Pick of the Pacific

Hi travel friends. We are taking a 3 month trip in Sept, looking something like Bali > WA > EA > NZ > Fiji so far. As you can see from Fiji, we're interested in spending some time in the Pacific - perhaps 3-4 weeks. We realise this isn't a huge amount of time, so We're asking what would be the picks of the area to visit?

I'm seeing the likes of Somoa (although tales of theft put us off), Tonga, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Solomans, PNG, Tahiti / Maupiti keep popping up and they all look beautiful so hard to choose. Less fussed about the likes of Bora Bora as it seems overly expensive.

We'd be interested to hear some of the best picks to visit - reasonably priced and not too difficult to get to.

Apart from Fiji, Tonga is the cheapest country on your list, and also the cheapest to fly to from Fiji, I think.
Vanuatu is also quite cheap to fly to, but once there, costs are higher - my favourite country in the region though.

Thanks Laszlo - we were hoping you would respond having read through a few topics on this part of the forum and seen a number of knowledgeable posts from yourself. Thanks for the advice - the idea of seeing an active volcano rather appeals

Note that you can see active volcnoes in both NZ and Indonesia, too.

You are not mentioning what you like / dont like, so it is difficult to give advice

From Vanuatu/Solomons/PNG/Tonga/Fiji I enjoyed Vanuatu&PNG the most and Fiji the least, but you might have the opposite experience.

You are not mentioning what you like / dont like, so it is difficult to give advice

From Vanuatu/Solomons/PNG/Tonga/Fiji I enjoyed Vanuatu&PNG the most and Fiji the least, but you might have the opposite experience.

Fair point. We like beaches, surfing, swimming, snorkelling, exploring on bikes or feet, local foods, seeing 'the sights' mingling with locals and other travellers.

Ok you can probably do this in all of the countries. I think you are going to be happy anywhere. For awesome snorkeling, go to Solomons (or stay in eastern Indonesia). For most interesting experience of local culture, go to Vanuatu. Compared to Fiji both countries have little infrastructure and tourism, so there is more adventure but it can be more challenging and less comfortable. But for me Fiji was somewhat boring in comparison.

Mount Yasur on Tanna (Vanuatu) is incredible. September is also the season for snorkelling with humpback whales in Tonga. I would pick either of these two countries, or both for a nice mix of Polynesia and Melanesia if you have at least a month and $$$ for a bunch of flights.

I also think, and have often said, that Vanuatu and Tonga are the ideal combination for a taste of both Melasnesia and Polynesia.
And as flights between the two are via Fiji, that's a logical addition.
However 3 countries in a month could feel too rushed for many people.

I think Fiji actually has a lot to offer beyond the resort areas, too.
The Lau Islands are as unspoilt as any in the Pacific, though obviously not really suited for a short trip in the country. Even the main island of Viti Levu has much of interest, and is mostly untouristed a few tourists venture outside their resorts.

Very helpful information - thank you very much Laszlo and mknoke. Much appreciated.

Hopefully can let you know how we get on wherever we end up!

Starting from Fiji, if I were you I would also consider going to Wallis and Futuna, because Fiji is the only place from where you can fly there at a reasonable price. Probably Wallis and Futuna is the most difficult place to reach in the Pacific among the ones that have an airport.

I haven't been there because the only time I have been in Fiji I didn't have much time left, so I cannot give you details and I cannot guarantee that it suits your desires, but you can do a quick research on the internet. I know that Futuna is a very wild island.

Besides that, to the suggestions of the other people I would personally add Samoa that is one of my favourite countries in the Pacific and it's quite easy to reach from Fiji. Also, from Samoa there is a kind of frequent boat service to Tokelau, if you have a couple of weeks and you are lucky you can do that as well.

Also Cook Islands are nice, they are very cheap for the standard of colonies, and wonderful for snorkelling. Though, to reach Cook Islands you have to pass through Auckland, so probably that wouldn't be comfortable.

Hey. Beaches, mountains, surfing?? Little bungalow overlooking a local beach? Place for a little beer. a little bread... Electricity. Safe drinking water? If you get bored to tears and wanna bike into a bigger city scene?.... Ever hear of Tahiti-iti ? Connected to Tahiti proper by a causeway/Isthmus. World-class Surfing waves right there at Teahupoo on Tahiti-Iti. (pronounced CHOPE' by the surfies).

Don't let stories about Samoa put you off. Things like that can happen anywhere. Samoa is a hidden treasure with loads of amazing tranquil sites. The most beauitfulest beaches. Savaii another island of Samoa have some great blow holes you are able to visit http://www.samoa.travel/activity/alofaaga-blowholes

Fiji is also beauiful but I kust admit has become very tourist orientated. If you are looking for a perfect island get away to go fishing and explore island beauty I encourage you to visit Samoa or any of the beauitful islands in the South Pacific.

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