South Pacific
The Pacific Ocean is
the largest geographical feature on
earth. Here you will find more than
eleven million square miles of ocean
dotted with islands, some no larger
than a suburban back yard.
Part of the charm of these small,
remote islands is the solitude they
offer. No crowds, no traffic lights,
no hassles. Just peace and quiet.
But that's not to say you won't find
plenty to keep you busy elsewhere.
Dive to vibrant, living coral reefs,
in water so clear you'll think you're
floating on air. Try your hand at
deep sea fishing for fighting marlin
and other game fish. Go whale watching,
sail or surf. Or try your hand at
a nature tour or trek and visit a
village and experience true hospitality,
island-style.
Sport too plays a big part in the
lives of the people of the Pacific.
Rugby is almost a national religion
in most of the island nations and,
in Samoa they play a version of cricket
which involves entire villages and
would have the members at Lords shaking
their heads in disbelief. Golfers
are well catered for as well in this
part of the world.
Night owls have not been forgotten
either. Dining out and nightlife abound.
Depending on the country, the local
menu may feature anything from Indian
curries, such as those found in Fiji
Islands, to French haute cuisine,
as in New Caledonia, and mouth-watering
island feasts wherever you go.
The South Pacific is home to people
who have been largely unspoilt by
the trappings of the outside world
and who continue to live a traditional
lifestyle which places kinship and
kindness above the so-called civilised
values of material possessions and
wealth.
This is a place like
nowhere else on earth. Culture and
tradition live side by side, gently
guiding the lives and customs of these
friendly, caring people.
Destinations:
BORA
BORA / TAHITI
Bora Bora lies 240km
northwest of Tahiti. The main island
is
situated
in the centre of a multi coloured
lagoon. The warm shallow water of
Bora Bora's lovely lagoon is world
famous for its unspoiled beauty. An
almost unbroken expanse of warm, white
sand surrounds the island, providing
it with a white collar of perfection
for sun worshippers.
Bora Bora underwater
coral formations teem with countless
brightly-coloured fish, huge sea turtles
and frolicking humpback whales, while
a pod of playful dolphins breaks the
shimmering surface, and an outrigger
canoe glides lazily by.
Life in Bora Bora is casual, relaxing,
blissful. A place of dramatic beauty,
warm waters, and gentle climate, Bora
Bora is an enchanting island where
you can snorkel in a fascinating aquarium,
paddle an outrigger, explore the coral
reefs, scuba dive and marvel at the
magnificence of nature. Feel the exhilaration
of the trade winds as you skim across
the lagoon in a Hobby Cat or sail
yacht.
The majority of shopping
on Bora Bora can be found in little
shopping centres on the island encircling
road. Many hotels have stores, boutiques
and businesses of their own. You can
find anything from fine artwork, unique
handicrafts, shells and books, to
clothing, music and food.
BORA BORA
ACCOMMODATION
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COOK ISLANDS
The Cook Islands
consist of 15 islands scattered over
850,000 square miles of the pacific,
close to the centre of the Polynesian
triangle. Rarotonga is the largest of
the Cook Islands and offers a Mecca
for rest and relaxation.
One of the best tropical destinations
the world is starting to discover,
offering the traveller a small,
accessible country with distinctive
warmth and hospitality. The Cook
Islands have attitude - true relaxed
Polynesia.
Rarotonga is the emerald jewel of the
Pacific. With its jagged peaks and
deep valleys, fertile slopes of red
earth and sparkling aquamarine lagoon,
it is the perfect spot for a relaxing
holiday.
Although peaceful during the day,
Rarotonga's main township of Avarua
comes alive in the evenings. Cabarets,
restaurants, discos and nightclubs are
bursting at the seams most nights of
the week.
The lagoon is a popular spot for
visitors to Rarotonga. It provides
safe swimming and fantastic
snorkelling. There is an abundance of
coral, shells and fish to see.
The Cook Islands culture lives on in
the vibrant performance of song and
dance. Cook Islanders are considered
among the finest Polynesian singers
and dancers and awards come often in
international contests. Polynesians
tell a story with their bodies that
matches the words of the song. There
are a variety of cultural
demonstrations and tours that visitors
can see.
The shop-o-holics wont be disappointed
either, with a good selection of
island fashions, arts and crafts are
available from the shops on Rarotonga.
Among the best known items are the
lacy coconut fibre rito hats, brightly
coloured wrap around garments, local
art, handicrafts, tivaevae, wood
carvings, shell craft and pottery.
