Introduction
Although Australasia and the Pacific has far less in the way of temples and palaces to explore, there is still enormous amounts of history and culture to be discovered in this region. People in Australia, New Zealand and across the Pacific Islands are hugely proud of their traditional heritage and a chance to visit these countries is a chance to get to know the locals.
In Australia, Aboriginal culture is widespread and evident in lots of different forms, whether you visit sacred sites such as Uluru or look for rock art and other evidence of their culture in the Outback or Northern Territory.
People in New Zealand are justifiably proud of their Maori heritage; the haka remains a spectacular chant and a well-known sample of indigenous heritage. Other songs, dance, mythology and legends abound and modern Maori are keen to share the stories of their roots. Visit Auckland, Eastland or Rotorua to discover what it means to be a modern Maori or take in the Te Papa museum in Wellington for the history and background to how they got where they are now.
There are literally dozens of tribes and minority groups in Papua New Guinea but the Asaro Mudmen in the highlands are probably best known, for their menacing war costumes and mesmerizing tribal dances, whilst the Melpa people of the Wahgi Valley sport impressive body art.
These are just a handful of the options available though. You can also tailor-make your history and culture holiday in Australasia and the Pacific by adding a city stay, activity and adventure holiday or other excursion to your itinerary; talk to a destination specialist to see what we can do for you.
