If you’re a fan of winding trails, epic views and photo-worthy lookouts, then the walks and treks of the South Pacific are probably already on your bucket list. This vast area of the globe was formed millennia ago by volcanic activity, leaving some of the most astonishing mountain ranges and lush vegetation you can imagine. These landscapes lend themselves to exploration by foot, treading the palm-lined canopies and rolling peaks in a truly connected way. Here is our list of the most inspiring walks and treks the South Pacific has to offer, and ones we believe will leave you awestruck.

Samoa

It’s almost as if the overdone, commercial tourism has ignored Samoa in the most wonderful of ways. It’s an authentic destination to visit, providing true cultural experiences and landscapes that look as if they’ve been plucked straight from a Jurassic Park film. Unsurprisingly it is also home to some of the most alluring vistas you’re likely to find, perfect for active holidaymakers with their walking shoes at the ready!

Our recommendations:

• Falealupo Canopy Walkway, Savai’i: While not a gruelling activity this one is certainly going to be stored in the memory bank! You’ll need to overcome a fear of heights for this experience, climbing 10 metres above the canopy floor to a hanging bridge between two trees. There is also a viewing platform in the branches of one of the Banyan trees, and the whole experience will only take about 30 minutes.
• Mt Vaea and Robert Louis Stevenson’s Tomb, Upolu: another quick 30-minute trip (if you take the shorter path), the Mt Vaea track is a popular trail to the top of the mountain where the tomb of Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife Fanny reside. The shorter track can be slippery when wet and quite steep, so if you have the time choose the longer weaving track through the forest canopy which will have you at the top in around 50 minutes. From the summit, you will be rewarded with views across Apia and the Vailima National Reserve out to the Pacific. If you’re a literary fan of Stevenson’s works, don’t forget your camera – and be sure to make a stop at the museum in his old homestead as well!
• Mt Matavanu Crater, Savai’i: from 1905 to 1911 this was an active volcano site (you can see the lava flow right through the village of Saleaula). Best visited with a guide, it is a 6km return (2-3 hour) walk that begins roughly 20 minutes dive by 4WD from the village of Safotu. Once you peak the rim of the crater you’ll have some of the most heart-tingling panoramic views over the western villages of Savai’i and out to sea.

For more walk suggestions check out the Samoa Tourism website.

Cook Islands

The Cook Islands may be mostly famous for gin-clear lagoons and white sand beaches, but there is also an entire inland paradise to be explored. On the main island of Rarotonga in particular there is a rugged mountain-scape towering over the shoreline, and it’s calling your name.

The most well-known trek on the island is known as the Cross Island Trek, taking you 6km along a moderate to hard trail. You’ll begin on the North side of the island and hike up to The Needle, a spire that sits 413m above sea level, before crossing to the south side of the island and completing the trail at Papua Waterfall (also known locally at Wigmore’s Waterfall) when you can celebrate with a dip in the refreshing natural pool. If you’re experienced you can take this trail on your own but we recommend Maunga Tours for those seeking fun and experienced local guides.

There is also the Raemaru Trek, Hospital Hill, and some other trails if you’re looking for a less intense outing. Read more here!

Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island is a World Heritage Listed paradise that nature lovers will be quite familiar with. Only allowing 400 guests on the island at any one time, there is an air of exclusivity in visiting this tiny (11km by 2km in size) wonderland. Two-thirds of the island is a permanent preserve leaving a plethora of walks from easy water-side strolls to the challenge of a Mt Gower trek – voted one of the best day treks in the entire world! This island is a true trail walkers utopia.

Our recommendations:

• Malabar Hill: We love starting at Neds Beach and taking the track to Pooles Lookout and finally on to the summit of Malabar Hill. At 208m above sea level, you get some outstanding views across the island. It’s a moderate-grade track so be a little prepared. From Malabar, you can walk back the way you came or continue to Old Settlement Beach or through to North Bay.
• Transit Hill: This is an easy track for those looking for some light activity with great views. You walk through the palm forest and along the fenceline at Pinetree’s Paddock before a slow ascent to the summit for a great photo op! We recommend you keep following another 500m or so from this point to reach Blinky Beach and enjoy the day, where you can follow Lagoon Road back to town.
• Mt Gower: now this climb is not for the faint of heart! It’s been voted one of the best day hikes in the world, but it requires an accredited guide, 8 hours, and some endurance. It’s a difficult 4.5km trail that includes a summit of 875 metres, but will give you a natural high unlike anything else!

For a full view of the walking trail options on Lord Howe Island, check out this downloadable map!

Solomon Islands

Full of wild landscapes and even wilder history, the Solomon Islands offer some incredible half-day to multi-day hikes across the provinces.

Single Day

If you’re looking for something of a shorter duration then we recommend the below trails:

• Mataniko Falls: moderate difficulty, approximately 4 hours return, but offers some great swimming holes and caves to explore on the way to the falls.
• Borare Cascades: It’s a 1-hour hike from the car park to the rocky falls, and you can easily spend a day enjoying the swimming holes at the cascades before returning to your accommodation.

Multi-Day

• Kolombangarra Volcano: accessed from Gizo in the Western Province, this 2-day trail through the rich jungle to the rim of the crater requires some camping or basic hut accommodation along the way.
• Mt Mariu: This trek from Seghe is arduous and requires a good level of fitness to reach the 2,400 ft summit with views over Marovo Lagoon. Best avoid this trail from mid-June to mid-October due to weather.

For more information on outdoor activities that we recommend in the Solomon Islands, read this blog.

Vanuatu

Of all the destinations to offer hiking, trekking or walking experiences, Vanuatu is one of our favourites. It isn’t confined to traditional mountain trails but also offers cave exploration, active volcanoes, and waterfall walks. Vanuatu’s landscapes leave you feeling like you’ve conquered new terrain like the adventurers of days gone by, and will always leave you wanting more. Our top inspiring experiences on two legs are:

• Tanna Trek: This one is a 4hr climb to Mt Yasur, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. You feel like you’re traversing the moon on the wild ash plains, and nothing quite prepares you for the views of erupting lava you get at the top. A true must-do!
• Millenium Cave, Espiritu Santo:One of the most recognisable natural attractions in the country, the Millenium Cave is the biggest in Vanuatu and accessed via a 90-minute hike that requires you to cross streams, climb over boulders, and scramble up some rocky slopes. Your efforts are rewarded with a cave exploration by torchlight, and some downtime to swim in the rock pools outside the cave.

Vanuatu Tourismhase a list of the best hikes on offer and you can read it here.

Norfolk Island

Visitors who want to adventure by foot are spoiled for choice on Norfolk Island! They may not be long or arduous but the trails are certainly diverse, beautiful, and full of history. The Norfolk Island National Park has well-signposted tracks on offer for all abilities, and all can be accessed without the need for a guide.

To see the walks and scenery the island offers watch this video, or download the Parks Australia walking track map before your visit, but we have also compiled a brief list of our favourite spots below:

• Hundred Acres Reserve
• Anson Bay
• Flagstaff Hill
• Mt Pitt to Mt Bates
• Bridle Track
• Phillip Island

Let your feet lead the way to your next South Pacific destination

From active volcanos to cascading waterfalls, rainforest wanderings to beachfront trails, 30-minute tree-top walks to 2-day crater hikes, the South Pacific has it all! In any of our destinations you choose,e we can help plan your visit to make the most of the inspiring walks and treks on offer. Visit our website to see our current deals, or contact our reservations team to enquire about a tailor-made itinerary made just for you.

Photos courtesy of Cook Islands Tourism (Maunga Tours), Norfolk Island Tourism, Solomon Islands Tourism