South Pacific Travel

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Welcome to South Pacific Travel, your essential podcast for exploring the beauty and diversity of the South Pacific islands. From the pristine beaches of Fiji and the overwater bungalows of Tahiti to the hidden gems of the Cook Islands and Vanuatu, we bring you insider tips, expert guides, and must-see experiences. Discover the best activities, cultural insights, and travel tips to plan your perfect island getaway. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, join us and start your journey through the South Pacific's paradise!

  1. 23H AGO

    Tour Managers Fiji: Destination Coordination for Groups, Culture, and Smooth Guest Journeys

    In this episode, we talk about Tour Managers Fiji and how destination coordination can make South Pacific group travel feel effortless—especially in Fiji, where multi-stop itineraries, events, and large guest lists can create complexity fast. If you want help building a Fiji plan that’s cohesive and calm, start at Far and Away Adventures.com and connect with our team at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand Schafer is joined by Natasha, General Manager of Weddings and Events at Tour Managers Fiji, to explore what they do and how they build guest experiences that feel organized while still feeling culturally rich. Natasha explains that their work begins right when travelers arrive, with meet-and-greet experiences designed to welcome guests and set the tone. She describes customized arrival options such as staff in traditional attire for a “wow factor,” and even arrival entertainment or serenading. For group travel, those touches are more than decoration—they help create a shared moment and a structured arrival flow that keeps the group connected and supported from the start. Normand asks about large group logistics, and Natasha notes that weddings and events—including the corporate market—are her specialty, and that these complex trips become manageable when planning is done early and clearly. That leads to the key operational takeaway of the episode: groups should book in advance and lock in the itinerary early, because waiting can lead to missed opportunities, especially with accommodations and key experiences. The conversation also highlights culture as a core design element through what Natasha calls “blue ribbon tours” (BRTs), which tap into Fiji’s culture and heritage so guests experience more than just the resort layer of the destination. We cover who Tour Managers Fiji works with, including FITs, couples, honeymooners, luxury travelers, and conferencing groups—showing that strong coordination can support both independent travelers and large-scale events. Seasonality is discussed as well, with low season (November to April) and high season (April to October), and Fiji’s winter travel window (end of May to early October) is mentioned as a popular period, including for weddings. Finally, Natasha outlines what can be bundled into a comprehensive plan: customized meet-and-greet, group transfers, tours, accommodations, and corporate event components. If you’re planning Fiji as part of a wider South Pacific travel goal, this episode shows how thoughtful coordination creates a smoother, more culturally connected journey.

    6 min

  2. 4D AGO

    Aranui 5 Beyond the Postcard: Languages, Island Life, and the Remote Marquesas & Australs (Ep. 6)

    In this episode, we talk about a South Pacific travel experience that’s equal parts cultural immersion and off-the-map exploration: the Aranui 5 freighter cruise in French Polynesia. To plan a trip like the one discussed here—built around real islands, real people, and smart logistics—visit Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com. Steven Tahhiva, an onboard guide, shares his 21-year journey with the Aranui company, starting in entry-level roles and moving through restaurant service, kitchen, bar, and reception before joining the guide team in 2010. That experience gives him a unique view of what makes the Aranui different: a crew culture that prioritizes safety, comfort, and connection, and a small-ship environment where passengers and crew can actually form relationships over the course of the voyage. Norm adds the perspective of returning across multiple sailings and how that continuity can make the ship feel like family. A major theme is communication—especially on a ship that welcomes guests speaking French, English, and German. Steven arrived with English, learned German onboard over the on boardyears, and credits both crew mentors and repeat passengers for helping him grow into someone who can present, translate, and guide with confidence. That language story becomes a metaphor for South Pacific travel done well: showing up with humility, learning as you go, and letting people shape your understanding of place. We also go island by island through the parts of French Polynesia that many travelers never reach. In the Marquesas, Steven highlights Nuku Hiva for variety and Fatu Hiva for dramatic landscape and hikes; Norm recalls long walking days and the reward of views like Virgin’s Bay. In the Austral Islands, we talk about places like Rurutu and Rapa, and why these remote communities and rugged topography can be so moving. You’ll also hear a powerful story of a passenger staying on Nuku Hiva with Steven’s family to experience daily life—capturing the Polynesian spirit of sharing. If you want help choosing the right South Pacific itinerary and getting the details right, Far and Away Adventures can match your travel goals to the best routing, timing, and extensions.

