Fiji
About Fiji
Fiji is a group of over 300 islands located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is very affordable to visit offering a getaway for any budget, from luxurious resorts to hostels. Fiji is famous for it's soft coral diving, white sand beaches and pristine natural environment. It is a very popular location for family holidays, romantic getaways, location weddings and of course Honeymoons. With just a short flight; 4 hours from the east coast of Australia and 3 hours from Auckland New Zealand; you've arrived before you know it and are ready to relax, explore and enjoy. Which Island of Fiji will you visit first?
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Currency
The local currency is Fijian dollars and is available in the following denominations of coins: 5c, 10c,20c, 50c, $1 and $2 Notes: $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Bargaining Fiji has plenty of retail shops for tradition tourist shopping however if you venture a bit further away from the retail areas you'll find markets selling fruit & vegetables, Indian merchandise as well as speciality gift stores. Once you get away from the tourist shopping areas you'll find that bargaining is common, so keeping in the spirit, go head and give it a try. Tipping Tipping is not encouraged here however if you wish to reward good service you can offer an extra payment. Electricity Electricity in Fiji is 240 volts and the plugs are the same as both Australia and New Zealand When to visit The most popular time to go to Fiji is between March and December, and while the temperatures and humidity do rise in summer (November to April) it really is nice all year round. Travel tip: The smaller islands tends to get less rain 
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Weather
Fiji has 2 seasons warm and warmer! Its tropical sunny weather will chase the winter chills away in no time. Average temperatures in Celsius May - November 19-29 December - April 22-33 Local Customs It is important to dress modestly when not in the hotel and resort areas and in particular when visiting a Fijian Village. While visiting avoid wearing a hat in the Villages as its considered an insult to the Chief. It is also insulting to touch someones head. Shoes are best left off if you are visiting a locals house. When visiting a village it is customary to bring a small gift of 'Yaqon' or 'kava' to present to the traditional head of the village. On your visit be prepared to be asked a lot of questions about where you are from, if you are married and if you have children; plus to shake a lot of hands. |
French Polynesia
French Polynesia is divided into 5 groups of islands; the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Gambier Islands, the Marquesas Islands and the Austral Islands. Throughout its 118 Islands and Atolls only 67 are actually inhabited.
These are just few of the spectacular islands you can visit, all of which offer a range of unforgettable hotels & resorts with a variety of rooms including over-water bungalows. With spectacular lagoons teeming with marine life, white beaches, emerald green rainforests and more to enjoy and explore...what more could you possibly need on an Island holiday?
Island hopping doesn't get any better!
These are just few of the spectacular islands you can visit, all of which offer a range of unforgettable hotels & resorts with a variety of rooms including over-water bungalows. With spectacular lagoons teeming with marine life, white beaches, emerald green rainforests and more to enjoy and explore...what more could you possibly need on an Island holiday?
Island hopping doesn't get any better!
Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti - The Society Islands
Bora Bora "The Romantic Island"
Bora Bora is known for its picture perfect beauty and the much sort after over-water bungalows. While here enjoy unique services such as breakfast delivered by outrigger canoe directly to your bungalow deck. This Tropical paradise promises luxury, romance and relaxation. Surrounded by a lagoon you can chose to relax on the beach, take a swim in the crystal clear turquoise waters or enjoy snorkelling with the varied marine life. If land activities are more for you why not explore the islands' friendly ancient culture with a visit to Vaitape Village or enjoy a 4WD tour of the island and discover the fascinating WWII history that the island holds. Bora Bora is a quick flight from Papeete. |
Moorea "The Magical Island"
Moorea is believed to have inspired the mythical 'Bali Hai' in James Michener's tales of the South Pacific. It is well known for its incredible volcanic mountains, white sand beaches plus winding hiking trails taking you through beautiful rainforests, along the slopes of Mount Tohivea, the highest point on the island, to the Belvedere lookout. The panoramic views from here are simply spectacular and will without doubt leave you breathless! Moorea is only 10 nautical miles from Tahiti and is easily accessed from Papeete by ferry or plane. |
Tahiti " The Queen of the Pacific"
Tahiti is the largest of the French Polynesian Archipelago group and is a gateway to the French Polynesian islands with all flights arriving in the capital Papeete. Papeete is a perfect base for diving enthusiasts with popular diving sites only minutes by boat you can be exploring an abundance of marine life, coral reefs and wreckage from WWII. This popular island while not quite as laid back as some the surrounding islands offers a busy Harbour Town with plenty of shopping, dining and markets available plus beautiful black sand beaches, crystal clear lagoons and cascading waterfalls to explore. Tahiti offers an interesting blend of French and Polynesian charm to experience. A visit here will not disappoint. |
New Caledonia
New Caledonia is comprised of dozens of islands in the South Pacific. It is known for its palm-tree lined beaches and crystal blue lagoons rich with marine life, which at 24,000sq kilometres is among the worlds largest. Noumea, the capital, offers spectacular restaurants with french influenced-cuisine and beautiful boutiques selling Parisian fashions. Isle of Pines named due to the abundance pine trees found on the island is also worth a visit when travelling to New Caledonia. Aptly nicknamed the "the closest island to paradise" with white sand beaches and surrounded by crystal clear waters you can easily find somewhere to relax, swim, snorkel and more. |
History & Culture
The Polynesians inhabited the islands for several hundreds of years before western explorers discovered the islands. The British explored them in the 1700's, and then during the 1900's the French annexed various island groups. In recent years the islanders have been working towards anonymity and economic independence from France, however this will be a gradual process taking up to a decade to complete. Language French is the main language spoken among the islands however English and Japanese is also widely used. I do recommend learning a couple of basic french words and/or phrases in case you need to communicate with someone who doesn't know English. |
Currency
CFP Franc - called the Franc in everyday use and is available in the following denominations of coins: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Francs. Notes: 500, 1000, 5000 and 10000 Francs Electricity The standard voltage in French Polynesian is 110/220 volts and they have three different sockets used on the islands. you will need an adaptor when you travel here. Weather The following general information will give you an idea of some the more common extremes that some traveller try to avoid; January is the hottest month, July is the coldest month and February is the wettest month Average Temperatures in Celsius Summer Dec-Feb 22-29 Winter Jun-Sep 17-24 |
Samoa
About Samoa
Samoa is a perfect South Pacific destination for families. With postcard perfect white sand beaches that are most of which are safe for swimming, kayaking, snorkelling and diving in the turquoise waters that encircle much of the coastline, though always ask the locals or your accommodation provider is there is any beach conditions you should be aware of before heading out for the day. Adventure can be found all over the islands with hiking tracks through lush rainforests taking you to cascading waterfalls, swim in the crystal clear waters of the natural pools or take a turn sliding down the natural watersides at Papaseea Sliding Rocks you are guaranteed to keep everyone in your group happy. A visit to Samoa would not be complete without attending a Fiafia Night.The Fiafia is a celebration of Samoan culture with a buffet of traditional foods and entertainment of Songs, dances including the spectacular fire knife dance. |
Culture
