Papeete to Auckland

Papeete is the center of the tropical paradise of French Polynesia where islands fringed with gorgeous beaches and turquoise ocean await to soothe the soul. This spirited city is the capital of French Polynesia and serves as a superb base for onward exploration of Tahiti – an island of breathtaking landscapes and oceanic vistas. A wonderful lagoon of crisp clear water begs to be snorkelled stunning black beaches and blowholes pay tribute to the island's volcanic heritage and lush green mountains beckon you inland on adventures as you explore extraordinary Tahiti. Visit to relax and settle into the intoxicating rhythm of life in this Polynesian paradise.

When Lonely Planet co-founder describes somewhere as “the world’s most beautiful island” you can be sure that you are in for a treat. Incredible Aitutaki, inspiring Aitutaki, unbelievable, idyllic and unimaginable, there are simply not enough superlatives to describe quite how amazing Aitutaki is.Brought to light in 1779 by Captain Bligh, the Mutiny on the Bounty meant that Aitutaki has something of a bloodthirsty history. While Europeans missionaries eventually settled on the island in the 19th century (evidenced by the white, coral-encrusted walls of the many churches) the island’s Polynesian history dates to around 900AD. Traditional songs and dances from this period still exist (although Christian hymns, known as “imene metua” are also popular), and are performed by islanders with gusto and much pride.The island is part of the Cook Islands, one of the most secluded and romantic archipelagos in the world. With its powder white sand, warm turquoise waters and sense of casual luxury, it is easy to see why the island has earnt itself the moniker of honeymooner’s island. However, there is much more to Aitutaki than just fun in the sun. With a reef that completely encompasses a large turquoise lagoon, Aitutaki is considered one of the most spectacular diving and snorkelling destinations in the world. Added to the tropical excitement is that when entering the main village via Zodiac along a narrow channel – travellers will be greeted by a traditional and customary warrior challenge.

As the Kingdom of Tonga's largest island and capital Nuku'alofa is the hub of city life with Tonga's greatest concentration of hotels restaurants and nightlife. It is also the seat of Tonga's government and the island's historic center where you'll find the royal palace the government and business districts as well as churches the colorful Central Market and ancient vestiges of the island's storied past. As Tonga's only deep-water port Nuku'alofa is also its hub for boat rides and excursions to the many outer islands.

Suva, a multiracial city, is the pulsing heart of the South Pacific. Its location is on a hilly peninsula in the southeast corner of Viti Levu Island, the largest in the Fijian archipelago. Suva was named the country's capital in 1882; the former capital was Luvuka. Suva's natural harbour was no doubt a deciding factor that prompted the change. Its port is the country's main shipping facility, accommodating vessels from all over the world. The town is backed by the lush green hills of the Suva-Rewa range. The waterfront district, much of which is built on land reclaimed from tangled mangrove swamps, provides the hub for much of Suva's activities. The downtown centre is a hodgepodge of high-rise office buildings, colonial houses with second-story verandas, parks and government structures. The northern and western mountains catch the trade winds, with the result being damp conditions year-round and frequent tropical downpours. Despite the ever-present possibility of showers, Suva is an excellent place to explore on foot. Many points of interest are located on Victoria Parade and along tree-shaded Queen Elizabeth Drive. Suva's botanical park is lush with flowering plants, trees and green lawns. In its centre stands the Fiji Museum, where objects reflect 3,000 years of Fijian history. The museum boasts a fine collection of Melanesian artefacts and various exhibits that reflect on Fiji's maritime era. Government House stands on a hillside surrounded by landscaped grounds. A stern, uniformed sentry guards the pillared gate entrance. The monthly Changing of the Guard is executed with almost as much pomp and ceremony as at London's Buckingham Palace. Friendly Fiji will charm you; here Melanesia mixes with Polynesia, ancient India with Oceania and tradition with the modern world. The Fijian greeting "Bula!" is extended warmly to strangers on city streets and country roads. Fiji is one of the South Pacific's most hospitable countries and a holiday destination that has much to offer in recreational activities, shopping and joyous celebrations.

Inyeug Island better known as Mystery Island is part of the Tafea Province of Vanatu the southernmost collection of islands. This is a picturesque island with large rounded cliffs jutting from the water. The cliffs create protected lagoons with some of the lightest clearest waters in the world. The island is with the exception of an airstrip used twice weekly made up entirely of beaches and reefs. This place is ideal for relaxing swimming and snorkelling in the tranquil waters where many diverse tropical fishes hide between the corals.

Catch some shade in the city’s centre below Coconut Palm Square and absorb the vibrant fusion of French and Kanak cultures. Or take a leisurely open-air stroll along the waterfront where white boats bob and jostle on the lapping waters. Noumea is a perfect jumping-off point for serene island adventures too. Enjoy a voyage to the island paradise of Amedee Isl - a tiny green land with a narrow historic lighthouse rocketing up from its centre. Climb 247 steps for the stunning view of the blotchy blue waters all around. Or explore the waters to swim among turtles and orange clownfish. Set among the New Caledonian barrier reef there are incredible diving opportunities and glass-bottom boats offer you a dry window into the underwater world. Kick back on some of the softest sands imaginable and enjoy glorious sea views from the inviting shade of coconut palms. More island jaunts like Illot Maitre - which translates as the Master Isle – tempt where you’ll find idyllic strings of stilted bungalows laced across the crystal-clear shallow waters. Swim in the sparkling sea and sprawl across the white sand beaches that are waiting. Back in the city try soft coconut crab following a starter of New Caledonian prawns. Bougna is the traditional Melanesian meal of choice and a social experience where locals share a mix of vegetables and chicken in coconut milk slow-cooked for hours in a bed of banana leaves.

