Papeete
Tahiti is the biggest and most famous island in French Polynesia. For over
200 years Tahiti has been a destination that allured travelers from all over the
world. Papeete is bordered by an aqua-blue sea and gorgeous beaches laced with
palm trees. The landscape is downright magnificent, and the people friendly and
helpful.
Although historians are not entirely certain exactly when and
how the Polynesian people arrived on Tahiti, some facts are known. Around 3,000
or 4,000 years ago they left Southeast Asia, and we know that they were fabulous
sailors and navigators. Arriving in present day Tahiti about 300 A.D., they
settled on this island and others in what is now French Polynesia. These islands
were originally ruled by all-powerful Chieftains, who commanded large fleets and
ordered human sacrifices. But rest assured that the island is much more friendly
now! Among the first European visitors to Tahiti included Samuel Wallis in 1767
and James Cook in 1769. They returned to Europe with tales of a tropical
paradise run by savages, and full of beautiful women. It was no coincidence that
soon after, every man in Europe was determined to visit this mysterious and
alluring island. The islands became French Polynesia in 1842 when the French out
maneuvered the British and took control.
As the 20th century began, French Polynesia became
unified into the French Pacific settlements. At this time, a program of
fast-paced commercial expansion was instituted, and Chinese workers were made to
work on cotton and vanilla plantations. As World War One began, almost 1000
Polynesians were sent by the French to fight the Germans. Currently, Tahiti is
leading the charge in an attempt to gain independence from France. But at the
same time, the citizens are welcoming, and everywhere you go in Papeete is a
place of beauty and tranquility. Scuba diving, exploring, and dining in the
fabulous Tahitian restaurants are among the most pleasurable activities. The
food in the city is delicious, and all of the beaches accessible from Papeete
are gorgeous and offer a plethora of water sports. Tahitians adore beauty
contests and celebrations, so festivals and grand parties seem like weekly
events.
Bora Bora
The most lavish destination in all of the South Pacific, Bora
Bora is located 161 miles northwest of Tahiti in the Leeward Islands. Renowned
traveler James Michener has repeatedly declared Bora Bora the world's most
beautiful island. Actors, royalty, and cinematographers all make this Polynesian
paradise their vacation spot of choice.
The first inhabitants of Bora Bora were Polynesian settlers,
who sailed their canoes into the island's gorgeous lagoon during the 9th century. The name given to the island was "Porapora," during the reign
of Chief Puni "The Terror." Then, during World War II, American armed
forces were stationed on Porapora and called the island "Bora Bora."
Despite the fact that there is no "B" in the Polynesian language,
common usage prevailed.
This luxurious island was formed three or four million years
ago by a series of volcanic eruptions. Today the island is almost entirely
devoted to tourism. At times, visitors and temporary residents can outnumber the
locals in certain areas.
In the center of the island, two dominating, black rock peaks
stand amongst dazzling blue waters. They can be seen at any angle, and are a
truly magnificent sight to behold. Bora Bora's Lagoon is another of the
crowning visual achievements that blesses the island. You can wind surf, scuba
dive, swim, jet-ski, or just soak up the warmth of the tropical sun. There are
so many activities in Bora Bora that it is best to plan your trip ahead of time.
Otherwise, you will end up either forgetting or missing out on some of the
island's best features. Deep sea fishing for the Bora Bora marlin, driving off
on a 4X4 safari excursion, or parasail through the sparkling blue skies. Chances are if you are feeling adventurous, Bora Bora has
the ability to offer you whatever it is you want to do.
The landscape of Bora Bora resembles a circle of coral reef
with a glorious emerald in the center. It is a surreal atmosphere that is so
picturesque hours can be spent gazing at the sights. The horizon is so
beautiful, and the ambiance so romantic that it is no wonder that Bora Bora has
become one of the premier honeymoon destinations for American couples.
