Pidgin and Motu
People: 95% Melanesian, 5% Polynesian, Micronesian, Chinese
Religion: 44% Protestant, 22% Catholic and 34% pantheistic beliefs
Major products/industries: Coffee, copper, gold, silver, copra crushing, palm oil processing, logging

Australia is one of the world’s most unique natural habitats. Because it is isolated from most of the world, it has a wide variety of animals unique to its continent, and landscape that seems as impossible to live in as it is stunningly beautiful. It’s hard to justify trying to see all of Australia in just one trip. You will see some of the best beaches, experience some of the most inspiring wildlife, and meet among the finest people the world has to offer.

The Australian Aborigines, have the longest continuous cultural history in the world, and were in Australia thousands of years before anyone else set foot on the continent.

Europeans explorers came to Australia in the 16th century: first the Portuguese, then the Dutch explorers, and finally English pirate William Dampier. Captain James Cook sailed the eastern coast in 1770, on his famous voyage stopping at Botany Bay and literally running into the Great Barrier Reef. He claimed the continent for the British.

In 1787, a fleet of 11 ships, 750 male and female convicts, and four companies of marines landed in Botany Bay. For the new arrivals, Australia was a harsh and horrible place; starvation was a constant threat.

Traveling in Australia
Australia’s climate differs a great deal depending on what part of the continent you are visiting. If you plan on staying in the southeast, near Melbourne or Sydney the climate is very nice year round. But up north in Queensland and the Northern Territory it can be brutal. The Australian continent is roughly the size of the United States; unless you plan to take a single long trip there, it will be difficult to see and do all that’s available to you. Focusing on specific parts of the continent is the best plan, so you get the most out of your experience. But don’t think that because you’ve seen Sydney, that you have seen Australia. That would be like going to New York City and saying you’ve seen the U.S. There’s a lot more to this beautiful land than its flagship city.

Weather in Australia
Much of Australia has great weather throughout the year, and there really isn’t a bad time to go. However, from December to February (Southern Hemispheric summer) it can be quite hot, and is best to be on the southern beaches. In the northern parts, in summer, it’s often wet and humid. The oceans to the north can also be unswimable due to the box jellyfish, which is one of many poisonous animal species in Australia.
AustraliaAustralia
Population:
19.5 million
Government:
Independent member of the British Commonwealth
Square Miles:
2,966,200 sq mi (7,682,300 sq km)
Capitol:
Canberra (pop: 313,000)
Official Language:
English, Aboriginal languages
People:
94% European descent, 4% Asian, 1.5% Aboriginal
Religion:
75% Christian, 1% Muslim, 1% Buddhist
Major products/industries:
Minerals, oil, coal, gold, wool, cereals, meat

Solomon Islands
Millenia of immigration of Melanesians, Polynesians, Asians, Micronesians, and Westerners has made the Solomon Islands one of the most culturally rich island nations in the world. With thousands of small villages still espousing age-old beliefs and practicing ancient customs, locals are generally more than happy to allow you access to their land and entrance into their unique world, as well as help you find your way around the many small islands and vast lagoons that make the Solomons famous.

Traveling to the Solomon Islands is not easy, with a troubled economic infrastructure, and fewer flights landing in its capital Honiara; however, the world-class scuba diving, fishing, snorkelling, and birding, as well as the colorful culture and the welcoming nature of the islanders makes this place very much worth a visit. Historically, interest in the Solomon Islands is focused on the role they played in the Pacific during World War II–the wreck-strewn waters of Iron Bottom Sound are testament to the strategic importance of the islands.

Caution: Due to a rise in ethnic and economic tensions in the Solomon Islands, the U.S. and Australian governments have issued travel advisories against going to certain parts. Most visitors will attest that these tensions do not typically affect travelers; however, it may be worth investigating the region’s social and political situation before departing.

Traveling in the Solomon Islands
Because of their remote proximity to major regional air routes, the Solomon Islands remain quiet and unspoiled by tourism. Most of the hotels are located in the capital. Outside Honiara, facilities tend toward small hotels and basic village resorts. The Western Province offers spectacular lagoons and shallow coral reefs that are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Inter-island transport is provided by Solomon Airline (the national airline) and Western Pacific (a privately owned local airline). During peak travel times–typically around the end of the year–it can be difficult to secure a seat without a booking several weeks in advance. Boat travel is available between all the islands, but because of the time it takes to traverse the waters between them, few visitors choose to use this method.

Because the Solomons do not have a well-developed tourism infrastructure, it has remained comparitively pristine, both culturally and ecologically. For those willing to embrace the relative discomforts of travel in the islands, the experience is sure to be a rewarding one.