Catch some shade in the city’s centre below Coconut Palm Square and absorb the vibrant fusion of French and Kanak cultures. Or take a leisurely open-air stroll along the waterfront where white boats bob and jostle on the lapping waters. Noumea is a perfect jumping-off point for serene island adventures too. Enjoy a voyage to the island paradise of Amedee Isl - a tiny green land with a narrow historic lighthouse rocketing up from its centre. Climb 247 steps for the stunning view of the blotchy blue waters all around. Or explore the waters to swim among turtles and orange clownfish. Set among the New Caledonian barrier reef there are incredible diving opportunities and glass-bottom boats offer you a dry window into the underwater world. Kick back on some of the softest sands imaginable and enjoy glorious sea views from the inviting shade of coconut palms. More island jaunts like Illot Maitre - which translates as the Master Isle – tempt where you’ll find idyllic strings of stilted bungalows laced across the crystal-clear shallow waters. Swim in the sparkling sea and sprawl across the white sand beaches that are waiting. Back in the city try soft coconut crab following a starter of New Caledonian prawns. Bougna is the traditional Melanesian meal of choice and a social experience where locals share a mix of vegetables and chicken in coconut milk slow-cooked for hours in a bed of banana leaves.

The Tasman Sea on the west and the Pacific Ocean on the east meet at thetop of North Island at Cape Reinga. No matter what route you take, you'll passfarms and forests, marvellous beaches, and great open spaces. The East Coast,up to the Bay of Islands, is Northland's most densely populated, often withrefugees from bigger cities—looking for a more relaxed life—clustered aroundbreathtaking beaches. The first decision on the drive north comes at the footof the Brynderwyn Hills. Turning left will take you up the West Coast throughareas once covered with forests and now used for either agricultural orhorticulture. Driving over "the Brynderwyns," as they are known,takes you to Whangarei, the only city in Northland. If you're in the mood for adiversion, you can slip to the beautiful coastline and take in Waipu Cove, anarea settled by Scots, and Laings Beach, where million-dollar homes sit next tosmall Kiwi beach houses.An hour's drive farther north is the Bay of Islands, known all over theworld for its beauty. There you will find lush forests, splendid beaches, andshimmering harbors. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840 betweenMāoriand the British Crown, establishing the basis for the modern New Zealandstate. Every year on February 6, the extremely beautiful Waitangi Treaty Ground(the name means weeping waters) is the sight of a celebration of the treaty andprotests by Māori unhappy with it. Continuing north on the East Coast, theagricultural backbone of the region is even more evident and a series ofwinding loop roads off the main highway will take you to beaches that are bothbeautiful and isolated where you can swim, dive, picnic, or just laze. .The West Coast is even less populated, and the coastline is rugged andwindswept. In the Waipoua Forest, you will find some of New Zealand's oldestand largest kauri trees; the winding road will also take you past mangroveswamps. Crowning the region is the spiritually significant Cape Reinga, theheadland at the top of the vast stretch of 90 Mile Beach, where it's believedMāori souls depart after death. Today Māori make up roughly a quarter of thearea's population (compared with the national average of about 15%). The legendaryMāori navigator Kupe was said to have landed on the shores of Hokianga Harbour,where the first arrivals made their home. Many different wi (tribes) livedthroughout Northland, including Ngapuhi (the largest), Te Roroa, Ngati Wai,Ngati Kuri, Te Aupouri, Ngaitakoto, Ngati Kahu, and Te Rarawa. Many Māoriherecan trace their ancestry to the earliest inhabitants

Known as the ‘City of Sails’, its two harbours will tempt you with waterfront walks and the chance to breathe fresh sea air deep into your lungs while absorbing spectacular views of Auckland’s grand harbour bridge’s span. Take in the true scale of Auckland’s magnificent cityscape by ascending 192 metres to the Sky Tower and looking out over the city’s gleaming silver towers which reflect on the abundant waters below. Views over the bay and adjacent islands await and you can share elegant cocktails at this dizzying height above the mingling yachts of Viaduct Harbour. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the area at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Set beside tranquil fountains and handsomely landscaped flowerbeds of Albert Park, the French-Renaissance building houses, New Zealand’s most extensive art collection and exhibits works from Māori and Pacific artists. New Zealand is world-renowned for its captivating natural scenery and day trips across the sparkling bays to nearby islands like Waiheke Tiritiri Matangi and Rangitoto are always tempting. Discover lava caves grape-laden vineyards and flourishing wildlife in the Hauraki Gulf’s islands. You’ll also find an exceptional 360-degree panorama over the city to the horizon beyond from the heights of ancient Mount Eden. The spectacular dormant volcano rises improbably from a city suburb and also lends its name to Eden Park – the unusual translucent stadium of New Zealand’s mighty All Blacks.