See full version: The 7 Best Islands In The South Pacific To Visit
The Cook Islands are a little South Pacific Paradise that’s only six hours from Sydney. There’s 15 islands to explore, but a must-see is Aitutaki. It’s spectacularly beautiful, with a triangular-shaped reef surrounding a bright turquoise lagoon containing 15 small motus (islets). more
See the black lava caves on your way up to the summit and bring a torch to explore them with the kids; the views from the top are spectacular. A super day trip. here
Rangitoto is the youngest and largest of Auckland’s 48 volcanic cones. You can hire a kayak and paddle out to Rangitoto Island, a dormant volcano not far from downtown Auckland (you can also get there by ferry). more
Discover dense rainforest and hiking routes like the Kokoda Trail, as well as tribal villages. This is ideal for travellers who want a bit of adventure.
What is internet access like in the South Pacific?
You will not likely have access to the internet for the majority of your stay in the South Pacific. It's possible that a hotel might offer WiFi, but most ships do not. more
Do I need power adapters?
Depending on where you are going, you will need either a European style two round prong plug adapter or an Australian style three flat slanted prong adapter. Power throughout the South Pacific is 220-240v, so if your 110v devices aren't compatible with this, you will also need a step-down converter. here
Can I use my cell phone while in the South Pacific?
Probably not. You could buy a SIM chip for your phone at the airport, but realistically you will be out of range of a cell signal for most of your trip. more
Are credit cards accepted in the South Pacific? Will I be able to find ATMs?
When arriving in the South Pacific, you should probably go on the assumption that you will not have frequent access to ATMs. Our trips are all inclusive, so other than souvenirs or if you plan to do things that are not on the itinerary you will not have to worry about using money.
This 212-square-mile island (Micronesia’s largest with 175,000 people) may be a U.S. territory, but its unique Chamorro culture and language is a blend of 300 years of Spanish, Micronesian, Asian, and western influences. As Continental Airlines’ South Pacific hub, Guam has excellent airlift and is the region’s melting pot. [links]
Tourism infrastructure varies by destination, with some islands linked by daily non-stop flights from Los Angeles and others reachable only by a hodgepodge of connections. Most are welcoming to tourists, some with five-star resorts and a roster of water-based activities, while others feature rustic accommodations and cultures that are a bit more unfamiliar with western ways. Divers flock here not only for the abundance of fish species but also for the pristine coral reefs.
This northernmost sub-region is comprised of thousands of small (hence the term micro) islands. Best known is the U.S. territory of Guam, but other isles such as Palau and Yap have hidden pleasures (such as incredible dive sites) and eccentric oddities (such as giant stones used as currency). [links]
This group of nine islands was the first in the Pacific to gain independence from western occupation. Upolu is the main island and tourism hub, but life here is still governed by Fa’a Samoa (The Samoan Way), where family and elders are respected and its 362 villages are presided over by 18,000 matai (chiefs). more
A chain of some 500 islands in the western Pacific, Palau is recognized by divers-in-the-know as one of the best areas to scuba, thanks to three currents converging in its waters, bringing together some of the most varied aquatic life in the ocean. [links]
Best for: culture, diving, hiking, surfing, eco-tourism
Best for: beaches, resorts, families, food, diving
The Cook Islands mix Polynesian blue water and hospitality with New Zealand (who administer the islands) savoir faire. On the lush, main isle of Raratonga beach bum all day then experience an 'Island Night' Polynesian feast (pork cooked in an earthen oven, taro root and more) and a local dance performance. more
As you move east across the Pacific from the Solomon Islands to Easter Island, the flora and fauna becomes less diverse. Islands to the east like New Caledonia and Fiji have land snakes and fruit bats, French Polynesia and Easter Island don't. Underwater you'll find more soft corals in the plankton-rich waters to the west but better visibility in the greater reaches of open water to the east.
The main island of Tongatapu is the seat of the monarchy but most visitors head quickly to the Vava'u Group. Here you'll find one of the best places on Earth to swim with or watch humpback whales. Sailboats flock around the Vava'u's many sheltered blue bays while plenty of scarcely discovered surfing waves are tucked along the coasts. [links]
Language: English [links]