We are starting to plan a trip for next year. We would like to go to one of the islands in the south pacific. Do not have a clue. Have read about Bora,Bora and Moorea. What other destinations are good. We like some activity and not total isolation. Any advice? Also we could do New Zealand. We hear that is wonderful. You can e-mail me with ideas. Thanks, Zo

Dear Zo,

I just got back from Bora Bora. It is isolated from the rest of the world, but has lots to do. Snorkelling, parasailing, jet ski tours, outrigger BBQ tours, shark feeding, manta ray watching, biking, jogging, tennis if you're at a big hotel. It's a great place to stay 3 days, then onto another island. Moorea is nice and shouldn't be missed, but Huahine is beautiful and very relaxing after you've expensed all your energy and let's not forget the most important, your money. You better kiss it good bye as soon as you land at Papeete. If you choose a hotel to stay in Papeete it better be close to the airport FAAA. Taxi fares to the city are $20-30 and it's not a long drive. Taxis don't have meters so don't pay if you think it's to high. Bargain with them. Remember all those activities I mentioned. Plan on $50-$100 per person to enjoy them. Except biking and jogging. Jogging's free, bikes anywhere from $4-6 an hour. Mopeds are $50 for 2 hours. Food on the islands $30-60 depending if you drink. I became a teetotaller because it was just too expensive to drink my money. I'd rather eat. Another island is Maupiti. Savage and wild. It's back to nature and full board is suggested. Nothing to do here but snorkel and work on your tan. The sun is brutal.
Great place French Polynesia, but really expensive. It was worth it! Ciao

I have been to the South Pacific many times. I was
not born in Fiji, but my family goes back there. I
have been there many times and it is great. It is
not isolated and the people there are very freindly.
As for activities, it offers many of the items
such as snorkeling, scuba, jet skis, deep sea
fishing and all the other water sports.
There are many islands to explore. The
best part is that most of the locals speak english.
The main towns are Suva, Nadi, and Lautoka. I would
say they have most all of the modern features that
can be hoped for. Infact, I am going back in a
month from now.
New Zealand is another place I just love. It is
very beautiful and laid back. I enjoyed Auckland and
Rotorua (spelling)
If you go to Auckland, try and stay in Parnell. It
is an area that is British and quaint. I always
stay at the Barrycourt. it is very clean and
inexpensive. The staff are very friendly. Parnell
has a wonderful charm about it. It boasts many
different restaurants and cuisine.
Good luck in your seach for a destination
Sam

I have been to the South Pacific many times. I was
not born in Fiji, but my family goes back there. I
have been there many times and it is great. It is
not isolated and the people there are very freindly.
As for activities, it offers many of the items
such as snorkeling, scuba, jet skis, deep sea
fishing and all the other water sports.
There are many islands to explore. The
best part is that most of the locals speak english.
The main towns are Suva, Nadi, and Lautoka. I would
say they have most all of the modern features that
can be hoped for. Infact, I am going back in a
month from now.
New Zealand is another place I just love. It is
very beautiful and laid back. I enjoyed Auckland and
Rotorua (spelling)
If you go to Auckland, try and stay in Parnell. It
is an area that is British and quaint. I always
stay at the Barrycourt. it is very clean and
inexpensive. The staff are very friendly. Parnell
has a wonderful charm about it. It boasts many
different restaurants and cuisine.
Good luck in your seach for a destination
Sam

Visited Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora the second time. I used Frommers "South Pacific", turned out to be very accurate about its assessment. (sorry Fodors...)

Tahiti: you may want to skip Tahiti altogether depending on time limit (thus $$$) and what you are looking for. No much barrier reef or lagoons, lots of people. We stayed at Tahiti mostly because of awful flight schedule to and from US. Gauguin museum on the other side of island is kept fair, but major works were elsewhere. Couldn't stand that garbage burning stench at night.

Moorea: Decent around the island road with few cars, worth renting a car, mostly small French stick shifts only. Decent barrier reef around still mostly intact island, thus good lagoons. We took a boat from Tahiti first time - got sea sick. Flew a puddle jumper this time - quick and great view of Tahiti and Moore on the way. Stayed at Parkroyal, mostly because of large enough bangalow for a party of 4. Would have stayed at Sofitel if smaller party.

Bora Bora: This is what you think of a tropical coral reef island. Barrier reef with mostly sunk island in the middle, large lagoons the motus (small atoll like islands.) Snorkeling, sailing, feeding tropical fish, etc. Did sunset sail off Hotel Bora Bora. Wish have gone to day sailing trip to a motu. Barrier reef trip is not recommended unless you are absolutely sure of calmness (what you see on promotion video.) It is very had to see how stormy it is from the shore. We have been terrified to be on the reef on the day we visited because of extremely strong surface current pushing us off the reef into the lagoon.

Rangiora and Huahine: wish had time and $$$ to go.

Inter Island flight. When taking off Moore heading North and if the plane is taking off South, then you must sit at right side of the plane for a breathtaking view of the Moorea's high peaks literally outside of your window. Interisland flight seats are not reserved.

Cost: We figured that while hotels were pricey, they were not greatly over luxury hotels in Hawaii. What got $$$ pouring out of wallets were food and excursions. $6 coke, $15 hamburgers, $8 milkshakes and yes, those "Buffet Gastronomique" when you were captive guests at an isolated hotel.