COOK ISLANDS
ACCOMMODATION
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FIJI
Fiji is an exotic destination
that can sizzle with excitement or
murmur with the quiet calm of pristine
nature. Where else can you swim with
huge, harmless manta rays congregating
by the shore, snorkel over giant rainbow
gardens of soft coral, or scuba dive
the White Wall and famous Astrolabe
Reef. Fiji is
where
the Cloud Breaker, the incredible
six-metre wave found offshore at Tavarua,
draws surfers from around the world.
It is also where you can float in
the calm, quiet waters of a turquoise
lagoon at sunset or walk alone through
lush rainforest.
The sun shines almost
everyday and when it does rain, people
rush outside for a rain bath in the
warm, brief downpour of a tropical
shower which ends as quickly as it
began. Fiji has become the central
hub of the exotic South Pacific.
The bustling capital city of Suva
is also located on Viti Levu.
Suva
has the country's finest cinemas,
monuments and museums. Suva is also
home to the best nightclubs, restaurants
and shops. It is also where the embassies,
government ministries, libraries and
trade organizations are found.
Nadi is the major point of entry for
most visitors, being the main International
airport and the departure base for
many of Fiji's most popular island
destinations. The shops and markets
of Nadi town remain one of the best
bargaining spots in Fiji with traders
all looking for the best deal.
The Mamanuca Islands are the closest
group of islands to Nadi and offer
visitors the quickest access to paradise.
These islands are clearly visible
from Nadi and are accessed easily
by ferries, launches, helicopter and
seaplane. Some are flat atolls ringed
with white sand, others are slightly
hilly, grassy islands. All are blessed
with pristine beaches.
Vanua Levu is Fiji's second largest
island, and while there is not an
extensive amount of beaches here,
there are some fantastic ones. Next
door is Taveuni island, the third
largest of the Fiji islands. These
two islands are much sought after
destinations for the diving, marine
life and spectacular tropical
jungles. Due to their extra distance
from the main island, they attract
visitors who enjoy the peace and recreation
of being off the beaten track. It
is like stepping back in time, here
you can enjoy the slower pace and see
the local villagers go about their
daily life as you drive through the
countryside past cane fields and pine
forests. These islands are incredibly
stunning, and are less developed than
the rest of Fiji.
FIJI
ACCOMMODATION
|
Beachcomber Island Resort,
Mamanuca Islands
Bedarra Inn, Coral Coast
Castaway Island, Mamanuca
Islands
Crusoe's Retreat, Coral Coast
First Landing Resort, Nadi
Hideaway Resort, Coral Coast
Holiday Inn, Suva
Malolo Island Resort, Mamanuca
Island
Mana Island Resort, Mamanuca
Islands
Musket Cove Island Resort,
Mamanuca Islands
Naigani Island Resort, Suva
Naviti Resort, Coral Coast
Plantation Island Resort,
Mamanuca Islands
Seashell Cove Resort, Nadi
Shangri la Fiji Mocambo, Nadi
Shangri La Fijian Resort, Coral
Coast |
Sheraton Denarau Villas, Denarau
Island
Sheraton Fiji Resort, Denarau
Island
Sheraton Royal Denarau Resort,
Denarau Island
Skylodge Hotel, Nadi
Sonaisali Island Resort, Coral
Coast
Tanoa International, Nadi
The Outrigger Reef, Coral Coast
The Warwick, Coral Coast
Toberua Island Resort, Suva
Tokatoka Resort, Nadi
Tokoriki Island Resort, Mamanuca
Islands
Treasure Island Resort, Mamanuca
Islands
Vatulele Island Resort, Vatulele
Island
Wests Motor Inn, Nadi
Yasawa Island Resort, Yasawa
Islands |
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LORD
HOWE ISLAND
The only one of four
World Heritage listed Island groups,
this little island in the South
Pacific Ocean is full of life and has
the passionate traveller well and
truly catered for.
Lord Howe Island is an island of
tranquillity and beauty. It is just
eleven kilometres from end to end and
two kilometres at its widest point. It
has one of the world's most beautiful
tropical lagoons, superb beaches,
crystal waters and forests covering
two thirds of its land mass.
Lord Howe Island is a dramatic,
breath-taking, enticing and beautiful
corner of the Pacific. Totally
unspoiled, very natural and completely
protected - yet with all the comforts
in accommodation and excellent
restaurants.
For lovers of peace & nature Lord Howe
also has special appeal for anyone
wanting a quiet, relaxed break, with
no glitzy resorts, no hassles, stress
and minimal tourists.
