Cultural experience?

Hi!

I am Italian, 37 years old, serial traveler, and I am planning to backpack for a month in New Zealand, in December.

I am considering adding a week in a South Pacific island, to take advantage of being that far from home. But it is hard to understand where to go, there are so many islands!

I'd like to go somewhere where I can have a surprising cultural experience, interacting with the locals and get to know their different way of life.

Any suggestion?

Let me give some more details about what I am looking for.

I am not really interested in paradise beaches, jungle, or volcanoes: they are of course welcome, but they can be found also in New Zealand, and I also had my good share of beautiful nature in other trips, so nature is not why I'd go to a South Pacific island.

I am not scared by lack of comfort, hygiene, or other tourists---I have backpacked all around the world, often in quite extreme situations.

Ideally, I'd like to be challenged in my view of the world---the higher the cultural shock, the better---rather than comfortably travel on the beaten path.

Last, the island should be not too hard to reach form New Zealand and not too expensive.

Thanks!

Vanuatu.
It has direct flights from New Zealand, is probably the most traditional country in the region, and the locals are very friendly and happy to share their culture.

you could also fly from NZ to Suva and visit Leleuvia, I know Air NZ flies to suva direct. Google the island, its well worth a visit, and you will have lots of cultural interaction.

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.