New Zealand is part of the South Pacific Islands that offers snow-covered mountains, volcanoes, beaches fjords, wilderness lakes and forested hiking trails. The islands were first settled by Polynesians, and the culture retains its commitment to the natural environment with one-third of the island being contained within a park or reserve. Yet New Zealand's cities of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown offer all the cultural activities and sightseeing opportunities you require. Many tours can be found that include horse-treks, jet-ski tours, kayaking, hot air ballooning, rafting, geothermal tours and biking tours, according to NewZealand.com.
Hiking New Zealand
PO Box 93
Lyttelton 8841
New Zealand
0800-697-232
hikingnewzealand.com
Tahiti's natural beauty and vivid Polynesian culture has been memorialized in movies and paintings, but the reality of Tahiti is so much more. Tahiti has many resorts and hotels to make any vacationer comfortable. Dining includes French, American, Japanese and Vietnamese cooking. The island's sugar white beaches are perfect for sun-worshipping, snorkeling and tours to the shark-feeding grounds, according to TahitiTourisme.com. For a essentially Tahitian experience, stay at an above-the-water bungalow to savor a true Tahitian beach experience.
Intercontinental Resort Tahiti
PO Box 6014
Papeete, French Polynesia
689-86-51-10
ichotelsgroup.com
Bora Bora is an island a one-hour flight from beautiful Tahiti, where colorful fish lay off the shores of white-sand beaches. The island is still unspoiled and offers visitors a truly romantic South Pacific Island experience. Water sports in the turquoise waters, hiking, 4x4-ing, shopping and dining await the visitor to this relaxing South Sea island.
Maohi Nui 4 x 4 Tours
B.P. 261
98 730
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
011-689-791-911
maohinui.net/index.php
Fiji is a popular vacation destination, with its five-star resorts, pristine oceans, lush rainforests and unique melting pot of Fijian, Indian, Chinese, South Sea Islander and European cultures. Fiji is composed of 333 islands, some inhabited, some free of human habitation, according to Fiji.com, allowing for many cruising experiences throughout the area. Sustainable eco-tourism is a popular experience for visitors who enjoy backpacking through rainforests, trekking to mountain waterfalls and experiencing island native cultural events.
Mango Bay Resort
Namatakula Tadrawai Coral Coast Fiji Islands
PO Box 1720
Sigatoka, Fiji
679-653-0069
mangobayresortfiji.com/
Easter Island provides a unique vacation experience for those interested in the South Pacific Islands. With its magnificent, 13-foot high stone statues, the "giants" that have intrigued visitors for hundreds of years, the island is quiet and unassuming, with no public transportation other than taxis and locals willing to give visitors a ride. Flights to Easter Island take off from Santiago, Chile and Papeete, Tahiti, according to VisitChile.com.
Explora Rapa Nui -- Easter Island
Amerigo Vespucio Sur 80, Piso 5
Santiago, Chile
56 2 395 2800
explora.com