Lord Howe Island is packed with
diverse plant and marine life. The
island has a limit on visitor numbers
so you'll never compete for space.
Because of its location, the island
enjoys a temperate all-year climate.
The sea water is consistently warm.
The
island draws nature-lovers and
adventure-seekers alike. Apart from
pristine beaches, lagoons and hidden
coves, the island offers wonderful
bushwalking opportunities. It also
makes an ideal romantic getaway. Scuba
diving and snorkelling are very
popular activities.
The island boasts the world's
southern-most coral reef. You'll find
crystal clear water, over 500 species
of fish and 90 coral species. Whales
and dolphins appear offshore in
season.
Deep-sea fishing, tennis, cycling or
just drinking in the tranquillity are
other favourite pursuits on the
island.
LORD HOWE ISLAND ACCOMMODATION
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NIUE
Niue description is coming shortly.
NIUE ACCOMMODATION
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MOOREA
/ TAHITI
Moorea is just 28km from the Island
of Tahiti. It is known as the "Magical
Island".
Moorea
is a stunning jewel of jagged peaks,
rising majestically from a sparkling
sapphire sea. The lush mountain slopes
are covered in rainforests and pineapple
plantations. Completely encircled
by coral reef, the island was originally
a volcano whose caldera has eroded
over time, allowing the sea to flow
deep into the interior to create calm
lagoons.
Moorea is everything you'd
imagine a South Pacific island to
be. There is no major town on Moorea,
but you will find a few areas along
the road with clusters of shops selling
local crafts, hand printed fabrics
and miscellaneous goods.
There is plenty to do
on this gorgeous island. Those looking
for adventure have certainly come
to the right place. Choose from Horse
riding, hiking through the jungles,
4 wheel drive safaris, scuba diving,
sailing, jet skiing, windsurfing,
fishing, shark feeding and Dolphin
watching.
Night life on Moorea is quite laid
back. Evening entertainment usually
consists of lat dinners, at any one
of the many fine restaurants, and
a few drinks or listening to a band
playing at a restaurant or hotel.
Moorea is also good for shopping,
here you will find pareos, sundresses,
bikinis, shirts, beachwear and even
ballgowns. Le Petit Village is a small
shopping centre with boutiques, perfume
shops, snack and ice cream shops and
black pearl shops. Pao Pao is home
to Moorea's markets, here you will
find locally made shell jewellery
and hats, tote bags, baskets and mats
woven from palm fronds and banana plants.
MOOREA ACCOMMODATION
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NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is located in the south
west of the Pacific Ocean and is home
to stunning landscapes, lush forests,
amazing wildlife and a pleasant
climate. These factors make it a haven
for many outdoor activities, and a
great place to unwind. The island is a
fraction bigger than the UK and is
very easy to get around. There is an
extensive network of trains, air
services and roads so most places can
be reached by public transport.
The
North Island consists of golden sandy
beaches, hot thermal springs, soaring
geysers and native bushland. Auckland
is the main gateway into the North
Island and also the base of the
America’s Cup Yacht Race. Nightlife in
Auckland is fantastic, from dancing
until the early hours at one of the
many nightclubs to sipping cocktails
at sunset overlooking the harbour or
having a romantic dinner at one of the
cities many great restaurants, and
there is defiantly something for
everyone here. Auckland also has many
unique attractions such as the Sky
Tower which is the tallest tower in
the Southern Hemisphere.
Waiheke Island is a
short drive from Auckland and offers
some spectacular scenery and wine
tasting. The Bay of Islands to the
north is also a must see, especially
for wildlife enthusiasts and anyone
who loves the water, with sheltered
bays and white sand beaches! This
stunning area is also home to the
Maori tradition and cultures.
Wellington
is the capital city of New Zealand and
is located on the southern tip of the
North Island. It is a vibrant and
cosmopolitan city and although quite
small in size it is still as exciting
as the other cities. Wellington is
full of cafes, restaurants and bars
that offer a variety of food and
drinks to suit almost everyone.
In the South Island
you will see magnificent fiords, snow
covered Alps, ancient glaciers,
pristine lakes, subtropical forests
and rolling farmlands. Christchurch is
the main gateway into the South Island
and also the country’s second largest
city. Christchurch is a colourful and
vibrant city and activities range from
relaxing at one of the many cafes to
partying all night in one of the many
bars and clubs.
Just west of
Christchurch is the Mount Cook Nation
Park, home to the tallest mountain in
the region. Mount Cook offers
breathtaking mountain scenery.
