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Introduction
The Pacific is huge, larger than all the other oceans put together, and its landmasses are tiny. The region comprises of around 30 island nations, some mere dots on an atlas. The largest island nation is Papua New Guinea (PNG) followed by New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti and Samoa. The most popular destination for a beach holiday is Fiji, followed by the Cook Islands; for scuba diving its Fiji and the Solomon Islands; whilst adventure holidays are best in Vanuatu. Tahiti and New Caledonia are both French territories, making them more expensive than the other islands and with more European influence (especially in its restaurants). Tourism in Tonga and Samoa are very low key which holds its own unique charms.
Please select a South Pacific destination in the map below for more detailed travel information and accommodation options in that country.
Highlights
South Pacific holidays are a truly breathtaking experience. Here you will find stunning white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, colourful soft corals and huge schools of reef fish. The weather is warm and sunny all year round. You will also find dense tropical rain forests, hidden waterfalls, traditional fishing villages and a rich culture. There are no poisonous insects, few diseases and its people live in peace and harmony away from the industrial world.
Don't Miss
Visiting a tiny uninhabited coral island ; snorkelling a coral reef ; visiting a tribal village
Travel Info
Air New Zealand, Virgin Blue and the local airlines of Air Pacific, Air Calin and Air Vanuatu are the main carriers connecting the South Pacific. There are numerous flights between east coast cities in Australia and New Zealand with all Pacific Islands, with the cheapest flights usually offered by Virgin Blue. European travellers have two good options: via Los Angeles with Air New Zealand stopping over in either Tahiti, Rarotonga (Cooks), Nadi (Fiji), Samoa or Tonga; or with Korean Air via Seoul stopping at either Nadi (Fiji) or Noumea. Air Pacific operate flights from Fiji to Hawaii and LA as well as direct to Hong Kong whilst Air Calin fly to Japan and on to France. Air Pacific is the main carrier between the islands with its hub at Nadi in Fiji and connecting to Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.
Accommodation
Tourism is the backbone to the economy for most South Pacific countries. International hotel chains are well represented, primarily in Fiji and Tahiti. However, the charm of the region is in its small boutique resorts which are plentiful all around the islands. Some cater to the worlds rich and famous with outstanding service, some aim at the wedding and honeymoon market whilst others focus on more down to earth travellers. Almost all resorts are on secluded beaches or uninhabited islands - there are only a few commercial stretches where resorts sit side by side and nowhere do hotel rooms rise above the coconut trees. Most accommodation is in beachfront bungalows .
Cook Islands ; Fiji Islands ; Tonga ; Samoa ; French Polynesia ; Vanuatu ; New Caledonia
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