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Samoa

Just across the international dateline about halfway between Australia and North America, Samoa forms the heart of Polynesia. One of the last bastions of Polynesian culture, life among the majority of Samoa’s population of 160,000 has changed little and time honoured customs are a part of everyday life.

The country is made up of two main islands, Upolu (home to the capital of Samoa, Apia) and Savaii, the Big Island.

Upolu

Samoa’s most populous island offers a range of attractions both in and around Apia and beyond to the south coast. Apia has a rich colonial history and a range of restaurants and night spots.

A highlight is a visit to Vailima, the Samoan home of Robert Louis Stevenson. A visit to a local church on a Sunday should also not be missed. The beach resorts are located along the south coast whilst Apia hotels offer a great base from which to explore the island.

Savaii

Across to the north-west of Upolu lies Samoa’s ‘big island’ of Savaii. Easily accessed by a 75 minute ferry ride, Savaii is a must for any visitor wishing to explore the real Samoa. You’ll find the pace easy and gentle – even compared with Upolu! Coral Seas recommends at least 2-3 nights on Savaii to allow enough time to see the main attractions. On Savaii you will generally stay in simple bungalow (fale) accommodation.

Samoa offers the visitor a very special holiday experience. There are kilometres of white sand beaches, waterfalls and traditional villages with unique people and culture. We suggest you try to spend some time on both islands to really appreciate your Samoan holiday.

How do we get there?

Air New Zealand offers regular flights from Australia, via Auckland. Polynesian Blue offers a direct service from Sydney to Samoa three times a week, with domestic connections from Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Did you know that?

• The international dateline means Samoa is the last country on earth to see the sun set
• Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, spent the last four years of his life in Samoa

When in Samoa you must:

• Ride the waves with great surf beaches in Samoa
• Hire a car and explore the beautiful beaches and countryside
• Swim with turtles on the island of Savaii

Tonga

Right on the international dateline, just under 3 hours flight north-east of New Zealand lies the Kingdom of Tonga, the Pacific’s only monarchy and the only group of islands never to have been colonised by Europeans. The Kingdom of Tonga comprises 170 islands, 37 of which are inhabited. The three main island groups are Tongatapu (home of the capital Nuku’alofa) in the south, Ha’apai in the centre and Vava’u in the north.

Tongans are friendly easy going people with a strong sense of family and church. Each island group offers its own attractions. The main island of Tongatapu is home to the Royal Palace, flying foxes, blow holes and the ancient Ha’amonga Trilithon.

How do we get there?

Air New Zealand offer regular flights to Tonga via Auckland and Pacific Blue offers a direct service from Sydney twice a week with domestic connections from Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.

When in Tonga you must:

• Go swimming with the whales off Vava’u and Ha'apai
• Visit the huge monument of Ha’amonga, dubbed the Stonehenge of the South Pacific and other ancient structures
• Sail the pristine waters off Vava’u

Niue

Niue is a world away. In the heart of the South Pacific you’ll have everything you need to be more than comfortable, but you’ll also rediscover what’s been lost in this modern world. With a population of less than 2,000, Niue has an island charm that is maintained by friendly, welcoming locals.

Located north-east of New Zealand in a triangle between Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands, the island is only 3½ hours’ flight from Auckland.

An eco-tourist’s paradise, Niue has a wonderful climate and a plethora of natural attractions. The rugged coastline is framed by tropical rainforest and boasts a spectacular array of flora and fauna; the perfect backdrop for leisurely activities like fishing, biking and bush walking.

As one of the largest raised coral atolls in the world, spectacular opportunities abound in the waters around Niue. A series of reefs, canyons and caverns beneath the surface teem with the brilliant colour and diversity of fish life, and provide an exhilarating and memorable experience for novice or pro divers.

Swim with whales and dolphins. Walk through flocks of butterflies in virgin rainforest. Dive within spectacular underwater cathedrals. Discover tiny swimming coves teeming with coloured fish. Explore the most breathtaking caves and virgin forests with ease. Gaze upon breaching whales 80 metres from your breakfast table. Snorkel over bright corals in warm tropical water acclaimed as being amongst the clearest in the world.

Coral Seas South Pacific holidays

The South Pacific conjures up dreams of tropical islands with friendly people, clear crystal waters and a relaxed soothing ambience. At Coral Seas, the aim is to make your island dream come true!

The Coral Seas team shares a passion for the islands that enables it to offer the very best in holiday value and experience. Coral Seas offers holidays to suit all dreams, and all budgets. Browse through the brochure and let Coral Seas turn your dream into a holiday reality!

Coral Seas makes it easy to find your island holiday. To help you start, look for the holiday description that best matches your dream:

Romantic Retreats

Romantic Retreats caters specifically for couples, ensuring an environment where you can mix and mingle or simply enjoy the company of your friend or partner in a quiet tranquil setting.

For the Young at Heart

If you crave a little adventure in your holiday and are happy to forego some of the more luxurious touches in favour of local simplicity and hospitality, this is the holiday for you.

Something for Everyone

Something for Everyone caters for a variety of needs and are generally larger properties with a range of room types and activities, particularly for families. – to further assist you in making your holiday choice you’ll find a brief comment by our team about each property, which will give you a first hand feel for the property.