South Pacific Travel

The Ultimate Travel Podca
The Ultimate Travel Podca
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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. 1d ago

    How the Cook Islands Are Inspiring Sustainable Travel Through Art

    In this episode, we talk about sustainability, environmental awareness, and local creativity in the Cook Islands with Sabina from Circle Cook Islands. We also explore how Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com help travelers experience authentic South Pacific journeys that go beyond the typical island vacation. Sabina shares how she transformed a passion for environmental cleanup into an internationally recognized art business in Rarotonga. Using discarded plastics, candy wrappers, coffee sachets, inflatable toys, and other materials collected from around the island, she creates handcrafted bags and accessories that give rubbish a second life while spreading awareness about sustainability in the South Pacific. This conversation provides a fascinating look into the environmental challenges many island nations face. Remote destinations like the Cook Islands rely heavily on imported goods, which often results in significant plastic waste. Sabina explains how she began collecting rubbish during beach cleanups while operating a dive shop and eventually taught herself sewing and weaving techniques that allowed her to transform waste into functional works of art. We discuss the role travelers can play in supporting sustainable tourism by engaging with local communities, supporting island artisans, and making more environmentally conscious choices while traveling. Sabina’s story demonstrates how creativity and tourism can work together to create positive change while preserving the beauty of island destinations. Throughout the episode, Sabina describes the detailed process behind her work. Materials are cut, folded, woven, stitched, and combined with local design elements inspired by Cook Islands culture. No two bags are alike, and many contain personal stories or handwritten messages hidden within the lining. Her work has now earned multiple international awards recognizing both artistic creativity and environmental leadership. The conversation also highlights another side of the Cook Islands beyond luxury resorts and turquoise lagoons. Visitors to Rarotonga can explore local markets, meet craftspeople, and connect with community members whose work reflects the values and realities of island life. Experiences like these often create the strongest travel memories because they allow travelers to connect more deeply with the destination. Sabina’s message is ultimately one of hope and action. She encourages people to rethink waste, reduce unnecessary plastics, and realize that even small actions can contribute to protecting fragile island ecosystems. Her work reminds us that sustainability is not only about reducing rubbish but also about inspiring others to make thoughtful choices. Far and Away Adventures specializes in helping travelers experience the South Pacific through carefully designed itineraries focused on culture, sustainability, and authentic local experiences. Whether you are planning a Cook Islands escape, a Fiji vacation, or a broader South Pacific adventure, connecting with an experienced travel specialist can help create a smoother and more rewarding journey.

  2. Sep 27

    A Local Food and Island Life Story from the Cook Islands

    In this episode, we talk about one of the most revealing ways to understand a South Pacific destination: listen to the people who grow, supply, and sustain it. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are included near the beginning because this episode naturally leads listeners toward a more thoughtful style of trip planning. Normand Schafer meets Tupo Fica of Vitica Farms in the market and explores a side of the Cook Islands that many visitors only partly glimpse. Tupo Fica talks about growing coconuts, bananas, vegetables, fruit, and eggs in Rarotonga, and he explains why producing food locally matters in an island environment. He also shares his upbringing in Penrhyn and Manihiki, where life was oriented around the sea, and opportunities for farming were limited by geography. That contrast gives the episode real depth and makes his story of farming, fishing, diving, and community contribution especially compelling. There is discussion of sour sop juice, pig feed, egg demand, health, sport, and free diving, all tied together by a strong sense of practicality and pride. For South Pacific travelers trying to move beyond surface impressions and understand island destinations more fully, this is exactly the kind of local conversation that adds richness to a trip. Far and Away Adventures can help you plan a Cook Islands journey that includes those deeper layers of place, not just the scenery everyone sees first.

