If you’re already dreading cool temperatures, dark mornings, and grey skies, now is the time to book a South Pacific winter escape.
The South Pacific is a treasure trove of idyllic islands, resort towns, friendly cultures, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, romantic getaway or an action-packed adventure, this region of the world offers something special for every sun seeker.
To help you narrow down your choices, here are six of our favourite South Pacific winter escapes.
1. Cook Islands and Rarotonga
Home to friendly and welcoming people, postcard-perfect beaches, and a famously relaxed lifestyle, Rarotonga and the Cook Islands are an ideal destination for an NZ winter escape. Spend a week here and you’ll feel like you’ve been away for a month, especially if you head to the remote island of Aitutaki. Located just four hours from Auckland, getting here is easy, and you won’t even need to remember to change money at the airport: Rarotonga and the Cook Islands use New Zealand currency.
2. Honolulu
Goodbye New Zealand winter, hello Honolulu. The capital city of Hawaii, this vibrant and sunny destination has it all: picturesque surf beaches, stunning resorts, buzzing shopping centres, and an abundance of bars, cafes and restaurants. Whether you love spending your days at the beach, shopping up a storm, wining and dining, or soaking up history and culture, there’s something for everyone at this tropical urban paradise.
3. Vanuatu
With its ancient rainforests, beautiful beaches, and impressive waterfalls, Vanuatu offers stunning scenery at every step. You’ll quickly fall in love with the laidback lifestyle and friendly people of this archipelago, which spans across more than 80 islands. Spend your days snorkelling, sun-basking, and enjoying fine hospitality at one of many five-star resorts.
4. Fiji
Arguably one of the most well-known South Pacific gems, Fiji is incredibly popular – and for good reason. With its sunny climate, charming people, and abundance of resorts, Fiji ticks all the right boxes for an NZ winter escape. Many of our customers return to Fiji again and again because of its warm hospitality and beautiful weather. And, at just over three hours from Auckland, this holiday destination is as convenient as it is beautiful.
5. Tonga
Many Tongans say time starts here, as this little nation is located close to the International Date Line. But with so many beautiful beaches and landscapes to enjoy and admire, you’ll probably find you’ll hardly look at the clock. In Tonga, it’s amazing how quickly you adapt to ‘island time’ and leave the rushing world of deadlines and schedules behind.
6. Samoa
If it’s untouched beauty you’re after, Samoa is the South Pacific winter escape for you. Much of Savai’i (Samoa’s main island) is uninhibited, which means it’s a nature-lovers paradise. Think magnificent waterfalls and secluded beaches and lagoons. Here, it’s possible to truly disconnect from your life back home and live moment by moment.
Whether you’re drawn to the bustling beauty of Honolulu or the laidback lifestyle of Tonga, we can help you plan your perfect New Zealand winter escape. Find out more about these stunning South Pacific destinations or contact us to start planning your sunny getaway today.
