New horizons: Intrepid locations for your next South Pacific holiday
If your appetite for travel has you craving new tastes and sensations, but you aren’t sure where to adventure to next, then this list is just what you need. As South Pacific Island holiday experts, the team here at Spacifica Travel know just the location to suit your needs, so if an intrepid new holiday spot is in order, then our recommendations can get your planning started. As always, our team are on hand to assist with any trickier questions or to provide tailored costings and availability, so feel free to contact reservations team here. Now, let’s dive in!
Fiji
Most Australians have been, or know someone who’s been on a Fiji holiday. The majority of those holiday makers are staying either on the Coral Coast, in Denarau, or on an island in the Mamanucas. But there is SO MUCH MORE Fiji to be explored that it could boggle your brain!
Our recommendation: Savusavu
Now this is on an island called Vanua Levu to the north of Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji. Savusavu is a 2.5-hour domestic flight to a landscape reminiscent of a Robinson Crusoe escapade. In fact, it’s known as Fiji’s “hidden paradise” and was the lush setting for a few series of Survivor, believe it or not! There are markets, INCREDIBLE diving and snorkelling on pristine reef, waterfalls, pearl farms, and authentic and gracious cultural experiences. When you next travel to Fiji, we suggest you consider Savusavu!
Cook Islands
A booming destination that Australian travellers are really only just starting to pay attention to is the Cook Islands. Rarotonga is home to the international airport so understandably receives the majority of tourists. But, if you’re a nature lover looking for something beyond a standard beach vibe and the Cook Islands capital, then the outer islands are where you should direct your attention!
Our recommendation: Atiu
Many moons ago the island of Atiu (Enuamanu or ‘Land of the Birds’) was formed by the eruption of an underwater volcano, that came to be surrounded by coral reef. Over time the raised and mountainous interior sank back into the sea, leaving the island as it is today. The centre of the island is a plateau of rich volcanic soil and the outer rim is makatea, the old coral reef. This makes for incredible territory for exploring (safely with a guide of course) and a network of limestone caves with endemic flora and fauna.
Tahiti
Most of the brochures and travel guides focus on Bora Bora as the main drawcard to the Tahitian isles, but as beautiful and iconic as it is there is far more waiting to be seen in the other 117 islands and atolls scattered across the territory. If you’re seeking the shifting blues of the lagoon but with less crowds and a lower price point, then…
Our recommendation: Rangiroa
A hop, skip and jump from the Society Islands lies the Tuamotu Archipelago, a sprawling 1.2 million square miles of ocean with 76 atolls dotted throughout. Rangiroa is one of these dots, and she sure is pretty! Only 1 hour flight from the airport in Papeete, this treasure is one of the biggest lagoons in the world! The quality of the water and plentiful wildlife has seen it named one of the top dive sites in the world for all skill levels. Above the water Rangiroa also houses a pearl industry, exceptional fishing, and even the world’s only island winery!
Get me to that new horizon!
If you’re looking for a new experience then the South Pacific countries have you completely covered! Try chasing waterfalls and authentic cultural experiences in Savusavu, explore raised coral beds and limestone caverns in Atiu, or dive into waters so blue you’ll think you’re dreaming in Rangiroa. Let us help you plan your next visit to a new horizon with one of our package offers, or contact us for a personalised itinerary.