  3. Sep 20

    A Local Cook Islands Experience That Goes Beyond the Resort

    In this episode, we talk about one of the most important questions in South Pacific travel: how do you move beyond the resort and actually connect with the culture of a place? Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are included early because this episode naturally leads into exactly that kind of planning. Normand Schafer speaks with Namit Tua of Tumutoa Tours about a home-based cultural experience in Rarotonga that gives guests the chance to prepare traditional food, learn basic weaving, work with coconuts, eat the traditional way, and enjoy local music and a fire show. The episode makes clear that this is not a staged add-on. It is rooted in personal history, local tradition, and a sincere desire to share culture with visitors in a way that feels real. Namit Tua explains how his background, his upbringing, and his passion all shaped the experience, and he reflects on the feedback he receives from guests who often call it the highlight of their stay. This conversation is especially valuable for travelers comparing South Pacific destinations and trying to understand what makes one trip feel generic while another feels deeply memorable. If cultural connection matters to you as much as beach time, this episode offers an excellent example of how the right local experience can transform a vacation. Far and Away Adventures can help you build that kind of balance into your Cook Islands itinerary from the start.

  4. Sep 13

    Why the Cook Islands Still Feel Different

    In this episode, we talk about what gives the Cook Islands their distinctive feel in a region full of beautiful beaches and island escapes. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are included near the start because this conversation naturally leads into South Pacific trip planning. Normand Schafer’s interview with Tata Crocombe at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium is a great example of what many seasoned travelers are looking for in the South Pacific: easy access to nature, a strong cultural identity, warm hospitality, and a destination that does not feel swallowed up by large-scale tourism. The episode explores the protected lagoon in front of the resort, where visitors can snorkel among coral, tropical fish, and sea turtles, and it highlights how long-term local stewardship helped preserve that environment. There is also a discussion of the resort’s evolution over the years and the ways it serves both families and travelers seeking authentic island experiences. Just as important, the conversation moves into the broader appeal of Rarotonga and the Cook Islands as a whole: Island Night, traditional food, dance, drumming, local art, lagoon cruises, village hospitality, mountain views, church music, markets, and seasonal whale encounters. What makes this episode especially useful is the way it frames the Cook Islands not simply as a beach destination, but as a place for travelers who want to feel the character of the islands. If you are comparing South Pacific options and trying to figure out which destination best matches your style, this episode gives you a strong sense of why the Cook Islands earn such loyal repeat visitors. Reach out to Far and Away Adventures when you are ready to compare islands and build the right South Pacific trip with experienced guidance.

  5. Sep 9

    Why a Small Ship Changes a French Polynesia Cruise

    In this episode we talk about... how small-ship cruising can change the way travelers experience French Polynesia by bringing them closer to lagoons, island communities, and places larger vessels cannot reach. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com can help coordinate a South Pacific journey that combines Variety Cruises’ Panorama II with flights, accommodations, and additional island experiences. Normand Schafer interviews Thanos from Variety Cruises about the practical and personal differences created by a maximum capacity of just 49 guests. French Polynesia is spread across the Pacific, so seeing several islands can involve repeated transportation and accommodation changes. Panorama II offers another approach: unpack once and let the ship become a moving base. The interview covers seven-, ten-, and eleven-day itineraries beginning in Papeete and visiting places including Moorea. Longer versions can provide additional time and overnight stays, allowing the route to unfold at a more measured pace. Scale determines where the ship can go. While large cruise vessels may carry thousands of passengers, Panorama II can use secluded bays, reach areas away from the crowds, and anchor or dock closer to the places guests want to experience. Normand recalls seeing the vessel beside towering ships in Papeete and realizing that its smaller profile still contains the essential comforts needed for a cruise. Thanos explains that Variety Cruises designs, builds, and operates its small ships. Panorama II has comfortable upper decks, indoor spaces, and activities such as cooking, cocktail-making, and crafts. It does not attempt to compete through giant theaters or large entertainment complexes. Instead, excursions and immersion in the destination are at the center of the journey. That destination focus extends directly into the water. A platform lets guests swim from the ship when conditions and anchorage permit. Snorkeling equipment, paddling gear, canoes, and kayaks are available. The ship sits close enough to the sea that Normand compares the feeling to being aboard a yacht. Travelers can enjoy the access without being responsible for captaining or operating the vessel. The South Pacific rewards travelers who are willing to slow down, and the daily schedule reflects that. Some excursions and activities are included, while others are optional. Guests can choose sightseeing, snorkeling, walking, beach time, or relaxation. A chief experience officer gets to know individual preferences and helps people shape their day. Thanos describes the atmosphere as casual, laid-back, and less formal than a traditional large-ship cruise. Connection also happens onboard. A 49-passenger maximum creates opportunities for guests to meet one another, spend time with the crew, and share experiences without feeling lost in a crowd. Theme evenings may include people from Tahiti and French Polynesia sharing local customs. Thanos says Moorea is a personal favorite. He was first drawn to Bora Bora because of its famous name, but Moorea became especially meaningful. Even so, he says his greatest highlight is the connection with the people of the islands. That perspective is useful for any South Pacific trip: celebrated scenery may inspire the booking, while human moments often define the memory. Panorama II has sails and may use them in favorable weather, though engines are used for most of the voyage to maintain timing and comfort. Learn more about Variety Cruises in French Polynesia: https://farandawayadventures.com/small-ship-cruises/variety-cruises/ If you are considering French Polynesia as part of a wider South Pacific journey, talk with a Far and Away Adventures specialist. We can help choose the sailing, decide where additional island time belongs, and coordinate the complete route so each part supports the next.

