Pacific Islands Explorer – Pacific Shores to Tribal Heartlands (Part 2)

Pacific Islands Explorer – Pacific Shores to Tribal Heartlands (Part 2)

Duration
28 days
Group Size
8 people
Price
From £15495
Region
Islands
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Overview

Highlights

Included/Excluded

Arrival and departure transfers
All accommodation
Transport throughout
Services of local English-speaking guides <em>(please note that the group will travel unaccompanied between each island state. A local guide will be allocated in each island state for all sightseeing and excursions)|</em>All regional flights – as referred to in the itinerary
Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
International flights
Items of a personal nature
Travel Insurance
Visas, if required
Drinks
Tips (discretionary)
Covid-19 test/s and related procedures, if required

Tour Ratings

Fitness: 3/5
Unexplored: 4/5
Culture: 4/5
History: 3/5
Wildlife: 0/5
Tour-pace: 4/5
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Map and Tour Itinerary

This journey across the South Pacific offers a rare opportunity to explore some of the region’s most captivating islands, each with its own distinct character and traditions. From the relaxed shores of Tonga and the cultural encounters of the Solomon Islands to the dramatic landscapes of Vanuatu and the tribal heartlands of Papua New Guinea, this is a voyage through remote and remarkable destinations. Highlights include a traditional Tongan feast, meeting village communities in the Solomon Islands, standing on the rim of Vanuatu’s fiery Mount Yasur, and discovering the unique tribal cultures of Mount Hagen. Combining natural beauty, ancient traditions, and vibrant local life, this itinerary provides an in-depth introduction to one of the world’s most diverse and fascinating regions.

Itinerary Highlights
Stand on the Rim of Mount Yasur Volcano, Vanuatu

Witness the raw power of one of the world’s most active volcanoes on Tanna Island, with a twilight ascent to the crater rim.

Uncover Tribal Traditions in Papua New Guinea’s Wahgi Valley

pend three unforgettable days amidst the Melpa, Huli and Mulpa tribes of the highlands, witnessing traditional lifestyles, colourful attire and rich oral traditions.

[Fiji] Day 1: Arrive Nadi

Arrive in Nadi and transfer to your hotel. Overnight Tanoa International Hotel or similar. No meals or activities included today.

Please note transfers are provided by the hotel as a shuttle service.

[Tonga] Day 2: Nadi – Tonga

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Tonga.

Suggested flight – Fiji Airways FJ211, dep. 1330, arr. 1555

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where the evening is at leisure. Overnight Tanoa Dateline Hotel or similar (B)

[Tonga] Day 3: Tonga – Pagaimotu Island

Enjoy a relaxing day at Pagaimotu Island, just a 15-minute boat ride from Tongatapu. Spend time on the white sandy beach, swim in crystal-clear waters, and unwind beneath the coconut trees. Optional activities include kayaking and snorkelling, with equipment available to hire for T$50. Boats depart Faua Wharf at either 1000 or 1100, returning 1600 or 1700hrs. Bring a change of clothes, reef shoes, hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, sunscreen, bottled water, and any food or drinks you may need. A packed lunch can be pre-ordered through your hotel.  Overnight Tanoa Dateline Hotel or similar (BL

[Tonga] Day 4: Tonga

Today take a tour of Ancient Tonga. During the tour, try your hand at preparing the traditional Lu, cooked in the Umu (heated volcanic rocks), learn mat-making techniques, taste traditional Tongan Kava, learn about traditional Tongan beauty product and medical techniques and then sit down to enjoy the Lu you prepared earlier. Overnight Tanoa Dateline Hotel or similar (BL)

[Tonga] Day 5: Tonga

Today we tour Tonga taking in its historical and archaeological sites as well as the Abel Tasman landing. Overnight Tanoa Dateline Hotel or similar (BL)

[Solomon Islands] Day 6: Tonga – Honiara, Solomon Islands

This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Honiara, via Nadi.

