Visitor Information For The South West Pacific

So the tropics are beckoning… but where to choose? Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, the Cook Islands…

Vanuatu is more a ‘destination experience’ with most resorts in and around Port Vila so sightseeing, shopping and some great restaurants are easy to get to from your resort. Here you get closer to local culture and, for side trips, their is the accessible active volcano on the island of Tanna and some of the world’s best scuba diving on Tanna (the Coolidge wreck). (more...)

For Fiji, think a resort type holiday. Most visitors choose one or two resorts (perhaps a mainland and island combination). Everything you will want will be contained within the resort and, unless you really want to explore, there’s no great reason to leave where you will be staying. Fiji also has the ‘bula’ factor - The Fijians greet you with outgoing flashing smiles and “Bula” - the ni-Vanuatu people are more shy and reserved (but just as friendly) and the Cook Islanders will greet you with “Kia Orana”, usually with a Kiwi accent. (more...)

Tonga is a fantastic tropical destination. A little further south than Samoa and Fiji it can get cool at night (Tonga means ‘south’). While there are white sand beaches, coconut palms, turquoise warm waters it is the rich culture and the people who will live long in your memory. In some ways Tonga is one of the more undeveloped destinations when it comes to tourism and that could be one of the big attractions. Having said that, you may be surprised at the sophistication of the infrastructure and how the society works. It pretty much revolves around three things – the Monarchy, the Church and ‘island time’. It can be so laid back you will be searching for a pulse. And because it is the only Pacific destination never to be subjected to foreign rule, the traditional culture, the church and royalty is woven through every fibre. (more...)

Samoa is simply a fabulous tropical destination. Situated near the equator it is truly the heart of Polynesia. Here you will discover true white sand beaches, coconut palms, turquoise warm waters, stunning waterfalls and rainforest, a rich culture and the laid-back ‘fa’a Samoa’ (the Samoan way). The locals are friendly and welcoming and everything is easily accessible. The two main islands of Upolu and Savai’i are 90 minutes by ferry apart (or a ten minute flight) and it only takes 30 minutes to go from the north to south coast on Upolu. Apia is a delightful harbour city and village flows into village around the islands. Visitors can stay in the villages or choose quality accommodation from the number of fine resorts on offer. With direct flights from Australia and New Zealand with Polynesian Blue it is easy to get to and inexpensive once you arrive. (more...)

The Cook Islands, for those wanting romance, there are really two destinations - Rarotonga (the main island) and Aitutaki for the most wonderful lagoon. You will also experience Polynesian dance and culture, which is far more vibrant and sensual than in Fiji or Vanuatu. One consideration for travellers from Australia, you will have to touchdown in Auckland for a flight connection (but there’s good shopping in the transit lounge). (more...)

New Caledonia has a perception of being ‘French and expensive’ and that’s partly true. Around half the population is French (the other half Melanesian) and it can be the most expensive Pacific destination, depending on your own habits. But it is unlike the other destinations because of its infrastructure and sophistication. Think Nice with tropical lagoons for Noumea and there are lots of places with unspoilt beauty. Another plus is that is so close to Australia and New Zealand (the airfare savings can allow a bit of a splurge on a top restaurant or at a casino. Vive la difference! (more...)