  6. Sep 6

    Why Aitutaki Keeps Capturing Travelers’ Hearts

    In this episode, we talk about the island of Aitutaki, the appeal of smaller resort stays in the South Pacific, and the guest experience at Tamanu Beach Resort. We also share how Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com can help travelers plan Cook Islands vacations with expert guidance and personalized support. Normand Schafer speaks with Aaron Faucet, the general manager of Tamanu Beach Resort, about what makes this property different, why guests keep wanting to come back, and how island hospitality shapes the entire experience. This conversation is a strong example of why the South Pacific continues to attract travelers looking for beauty, calm, and connection rather than speed and excess. Aaron describes his morning routine at the resort, including greeting guests at breakfast and walking the property to make sure everything looks just right. Those details matter because they reveal the tone of the resort. With just 23 rooms, Tamanu can offer a more personal and intimate atmosphere where guests are noticed, welcomed, and genuinely looked after. Normand and Aaron also explore what makes Aitutaki itself so special. The lagoon’s colors, the powdery sand beach, and the open sunset views all contribute to the feeling that this is one of the most visually memorable islands in the region. The resort reinforces that sense of place through local design touches, thatched roofs, and a team largely made up of people from Aitutaki who are proud to share their home with visitors. A particularly moving story in the episode involves a couple who quietly arrived for a private beach wedding. The resort created a beautiful setting for them, and the experience stayed with them long after they returned home. It is the kind of travel memory that explains why smaller, well-run properties can leave such a lasting impression. The episode also touches on environmental care, with Aaron discussing recycling and future coral planting ideas that reflect the responsibilities of operating on a small island. If Aitutaki is on your radar, or if you are comparing South Pacific islands for a future trip, this episode offers a clear and honest look at what makes this destination so compelling. To plan your own Cook Islands journey with expert help, connect with Far and Away Adventures at https://farandawayadventures.com and start building the right itinerary for your style of travel

