South Pacific Packages & Tours
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TAHITI - HER ISLANDS AT A GLANCE |
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TAHITI Tahiti is the largest and most populated island, and is the starting point for everyone. International flights land at Faa'a Airport in the capital city of Papeete. Upon arrival, visitors receive a typical Tahitian display of hospitality - a memorable welcome with fragrant tiare flowers and Tahitian music. Tahiti is a figure-eight shaped island with a larger part: Tahiti Nui (which means big) and Tahiti Iti (little). With lush green peaks reaching more than 7,300 feet, its scenery is dramatic. Cascading waterfalls and cool pools in the jungle-like interior provide a striking contrast to the black sand beaches and turquoise lagoons of the island's perimeter. A circle island tour (about 70 miles) is a great way to get acquainted, with highlights at the Tahiti and Her Islands Museum, the Paul Gauguin Art Museum and Botanical Gardens and the Marae Arahurahu (an ancient Tahitian outdoor temple). In the center of town, the Marche is not to be missed. Abundant with tropical fruits and vegetables and fresh fish from the lagoon, this indoor market has an upstairs with Tahitian crafts and the largest selection of colourful pareus (sarongs) anywhere. |
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| RAIATEA
and TAHAA About 120 miles north west of Tahiti, are two islands that are encircled by the same barrier reef. |
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 RaiateaRaiatea is the most sacred island in all the South Pacific. Historically, kings from the neighbouring islands would gather at the marae (temple) Taputapuatea for important ceremonies and negotiations. The Pacific breezes and calm lagoons are ideal year-round for sailing and deep sea fishing. On the slopes of Mt. Temehani grows the Tiare Apetahi, a rare flower that is found only on this mountain on Raiatea. Botanists have unsuccessfully tried to grow it elsewhere. Legend says that there was once a lovely Tahitian girl who fell in love with the son of a Tahitian king. She died of a broken heart, because she could never marry him. The five delicate petals, all on one side of the blossom, represent her hand. Those who climb the mountain early in the morning will see the Tiare Apetahi open at dawn, with a slight crackling sound - the sound of her heart breaking. |
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| Tahaa Tahaa, just two miles north of Raiatea, offers a glimpse of the traditional, tranquil life of Tahitians. The 4,000 residents fish from the lagoon and raise livestock. There are no hotels, but some quaint pensions where visitors can stay with a family. Tahaa is called the vanilla island, for its many plantations of this sought-after spice. The rich aroma of vanilla wafts across the breezes. Each November, this island comes alive with a Stone Fishing tournament. In the method of their ancestors, the villagers wade into the lagoon, beating the water with stones tied to ropes. The frenzy frightens the schools of fish, driving them ashore, where they are easily collected for a feast. |
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 BORA
BORABora Bora is called the most beautiful island in the world, and most will agree it truly is. This tiny island - just 18 miles in circumference - is encircled by a protective necklace of coral. Inside this lagoon, colours reach a spectrum of indescribable turquoise, lapis and aquamarine. Breathtaking lush mountains provide a dramatic background. Arriving by airplane provides a unique experience, landing on the airstrip that was built by U.S. troops during World War 11. The runway is on a motu (small islet) and visitors must go by boat to the main island. It's no surprise that most of the island's activities center around the spectacular lagoon. A shark feeding excursion allows visitors to be in the water with hungry reef sharks as they're being fed by guides. There's a lagoonarium, a marine exhibit in the lagoon where the adventurous can swim with sting rays, huge sea turtles and reef sharks. For a half-day journey of exploration, nothing beats a jeep tour through the interior of this wondrous island. Bora Bora is what dreams are made of. It's home to world-class resorts and jet-setting celebrities who can become anonymous. |
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 TETIAROAAnd speaking of celebrities, Marlon Brando was so enamored with these islands that he bought one. Tetiaroa, actually an atoll, was once the playground of Polynesian kings. And while it remains Brando's private domain, he proudly opens it to visitors. Just 26 miles north of Tahiti, this makes an ideal day trip. It is the sanctuary for thousands of sea birds who lay their eggs on the white powdery sands of the beaches. Twelve small motus (islets) enclose a protected lagoon with excellent snorkeling and diving. There is a small hotel with 7 rustic bungalows. |
