Azure Atolls fr. Papeete to Auckland with Stay, 2 January 2026 (23 nights)

If you’re looking for a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of Papeete’s city centre, then heading to the Gardens of Paofai is far from a bad idea. Beautifully landscaped gardens in the heart of this vibrant city, this wooded area is the ideal destination to take a stroll in the shade or sit and relax. You’ll find a few ornamental fish ponds to admire here too, with the walking trails taking you to several spaces that offer a tranquil serenity. This is the ideal place to sit and enjoy the laid-back coastal ambiance here.

The Papeete Market is a vibrant marketplace in the heart of the capital, and the perfect place to spend some time if you want to soak up some of the culture and cuisine that make this region so unique; here, among the busy stalls, you’ll find a variety of local foods and produce alongside hand-crafted artwork from all the archipelagos that make up French Polynesia – not just Papeete and Tahiti. If you’d rather admire from a distance, you’ll find somewhere to sit and sip on a coffee here, too.

Offering visitors a comprehensive look at pearls, including the process of collecting them and the legends associated with these unique cultured gems, the Robert Wan Pearl Museum is a truly fascinating place to visit when in Papeete. Immersing you in the intriguing world of pearls, with an exploration of historic individuals who held an affinity for pearls, how pearls are farmed around the world, and what it takes to spot the perfect pearl yourself, you’ll leave the Robert Wan Pearl Museum with a new appreciation for these interesting gemstones.

A small park in central Papeete, Bougainville Park is a beautiful spot to stroll when exploring this interesting city. Here, you’ll find tree-covered walkways and picturesque plant-life to admire. Once somewhere where important festivities and celebrations took place, perhaps most notably when King Pomare V ceded the islands to France in 1880, this park is now positioned as a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of this port city’s busier streets.

Just off the coast of Moorea, in the clear shallow waters around Papetoai, you’ll find an interesting collection of tiki sculptures – each of which stands between 1.5 metres and 2 metres tall. Created and placed by a local artist in 1998, as a tribute to the Polynesians who were obliged by missionaries to cast their religious symbols into the sea, this is a fascinating sight and one that highlights an important part of Polynesian culture and history. You can venture out and find these yourself, as they’re not far from the coast, but embarking on a guided tour will make that feat a lot easier.

Just one of the numerous beaches you’ll find in Moorea, Plage de Ta’ahiamanu is the perfect place to unwind when visiting this idyllic paradise. While here, you’ll never be too far from refreshments, and you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere here. With dramatic rainforest-covered mountain peaks in the background, and sparkling clear waters before you, there are certainly worse places to spend some time soaking up the sunshine.

If you’re looking for breathtaking views of Moorea’s inspiring landscapes, you’ll find plenty along the Three Pines Pass – which will take you to the Three Pines Lookout. A relatively easy, but wholly rewarding, hiking trail, this route will take you into the luscious heart of Moorea along the foot of an ancient caldera. When you arrive at the lookout point, you’ll be met with unrivalled views of Opunohu Valley and the pineapple fields that litter the island. Along the way, you’ll also spot several unique plants and some interesting wildlife – with eagle-eyed hikers even able to spot archeological ruins among the trees.

Known as a secret spot on the island, the beautiful nature reserve was once home to a hotel. Now a popular place to explore away from the hustle and bustle, many people choose to kayak here on the crystal clear waters or to unwind on the golden sands of the beach.

Located on the southern top of the island, the Anini Mara’e ruins were constructed of huge coral blocks. Not only is this a popular place to explore because of the structure, but because of the shallow reef and pretty beach that’s located nearby.

A great place to start your snorkelling adventure from, Coral Beach is quite a hidden treasure on the island. Within easy reach of the port, Coral Beach is a gateway to the natural beauty of Huahine.

When in Bora Bora, scuba diving is a must. With a thriving marine life, filled with tropical fish and impressive colourful coral reefs, scuba diving in Bora Bora will be unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

Surrounded by palm trees and other local vegetation, Matira Beach boasts white sand and beautiful water. The ultimate place to unwind whilst stopping off in Bora Bora, the beach is popular for its calm waters and the abundance of watersports that are available nearby, from scuba diving to jet skiing.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for an opportunity to hike during your time in Bora Bora, there are plenty of hiking trails available throughout the island. One in particular that is popular with tourists is the Mount Pahia summit trail. Standing at an elevation of 661 metres above sea level, the views you’ll get from the summit will take your breath away.

To get a true taste of local cuisine, head to the bustling Punanga Nui Market. A vibrant open-air market, not only are fresh fruits and vegetables sold here, but handicrafts and live folk music is performed here.

A picturesque botanical garden in the Takitumu District, the Maire Nui Gardens boasts a wide variety of plantlife, a cafe and other beautiful attractions. A peaceful and tranquil attraction, if you’re wanting to be immersed into nature, there’s no better place to visit than Maire Nui.

If you want to learn more about the local marine life of the Cook Islands, this attraction is a must visit. From coconut cabs to turtles and stonefish, this fascinating centre is suitable for tourists of all ages.

