South Pacific Travel Guide
The South Pacific confounds even the savviest map buffs with its splatter of dots spread across the world's biggest ocean. What you can't tell from a map, or even most tourist brochures is that these palm-laden pinpricks are as diverse as the vast region. While the postcards might look similar, Fiji and Tahiti are not interchangeable or even much alike regarding landscapes and culture.
South Pacific islands are culturally and geographically divided into Polynesia (from the Greek meaning 'many islands') and Melanesia (meaning 'black islands'). Polynesian islands include Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island while Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands are Melanesian. The colonial history of the islands has resulted in a modern-day patchwork of English- and French-speaking island groups (plus Spanish in the far eastern Easter Island).
Still confused? Here's the low-down on the main regions and their highlights.
The Islands
As you move east across the Pacific from the Solomon Islands to Easter Island, the flora and fauna become less diverse. Islands to the east like New Caledonia and Fiji have land snakes and fruit bats, French Polynesia and Easter Island don't. Underwater you'll find more soft corals in the plankton-rich waters to the west but better visibility in the greater reaches of open water to the east.
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Still confused? Here's the low-down on the main regions and their highlights.
Cook Islands.
The Cook Islands mix Polynesian blue water and hospitality with New Zealand (who administer the islands) savoir-faire. On the lush, main isle of Rarotonga beach bum all day then experience an 'Island Night' Polynesian feast (pork cooked in an earthen oven, taro root and more) and a local dance performance.
Hop a plane to Aitutuaki atoll, with its low-lying coral islets curling around one of the world's most fantastic lagoons. When not diving, snorkelling or swimming in blue water, check out the atoll's ancient stone temples called marae.
With warm temperatures almost all year round, there isn’t a bad time to visit Rarotonga and the Cook Islands. At any time of year, you can experience stunning beaches, jungle trails, rich Polynesian culture, fabulous cuisine and coral reefs alive with fish of every color, shape and size.
There's always something rewarding to do on these idyllic islands, but some times of year are better than others for specific activities and the busy cultural calendar is also a factor in picking the best time to come.
The beginning of the calendar year coincides with hot and humid days, making this time of the year perfect for enjoying the water. The islands are at their quietest, so expect to find good deals on accommodation and flights and little traffic while snorkelling in Rarotonga’s brilliant blue lagoon.
This is also the rainy season in the Cook Islands, but downpours typically come in sharp bursts followed by a return to sunshine, and it's easier to find space when booking hotels, tours and activities. There are some interesting events, too, such as the Cook Islands Beach Games – celebrating a wide range of beach sports in January – and Te Pae Tai Nui Mire Atu, a celebration of traditional song-writing in March.
April to June and September to December are the months to enjoy the beaches without the crowds
With a perfect balance of warm temperatures and smaller crowds, the two shoulder seasons on either side of the July-to-August peak season are excellent choices for travelers with a little flexibility. Prices are lower, there's less competition for space, and the weather is still good for outdoor activities.
The most populous islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki are a bit quieter during these months, but they still have an energizing buzz, particularly in December when many Cook Islanders working overseas travel home to spend the holidays with family.
December also marks the beginning of cyclone season, and while major storms are rare, residents always take precautions to ensure they are ready if a storm strikes. If you visit at this time, keep an eye on local weather reports and follow local advice.
From April to June, the country emerges from the rainy season (and cyclone season) into more reliable, drier weather that is perfect for kitesurfing from May onwards. June is a good time of year to explore Rarotonga’s interior, following routes such as the 6km (3.7-mile) cross-island trek, connecting the north and south coasts of this Polynesian paradise.
July to August is the time for sun, sea, sand and sparkling coral
Located just south of the equator, Rarotonga and the Cook Islands are blessed with a tropical climate that reaches near perfection from July to August, coinciding with the winter school holidays in New Zealand and Australia. Warm temperatures and limited rainfall draw families seeking a sunny escape from the Southern Hemisphere winter.
This is peak season, so expect to see higher prices for accommodation, lots of people competing for space on tours and flights and busy cafes and restaurants; aim to book ahead for everything. However, this is a great time to explore Rarotonga’s scenic lagoon and trek the island’s densely forested interior. Strong trade winds also make this the best time of the year for kitesurfing.
While daytime temperatures can reach 25°C (77°F), bring a sweater or fleece for those evenings when occasional cold fronts blowing in from Antarctica can make things a little chilly. As compensation, this is a great time for scuba diving and whale-watching season is usually in full swing by July, although climate change is impacting the timing of the migration of Rarotonga’s humpback whales.
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The culture of the Cook Islands reaches its peak in late July and early August with the annual Te Maeva Nui festival, celebrating the day the Cook Islands became self-governing on August 4, 1965. Dance, music and art are highlights of this fun-filled weeklong event. August is also the time for the Emo Aito Maori sports contest, celebrating traditional island sports.