Papeete is the capital and gateway to French Polynesia, a tropical paradise of islands, beaches, and turquoise seas. It's a superb base for exploring Tahiti, with clear lagoons for snorkeling, black volcanic beaches, blowholes, and lush green mountains. Visit to relax and soak up the rhythm of Polynesian life.

Papeete is the capital and gateway to French Polynesia, a tropical paradise of islands, beaches, and turquoise seas. It's a superb base for exploring Tahiti, with clear lagoons for snorkeling, black volcanic beaches, blowholes, and lush green mountains. Visit to relax and soak up the rhythm of Polynesian life.

Moorea is a rugged, triangular high island in French Polynesia, often likened to a heart or bat. Its eight peaks rise to 1,207 m. A reef surrounds a narrow lagoon (a RAMSAR wetland) with few motu and sharks and rays. About one-eighth Tahiti's size, it has a relaxed feel, a road around the island, and 18,000 residents, many commuting to Tahiti by ferry. Visitors arrive via Temae airport or ships into north-coast bays, including Cook's Bay.

Bora Bora is a dream island: blue seas, white beaches, palm trees and vivid marine life. Famous for romantic sunsets, it offers more than honeymoons-lagoon excursions, underwater scooters, aqua safaris, and island tours, often stopping at Bloody Mary Restaurant & Bar. Its history includes a WWII US supply base ("Operation Bobcat") with ships, equipment, troops and coastal cannons. It was once called Vava'u, suggesting Tongan colonization before French annexation in 1888.

Bora Bora is a dream island: blue seas, white beaches, palm trees and vivid marine life. Famous for romantic sunsets, it offers more than honeymoons-lagoon excursions, underwater scooters, aqua safaris, and island tours, often stopping at Bloody Mary Restaurant & Bar. Its history includes a WWII US supply base ("Operation Bobcat") with ships, equipment, troops and coastal cannons. It was once called Vava'u, suggesting Tongan colonization before French annexation in 1888.

A jewel of French Polynesia, Motu Tapu is the kind of dreamy tropical escape that seems made for postcard views, powder-soft sands and brilliant turquoise waters. Fringed by coral reefs and swaying palms, it offers a serene taste of island paradise, with opportunities to swim, snorkel and simply unwind amid the beauty and tranquillity of the South Pacific.

Raiatea, the "Sacred Island," is a key site for Polynesian origins. Its best-known landmark is the Taputaputea Marae, a large ancient temple complex still intact, with traces of old rituals including a sacrificial stone. The Faaroa River is French Polynesia's only navigable waterway. Mount Temehani is a demanding trek and home to the rare white tiare apetahi flower, found only above 1,300 ft and protected by law.

American Samoa's volcanic islands lie on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Pago Pago on Tutuila has a fjordlike harbor formed by a collapsed volcano. Visited by Europeans in 1722 and missionaries in 1831, the islands became a U.S. possession in 1900 and have been administered by the Interior since 1951. About 50,000 residents are U.S. citizens except for national voting. Pago Pago/Fagatogo offers harbor views, the Fono Building, and Naval Guns Hill. Pier is walkable; taxis are available.

Samoa, the first independent Polynesian state, is seen as the cradle of the nation. Its name is said to mean "earth and centre." Apia, on Upolu's north coast, grew from a village of 300 in c.1800 to nearly 40,000 today, yet still keeps Samoan traditions: fale houses, lavalavas, mumu dresses, and lively markets. Its aquamarine lagoons and palms are famous, and Lefaga was used in the 1953 film Return to Paradise. It is also among the last places to see each day's sunset.

Lautoka, Fiji's second-largest city, offers beaches, turquoise seas, jungle, and rich local culture. Known as the "Sugar City," it's named for a spear-duel legend and centers on sugar trade. Visit botanical gardens, temples, cafes, mills, and the lively market, plus see warrior dances and firewalking. Nearby highlights include the Blue Lagoon, mineral-rich mud pools and spas, and Savala Island, with soft sand, reefs, and great snorkeling.

Lautoka, Fiji's second-largest city, offers beaches, turquoise seas, jungle, and rich local culture. Known as the "Sugar City," it's named for a spear-duel legend and centers on sugar trade. Visit botanical gardens, temples, cafes, mills, and the lively market, plus see warrior dances and firewalking. Nearby highlights include the Blue Lagoon, mineral-rich mud pools and spas, and Savala Island, with soft sand, reefs, and great snorkeling.

Noumea, the colourful capital of New Caledonia, overlooks the reefs of Noumea Lagoon and blends French and Kanak culture. Stroll the waterfront, relax on beaches, and use it as a base for island trips: Amedee Island, with its historic lighthouse and 247-step climb, turtles, clownfish, diving and glass-bottom boats; and Ilot Maitre, with shallow turquoise waters and stilted bungalows. Try local seafood and bougna, a slow-cooked coconut-and-banana-leaf dish.

Northland, at the top of New Zealand's North Island, is where the Tasman Sea and Pacific meet at Cape Reinga. It has farms, forests, beaches, and open spaces. The east coast is more populated, especially around the Bay of Islands and Whangarei; the west coast is rugged, less settled, and includes Waipoua Forest with ancient kauri trees. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed at Waitangi in 1840. Cape Reinga is spiritually important to Māori, and many iwi have deep ancestral roots in the region.

Auckland blends beachside recreation with the energy of a diverse, multicultural city on New Zealand's North Island. The "City of Sails" offers harbour walks, fresh sea air, and views of the Harbour Bridge, Sky Tower, and Viaduct Harbour. Visit Auckland Art Gallery in Albert Park for New Zealand's largest art collection, including Māori and Pacific works. Take day trips to Waiheke, Tiritiri Matangi, and Rangitoto, or climb Mount Eden for sweeping city-and-bay views.