Queenstown
is located about 8 hours drive south
west of Christchurch and is one of the
best alpine ski resorts in the world.
Nightlife here is amazing, especially
in the winter months when the village
comes alive, pubs and nightclubs are
literally packed to capacity with
party goers and revellers. Although
skiing and snowboarding are the most
popular activities, there is also jet
boating, bungy jumping, 4WD safaris
and hikes to be done.
New Zealand is truly a
remarkable place. There is no where
else in the world you could go skiing,
snowboarding, rafting, jet boating,
whale watching, bungy jumping, wine
tasting and relaxing in hot thermal
pools all within a couple of days!!
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NORFOLK
ISLAND
Norfolk was discovered
by Captain James Cook in 1774 and
described as 'Paradise'.
Today, Norfolk is an external
territory under the authority of
Australia but with its own Legislative
Assembly, Police, Customs, Immigration
and Quarantine. For visitors Norfolk
offers an enticing mix of old world
charm, spectacular scenery, a host of
activities, sports and tours and the
chance to indulge in tax free shopping
- plus a warm welcome from the locals.
This
green island plateau is a tapestry of
farmlands, forests and gardens and is
covered with Norfolk Island pine
trees. Scattered around Norfolk's
circumference are fine sandy beaches
and rock pools.
Norfolk Island is not
for those looking for sophisticated
nightlife - the pace of life is far
more relaxed. Theme nights are very
popular even with the locals,
providing a fun-filled dining
experience and a chance for the
Norfolk Islanders to provide their
best hospitality.
It
is a small island, just 8 km by 5 km,
with an amazing variety of things to
do & see. Its spectacular scenery
includes wild seascapes, pristine
beaches, clear starry skies and
untouched national parks & reserves.
On the other hand,
although it is has no high rise
buildings, Norfolk Island, being a
free of taxes has a surprisingly large
amount of Duty Free Stores to settle
the desires of even the most avid
shopper.
NORFOLK ISLAND
ACCOMMODATION
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NEW CALEDONIA / NOUMEA
Noumea is the capital
city of New Caledonia, which is the
closest South Pacific island to
Australia and enjoys a warm, balmy
climate. The sandy, white beaches
are
lined with coconut palms and lead down
to the magnificent aquamarine lagoons
that are teeming with fish.
The culture in New
Caledonia is a subtle blend of French
traditions and Melanesian custom.
Noumea is fast becoming known as the
gourmet capital of the South Pacific.
There is a variety of food styles
served in over 130 restaurants
including French, Chinese, Japanese,
Italian and Mexican. Alternatively,
you can sip a coffee in one of the
outdoor cafes or purchase pates and
baguettes from the patisserie in a
supermarket and fill a picnic hamper.
Noumea is a mecca for designer
shops, with all the latest European
fashions from Paris and exclusive
brands of perfumes and bags sold in
the shops.
The long beaches found at Baie des
Citrons or at Anse Vata are great
places to relax, go windsurfing,
snorkelling or diving.
NEW CALEDONIA ACCOMMODATION
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PAPEETE
/ TAHITI
Papeete is the bustling capital of
Tahiti. This cosmopolitan city comprises
many festive shops and markets to
go bargain hunting. As you walk down
the narrow streets of the city centre,
you'll find all kinds of Polynesian
products including colourful clothing,
pareos, arts and crafts, gifts,
souvenirs and jewellery.
As the sun goes down,
Papeete comes alive with nightclubs,
jazz bars, karaoke, casinos and
Tahitian dance shows. Papeete has a
rather unique flavour as far as its
nightlife is concerned. An ambitious
blend of local Tahitians, French,
Australians, Americans and travelling
Europeans come here to have a
fantastic time . You'll find
restaurants, snack bars, patisseries
and mobile diners with excellent
cuisine to suit all tastes and
budgets.
Papeete also has a few museums, cathedrals
and churches within the city. This
cultural area is located within relatively
easy walking distance to most of Papeete's
downtown area.
PAPEETE ACCOMMODATION
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SAMOA
Samoa is a small
country in the Pacific Ocean and
offers virgin rainforests, unspoilt
beaches and lagoons with a rich
cultural heritage that has been
protected for visitors wanting to
discover the emerging Pacific.
Samoa
is a truly rare and wonderful
experience. The natural attractions of
flora and fauna, the warm climate and
the beautiful beaches combined with
the warmth of genuinely friendly
people make Samoa a truly memorable
holiday destination.
Apia, the capital, is
vibrant by day or night, where
villagers sell their wares at the
marketplace, and where each working
day, the Police Band marches down
Beach Road to raise the flag and play
the national anthem at the Government
complex.