    21 min

  3. FEB 16

    Austral Islands Culture and History: What Archaeology Reveals About a Remote Polynesia (Ep. 5)

    In this episode, we talk about the Austral Islands with veteran archaeologist Mark Eddowes, exploring what archaeology reveals about Polynesian temples, settlement history, tiki traditions, and the living culture travelers encounter today. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are your best resources if you want to plan South Pacific travel that goes beyond scenery—travel that is culturally informed, respectful, and designed around the realities of remote island logistics. Normand Schafer interviews Mark onboard Aranui 5 while sailing in the Australs, and this conversation provides exactly the kind of deep context that helps travelers understand why these islands feel so different from more familiar South Pacific routes. Mark begins by explaining his academic pathway and how it brought him to French Polynesia: early interest in Māori history in New Zealand, graduate research on Polynesian marae temples, and then fieldwork in Tahiti’s Papenoo Valley through an international collaboration. He describes archaeology as work that often happens at the intersection of preservation and modern change, which is an important frame for South Pacific travelers. The episode then focuses on the Australs as part of a wider South Pacific story. Mark explains that the Austral Islands and the Cook Islands were historically one cultural and language zone, later divided into different territories, with historical trajectories separating from around 1900 onward. His work spans Rimatara, Tubuai, and Raivavae—surveying marae, excavating settlement sites, and researching tiki traditions. Raivavae stands out in particular: Mark explains that its tiki figures represent deified female ancestors, a unique cultural expression compared with other islands that emphasize male ancestors. Mark then describes what visitors notice when they arrive: the Australs remain natural and lightly developed, with small populations and a subtropical climate that feels fresher than Tahiti or the Marquesas. Daily life still revolves around plantations and fishing, supported by strong extended-family structures and a community solidarity that shapes how work and resources are shared. He also notes the importance of the cash economy and how artistry supports livelihoods. Women specialize in pandanus weaving—mats, hats, fans—and Mark highlights a modern renaissance in wood carving as young men study museum motifs and revive historic design traditions once suppressed by missionary influence One of the most practical sections of the conversation is Mark’s guidance on visitor behavior. He explains the concept of taboo and why marae remain sacred spaces even in Christian communities today. He advises visitors to observe and photograph, but not climb, touch, rearrange stones, or remove anything. He also notes that certain places—such as royal cemeteries—should be respected from outside only. Mark then expands into cultural etiquette: the Australs are conservative and strongly Protestant, and modest dress away from the beach is a sign of respect. The episode closes with standout discovery stories that illustrate how archaeology can reveal unexpected layers of history: a red volcanic tuff tiki tied to sacred symbolism of the color red across Polynesia, an ancestor figure found reused in a house alignment that suggests belief systems shifting during early conversion eras, and turtle petroglyphs that became visible only when a restored stone was upright and the sunset hit at the right angle. These stories not only deepen your understanding of the Australs—they also encourage a more thoughtful way of traveling across the South Pacific. When you’re ready to plan a culturally rich South Pacific journey, Far and Away Adventures can design and book an itinerary that fits your interests and respects the places you’re privileged to visit.

    29 min

  4. FEB 15

    Guadalcanal Province Spotlight: Culture by Region, Tenaru Falls, and WWII Landmarks

