Lesser known places to visit in the South Pacific

It can be hard to do something different and unique these days, sometimes it feels like everyone you know has sat on the same beaches, visited the same monuments, bought from the same street markets and eaten the same local delicacies.
If you are interested in a destination off the beaten track, where you really will need to rely on local hospitality and knowledge, where the only travellers who have been are the adventurous and different and definitely aren’t afraid to jump into a new place.

These places can be hard to find, out of the way, and sometimes difficult to travel to – but we promise – it’s worth the effort!

What’s new in Niue?

Niue - Heard of me?

Niue is best described as a large coral atoll in the South Pacific, accessible by flight from Australia via Auckland – around 2,500kms from New Zealand (once weekly flights) - and definitely not for the faint of heart!

Niue is a hiking, fishing, diving and snorkelers dream holiday. You won’t find kilometre long fine sand beaches here – you will find caves, coral mountains and hidden private alcoves to live out your childhood adventure fantasies.

Niue is incredibly self-reliant with a charming local feel. Everyone knows everyone, and everyone is more than happy to help out a friend – or a lost tourist!

The natural beauty of Niue is so breathtaking it’s hardly any wonder it has been kept a secret by the local residents. With limited resources and infrastructure on the small coral isle, this attracts a particular type of tourist.

At the right time of year, you will see whales, dolphins and sea turtles as well as a myriad of birds and sea life just offshore.

Pack your reef shoes, swimmers, flippers, sunscreen and a whole heap of courage and visit this pristine paradise!

Pitcairn Island

Surely you have heard of me? If not, wow we cannot wait to show you our most out-of-the-way destination.

Pitcairn Island is best known for its history being closely tied to the mutineers of the HMS Bounty. In 1789, a group of mutineers led by Fletcher Christian settled on the island, along with their Tahitian companions. When they outgrew Pitcairn Island by 1852, when residents moved to Norfolk Island under command of the Queen.

Located mid-way between New Zealand and Peru, you can imagine it is quite hard to get to!

As Pitcairn Island is so far away (from anything) it is fortunate enough to be one of only 15 Dark Sky Certified Sanctuaries, and very popular with astrologists, and those who are fascinated with the evening sky. This is no small feat, as Pitcairn Island is considered to have an “exceptional and distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment.” According to certifiers.

Now when we say not for the faint of heart to travel to this fascinating volcanic isle of just 50 residents, we mean it.

From Australia, you must travel to Tahiti (via Auckland) to a far island in French Polynesia called Mangareva (once weekly flights from Tahiti) where you will board a ship to Pitcairn Island taking a further 32 hours depending on ocean conditions. Sleeping quarters on this ship are clean and comfortable however please do not expect a cruise ship!

Once arriving on the outskirts of Pitcairn Island, a smaller longboat will come out to meet the ship as it is too large to dock on the island itself.

After all of this, there are beautiful homestay lodgings to choose from, and guess what! No cars! You can travel by quad bike with a local, or walk if you choose.

Who wouldn’t want the opportunity to say they dined with an entire country for lunch?

What is so amazing about Tonga?

Tonga is often described as laid back, peaceful, colourful, cultural and exotic.

There is one thing that everyone can agree on though – you will leave touched by indescribable beauty and hospitality from the locals. Truly standing up to it’s title of “The Kingdom” you will find something that intrigues and delights. Whether you are an outdoors fan, hoping to hike ancient trails to the top of mountainous peaks, or take a hire boat to your own private island off shore for the day fishing, everywhere you go you’ll find welcoming local hospitality.

Tonga is a fantastic place to experience an incredibly tight knit culture, and has year round festivities that showcase it’s unique and colourful history.

If you are lucky enough to visit from May – July for the ‘Eua Tourism Festival, Ha’apai Tourism Festival or the National Heilala Festival, you will see cultural cooking, tradition, arts, music and dance. If you are lucky you may catch the announcement of the famous Miss Heilala Pageant!

Tonga has so much to offer the adventurous traveller, and being a quick direct 4 hour flight from Sydney, you could be drinking a refreshing Otai from your hammock at the oceanfront before dinner!

Get in touch with the team at Spacifica Travel to book your Tongan experience today and experience the magic of The Kingdom of Tonga.

The Solomon Islands have more to offer than you know

We aren’t done yet!

The Solomon Islands deserves a huge spotlight on this pocket of over 900 diverse Islands in the South Pacific.

The affectionately known “Sollys” in the Spacifica Travel office offers so much to the discerning, history buff, outdoor loving traveller.

You don’t need to be a diver to appreciate the phenomenal dive spots along the Western Province, where you can kayak, snorkel and of course dive right outside your island style bungalow accommodation.

An incredibly laid back relaxed feeling will overcome you, as soon as you touch down in Gizo airport, where you will feel a world away after just 5 hours (via Honiara) from Brisbane.

From here, you can explore many more relaxed islands along the province, enjoy your days outside and be treated to local hospitality at night in any of our recommended accommodation spots.

You do not need to travel far to experience warm hospitality though, if you want to travel direct from Brisbane to Honiara in just over 3 hours, we have some great offers to stay in the centre of the capital.

Honiara is a treasure trove of history from WW2 when it was established by the US, as well as harbouring some amazing secrets just below the surface. For anyone interested in how our South Pacific neighbours helped shape the world we live in today, Honiara and surrounds is a must visit. Between History museums, historical walking tours, monuments and memorial parks and much more, you will leave The Solomon Islands in awe, guaranteed!

If you want to know more about the Solomon Islands, or are ready to book your getaway to our Island neighbour, contact the team at Spacifica Travel who will help you choose the perfect holiday to suit.

There is so much more than beaches!

There is so much magic in the South Pacific waiting to be explored, and we hope these destinations inspire you to travel somewhere off the beaten track for your next holiday. If you are interested in culture, scenery, adventure and something you will never forget, get in touch with the team at Spacifica Travel and we will send you on your dream trip for an unforgettable experience.

If you are interested in packages to Niue check out this link

Or if Pitcairn Island intrigues and inspires, check out more information here!

Contact the friendly team at Spacifica Travel for your customised quote, and we will be in touch.

Call 1800 800 722 or drop us a line at sales@spacificatravel.com

Photos courtesy of Pitcairn Island Tourism, Niue Tourism