Suggested flight –

Fiji Airways FJ214, dep. 1025, arr. 1100

Fiji Airways FJ269, dep. 1320, arr. 1525

On arrival into Honiara you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Coral Seas Resort or similar

[Solomon Islands] Day 7: Honiara

The city tour to allow us to discover many points of scenic, cultural and historic interest about Honiara and the Solomon Islands. The Honiara central market is busy, colourful, and offers local produce and crafts, after which we will visit the Parliament House, built for the people of Solomon Islands. With a commanding position, the US Peace War Memorial was constructed in 1992 for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal. It provides an excellent view of Iron Bottom Sound and the surrounding mountainous regions of Honiara and Guadalcanal. The small National Museum accommodates the diverse cultural artefacts of the Solomon Islands. Overnight Coral Sea Resort or similar (B)

[Solomon Islands] Day 8: Honiara

Today’s adventure takes you on a scenic boat trip to Rodrick Bay, a picturesque and sheltered cove known for its calm waters and welcoming local community. On arrival, enjoy a visit to a nearby village where you’ll have the chance to meet residents and gain insight into traditional island life. There will be plenty of time to swim in the warm, clear waters or simply relax and take in the surroundings. A delicious beachside BBQ lunch is included, making this a relaxed yet immersive day exploring the natural beauty and culture of the Solomon Islands (BL)

[Vanuatu] Day 9: Honiara – Port Vila, Vanuatu

This morning visit a cocoa farm before heading to the airport for your flight to Port Vila.

Suggested flight =- Air Niugini PX82, dep. 1400, arr. 1600

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Holiday Inn or similar (B)

[Vanuatu] Day 10: Tanna Island

Transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Tanna Island (Air Vanuatu, dep. 1100, arr. 1140). Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodation at White Grass, where you will spend the next two nights. In the afternoon, visit Yakel Kastom Village, an authentic community where traditional customs and ways of life are still preserved. Gain insight into local culture, rituals, and daily practices passed down through generations. The day also includes a visit to the world’s largest Banyan tree, an awe-inspiring natural wonder unique to Tanna. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Overnight White Grass Resort or similar (B)

[Vanuatu] Day 11: Tanna Island – Ultimate Volcano Safari

We start the day after breakfast with a 4WD journey across the island, and stop for a traditional welcome at historical weapons cave at Ash Plain village.  We tour a cannibal village and visit Port Resolution’s black sand hot water beach.  Around the cove we have a local lunch (payable locally) at the Best White Sandy Beach and swim and relax before heading for the twilight and night volcano experience of Yasur.  Once we reach the summit it is a short 10-minute uphill walk to the rim of the crater where we will observe the awesome power of the world’s most accessible active volcano! This ancient volcano is conspicuously located in one of the most pristine and unspoiled corners of the globe.  Late evening return to our accommodation. Overnight White Grass Resort or similar (BLD)

[Vanuatu] Day 12: Tanna Island – Port Vila

Transfer to the airport for a short flight back to Port Vila (Air Vanuatu dep. 1220, arr. 1300). On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Holiday Inn or similar (B)

[Vanuatu] Day 13: Port Vila – Full Day Island Tour of Efate

After breakfast we depart for a full day circular tour of the island. Overnight at Holiday Inn Hotel or similar. (BL)

[Australia] Day 14: Port Vila – Brisbane

Morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your flight to Brisbane.

Suggested flight – Qantas Airlines QF354, dep. 1505, arr. 1715

On arrival transfer to the airport hotel for an overnight stay, Overnight IBIS Brisbane Airport or similar (B)

[Papua New Guinea] Day 15: Brisbane – Mount Hagen, Papua New Guina

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Mount Hagen, via Port Moresby.

Suggested flight –

Qantas QF57, dep. 0905, arr. 1225 (Brisbane – Port Moresby)

Air Niugini PX188, dep. 1530, arr. 1630 (Port Moresby – Mount Hagen)

 On arrival at Mount Hagen you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight Rondon Ridge or similar (BD)

Mount Hagen

Set high in Papua New Guinea’s Western Highlands, Mount Hagen is a lively town surrounded by fertile valleys and dramatic mountain scenery. The region is home to the Melpa people and nearby tribal communities, where centuries-old traditions remain strong. Known for its colourful markets, rich birdlife, and as the gateway to tribal festivals, Mount Hagen offers a fascinating introduction to the cultural and natural diversity of Papua New Guinea.