Rarotonga
Rarotonga is one of the premier destinations in the entire South Pacific, and many travelers find that this beautiful location is even more gorgeous than highly-touted Tahiti. Until recently, Rarotonga was seen as too remote to be a bona fide tourist destination, but in recent years the tourists have flocked to this island paradise. The Cook Islands are made up of fifteen small nations, with Rarotonga leading the pack in terms of size and population. The fishing off the coast of Rarotonga is incredible, and local fisherman claim to have landed some of the largest tuna and marlin anywhere. Outdoor sports are quite popular on the island; from golf to hiking to tennis, Rarotonga has it all. Typically the dining, sports engagements, and nightlife are about half as expensive as the islands in French Polynesia and the rest of the South Pacific, so get ready to have some fun! You can either do twice as much for the same amount of money, or do everything that you would do in Tahiti and spend half what you would there. Speaking of the dining and nightlife, it is tremendous on this spectacular island, with magnificent eateries and splendid stores everywhere. The Rarotonga Lagoon is a magnificent sight, and whether snorkeling or enjoying a relaxing swim, this place truly puts you at peace. The whole island has an air of harmonious joy, and everything you do you will do with a smile. The lagoon is ideal for exploring, but it is too shallow for scuba diving. Don't be alarmed, because the scuba diving expeditions outside the Rarotonga reef are glorious, and you will be hard-pressed to find more daring diving adventures anywhere.
The mountains and lagoons of Rarotonga are miraculous, and before missionaries arrived here in 1823, the island was a series of swampy habitats and dense valleys. These days, fruit trees and colorful crops light up the island, and everywhere you look, your eyes and heart will be more than satisfied. The climate here is pleasant all year long, and in the winter the temperatures drop to a delightful 75-degree range.
Suva
Suva is a tropical paradise, a place where you never want the day to end. But with sundown comes a whole new experience; Suva at night. When the stars come out, the restaurants get hopping and the clubs get going. The weather is great nearly all the time, and the brisk night air will feel wonderful after a day scuba diving in the sun. The outdoor sports adventures in Suva are fantastic, and this is one of the premier places in the South Pacific to scuba dive and snorkel. Diving in the Beqa lagoon is an experience that you will never forget. The restaurants and myriad shops in Suva are fantastic, and you are given terrific options when it comes to eating out. Many of the stores sell jewelry and handicrafts from all over the South Pacific, and you are sure to find something great to take home to your family and friends. During the day, there are a number of great sights and attractions to keep you busy, and the Fiji Museum in particular is a real standout. It has a tremendous collection of displays, and perhaps the most interesting are the remains of the H.M.S. Bounty that sank in 1789.
Suva is not large per se, but it sure is trying. This bustling city has everything you could want in a modern cultural center, but has managed to keep its heritage alive through its wondrous architecture and the natural beauty of the land. The parks and beaches of Suva are lovely, and basically anywhere you go you will encounter one or the other. Suva encompasses ten square miles and is a hilly area full of life and wonder. The scenery along the coastal sections of the city is beautifully picturesque. In fact, you are sure to catch yourself gazing for minutes at a time, unaware that time is even passing at all.
Until 1870, Suva was a quiet little city no different from any other in Fiji. But when Australian settlers came here to grow cotton and sugar, the area became livelier. However, they failed in their attempts to grow crops, and eventually the British took over. Through the years, Suva has seen influences from many different Asian and European cultures. Today, people from all kinds of backgrounds live in harmony in this glorious portion of Fiji called Suva.
Auckland
New Zealand offers a vacation with a twist. A perfect amount of diversity, a sprinkle of familiarity, and enough sights and great spots to keep you busy for months. Auckland is no exception, with dozens of spectacular restaurants, museums, and shopping facilities. You will find that Auckland is a close-knit community full of friendly and helpful locals, eager to assist you any way that they can. The environment is spectacular, and you will be in awe of the uniqueness of the land. The jewelry that is designed in Auckland is marvelous, and over forty different jewelers are represented in one small area. If you are looking for new ways to spice up your wardrobe or your home, Auckland is definitely the place to go. Auckland is said to produce some of the finest quality chocolate in the world. They claim that theirs rivals Sweden's. Give it a try, and you'll most likely agree!
Nicknamed the City of Sails, Auckland is perhaps the most bustling city in New Zealand. Home to 1.3 million people, some of it is cosmopolitan, while other parts are strictly tropical, and have gorgeous beaches with scuba diving, water sports, and fabulous sailing. Be warned that there is a great deal of big city life here in Auckland, but it is counterbalanced perfectly with the subtlety and warmth of the small town feel that emanates from the secluded parks and cozy diners. The energy in Auckland is overwhelming, and you cannot help but get caught up in it. The nightlife in Auckland is stellar. The bars, clubs, and dance joints rock throughout the night. Touring the 48 dormant volcanoes in Auckland could keep you occupied for days with their scenic wonder. In short, Auckland is a captivating city bursting with natural and man-made attractions, ready to be enjoyed by tourists from around the world.
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