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| RANGIROA Rangiroa, a one-hour flight from Tahiti, is part of the Tuamotu Archipelago and is the world's second largest atoll. From the air it appears that a large pearl necklace was gently placed on the water. This ring of low land created an unbelievable lagoon of deep turquoise and lapis blue. Because there's no island runoff, the visibility in the lagoon is over 150 feet and a constant 80 degrees. The famous Tiputa Pass, which provides an opening to the ocean, is rich with sea life. It's known as one of the world's greatest shark dives, and those who "shoot the pass" find themselves in the deep blue with literally hundreds of gray, black-tip, white-tip, lemon and nurse sharks. Non-divers can try some world class snorkeling and see schools of dolphins that gather in the pass. For the true adventurer, a two-hour boat ride across the lagoon leads to the Kia Ora Sauvage, a luxurious way to rough it. There's no electricity at this remote property, but offers spectacular scenery and complete solitude. |
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| MANIHI Also in the Tuamotu Archipelago, this atoll only has 400 residents. Visitors come to enjoy the plentiful lagoon activities and explore the many black pearl farms. The black-lipped oysters, found only in French Polynesia, are cultivated for their prized black pearls. |
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 THE
MARQUESASThe Marquesas is an island group about 930 miles northeast of Tahiti. Its six inhabited islands and six unpopulated islands offer some of the most dramatic scenery and true Polynesian experiences to be found. These islands have no lagoons, but offer dense jungles with 1,100-foot-high waterfalls and sheer cliffs. There are only five flights a week from Tahiti - about a 3 1/2 hour journey - and some opt to arrive via the Aranui, a working cargo/copra ship that accommodates 100 passengers. The Marquesas is where Herman Melville jumped ship, Paul Gauguin came to paint and retire and numerous authors attempted to convey the riches of this rugged paradise. The most populated islands of Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa offer lodging in small hotels and pensions.
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MOOREA
HUAHINETHE COOK ISLANDS
The Cook Islands contain some of the most diverse scenery of any island group in the South Pacific. The scent of frangipani lingers in the air, clear turquoise waters gently stroke the white sandy shores, and the gentle wind sways the fronds of coconut palms.
The
Cook Islands magical tranquillity is only matched by the people themselves. A
smiling face greets you at every turn, the hospitality is warm and spontaneous,
and the mood relaxed.
The Cook Islands are a great place to stopover enroute to Downunder, travelling Around the Pacific or Around the World.
The Cooks are also a fabulous one-stop vacation destination.
The Cook Islands are perfect for honeymoons.
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Located on one of the nicest beaches on Bora Bora, the Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort offers 80 garden rooms. Beachside you?ll find the restaurant, bar and freshwater swimming pool. Complimentary water sports include kayaks, snorkeling equipment and outrigger canoe lessons. Includes
Validity
All prices are per person based on double occupancy. Valid for travel 01 May - 31 October 2005. Price does note include Government taxes and fees and the September 11 security fee of up to $10 per person. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates apply.
Close to Opunohu Bay on the southeast coast of the island, sheltered from the prevailing winds, the Intercontinental Beachcomber Resort Moorea is nestled voluptuously between the mountains and lagoon The 17 Garden Suite Bungalows, the 50 Over-water and 28 Beach Suite Bungalows (called "fare"), as well as the 48 Garden View Rooms, were all decorated with a concern of combining a respect of local traditions with non-conspicuous contemporary luxury. Includes
Validity
All prices are per person based on double occupancy. Valid 01Apr - 30Apr 2005. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates apply. Excludes round trip trans-border airfare, departure taxes, passenger facility charges and security fees.
Located on one of the nicest beaches on Bora Bora, the Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort offers 80 garden rooms. Beachside you'll find the restaurant, bar and freshwater swimming pool. Complimentary water sports include kayaks, snorkeling equipment and outrigger canoe lessons. Includes
Validity
All prices are per person based on double occupancy. Valid for travel 04 July - 31 October 2005. Price does not include Government taxes and fees, September 11 security fee of up to $10 per person and trans-border airfares. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates apply.
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9:30 am - 5:00 pm Mon - Fri