The Samoan culture is over 3000 years old which they are proud to share with visitors. A visit to the Samoan Cultural Village is a great way to learn more about the Samoan life from starting fires with sticks to opening a coconut to traditional tattooing and more. Language Samoan is the official language on the islands. English is their second language and all of the locals speak it very well. Getting around the Islands Buses > Samoa has some very colourful buses this is a great and inexpensive way to get around the islands. Travelling on the local buses will also give an opportunity to meet & interact with the locals. Tip: There are no signed designated bus stops so you'll have to wave the bus to stop for you. Use you your whole arm with your palm facing downward to do this. Also the locals chose to sit on each others laps when the bus becomes full instead of standing in the isle, so don't be offended or shy when someone offers for you to sit on their lap as this courtesy is also offered to visitors. Car rentals > Anyone wishing to drive in Samoa will need to get a temporary local licence upon arrival. These cost just $20 tala for one month or $40 tala for 2 months. To qualify you must have a full licence from your origin country and cannot be a learner, restricted or provisional driver. |
Currency
The Samoan Tala is the local currency. While the currency is called Tala be aware that when written they use a dollar sign. Coins are 10 sene, 20 sene, 50 sene, $1 & $2 Notes are $5, $10, $20 & $50 Weather Samoa is warm and tropical all year round with only 2 distinct seasons. The dry season from May to October and the wet season from November to April. Daily temperatures are between 24 to 30 Degrees Celsius year-round. When to Visit Samoa is great destination to visit year round however if you wish to avoid some rainy days then May to October is the dry season. Electricity The Standard power in Samoa in 230 volts so when visiting from Australia or New Zealand no adaptors are needed for your electrical appliances |
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Access and Entry Fees
Most land areas, lagoons and bays are the property of the nearest village, family or individual. You should always ask permission from the nearest village to use the area as there may be a small entrance fee. Even if it looks like no one is there wait as someone will always be soon. It is always best to check than have to apologise later. Fa'a Samoa Fa'a Samoa has a very strong focus of welcoming visitors so if you are exploring outside the resort areas you may be invited into a family home where you'll experience the Samoan people are very hospitable and friendly hosts firsthand. 
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Local Customs
The Samoan people are quite modest so while visiting keep in mind to where suitable clothing when exploring the islands and particularly when visiting any of the villages or churches. Some tips to keep in mind when visiting with the locals are:
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Vanuatu
About Vanuatu
Warm and welcoming Vanuatu promises a wonderful holiday experience. From the pristine white sand beaches to the lush rain-forests rising up to the rugged mountain tops that hide traditional villages which have preserved the locals unique lifestyle. This Archipelago is comprised of 83 islands most of which are not inhabited or accessible by visitors. The main tourist are regions are Efate, Tanna Island and Espiritu. Vanuatu offers you the opportunity for adventure or the perfect place to just slow down and relax. Enjoy world class snorkelling or diving on the reefs, visit an active volcano, swim near cascading waterfalls or simply enjoy the slow-pace of island time. Vanuatu offers something for everyone; Families, Couples, Adventure seekers and more... |
Culture
Kastom is the heartbeat of the Vanuatu Culture that has been handed down from generation to generation. There are few places on Vanuatu that you can step back in time to learn and experience Kustom. These villages chose not to take on missionary religions or western beliefs so they have remained authentic, free from touristy gimmicks and our modern technology remaining a true representation of the old ways. Language Vanuatu has three official languages Bislama, English and French, however, there is also over 100 indigenous dialects spoken throughout the islands. Currency The local currency is Ni-Vanuatu Vatu Denominations are: Coins 1vt, 2vt, 5vt, 10vt, 20vt, 50vt & 100vt Notes 100vt , 200vt, 500vt, 1000vt, 2000vt, 5000vt & 10000vt Electricity The standard electricity is 220 volts so when travelling from Australia or New Zealand you will not need an adaptor to charge your appliances Weather A typical day is clear blue skies, endless sunshine and the crystal clear waters are suitable for year round swimming. The wet season is January to March Temperatures in Celsius Summer Jan-Mar 23-36 Winter Jun-Aug 19-32 |
Best time to Visit
Vanuatu's beautiful tropical climate is generally good all year round however some months are a little better than others to visit this beautiful destination. The island is generally busier during Australian school holidays and quieter during the wet season from January to March so it really depends on what you are looking for from your travels to when you should visit. |
NOTE: The information provided is a guide only and was correct as at 22/08/2019. Further travel information can be found by talking to your travel consultant. Travel advise can be found on the website of the Australian Department of Foreign Trade www.smarttraveller.gov.au