A holiday in the south pacific is perfect for Aussie families, you’ve never got far to go, you’ve always got lots to do, and you’ll always find a warm welcome. Here are our top 5 picks for South Pacific family-friendly holidays.
Tahiti
Many Tahitian hotels have fantastic family programs and kids clubs. Many Aussie families are choosing Tahiti as their new favourite destination, with activities to keep kids busy and parents relaxed and carefree.
Kids can go horse riding through the lush rainforests, snorkelling with tropical reef fish nand swimming with dolphins or sea turtles. Parents can enjoy exploring the islands on scooters with kids riding on the back seat, or take the young ones on their first helicopter ride to see the incredible islands and oceans by air. Air Tahiti Nui flights run year-round from many Aussie cities.
Cook Islands
To the east of Samoa and Tonga you’ll find the Cook Islands, a group of 15 beautiful islands that see Aussie families enjoying happy holidays all year round. Rarotonga, one of the two main islands, is surrounding by beautiful coral reefs that are a paradise for any kid interested in marine life or snorkelling.
Kids can go pony trekking, play mini golf, go on 4WD safaris, and swim in the crystal clear lagoon waters while parents stretch out on a white beach to catch some sun rays and relax. Captain Tama’s lagoon cruise is a must-do for families, a glass bottomed boat will take you through the lagoon waters to an island where you’ll be entertained and fed in traditional Cook Island style, and snorkelling is included.
Fiji
The Fijian locals are always happy to meet new travellers and introduce them to their island home. With over 300 islands making up Fiji there’s so much to explore, and you’ll have no trouble enlisting the help of a local to guide you and your family through all the best ways to help you do it.
Fiji is only about 4 hours flight time from Australia’s eastern coast, so lots of Aussie families are making their way across to discover this neighbouring paradise. There are so many activities for kids and all sorts of water sports that are bound to keep kids entertained and tucker them out after a long day of play. Being such a family friendly destination, many of the resorts have kids clubs that will allow you to relax while the kids are off exploring Fiji and learning about its culture, the history and the natural environment.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a group of over 80 islands, renowned for its stunning coral reefs and thriving tropical wildlife, from exquisite bird life to the spectacular reef fish that inhabit its crystalline waters. For any kids with a keen interest in wildlife, Vanuatu is a must-see.
There’s a wealth of local culture to be discovered, kids will love learning traditional songs and dances and enjoy elaborate feasts of local cuisine. They can also learn about traditional hunting and fishing methods, and even watch fire walking ceremonies. It’s a destination for wild little ones that will educate and entertain at once.
Samoa
Samoa consists of only ten islands, but each one has something unique to offer. There’s wild rainforest, volcanic peaks and sandy beaches to suit all sorts of family activities and tastes.
Kids will marvel at the To Sua Ocean Trench, a huge natural hole in Lotofaga with deep crystal-clear sea water at the bottom that makes the perfect swimming hole. Not far from To Sua there’s a lava field with a geyser and tide pools that are perfect for kids. There are natural caves and waterfalls too, and on Savai’i kids can swim with and feed turtles.
With any of these destinations you can’t go wrong, you’ll love the island life and your kids won’t want to leave. A South Pacific holiday is sure to impress the whole family and as soon as you’re the kids will be begging you to start planning the next one.
image credit goes to Sonja Pieper, Flickr