Pacific Explorer

[Australia] Day 1: Arrive in Brisbane

Arrive in Brisbane and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. No meals or activities included today. Overnight Novotel Brisbane Airport or similar.

If you would like to spend longer in BNE, we can look at alternative accommodation.

 [Micronesia] Day 2: Brisbane – Pohnpei 

The day is at leisure until your overnight flight to Pohnpei, Micronesia

 Suggested flight – Nauru Airlines ON41 dep. 2210, arr. 1130+1

 [Micronesia] Day 3: Arrive Pohnpei

On arrival in Pohnpei you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon visit the ruins of Nan Madol, once the ceremonial and political hub of the Saudeleur Dynasty. The evening is at leisure. You may wish to visit the Hideaway restaurant for dinner (payable locally) before returning to the hotel. Overnight Island Palms Hotel or similar.

 [Micronesia – Nauru] Day 4: Fly to Nauru

This morning we drive through Kolonia past colonial landmarks including the German Bell Tower, Spanish Wall and Kolonia downtown before heading to the airport for your flight to Nauru.

 Suggested flight – Nauru Airlines ON42 dep. 1150, arr. 1935

 On arrival in Nauru you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight Menen Hotel or similar (B)

 [Nauru] Day 5: Nauru Circle Tour

Today we explore Nauru. Highlights include Buada Lagoon, the Coral Pinnacles of Nauru’s phosphate era along the coast, as well as exploring where phosphate was mined. We also see the Government building and commercial centre of Nauru. There will be a lunch stop during the tour (payable locally). Overnight Menen Hotel or similar (B)

 [Kiribati] Day 6: Nauru – Tarawa

Early morning transfer for your flight to Tarawa, Kiribati.

 Suggested flight – Nauru Airlines ON23 dep. 0515, arr. 0630

 On arrival in Tarawa you will be met and transferred to North Tarawa, first to Chatterbox Café . We then visit a clam farm and local village. Overnight Tabontekeeke or similar (LD)

Note – depending on the tides, lunch will either be at Chatterbox café or your accommodation.

 Note: Accommodation at Tabon Te Kee Kee Eco Lodge consists of traditional style buias (huts) which offer simplistic, comfortable living.

 Each hut is a pandanus wood structure with a locally thatched roof and raised floor, ideally suited to the island climate with cooling ocean breezes and shade. Most buias are land-based. In addition, there are 2 overwater buias to accommodate couples and larger parties which subject to availability maybe allocated to the group. Kindly note that we are unable to guarantee a particular type of buias in advance of your arrival.

 Kiribati

The passing centuries have had little impact on Kiribati's outer islands, where people subsist on coconuts, and seafood. The country has a total land area of 800 sq. km (310 sq. mi) but, incredibly, its 33 atolls and islands are spread over 3.5 million sq. km (1,350,000 sq. mi) of ocean. In fact, Kiribati is the only country in the world to fall into all four hemispheres, straddling the equator and extending into the eastern and western hemispheres. Today’s climate change projections predict that the ocean could swallow this country whole by the end of the century.

 Kiribati has been inhabited by Micronesians speaking the same Oceanic language thought to stretch as far back as 3000 BC. Throughout history arrivals from Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji have impacted the cultural landscape. Intermarriage tended to blur cultural differences and resulted in a significant degree of cultural homogenization. Within these islands a Micronesian culture developed, and it was also infused with elements from Polynesian and Melanesian societies. Chance visits by European ships occurred in the 17th and 18th centuries, as these ships attempted circumnavigation of the world, or sought sailing routes from the south to the north of the Pacific Ocean. Kiribati became independent from the United Kingdom in 1979, and today is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the IMF and the World Bank, and became a full member of the United Nations in 1999.

 The population is just over 130,000, 2/3 of whom live on Tarawa Atoll. This is one of the world's poorest and least developed countries and has few natural resources. Commercially viable phosphate deposits were exhausted at the time of independence, and today copra and fish represent the bulk of production and exports. In one form or another, Kiribati earns a large portion of its income from abroad (fishing licenses, development assistance, and worker remittances)

 [Kiribati] Day 7: South Tarawa, Kiribati

After breakfast transfer to South Tarawa, home to the largest concentration of the population, the seat of government and commercial centres. A half day tour takes in all the points of interest and the main sites including the museum and Parliament House. Overnight Utirerei Hotel or similar (BL)

 [Kiribati] Day 8: South Tarawa, Kiribati

Today we enjoy a half day sightseeing tour to explore the sites and hear the stories of one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific during World War II. Explore relics of the battle, view the landing sites, and visit memorials to the battle and the lives lost. In the evening experience traditional dance.  Overnight at Utiterei Hotel or similar (BL)

 [Samoa] Day 9: Tarawa – Apia, Upolu, Samoa

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Apia, Samoa via Nadi.

 Suggested flight – Fiji Airways FJ230 dep. 1150, arr. 1455

 Arrive in Nadi where you will be transferred to the Gateway Hotel for a day-use room before heading back to the airport for the flight to Apia.