[Papua New Guinea] Days 16-18: Mount Hagen and Villages

Spend the next 3 days exploring Mount Hagen and Wahgi Valley. This area is home to the Melpa people living traditional lifestyles, and can observe a stunning array of birds and orchids. Other tribal villages include the Huli and Mulpa tribes. Overnight Rondon Ridge or similar (BLD)

Day 19: Mount Hagen – Brisbane

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Brisbane via Port Moresby

Suggested flights

Air Niugini PX181 dep. 100, arr. 1100 (Mount Hagen – Port Moresby)

Qantas Airways QF058 dep. 1315, arr. 1620 (Port Moresby – Brisbane)

 On arrival in Brisbane the tour ends (B)

Download the Information Pack

To download the tour full dossier, which includes a complete day-by-day itinerary breakdown and detailed tour information, fill in the details below.

Dates and Prices


Tour Code Start End Trip Status Pricing Per person
PIT/260626 Jun 26, 2026

Friday

Jul 14, 2026

Tuesday

Guaranteed £15,495.00


Single Room Supplement: £1,900.00
PIT/021026 Oct 02, 2026

Friday

Oct 20, 2026

Tuesday

Guaranteed £16,950.00


Single Room Supplement: £1,900.00

Feedback from our Travellers

Essential Info

Foreign Office Travel Warnings

We constantly monitor the advice posted by the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At the time of writing the Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not advise against travel to any of the countries or areas that we visit on this tour.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Visa Information

Please note that all information is provided for guidance only and is subject to change.

Nauru

Most nationalities require a visa for entering Nauru. Please visit the Nauru’s Government website for the latest updates on the visa requirements – http://www.nauru.gov.nr/about-nauru/visiting-nauru/visa-requirements.aspx

Tonga

UK, US, Canadian, Australian and most EU citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days.

Solomon Islands

UK, US, Canadian, Australian and most EU citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 3 months.

Vanuatu / Kiribati

UK, US, Canadian, Australian and most EU citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days.

Samoa

UK, US, Canadian, Australian and most EU citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 60 days.

Papua New Guinea

Most nationalities require a visa for Papua New Guinea, which is an evisa – most passport holders can apply for an easy visitor permit for either 20 days or 60 days. Please visit https://evisa.ica.gov.pg/evisa/account/Apply for more information and to apply.

If you need a cover letter, this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations.

Please note that you may be asked to produce a return or onward ticket as a condition of entry to most of the countries covered on this tour. We recommend that you have proof of your travel arrangements and a copy of this tour dossier to hand, ready to produce to the immigration authorities.

As regulations can frequently change, it is the responsibility of all travellers to check the very latest requirements at the time of booking, upon making any balance payments and again no later than four weeks before departure. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.

British Nationals – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

US Nationals – https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html

Australian Nationals – www.smartraveller.gov.au/

Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.

Passports

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.

We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.

For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Vaccinations & Protection

As with travel to most parts of East Africa and the Indian Ocean, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month you maybe advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent may also be recommended.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.

Local Conditions

When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.

The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.

Safety Perception in the South Pacific

The South Pacific Islands are generally safer travel destinations than most places in the world, and the locals are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet. But, as when travelling anywhere on the planet, it pays to use a little common sense. Exercise normal safety and security precautions as you travel around the South Pacific. General travel advice in parts of the Pacific can been as socially conservative – particularly outside the tourist and resort areas.

Even in the larger cities, assaults and violent crime are uncommon, but they do occur. Play it safe when walking around at night: stick to well-lit areas where there are other people are hanging around and avoid situations where you might be vulnerable.

You won’t see many local ladies travelling solo, but the South Pacific is generally a safe and respectful region for visiting women to navigate alone.

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