    In this episode, we talk about Guadalcanal Province in the Solomon Islands and why it deserves a closer look for travelers who want the South Pacific to feel deeper than just beautiful scenery. Far and Away Adventures.com is where you can start planning with expert help, and you can explore ideas at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand introduces Guadalcanal as a major cultural and historic region, then speaks with a guest connected to Guadalcanal tourism efforts about what visitors can do across the island—from village culture to waterfalls to WWII history. The episode begins with a practical frame: Guadalcanal is described as one of the larger islands in the Solomon Islands and home to Honiara, the national capital. But the key insight is cultural diversity inside the island itself. The guest shares that multiple languages are spoken on Guadalcanal and that traditions differ by region—particularly between western areas and central areas—so travelers can notice different ways of living and communicating as they explore. This matters for South Pacific travelers because it means you can create variety without overcomplicating the itinerary: you can experience contrasting cultures, landscapes, and daily life while still using Guadalcanal as a main base. One of the clearest ways to engage with that cultural variety is through village experiences. The guest highlights villages that are open to visitors, offering opportunities to see traditional crafts, learn about food preparation, and understand how communities grow food and maintain sustainable practices. For many travelers, these encounters are the difference between “seeing an island” and “meeting an island.” They add context to everything else—especially to history and nature experiences—because you understand how people live in relationship to the land. Nature is then presented as a major travel pillar. Tenaru Waterfall is highlighted as the biggest waterfall in the Solomon Islands and recommended as a standout attraction for visitors. The guest also notes coastal opportunities—beaches for swimming and relaxing, and ocean activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing. Inland, the conversation touches on mountain areas where hiking and caves can be part of the itinerary, including a cave site described as having thousands of bats and scenic waterfall surroundings nearby. For travelers mapping South Pacific destinations, this coast-plus-interior mix is a strong differentiator: Guadalcanal is not only a coastal destination; it’s also an inland adventure destination. Guadalcanal’s WWII significance is addressed directly. The guest describes the island as a major battleground and notes that travelers can visit memorials and historic areas around Honiara and beyond. The conversation references locations such as the Mount Austen area and memorial sites near central Honiara, plus the Henderson area near the airport, and additional places outside the capital where war relics remain visible. These history stops can be paced as short visits for context or expanded into more in-depth touring depending on traveler interest. If you’re building a South Pacific itinerary and want a destination that combines living culture, inland nature, and globally significant history, Guadalcanal belongs on your shortlist. Connect with a Far and Away Adventures specialist to plan a Guadalcanal-centered itinerary that balances village experiences, Tenaru Waterfall, coastal time, and WWII landmarks at a pace that feels both immersive and relaxed.

    8 min

  5. FEB 9

    How Aranui 5 Excursions Showcase Polynesia’s Heart—Marquesas, Tuamotus, Australs, and Beyond (Ep. 4)

    In this episode, we talk about Aranui 5 shore excursions with Lehi, including how included tours, optional add-ons, and island-to-island differences shape a South Pacific journey that feels deeply human. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are the best resources if you want help planning French Polynesia in a way that respects distances, embraces local rhythm, and matches your preferred activity level. Normand Schafer records this conversation onboard, and Lehi’s perspective—14 years guiding on Aranui—captures what many travelers struggle to describe: the South Pacific isn’t just beautiful, it’s warm, relational, and unforgettable when you travel in a way that lets the culture lead. Lehi begins by explaining the Aranui difference in simple terms: it’s a deluxe freighter cruise, and it doesn’t feel like other cruise ships in French Polynesia. A major reason is the shore program. Aranui includes excursions at every port, so each island day starts with something meaningful and well-coordinated—particularly important in remote places where transportation options are limited, and timing is influenced by ship operations. That baseline also makes it easier for travelers to choose optional upgrades selectively instead of feeling pressure to “buy the whole trip” one excursion at a time. The conversation paints the Marquesas days vividly. Nuku Hiva often begins the experience with a full-day safari-style outing using local four-wheel drives, visits to key sites such as a cathedral and archaeological areas, and a shared lunch ashore where locals welcome guests with music and dance. Lehi emphasizes the emotional difference he felt when he first arrived in the Marquesas: the greeting felt deeper than words, and the sincerity of the welcome stayed with him. That’s a powerful South Pacific travel lesson—each island group is related, but each expresses identity through its own language, customs, and tone of hospitality. Normand and Lehi expand the lens beyond the Marquesas into other parts of the region. In the Tuamotus, the topography can be flat and the experience more lagoon-centered, which naturally changes the excursion menu. In places like Rangiroa, Lehi mentions optional add-ons such as dolphin observation and glass-bottom boat-style outings, reflecting how some experiences fit best as upgrades even when core excursions are included. In Bora Bora, the trip can feature optional aquatic activities and a motu picnic that many guests remember as a celebratory highlight—especially because it often arrives near the end of the voyage when everyone feels bonded. The episode also touches on the Australs and even Pitcairn, focusing less on a checklist and more on what changes culturally and practically. Lehi notes that the biggest difference he feels is language, while the warmth and friendliness remain recognizable across Polynesia. He also points out how landscape changes the feel of the day: the Marquesas can be mountainous with hikes and big viewpoints, while other archipelagos offer gentler terrain or different kinds of exploration. That framing helps travelers plan honestly—choosing the sailing that matches what they want to do, not just what they want to see. Two practical themes run through the conversation: food and logistics. Meals ashore can be cooked differently than onboard, sometimes in traditional styles, but special dietary needs can still be supported by preparing meals onboard and bringing them along. Logistics can be challenging when guests rush, stand in the sun, and get stressed when transportation isn’t immediately visible. Lehi’s advice is implied but clear: slow down, stay comfortable, and let the island rhythm improve your day. If you want help choosing an Aranui 5 sailing and shaping a South Pacific plan that flows smoothly, Far and Away Adventures can handle the details so you can focus on the experience.

