Cultural Gems in Australasia with Elegant Resorts
Australasia is a destination blessed with rich indigenous cultures, fascinating native traditions and stunning sacred sites. Natural wonders such as Uluru, found in the vast outback of Australia’s Red Centre, are a place of spiritual significance and provide a tantalising link to understanding the ancient Aboriginal culture. Stretching back at least 50,000 years, these indigenous people share one of the oldest known living cultures and their striking artwork offers a vibrant connection between past and present, plus people and the land. Visitors to this sacred red rock can enjoy privately guided tours with a local Aborigine and even dine under the stars, close by. In sharp contrast, the modern cities of Melbourne, Sydney and Perth provide an exciting cocktail of urban culture and share historical links from British colonisation.
Equally absorbing are the native Maori people of New Zealand, whose influence has helped to shape this, relatively young, country’s culture. Their traditional language, traditions, dance and skills are kept very much alive and visitors are urged to visit a traditional Maori village, such as Te Wairoa, enjoy eating a traditional hangi dish and to watch a local Haka performance. New Zealand also has a strong European culture and the town of Russell, in the far north, is a significant historic site for the meeting of these two cultures. For art lovers, the town of Napier is a beautifully preserved example of the Art Deco era and, of course, the country is famed for its natural wonders too – as highlighted by The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Whilst the breathtaking natural beauty of tropical Bora Bora draws many couples to relax and dive within its turquoise lagoons and lush green mountains, the Pacific Ocean gem also boasts an interesting Tahitian culture. This dream island destination extends a warm welcome to visitors and those seeking a richer holiday experience can take a private discovery tour to a traditional settlement, watch the art of traditional tattooing, visit archaeological Polynesian relics or, more modern, World War II remains.
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