Auckland to Valparaiso

Situated astride a narrow, jade-green isthmus between the shimmering waters of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean on two harbors, the Waitematā and Manukau, is Auckland. This vibrant city is a gateway to New Zealand’s natural and cultural treasures: great natural beauty, friendly people, magnificent glacier-studded mountain ranges, sculpted fjords, pristine beaches, lush rainforest, an endless array of sporting activities, and, not to be forgotten, plenty of sheep and rolling farmland.

Trace the history of New Zealand on the gorgeous island of Waitangi. Along with its vibrant past, find spectacular coastlines, abundant forests, and a world of natural wonders.

Suva is the capital of the South Pacific island nation of Fiji. It’s a city of broad avenues, lush parks and grand British colonial buildings, such as the Suva City Library. Suva’s colorful, lively Municipal Market offers a range of local fruit and vegetables. Fiji Museum, set within the Victorian-era Thurston Gardens, contains examples of traditional canoes, war clubs and tattooing tools.

Cradled along the northern shore of Upolu, picturesque Apia’s thatched-roof fales blend into the emerald-hued countryside. Jagged mountains rise above deserted beaches where trade winds sigh on coconut palms. Western Samoa’s friendly, carefree islanders will welcome you to their bountiful homeland and proudly show you the former home of their adopted son, Robert Louis Stevenson.

Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa, a verdant chain of seven South Pacific isles covered with ferns, breadfruit and pananus trees.

The highest of French Polynesia’s Leeward Islands, Raiatea is a jewel of the sea, with imposing Mount Temehani towering 3,300 feet above a clear emerald-colored lagoon. The island is also a historian’s and archeologist’s treasure, referred to as “Havaii,” or “land of the ancestors” in primitive society – a source of history, religion and genealogies for the Society Islands. Discover ancient, carved marae or venture inland for panoramic views

Escape into the marvels of this island paradise. Bora Bora has been called the most beautiful island in the world with its tranquil lagoons, sugar-white beaches and exotic flora and fauna.

Experience why ancient Polynesians chose Mo’orea as their island of pleasure. This exquisite island is home to groves of pineapples, vanilla, coffee, and pristine beaches. Off into the distance, marvel at the lush mountain peaks surrounded by crystalline waters.

Awaken your senses in the vibrantly alive capital of French Polynesia. Stroll along the wide waterfront-boulevard and marvel and the gorgeous waters and perfect beaches. Tahitian locals and shopkeepers welcome you as you explore the carefree spirit of their island.

Awaken your senses in the vibrantly alive capital of French Polynesia. Stroll along the wide waterfront-boulevard and marvel and the gorgeous waters and perfect beaches. Tahitian locals and shopkeepers welcome you as you explore the carefree spirit of their island.

Huahine is an island located among the Society Islands, in French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean. It is part of the Leeward Islands group.

The second largest atoll in the world, beautiful Rangiroa is a renowned dive destination with turquoise waters and a fascinating world of colorful fish who fearlessly swim next to their human visitors. On land, working pearl farms, quiet villages and secluded resorts entice guests to become a part of a culture that values neighborly friendliness and relaxation.

At only 37 miles long and 13 miles wide, the atoll of Fakarava has little land to its name, but the island boasts an expansive and deep lagoon accessed by the widest pass in all of French Polynesia. The second pass, at the lagoon’s southern end, is reputed to be the most lovely in the Tuamotu group of isles, with the largest concentration of gray reef sharks in the world. Do any amount of snorkeling, diving or simple sightseeing and you will understand why Fakarava is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Positioned in the South Pacific Ocean 416 miles west of San Antonio, Chile, Robinson Crusoe Island has a storied history, quite literally. Sailor Alexander Selkirk was marooned here from 1704 to 1709, living in solitude with only a musket, gunpowder, tools and other basic items to keep him alive and well. His story inspired Daniel Dafoe to write Robinson Crusoe in 1719. In 1966, the Chilean government changed the island’s name, formerly Más Tierra (“Closer to Land”), to Robinson Crusoe Island. A story of your own unfolds during your visit, inspired not only by the island’s novelistic associations but also its superb natural beauty and astounding variety of wildlife. Declared a National Park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island has 61 times more native plant species than the Galapagos and 13 times more birds. Scuba diving in Chile’s clearest waters with visibility of more than 65 feet offers a striking look at unique marine life. On land, you might spy the Juan Fernández hummingbird, the rare, cinnamon-orange bird found only on this legendary isle.

Valparaíso climbs a crescent of 45 hills creating a maze of alleys, winding streets, connecting stairs and funicular railways. Chile’s main seaport, and accompanying business center, lies in a narrow belt of flatland at the foot of hills. Explore its rich culture and history to understand how ingenuity has transformed this abrupt stretch of coastline into one of the world’s most picturesque and famous port cities.