Flight combinations for South Pacific islands

Hi there!
I'm researching for flights ex Austarlia/ NZ/ SE Asia (in budget terms), for a trip to south pacific islands, and the inter-island connections seem far too complicated and expensive.
I have not decided where exactly to go, but since this will be my fist trip to the area, it seems that itinerary should depend greatly on feasibility and cost, instead of hitting my head to the wall, trying to get to certain places.
My ideal (and flexible) plan would be to visit 3-4 islands/ countries in 3 weeks.
Obviously this time frame may not be enough for an in-depth visit, but I really like to see diffrent places instead of relaxing in one.
I guess that these islands offer both natural scenery and a glimpse to local people life.
I'm definately not looking to just lie on the beach.
Any ideas or experiences for an earthly-budget flight combo, would be very very helpfull.
many thanks guys for your time
Nik

South Pacific and budget do not really go together but I can suggest you fly into Nadi, Fiji - from there you can move on to Vanautu (check out Air Vanautu for schedules and costs) - you can then head to New Caledonia (check out Air Calin for schedules and costs) - and from there back to Nadi or on to Australia (with Air Calin). We did this route a few years ago with approximately 10 days in each country. Cut backs in air routes in the SP has made it difficult to island hop. Good luck with your plans!

For such trips, I always recommend combing both Melanesian and Polynesian countries for maximum cultural diversity.
To make this most cost-effective, fly from AU to Vanuatu on Pacific Blue, Air Vanuatu or Air Pacific to Fiji, then Air Pacific to Samoa or Tonga, the Pacific Blue again back to AU or NZ. Just 4 flights in total, 2 ona budget airline.

The Triangle trip described by newfie above would be more expensive now that Air Pacific no longer sells it as a special Triangle Fare and would mean a total of 5 flights, including 1 on rather expensive Aircalin.
It also sticks to Melanesia only, though if that does not disturb you, I sure foud New Caledonia nicer than Samoa.
A trip involving these 3 countries could be made cheaper by starting with a Pacific Blue flight to Vanuatu, then on via NC to Fiji, then back to AU on PB from Fiji.

Edited by: Irene_Adler

many thanks to both for this insight info!
island hoping must be the ultimate experience in this region but airlines schedules and prices do not help that much.
There are some 'air passes' of carriers in the region, do you think they worth sth or better get independent tickets like the ones you mention for better value?
thanks again!

also: I was considering to start from Papua N. Guinea - Solomon islands and see from there.
do you think this could fit for further travel to the other islands you mention?
many thanks

When I looked into them, the air passes offered no savings over buying the cheapest fares separately.

Trying to squeeze PNG and the Solomons and then more into 3 weeks would be plain insane.
Plus, just flying from PNG to the Solomons would be very pricey.

PNG alone could easily fill 3 weeks, and offer a lot of diversity - maybe more than 3 other island countries put together.
But to see its different regions in 3 weeks, you'd have to fly a lot within the country, and domestic flights there are NOT cheap.

Air Pacific did have a round trip fare from Sydney or Brisbane via Fiji and Vanuatu to Solomon Islands. There are restrictions on what stopovers you can do in which direction - you would need to contact them.
There is one Air New Guinea flight weekly from Honiara to Port Moresby.
Return fares Brisbane to Honiara are about $500 now, less than half what they were 3 years ago.
Remember, the Melanesian countries are much bigger and morer cultuarally diverse than the Polynesian ones. Also, Solomon islands, though predominantly Melanesian, has both Polynesian and Micronesian cultures among its citizens.
You could get a really good cross-cultural experience, for example, by visiting Malaita, which is very traditional Melanesian, Western Province, which is more tourist-oriented, and includes a Micronesian community near the capital, Gizo, and the World Heritage Lake Tenggano, in Polynesian Rennel.
Check out the site in my sig line for more ideas.

Is Rennel more reliably accessible these days?
When I visited, I had to wait 2 weeks to get on a flight out there, and the confirmed flight back was cancelled (or filled with RAMSI) twice before I actually managed to get out the third time!
If it's still like that, it may not be a good choice on a short trip.
Otherwise it sure is, Rennel is a unique island indeed, though probably more interesting for its ecology than for Polynesian culture which is not very traditional there. I did find the locals a lot friendlier than those in "Polynesia proper" further east though.

If you have to wait a couple of weeks somewhere for a seat, this can really blow up your itinerary and all your next connections to go anywhere else!
I don't want to imagine that.... especially having to catch the flight back home etc...
thank you very much guys,
I'll keep looking here if anybody wants to contribute sth more
Great trips to all!

Most transport within Solomon Islands has become much more reliable in the last year or so. For internal flights, it is necessary to book well in advance, and make sure you arrive at the airport early, so you don't get bumped, as they often overbook. Also, don't leave your flight back from the more remote regions to the last minute before you fly out of the country, as you may be delayed. Thirdly, make sure you have insurance, in case of delays. Check the Solomon Airlines
Rennel is the most accessible of the Polynesian areas of Solomon Islands. Tikopia and Anuta in the east, are probably the most authentic traditional Polynesian cultures in the world because of their inaccessibility. Ontong Java in the north is beautiful and kept pretty authentic by the chiefs, but again, is hard to get to.
You could go to the Tikopian settlement, Nukukaisi, in Makira, which is accessible by either boat or air and road, provided the weather is good.
If you are travelling to Malaita, leave it to the last, as there are daily flights and now boats (including the reliable fast Discovery 360, which you need a ticket in advance for) back to Honiara from Auki. You are much less likely to get stranded there.
Many rural areas of Malaita now have relatively decent all-weather roads - the road to the north and north-east (Lau Lagoon) was repaired and the wooden bridges mostly replaced by iron ones last year, which means it is pretty well all weather now.

so many valuable details, many thanks ozziegirafe!

Oops, i missed completing a sentence, though you can probably read between the lines: It should say, check the Solomon Airlines website for timetables and hopefully, fares.