We Kiwis are spoiled! All our Pacific Island neighbours have postcard-perfect beaches
and resorts purpose-built for relaxing. Of course, that’s also what makes it really tough to pick a holiday! But if you must choose just one island, use this supremely simplified guide.
FIJI. BEST FOR AQUATIC ADVENTURES
With paradise beaches on the mainland and in the Yasawas — and incredible diving in Pacific Harbour and Beqa Lagoon — Fiji is fabulous over and underwater. Snorkellers are spoiled for choice throughout the islands. Advanced surfers can tackle the waves at Cloudbreak or Restaurants while newbies can take lessons in calmer waters nearly everywhere. You can even base yourself on the water and see many islands by small ship cruise.
HOT TIP! A few spots looking good? It’s easy to get around. We can tailor a one-of-a-kind island-hopping holiday just for you.
RAROTONGA. BEST FOR TAKING MATES & RELLIES
Easy, close-to-home and on the NZ dollar! Find super-sized villas and 2 & 3-bedroom apartments, which are perfect for getting a group together for barbecuing and sun. Kids clubs are available at family-favourite resorts. And diverse groups can have it all: Relaxers can head for sugar-soft sand and island cocktails, while those with energy to burn can paddleboard by night, tramp Pa’s Cross Island Trek or hop on a quad bike through the jungle.
HOT TIP! Raro delivers a feast of flavours at great value for everyone in the beachside shacks, burger joints and water-view bistros.
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SAMOA. BEST FOR EASY ADVENTURE
Samoa offers plenty of opportunities for exploring. It’s easy to drive around discovering goodies like To Sua Trench and Falefa Falls. Surprises are everywhere: Take Piula Cave Pool, a freshwater spring that originated as an old lava tube! Trampers will love Lanoto’o National Park, while the brave can fly over the Papase’ea sliding rocks. Cool off at picture-perfect Lalomanu Beach. To take in a bit of culture, don’t miss a Fiafia dinner.
HOT TIP! Samoa is a haven of hidden treasures. We recommend you hire a car for at least 3 days of your stay and get exploring.
VANUATU. BEST FOR HISTORY & CULTURE
Step back in time and experience Tanna’s unchanged culture. It’s like seeing this part of the world as it was 100 years ago. Locals say the most potent kava is grown on Tanna, where belief in black magic, sorcery and cargo cults carries on. The foodie culture is fab: Look for Santo Beef and uberfresh seafood. Lap Lap is a must-try local dish of yams, banana and taro soaked in coconut and fired in an earth oven. And don’t miss the local Tusker Beer.
HOT TIP! Ask your consultant about a Black Magic Tour and get an insight into ancient culture and traditions.
TAHITI. BEST FOR LUXURY RETREATS
Incredible 5-star opulence is standard in Tahiti. Just a short flight from home, you’ll find overwater bungalows set above dreamy reefs from top names like the Four Seasons, St. Regis and InterContinental. Many resorts sit on secluded lagoons and offer stunning onsite spas and gourmet restaurants to spoil you. This is where you can book private island picnics, charter fishing boats or simply let the concierge sort a surprise.
HOT TIP! Get an overwater bungalow and watch fish through the glass. And don’t miss a good lie in: Breakfast can be delivered by canoe!
NEW CALEDONIA. BEST FOR DELICIOUS DINING
Cuisine here is a drool-inducing marriage of island-style tastes and the best of French flavours and flair. And just like in France, food, coffee and wine are taken very, very seriously. Don’t miss dishes like coconut crab and seafood vol au vent, which is a bit like a seafood chowder in a puff pastry. Fearless foodies can try Civet de Rousette (yes, that’s stewed bat): The bat meat is marinated in a red wine sauce before being prepared as a ragout.
HOT TIP! Head to the Supermarche to stock up on goodies like cheeses, pâté and croissants for a delicious seaside picnic.