    17 min

  6. FEB 8

    Solomon Islands Spotlight: Guadalcanal History, Island Culture, and Nature Days

    In this episode, we talk about the Solomon Islands—especially Guadalcanal—as a South Pacific destination with a powerful blend of wartime history, cultural traditions, and outdoor experiences. Far and Away Adventures.com is where you can start planning with expert help, and you can explore ideas at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand interviews Sunila from Guadalcanal Travel Solomons about what travelers typically do, what they often miss, and how to shape a first trip so it feels complete. We start with Guadalcanal’s strong draw for many visitors: World War II history. Sunila describes popular touring around Guadalcanal and the Honiara region, where travelers can visit battlefield areas and see relics that help tell the Pacific story. Then we expand into cultural touring and why it matters to balance “sites” with experiences that reflect daily life and heritage today. Sunila shares examples like cultural performances and ceremonial experiences, and she explains how traditions and practices can vary across provinces—including the continued role of shell money in some communities. Next, we look at nature-focused planning. Sunila recommends waterfall trekking as a high-value addition to an itinerary and highlights Tenaru Falls as a memorable option. We also discuss the best general timing for travel and what the rainy season can mean for travelers who are hoping to do outdoor and boat-based activities. To wrap up, Sunila shares a “hidden gem” style experience: a full-day volcanic tour on Savo Island, reached by boat from Honiara, and why it stands out as something different from the typical WWII-first visit. If the Solomon Islands are on your list, this episode offers a practical plan: combine history, culture, and nature, and build an itinerary that flows. When you’re ready, a Far and Away Adventures specialist can help you design the right pacing and trip structure for the South Pacific.

    8 min

  7. FEB 2

    Aranoa in the Australs: Stabilizers, Dynamic Positioning, and a Freighter Cruise Future (Ep. 3)

    In this episode, we talk about one of the most exciting developments in Tahiti-region cruising: the upcoming Aranoa ship and what it could mean for exploring the Austral Islands in a way that’s both authentic and operationally purposeful. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are mentioned right away because French Polynesia travel often looks simple on a map but gets complex fast—especially when you add remote islands, limited infrastructure, and the need for smart pre/post planning. Normand Schafer sits down with Leo Colin from Aranui Cruises to discuss Aranui 5 and the Aranoa project. Leo shares why the company is committed to a combined passenger-and-cargo model and why that matters specifically in French Polynesia. On these routes, cargo isn’t hidden; it’s part of what passengers see and learn from. That “freighter cruise” component creates a different kind of travel memory: you’re not just consuming a destination—you’re observing how island life is sustained, what supplies arrive, and how communities remain connected across vast ocean distances. Leo explains that Aranoa is planned to keep the spirit of Aranui 5 while adapting to the realities of the Australs. The Austral Islands are less populated than the Marquesas, which affects supply volumes and therefore ship design. Leo describes a smaller ship than Aranui 5, with capacity aimed at a personal onboard feel and a strong crew presence. For travelers, that suggests a more intimate experience—while still grounded in the working-ship identity that makes Aranui voyages so distinctive. The episode gets into the details that matter to Tahiti planners: sea conditions and onboard comfort. Leo explains that the Australs can experience long, powerful swells depending on southern weather systems, and he talks about stabilizers planned for Aranoa to reduce rolling. He also describes dynamic positioning—technology that can hold a ship on station without anchoring. Beyond the technical novelty, this can be relevant for environmental impact, especially where anchoring areas are limited or where seabed protection is a priority. We also explore operational flexibility: Leo shares an example of a tsunami alert that required leaving a bay and waiting at sea until authorities cleared the situation, demonstrating how safety guidance and ocean reality can override the “perfect plan.” Another memorable moment involves a diesel delivery and a mechanical problem that became urgent because islands depend on these shipments for power generation and daily needs. These stories are why freighter cruising feels different: the voyage has purpose beyond passengers. Finally, Leo describes what it’s like to participate in bringing a ship to life—reviewing drawings, validating systems, and catching small problems early so crews aren’t forced into difficult fixes later. If you’re considering Aranui 5 now, or you’re watching Aranoa’s progress for a future Austral sailing, this conversation gives you practical insight without hype. When you’re ready to plan and book, Far and Away Adventures can help you align the sailing with the right island stays and extensions so your Tahiti-region trip feels cohesive.

