Indulgent South Pacific – Papeete to Auckland

The island of Tahiti’s urban center has much to offer visitors. Take a stroll through the new Jardins Paofai, watch the surfers on their longboards, marvel at Faarumai Waterfalls, The Blowhole, Fern Grottos.

“The Garden Island” is filled with easily accessible pristine white beaches kissed by emerald waters; you can rent a bicycle and explore the island, take a boat to the hanging oyster beds to see the black pearl farm, or go on a shark-feeding excursion.

The dramatic Mount Otemanu stands watch over the sparkling turquoise waters and sugary sands of Bora Bora, known as the most romantic island in the world. Snorkel, swim with the manta rays or enjoy an outrigger canoe ride through the lagoon and its lovely coral islands.

Remote, verdant and stunningly beautiful, this island is pure and pristine. Visit one of the many tuna canneries or snorkel in the crystalline waters of one of the protected lagoons. Find a fale, a gazebo where locals perform for visitors.

Apia is located on the northern shore of Upolu, Samoa’s second largest island and home to spectacular rainforests, waterfalls, sand dunes, beaches and brilliant sunrises and sunsets. Writer Robert Louis Stevenson spent the last four years of his life here and is buried on Mount Vaea, overlooking the village of Vailima and the home he built there, which is now a museum in his honor.

Enjoy the tropical rainforest climate of Fiji’s capital city, the largest in the South Pacific. Wander the Victoria Parade, the main thoroughfare with shops and restaurants.

Nicknamed “Sugar City,” it’s in the heart of the soft coral capital of the world. Snorkel, scuba, take a boat to a nearby deserted island; visit lush rainforests, local potters and orchid farms.

Wander through this capital city’s joyous streets; take free ferries to small offshore islands, visit the Vanuatu Cultural Center in town, or snorkel, horseback ride or hike up to the beautiful Cascade Waterfalls.

Lifou Island or Drehu in the local language is the largest, most populous and most important island of the Loyalty Islands, in the archipelago of New Caledonia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean. With a total area of 1,207 square kilometers

Known as “The Paris of the Pacific,” the capital city of New Caledonia still maintains a village atmosphere. Visit the new Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center, try wind-surfing, or share a bottle of vin rouge while relaxing at La Place des Cocotiers.

Tantalizingly close to New Zealand’s northernmost point, an exquisite landscape revered by the Maori people, subtropical Whangarei beckons with its countless natural attractions, including breathtaking Whangarei Falls and the pristine beaches of Waipu Cove. A bit farther north, the magnificent Bay of Islands evokes a cluster of emeralds that has been cast into the shimmering sea. In the Abbey Caves, feel childlike wonder while exploring passages draped with otherworldly bioluminescent glow worms, and as a quirky diversion, examine over 1,600 historic timepieces at Claphams National Clock Museum. Gaze at the yachts docked next to the splendid Town Basin Marina Village, where you might pick up a memento of this enchanting port of call.

Enjoy this beautiful city, its enormous parks and spectacular views from Mount Eden. Learn about Maori culture; visit the famed Waitomo Glowworm Caves and their fantastic formations. Or head for the coast and the crashing surf, see a gannet colony and admire the sheep farms along the way. Visit an area vineyard or one of sixty volcanoes

Enjoy this beautiful city, its enormous parks and spectacular views from Mount Eden. Learn about Maori culture; visit the famed Waitomo Glowworm Caves and their fantastic formations. Or head for the coast and the crashing surf, see a gannet colony and admire the sheep farms along the way. Visit an area vineyard or one of sixty volcanoes