Venture
into the villages, and see how they
live in open sided fale, cook in umu,
harvest each day from the plantations
and catch fish from the sea for our
sustenance.
Visit the National
Parks and Reserves, blow holes, lava
fields and waterfalls scattered around
our islands, and experience nature's
beauty.
Savaii is Samoa's largest island where
the local people live life at an easy
and gentle pace. A well-paved road
encircles the island. The warm waters
of the Pacific Ocean that surround
Samoa's islands offer a range of water
sport activities, from reef surfing to
game fishing, diving, sea kayaking and
snorkelling.
For the land lover,
have a picnic by a waterfall, hike to
extinct volcanic craters or crater
lakes, and explore the vast
plantations of coconut, bananas and
cocoa.
SAMOA
ACCOMMODATION
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TONGA
The Kingdom of Tonga
is situated just west of the
International Date Line with a time
zone of it's own. It is also the first
land to see the dawn of each new day.
Tonga is made up of an archipelago of
170 small islands, of which only 40
are inhabited, spread over 700,000
square kms of ocean consisting of 4
groups; Tongatapu, Ha'apai, Vava'u and
Nuias.
There
are a variety of nightspots in Tonga
and a local cinema. Many of the hotels
have Tongan feasts with traditional
dancing, while the Tongan National
Centre provides entertainment and
traditional feasts regularly on week
nights.
There are also a small
selection of restaurants and cafes
which offer an international mix of
dining choices. A variety of hotels
have traditional Tongan feasts and
entertainment which are a must for any
visitor to Tonga.
There is a limited
range of shops from clothing,
supermarkets, souvenir, hardware, duty
free, electrical through to
engineering in Nuku'alofa, with small
stores scattered throughout. Neiafu on
Vava'u has a small township with local
markets. Local art and crafts,
especially Tapa are of a high quality.
The
Tongan islands have secluded coves and
extensive safe anchorages and offer
some of the world's most superb
cruising areas. Well equipped charters
yachts and bareboat charters are
available for the Vava'u islands or
cruise the Ha'apai islands on a
skippered yacht.
Game fishing
enthusiasts will find the waters
around Tonga a constant challenge.
Snorkelling and diving is excellent in
the turquoise blue waters with
visibility from 20-35 metres. From
July to November there is the added
attraction of huge pods of Humpback
Whales accompanied by their offspring,
often swimming with the yachts.
TONGA
ACCOMMODATION
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VANUATU
Vanuatu is made up of
83 islands, which stretch over 800km
of the Pacific Ocean. Surrounding
the islands is a magical aqua and
dark blue sea with a fascinating underwater
world of tropical fish that live amongst
magnificent coral reef formations.
Port Vila is the capital of Vanuatu
and is located on the island of Efate.
Port Vila is a safe and hassle free
environment for tourists. It is also
fast becoming
known for the fantastic food served
in over 40 restaurants and café's,
choose from French, Vietnamese, Chinese,
Japanese, Mexican, Thai and Melanesian.
There is little nightlife in Vanuatu,
there is one nightclub, casino and
movie theatre.
Though there is little
night life in Vila except that offered
by the Resort Hotels, there is a nightclub
(Flamingo), a friendly casino (at
Le Meridien Resort), a movie theatre
and some restaurants often feature
local or imported musicians. Best
of all, Vila is a safe and hassle
free environment. You can stroll along
the waterfront, or darkened back streets
late at night and passing locals are
likely to strike up a friendly conversation.
The
island has a rugged coastline and
rolling countryside, fast flowing
rivers, cascading waterfalls and isolated
sandy bays and lagoons. With the warm
waters and superb visibility, Vanuatu
is a great place for diving and snorkelling.
From underwater tunnels formed by
frozen lava to the thousands of colourful
fish, corals and acropora gardens,
it is truly magnificent.
VANUATU ACCOMMODATION
|
Bokissa Eco Island Resort,
Espiritu Santo
Crowne Plaza Resort, Port Vila
Erakor Island Resort, Port Vila
Hideaway Island Resort, Port
Vila
Iririki Island Resort, Port Vila
Kaiviti Village Motel
Le Meridien Resort, Port Vila
|
Mangoes Resort, Port Vila
Port Vila - Pacific Lagoon
Apartments
Poppy's on the Lagoon, Port Vila
The Melanesian Hotel, Port Vila
Port Vila - Tradewinds
Vila Chaumieres, Port Vila
Port Vila - Whitesands Country
Club |
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