  7. Sep 2

    Inside Air Tahiti’s Lifeline Across French Polynesia

    In this episode we talk about how an airline helps connect the far-flung islands of the South Pacific’s French Polynesia region. Host Normand Schafer is joined by Edouard Wong Fat, CEO of Air Tahiti, for an informed look at the network behind a French Polynesia journey. For personalized planning, visit Far and Away Adventures.com: https://farandawayadventures.com. Air Tahiti’s route map is a reminder that this part of the South Pacific is a living collection of communities, not a single resort destination. Edouard explains how domestic aviation serves residents travelling for school, family, healthcare, work, and trade as well as visitors arriving to explore lagoons, mountains, and atolls. That mix of responsibilities is central to how the airline approaches its schedules and operations. For South Pacific travellers, the interview helps put French Polynesia in a wider context. Tahiti may be the international gateway, but it is only the first page of the story. Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Huahine, the Tuamotu, and other islands each have their own character and their own place in the network. Planning becomes more rewarding when travellers choose destinations for the experience they offer rather than trying to collect them all. Edouard discusses the practical pressures that come with an essential regional airline: changing demand, weather, infrastructure, aircraft planning, and the responsibility to communities whose connections are not optional. The result is a grounded conversation about aviation as a public service, tourism as a shared opportunity, and growth that must work for the islands as well as their visitors. The conversation makes clear that an island-hopping holiday is not simply a list of famous names. A good route accounts for the distance between islands, the need for sensible connections, and the kind of experience you want on the ground. It may make sense to pair Tahiti and Moorea, combine Bora Bora with Raiatea, or slow down and allow a lesser-known island more time. The answer depends on the traveller, not a standard formula. Before booking, think about the journey in the same detail as the hotel. Consider flight days, local transfers, weather, how much moving around your group will enjoy, and what you hope to remember most. Far and Away Adventures can help connect those decisions into a French Polynesia vacation that feels coherent from arrival to departure. Listen for a clear perspective on what makes French Polynesia distinctive within the South Pacific and how inter-island flights shape the way its people and guests experience the region. For travel inspiration and customized support, connect with Far and Away Adventures at https://farandawayadventures.com. Schedules, routes, availability, and entry requirements can change, so confirm current details directly before committing to a trip. This is a useful episode for listeners who want to travel with curiosity and confidence, choosing an itinerary that leaves space for the islands themselves rather than racing between them.

  8. Aug 27

    Catch, Cook, and Celebrate: A Cultural Day at Likuri Island Resort in Fiji

    In this episode, we talk about Likuri Island Resort and the kind of Fiji adventure that’s built around culture, participation, and warm island hospitality. If you’d like help planning a Fiji trip where experiences connect smoothly from one place to the next, start at Far and Away Adventures.com and reach out via https://farandawayadventures.com to work with a specialist who can tailor the details. Normand Schafer interviews Nav’i, team leader at Likuri Island Resort, to uncover what makes this small island stay and day trip feel special—especially for travelers who want their “adventure” to include people, traditions, and hands-on learning, not just adrenaline. Nav’i explains the location in a way that helps you picture the journey: from Nadi Airport, it’s about 45 minutes heading south toward Fiji’s Coral Coast region, then a boat transfer that’s described as a comfortable, calm river cruise of roughly 30 minutes. Along the way, guests enjoy scenic mangroves and a marine ecosystem that adds a sense of discovery before you even arrive. At the heart of Likuri is a full-on cultural experience, anchored by a well-known cultural evening show and the spirit of welcome Fiji is famous for. But the episode makes it clear that Likuri also works for travelers who simply want to relax—sit down, enjoy the beach and ocean, and let the day unfold at island pace. That flexibility is part of why the resort appeals to such a wide range of travelers, from couples and families to adventure seekers and culture-focused visitors. We break down what day visitors can do compared with what overnight guests can add. Day trippers can enjoy the island setting and facilities and still experience major cultural elements, including the show and a traditional Fijian lovo lunch. Overnight guests can go deeper, adding time for participatory activities that turn the experience into something personal. Nav’i shares guest favorites that feel like true “passport stamp” moments. The traditional kava ceremony is a highlight, presented as it would have been done in earlier days. There are cooking lessons that connect flavor with tradition, and an optional village visit where guests can contribute a small donation and experience cultural elements in a village setting. For a more adventurous story, Likuri offers a mud crab catching lesson—guests catch mud crabs, return to the resort, and cook and taste their catch. It’s a rare kind of activity where the adventure ends in a meal you helped earn. To round out the cultural immersion, guests can try basket weaving done in traditional style and join a bush medicine walk where signage explains how different plants and trees were used historically for healing and construction. The overall effect is what Normand points out in the conversation: you’re not only seeing Fiji in the present, you’re also stepping into the past in a way that feels welcoming and accessible. We also include practical notes for planners and group leaders, including the resort’s capacity—up to about 75 guests for overnight accommodation, and day/evening tour numbers that can reach roughly 100–150 depending on occupancy. Nav’i closes with what guests remember most: the people, the “Bula” spirit, and the feeling that they’re taking a piece of Fiji with them because of everything they learned. If Likuri Island Resort sounds like your kind of Fiji adventure, Far and Away Adventures can help you decide how to fit it into your trip—whether it’s a standout day trip on Viti Levu or a culture-forward overnight that anchors your itinerary.

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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!

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