    21 min

  8. JAN 26

    The Cargo Network Behind the Islands (Ep. 2) — How Aranui Connects Remote South Pacific Communities

    In this episode, we talk about the practical backbone of South Pacific island life—freight, cargo, and the maritime connections that keep remote communities supplied—and how Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com can help you plan a trip that matches the reality of the region. Normand interviews Charles, a second captain on the Aranui freighter cruise in French Polynesia, to explain why this voyage is such a compelling lens for understanding the South Pacific: you’re not only visiting islands, you’re watching how islands receive what they need and send exports back out. Charles describes Aranui as a hybrid that carries passengers while also delivering freight. Normand frames it as a “deluxe freighter cruise,” emphasizing that guests aren’t simply along for scenery; they’re alongside a working supply operation. This is a crucial South Pacific travel insight because many island chains share similar realities: there is often a main hub port, then a web of smaller islands that depend on regular shipping, careful timing, and adaptable operations. Seeing that process makes you appreciate why availability, pricing, and even daily life can vary dramatically from island to island. Charles explains that the ship may anchor and use cranes to load barges, which then take freight to shore. Normand shares how swell can make this operation feel intense to watch—especially when vehicles or heavy items are being transferred. Charles notes that certain times of the year bring more challenging conditions and that the crew must work with what the ocean gives them. That’s a key takeaway for anyone planning South Pacific travel: weather and sea conditions don’t just affect comfort; they can affect operations and timing. Charles also highlights the ship’s ability to manage deliveries with its own equipment—cranes, forklifts, and onboard systems—rather than depending on large-harbor infrastructure. He contrasts this with big cargo ships that commonly operate with pilots, tugs, and shore cranes in major ports. In remote settings, that kind of support may not exist, so the ship’s self-sufficiency becomes essential. For travelers, this reinforces why flexibility matters and why these routes are special: they exist because the vessel and crew are built to operate in places that don’t have big-port conveniences. The conversation becomes especially memorable when discussing the variety of cargo. Charles says large animals are among the strangest shipments—horses, cows, dogs—transported using ventilated containers placed on deck, with crew in charge of feeding and monitoring. Then he shares a story that captures the unpredictability of working routes: a shipment of sheep where one gave birth onboard, turning seven into eight by delivery time. This isn’t a novelty detail—it’s a reminder that the voyage is embedded in real community needs. Charles also discusses what moves back from the islands, including fruit exports from the Marquesas—lemons and large citrus (pamplemousse). Normand ties this into the wider regional network, with mentions of deliveries to places such as Rangiroa and Bora Bora and onward movement via refrigerated containers and smaller ships. For South Pacific travelers, this matters because it explains how goods are redistributed across island groups, especially where geography limits local agriculture. Understanding that network gives deeper meaning to what you see at ports and why a working freighter route can feel more culturally connected than a conventional cruise itinerary. If you want South Pacific travel that goes beyond beaches and viewpoints—travel that helps you understand how island communities function—Episode 2 is a perfect listen. And if you want expert planning that matches the reality of remote-island logistics, start with Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com to build an itinerary that respects the region’s rhythms while maximizing your time and comfort.

    22 min
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About

Welcome to South Pacific Travel, your essential podcast for exploring the beauty and diversity of the South Pacific islands. From the pristine beaches of Fiji and the overwater bungalows of Tahiti to the hidden gems of the Cook Islands and Vanuatu, we bring you insider tips, expert guides, and must-see experiences. Discover the best activities, cultural insights, and travel tips to plan your perfect island getaway. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, join us and start your journey through the South Pacific's paradise!

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