 Suggested flight – Fiji Airways FJ253 dep. 2215, arr. 0110+1

 [Samoa] Day 10: Apia, Upolu

Early arrival into Apia where you will be met and transferred to the hotel. After some rest and breakfast, you will be picked up around 1130 to drive to Robert Louis Stevenson’s Museum.  Situated in the hills south of Apia, and originally his home, this museum with its spectacular setting, showcases and preserves the memories and lifestyle that drew him and his family to Samoa.  We then visit the Samoa Cultural Village including tattooing, traditional cloth making (siapo), traditional dancing and cooking. Overnight Taumeasina Hotel or similar (B)

 [Samoa] Day 11: Savaii

Early pick up for departure on the 08:00 ferry to Savai’i. On arrival in Savai’i start a tour of the island. Highlights include the island’s colourful market, Taga Blowholes and surrounding area, tapa making demonstration and Afua’au falls. We return to our hotel in time for Fiafia night at the hotel – dinner and a show with Samoan fire dancers. Overnight Taumesina Hotel or similar (BD)

 [Samoa] Day 12: Apia, Upolu

Today explore southwest Upolu. We visit Bahai Temple of worship and its gardens, Continue to Sopoaga Falls where you will be given a cultural demonstration before we head to Sinalei Reef for lunch (payable locally). After lunch we visit To Sua Ocean Trench in Lotofaga Village. To Sua translates as ‘big hole’ – here you will see a natural deep swimming hole surrounded by lush tropical foliage where there is the option of a swim (must be able to climb down a 30m ladder). En route back to the hotel we stop at Le Mafa Pass (1700ft above sea level) which has breathtaking views of the East and South coastlines. Dinner and overnight at Taumeasina Resort or similar (BLD)

 [Tonga] Day 13: Apia, Upolu – Tonga

Today we take a scenic tour of the Southeast of Upolu visiting Mulinuu historic monuments and parliament house, city markets and university hall before transferring to the airport for a flight to Tonga, via Nadi.

 Suggested flight – Fiji Airways FJ254 dep. 1655, arr. 1800

 There is an option to spend the transit time at Gateway Hotel near Nadi aiport before the flight to Tonga.

 Suggested flight – Fiji Airways FJ213 dep. 2200, arr. 0025+1

 [Tonga] Day 14: Arrive Tonga

Arrive in Tonga just after midnight and transfer to your hotel. After some rest 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 15: 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 (B)

 [Vanuatu] Day 16: Tonga – Port Vila

Early morning departure to Port Vila, via Nadi.

 Suggested flight – Fiji Airways FJ212 dep. 0540, arr. 0615

 On arrival in Nadi take a morning city tour before an afternoon flight to Port Vila.

 Suggested flight – Fiji Airways FJ263 dep. 1430, arr. 1605

 On arrival in Port Vila you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight Holiday Inn or similar.

 Vanuatu

With a population of approximately 221,000, Vanuatu boasts 113 distinct languages and innumerable dialects. This makes it one of the most culturally diverse countries on earth, a result of thousands of years of sporadic immigration from many Pacific countries.  Over the millennia, natural boundaries such as large open stretches of water, dense jungle, and mountainous terrain, isolated many groups from each other, even those from the same ethnic origins. And isolation bred not just warfare, but quite different, sophisticated societies and political systems.

 [Vanuatu] Day 17: Tanna Island

Transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Tanna Island (Air Vanuatu, dep. 1100, arr. 1140). On arrival we will be met and taken to our accommodation to check in and refresh before setting out to visit Lowinio, a village of the Yakel tribe and of cultural interest.  Untouched by western influence for thousands of years this primitive friendly village will capture your hearts and imagination as they step you back in time to discover what few tourists in the world get to experience. We then visit the World’s largest Banyan Tree.  Over 200m around its girth this tree and environment is not be missed.  Welcome to swing within it on its immense vines. Overnight White Grass Resort or similar (B)

 [Vanuatu] Day 18: 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 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 (B)

 [Vanuatu] Day 19: 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 20: 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)

 [Solomon Islands] Day 21: Honiara

Morning at leisure before you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Honiara.

 Suggested flight – Solomon Airlines IE723 dep. 1150, arr. 1505

 On arrival into Honiara you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight Coral Sea Resort or similar (B)

 Solomon Islands

Just 9 degrees south of the equator, the Solomon Islands are comprised of 992 islands, of which 147 are inhabited. These islands stretch 900 miles in a south-easterly direction from the Shortland Islands, on the border with Papua New Guinea, to the Santa Cruz Islands, which border Vanuatu. The archipelago covers an area of 461,000 sq. km made up of deeply forested mountainous islands and low-lying coral atolls. The Solomon Islands are part of the Melanesian group of islands that also includes Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and Fiji.

 Archaeological and linguistic evidence shows that hunters and gatherers from Southeast Asia first settled the Solomon Islands, with seafarers following later, and it is believed that early Papuan speaking settlers began arriving around 3,000 BC. Austronesian speakers arrived in 4,000 BC. Today between 70 and 80 percent of the population live a subsistence way of life, often away from the main urban centres. The number of local languages listed for the Solomon Islands is greater than 75. Communal, clan and family ties remain strong in these islands with the existence of the Wantok system. A key part of the Melanesian culture, Wantok means people from the same language groups who are blood relatives and part of the extended family, support and assist one another. Traditional practices are still being followed, especially by those living in the interior of the country's larger islands. Off the beaten path, village life remains much as it has been for centuries. Entering the totally unique environment of the islands of the Solomons is a richly rewarding experience. Without doubt, this is one of the few remaining truly unspoilt tourist destinations left in the world.

 [Solomon Islands] Day 22: 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)

 [Papua New Guinea] Day 23: Mount Hagen

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

 Suggested flight

Air Niugini PX081 dep. 1140. Arr. 1300 (Honiara – 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)

 [Papua New Guinea] Days 24-26: 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 vikllages include the Huli and Mulpa tribes. Overnight Rondon Ridge or similar (BLD)

 Day 27: Departure from Port Moresby or 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.

**Note*** we can end the tour in Port Moresby and have you international flights to Brisbane and from Port Moresby**