The currency is the Solomon Islands dollar (US$1 = SI$3.5, approx.). Travelers checks can be exchanged in provincial capitals only, though it’s best to exchange traveler’s checks at a bank in Honiara before departing for other areas. Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants in Honiara, and at the larger hotels and resorts in the provinces. Tipping is not advised.

Malaria risk is highest during the wet season. Mosquitoes avoid sprayed areas and come out mainly at dusk–so keep yourself sprayed, sleep under a sprayed mosquito net or in a screened room, wear long sleeves and trousers if you go out at dusk, and see your doctor before leaving for the Solomons for antimalaria medication.

Weather in the Solomon Islands
The climate in the Solomon Islands is tropical. Average daytime temperatures are around 85°F. Water temperatures are roughly 80-85°F. November through March tends to be hot and humid, with monsoon rains and the possibility of cyclones. April through October is drier and windy.

Solomon Islands Information
Population: 441,000
Government: Parliamentary democracy
Square Miles: 62,000 sq mi (1.35 million sq km); 10,750 sq mi (27,556 sq km) of dry land
Capitol: Honiara
Official Language: Solomon Islands Pijin, English and 67 official indigenous languages
People: Melanesian (95%), Polynesian (4%), Asian and Micronesian (1%)
Religion: Christian denominations (96%)
Major products/industries: Timber, fish, palm oil

Europeans first arrived at New Zealand in 1642 when Dutch explorer Abel Tasman sailed up the island nation’s western coastline. But Maori history in the island group began long before. The Maoris are a Polynesian people who were master navigators, using the night sky, flight patterns of sea birds, and more to traverse long distances throughout the many islands of the South Pacific. The first Maori set foot on New Zealand roughly around 950 A.D. More settlers followed in the mid-1300s, arriving in a series of large canoes, able to withstand big seas and heavy winds, to which many modern-day Maoris currently trace their heritage.

Intimidated by the rugged coastline, westerners didn’t return until 1769, and the arrival of British explorer James Cook who subsequently claimed the territory for the British crown. Once there, Cook and later settlers interacted with the native Maori population, and throughout the centuries since, the Maoris and Europeans have cohabited in New Zealand. There have been multiple conflicts between the two cultures–the most notable of which resulted from the British settlers’ infractions of the Treaty of Waitangi–some escalating to full fledged wars. Today, however, both communities live and work together in harmony, as good race relations have come to be a point of pride for all of New Zealand.

Traveling in New Zealand
New Zealand, known as Aotearoa (“Land of the Long White Cloud”) in the language of the native Maori, is a Mecca for travelers seeking fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and numerous outdoor and adventure activities.

New Zealand provides the opportunity to experience all the world’s natural attractions in just one country. You can trek on the slopes of active volcanoes; or in remote rugged patches of virgin rainforest; through active geothermal areas, full of geysers and boiling mud; or Kauri forests, with some of the largest and oldest trees on earth. You can swim with dolphins, watch whales, see glaciers descending into rainforests, and fish for the world’s largest trout in majestically pristine glacial rivers. Adventure seekers can get their fix by white water rafting, abseiling, sky diving, jet boating, bungee jumping, and heli-skiing. No other country in the world offers such tremendous variety and easy access to outdoor and adventure activities.

When you’ve come in from the bush, New Zealand’s cities are fun and fast-growing; each with their own unique character. They are equipped with fantastic nightlife among the many trendy restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs that will keep you hopping until all hours. For cultural enthusiasts, there’s no shortage of activities in New Zealand’s cities. They provide a wide range of activities such as museums, art galleries, theaters, and cafes.

Weather in New Zealand
Weather in New Zealand can be extremely variable and unpredictable, depending on your location. Given the maritime climate of this small island nation, one is constantly vulnerable to the rapidly changing weather that is brought by the ever-present oceanic winds that scour New Zealand’s landscape. The severity of the weather in New Zealand is equally as dependent upon altitude as it is upon longitude and latitude, but generally speaking, it is a few degrees cooler in the South Island than the North Island. The North Island is relatively warm and temperate at any time of year, while the South Island can experience freezing temperatures and extreme snowfall in the winter. The summer months are typically warm and comfortable everywhere in New Zealand.

New Zealand Information
Population: 3.8 million
Government: Independent member of the British Commonwealth
Area: 269,000 sq km
Capitol: Wellington (pop 345,000)
Official Language: English and Maori
People: 88% European (Pakeha), 12% Maori and Polynesian
Religion: Predominantly Christian (81%)
Major products/industries: Food processing, wood and paper products, wool, textiles, dairy products, iron, and steel