ISLANDS OF OCEANIA
Have you ever dreamt of leaving on a deserted island?
Oceania are island nations comprising of thousands of coral atolls and volcanic islands that support relatively small human populations. The Pacific Ocean is the largest geographical feature on earth, more so than all the land areas of the world combined. Yet its depths and its islands remains a mystery to most of us on this planet.
The climate of Oceania’s islands is tropical or subtropical, and range from humid to seasonally dry. Wetter parts of the islands are covered by Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests. The drier parts of the islands are covered by Tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests and Tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and shrublands. Hawaii‘s high volcanoes, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, are home to some rare tropical Montane grasslands and shrublands.
If you have ever dreamt of being on a deserted island, or desired to have the turquoise horizon to yourself with soft sand beneath your toes, then the Islands of Oceania are yours.
Vanuatu
The islands are an adventure enthusiast’s paradise. The geologically active archipelago is a natural playground of colourful reefs, bubbling volcanoes and lush jungle. Visitors can drive up to the crater of Yasur, cited as the most accessible active volcano in the world, sea kayak round the islands’ shorelines, explore underwater WWII relics, or hike and bike through coconut plantations and tropical rainforest. Those less inclined to exert themselves can relax on the many beautiful beaches, sample the multicultural cuisine in the capital, Port-Vila, or charter a boat from one island to the next.
Fiji Islands
Often referred to as the ‘Crossroads of the South Pacific’ because of it’s geographical location, the Fiji Islands are a hospitable land of contrasts in people, flora, fauna and culture. It is home to people who have been called the friendliest on earth. It is made up of a chain of over 300 islands and is a cosmopolitan cocktail of culture, race and religion. It is a place where ‘bula’, the traditional Fijian greeting, is a very special word and you can relax without a care in the world.
New Caledonia
There’s no better place to experience the Pacific with a taste of France than New Caledonia, where Melanesian tradition blends with French sophistication. This mix of the chic yet casual, très French but ultimately Pacific comes together with peerless élan in Noumea, the cosmopolitan capital. When you leave the capital, the urban scenery gives way to a wealth of changing landscapes – the rolling plains of la brousse (the bush), lush river valleys, steep mountains coursed by tumbling waterfalls, cool rainforests and wild coastlines.
Cook Islands
Scattered over a vast expanse of empty ocean the size of Western Europe, the tiny Cook Islands is a castaway’s dream come true. If you’ve ever fantasised about escaping to a remote desert island, far from the hustle and hum of the modern world, then look no further than these 15 fascinating islands, where you’ll find a thousand years of Polynesian culture sitting side by side with some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the South Pacific.
Solomon Islands
Soaring mist inshrouded mountains preside above dense, abundant rainforest, waterfalls and rivers cascade to an intricate coastline. In the Solomon Islands, the villages and sun soaked golden beached fringed with coconut palms lie scattered around lazy lagoons. This is indeed a diver’s paradise and an eco-tourism destination that’s unspoiled, unhurried and totally unforgettable.
Tonga
From steep, active volcanoes, to low coral atolls, Tonga’s 176 islands offer a truly diverse array of backdrops for those seeking a Pacific getaway. Tonga enjoys a laidback pace of life which visitors find easy to adopt, whether relaxing on one of the magnificent white sand beaches, first-class diving amid the stunning coral reefs or watching the migratory whales return to their breeding grounds (June to November).
French Polynesia
The five island groups of French Polynesia are an exquisite destination for anyone seeking marvellous islands and breathtaking turquoise lagoons. Tropical weather, astonishing landscapes, numerous activities: a perfect cocktail for a dream-time holiday! Don’t reduce the French Polynesia to the well-known island of Tahiti because the five archipelagos are as worth-seeing as Tahiti! Each one of them has wonderful treasures and a great variety of cultures which makes them special and unique! Discover the diversity of each island from a cultural, natural or sports point of view!
Australia (+61 2) 9344 5115
New-Zealand (+649) 962 5295
Vanuatu (+678) 546 2445
France 09 77 195 365