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.
Raiatea
Raiatea is a geographically diverse marvel that is the largest island in the French Polynesian Leeward Group. Recently the port and waterfront areas have enjoyed incredible rebuilding, and the wharf is now a beautiful destination that is a pleasure to visit. As your ship approaches the shores of Raiatea, you can see Mount Temahani, the dormant volcano that once wreaked havoc on this lovely island. The legend of Raiatea says that the god of fertility and war, Oro, was born here on Mount Temahani. Locals have worshipped Oro for centuries, and they would not dare blaspheme his holy name out of fear that the volcano may some day rage again.
The Black Pearl Farms and the Vanilla Plantations are glorious one-of-a-kind sights that will captivate your mind and dazzle your eyes. Scuba diving and snorkeling in the coral reefs and the lagoon are two more musts when visiting Raiatea. The restaurants and shopping facilities are quite limited, but there are a couple eateries that are delightful, such as Club Room and Restaurant Moana. At night, it seems as if the entire island congregates at the lively Le Zenith discotheque. The Botanical Eco Tours offered by the Kaoha Nui Ranch give you an opportunity to see this glorious island on horseback.
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.
Bay Of Islands
If you are looking for an exquisite tropical getaway, then it should be your mission to visit the Bay of Islands in New Zealand. The beaches are some of the best in the world, with perfect white sand and crystal clear water. The weather is ideal, and if all you want to do is relax on the beach, you are in luck. There are enough beaches here to keep you happy for weeks. But if you would like to mix in a little culture with your beach time, then many locations within the Bay of Islands will suit your desires. The museums, parks, and historical sites are wonderful. The general vicinity is known as Northland, or Te Tai Tokerau, which translates as Birthplace of a Nation. The Bay of Islands is the most noteworthy sector of Northland, and this is also the home of the Waitangi National Reserve, where the Treaty of Waitangi was drafted and signed. After much deliberation, the Maori and European settlers came to an agreement here in 1840. Both governmental and land distribution decisions were made, coming after many years of hard fought struggle.
Vast open areas ideal for exploring complement the beaches of Bay of Islands. Many of the regions in this portion of New Zealand are quite unpopulated, so grab yourself a tour guide and start discovering the diversity and beauty of the countryside for yourself. The indigenous people of New Zealand have various cultures, depending on where their ancestors originated. The crime rate in the Bay of Islands is normally not very high, and it is generally a safe and peaceful place to be. If you are a beach lover, the one thing you can be assured of during your stay is that you will love the beaches of the Bay of Islands. If you enjoy great food, then you are also in luck. Visit the Bay and experience pleasure the New Zealand way.
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.
Wellington
There are so many good things to say about Wellington, that I will start by mentioning that it is the cultural and entertainment capital of New Zealand. During weekends, there are more people visiting Wellington than anywhere else in the country. There are many reasons for this, but perhaps those at the forefront of any tourist's mind will be the exquisite architecture, great museums, and fabulous dining establishments. The accommodations and amenities in Wellington are superb, and during the summer there are many hot beach spots. In the wintertime the area can get bitterly cold, so it is understandable if you would prefer a warmer visit. Nearly everything is within walking distance, and this helps out tremendously. If you are new to the region, or a tourist in town for a few days, the fact that you can see so many glorious sights on foot is an incredible traveling advantage. Shops, elegant galleries, restaurants, and theaters line the streets, and the nightlife in Wellington is spectacular. There is something exciting for you to do no matter what time of day or night.
The harbor in Wellington was originally controlled by the British, and they named it Port Nicholson. It was not until 1839 that the city was renamed after the Duke of Wellington. The main governmental sector of New Zealand was stationed in Auckland until 1865, when it was relocated here, and Wellington has been the political center ever since. The city is compact yet diverse, meaning you can see a lot in a small vicinity, but what you will be seeing will differ tremendously. This is one of the interesting aspects of Wellington, the fact that two stores or buildings right next to one another can be so architecturally or culturally different.
The harbor is the most visited part of the city. The Queen's Wharf complex is here, complete with extravagant dining and shopping facilities. The recently opened Te Papa National Museum can be found at the harbor as well, and it is one of the city's premier cultural sites. Wellington is the official capital of the country, and 407,000 inhabitants reside in this city set between the ocean and the mountains. The landscape is glorious, and the scenery beautiful. Living well in Wellington is not just a tag line, it is the truth.
Sydney
Sydney's secret was revealed to the world at the 2000 Olympic Games. The secret? That Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is one of the most dramatic, sophisticated, diverse, and fun-loving cities in the world. From its world famous Opera House to its pristine beaches, Sydney truly has something to offer everybody.
Sydney is Australia's largest city, with over four million people calling it home. While it covers over seven hundred square miles, it is remarkably easy to get around town. Buses, trains, ferries, taxis, water taxis, and even a monorail are all available to you.
Sydney's cultural highlights include a handful of museums and art galleries. The Australian National Maritime Museum is phenomenal, as is the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Tourists marvel at the world-renowned Sydney Aquarium, and many have undertaken the challenge of climbing the Harbour Bridge.
The city reveals its true magnificence when the sun goes down. The harbor positively sparkles, and the town crackles with energy. There are plenty of fine restaurants to choose from, and the nightlife gives as much as you're willing to take.
Because you are on such a limited time budget, you probably won't have much occasion to leave the downtown and harbor areas, unless you squeeze in a trip to the beach. If this is your first visit to Sydney, then that will probably suffice. But because there is so much to see and do in Sydney, you'll probably end up plotting your next visit before you leave!
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