Blunts Point Battery is a fascinating site to visit when in Pago Pago, and it tells an interesting story, despite never really being used. Located on Matautu Ridge, just a stone’s throw from Pago Pago, Blunts Point Battery was built as part of the island-wide fortifications developed following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. It’s a rare example of an American Second World War Pacific coastal gun in near-pristine condition, as American Samoa was never actually attacked during the war. However, as one of the only American military bases in the western Pacific, Pago Pago and American Samoa played a pivotal role in the Second World War. While both Blunts Point Battery and further fortifications built into the hillside beneath it are open to the public, the hiking trail to reach these sites is something to consider if you’re wanting to visit. It might sound like a lot of effort, but that effort is worthwhile – if anything, just to see the stunning views from the battery itself.

Rainmaker Mountain is truly a sight to behold, and something you can’t miss when visiting Pago Pago. Also known as Mount Pioa or Mount Peiva, Rainmaker Mountain boasts a three-pronged summit and finds itself directly responsible for the increased rainfall the region enjoys throughout the year. Home to numerous rare species of animal and plant, the mountain is also an important part of Samoan folklore, with Rainmaker Mountain a once-angry brother who now stands brooding – with rainclouds around his head – across Tutuila Island from Matafao Peak – the other brother, and another breathtaking mountain you can see when visiting Pago Pago.

A fascinating museum dedicated to the culture and history of American Samoa, the Jean P. Haydon Museum boasts an incredible collection of authentic canoes, coconut-shell combs, native pharmacopoeia, and more. It’s even home to a naval cannon from HHMS Kaimiloa, the only warship in the fleet of King Kalakaua of Hawaii. The exhibits you’ll find here focus on everything from the natural history of the region and kava bowls to traditional tattooing and historic war clubs. If you’re looking to learn more about American Samoa and its people, this is a must-visit destination in Pago Pago.

If you want to learn more about Samoan culture while visiting Apia, the captivating Samoa Cultural Village is the perfect place to go. Offering you a fascinating insight into the historic culture you’ll find here, this experience will give you a chance to watch traditional dances, sample traditional cuisine, and learn more about the time-honed crafting techniques practiced here. In the heart of Apia, you won’t have to travel far to find this fun and interactive experience.

Found in a secluded area just a stone’s throw from Apia Port, the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve is the perfect place to discover the region’s tropical marine life. Here, you’ll have the chance to hire some snorkeling gear and see the incredible fish and coral here first-hand; however, it’s also a fantastic place for a swim or sun lounging – you’ll also find toilets and changing rooms here. So, even if you’re not sure about snorkeling, the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve is well-worth taking the time to visit.

Among the tallest waterfalls in Samoa, and home to a breathtaking vantage point, Papapapaitai Falls is a fantastic place to visit if you’re looking to stretch your legs while in Apia. Standing tall at around 100 meters, the untouched rainforest surrounding this stunning natural landmark gives the area an unusual sense of mystery – while also highlighting the vibrant natural life that thrives here. It’s one of the most photographed areas in Samoa for a reason, but you really have to see it yourself to appreciate just how stunning it is.

Established in 1872, the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park is part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy – a network of forest conservation programmes developed in 2015 to help protect the natural landscape of Commonwealth countries – and a stunningly beautiful palace to visit when in Suva. Home to a variety of hiking trails, the opportunity to swim, and plenty of birds to spot with your binoculars, everyone can enjoy spending some time here. Among the native flora here, of which there is a lot to admire, you’ll also find some African Mahogany, which was planted here throughout the 1940s and 1950s.

A rather recent addition to the architecture of Suva, having only been completed in 2000, the Suva Fiji Temple is a remarkable temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the first of its kind to be built in Fiji. Designed with traditional designs and styles in mind, it’s located at one of the highest points in the city and features a 72-foot tall spire. With subtle nods to the local culture alongside the broader symbolism utilised by the Church, it’s a sight worth seeing and stands out against much of Suva’s other architecture.

Sitting in the heart of Suva’s Thurston Gardens, stunning botanical gardens worth visiting in their own right, the Fiji Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning more about Fiji and Fijian culture. It’s home to the most important collection of Fijian artefacts in the world, with exhibitions showing off a variety of items of historic importance – from authentic canoes and objects related to cannibalism, to contemporary artwork and more.

This beautiful attraction boasts subtropical islands and an impressive variety of exotic parrots. In the attraction you can get up close and personal with the birds, take pictures and explore their habitats.

This breathtaking attraction is a single waterfall that’s located on the Kerikeri River. Surrounded by a variety of flora and fauna, including basalt and mudstone, it makes for a tranquil adventure whilst in the Bay of Islands.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds showcases New Zealand’s history and is considered to be a national treasure. Offering an interactive experience, two museums, cultural performances and guided tours, this fun attraction is perfect for all the family.

Situated in the heart of the city, the Sky Tower is the tallest building in New Zealand. In the Central Business District, this popular attraction stands an impressive 328m tall. An icon of the skyline, you can take in breathtaking views from the top of it.

Spanning over 16 hectares, the Auckland Zoo is also located in the centre of the city. Over 100 years old, it’s home to 2,800 animals and over 130 different species. With so many different exhibits to see, this captivating attraction is a wonderful place to visit regardless of who you’re travelling with.

Auckland Botanic Gardens spans an impressive 156 acres, including 10 hectares of forest. Opened in 1982, it attracts over 1 million visitors each year due to its vast plant life. A beautiful attraction, this historic botanic garden is located in Manurewa.