South Pacific Guide to Family Holidays

Taking a family holiday is an amazing way to create memories with your kids - particularly after the last few years. Overseas holidays in particular allow you to take your family out of their day-to-day routine and experience different cultures and customs. With short flight times, fantastic kids clubs and friendly locals, the diverse nations of the South Pacific are the perfect family holiday escape. To help you decide where you should go on your next holiday we have put together a list of our favourite family destinations including our top resort recommendations, the must-do activities for your kids, and the highlight of each destination. Let’s go!

Fiji

Fiji is the perfect place to take the family. Only a short flight from Australia, Fiji would be our top pick for a family holiday. With the large range of resorts available to choose from there is an option to suit every family budget. Almost all Fijian resorts have fantastic on-site kids clubs offering organised, fully supervised games and activities that kids will love, all the while introducing the kids to Fijian Culture.

Where to Stay

• Most popular all inclusive resort – The Naviti Resort

• Amazing educational program for kids – Jean Michel Cousteau

• Best Resort for Large Families – Plantation Island Resort

Must do activities for kids

• Visit a local village to discover how the locals live

• Try a lovo; barbecue meats cooked underground in a hot rock oven.

• Snorkelling in the calm waters

Cook Islands

The Cook Islands is the perfect playground for families. The main island of Rarotonga is able to be driven around in under 1 hour, so everything is at your fingertips. From the stunning lagoon at Muri to the tropical jungles just like Jurassic Park, this small island offers so much for families to get out and explore. While many of the resorts do not offer kids clubs, this is the destination for families to be together making memories.

Where to Stay:

• Resorts with a Kids club – Pacific Resort Rarotonga and The Edgewater Resort & Spa

• Holidays Home – Natura Holiday Homes Rarotonga

• Best Resort for Large Families – The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium which also has a Kids Club and Teen Zone

Must do activities for Kids:

• Visit the Punanga Nui Markets on a Saturday

• Koka Lagoon Cruise

• Quad bike or Mud Buggies

New Caledonia

New Caledonia offers the chance to discover a little bit of France in the Pacific while mixed with Melanesian charm. With its modern city on the mainland and stunning islands to discover, New Caledonia offers the best of both worlds. Families that love to experience new foods while on holidays will not be disappointed with New Caledonia. With the French influence, the cuisine boasts some amazing flavours to try.

Where to Stay:

• Best Apartment Style - Hilton Noumea la Promenade Residences

• Overwater Accommodation – DoubleTree By Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort

Must do activities for Kids:

• Visit the Tjibaou Cultural Center

• Duck Island Discovery Tour

• Tchou Tchou Train trip through the city

Norfolk Island

If you are looking for a destination that is rich in history and natural beauty, and offers you a chance to unwind, then Norfolk Island is the perfect destination. As part of Australia, this destination is accessible without a passport. Located just 2.5 hours from the east coast of Australia, Norfolk Island can be best described as a country town on an Island. It offers that country town hospitality while having some of the most stunning (uncrowded) beaches in the South Pacific.

Where to Stay:

• Aloha Apartments – located across from the islands only kids park

• Day Dreamer Apartments - All the amenities you need, with plenty of room to move

• Christian's at Bucks Point – if you are looking for a home away from home

Must do activities for Kids:

• Visit the museums and discover this island's interesting past

• Visit the goats at Hilli’s Goat Farm

• Swimming and snorkelling at the platoon in Emily Bay

Organise your Family Holiday

Now that you have decided on a destination for your family holiday, it’s time to contact our friendly consultants to help you plan your trip. To see how we can make your dream family holiday work for you, get in touch with the team at Spacifica Travel on 1800 800 722 or enquire online.