|
Ready
for us to connect you
to a Vacation Specialist?
Click Here.
|
The Cook Islands - A net of 15 islands in the heart of the South Pacific spread over an area
the size of India with a population no bigger than a small New Zealand
country town, 14,000 souls. These unique and friendly Polynesians have their
own language and government and enjoy a vigorous and diverse culture with
significant differences between each island. Despite some 70,000 visitors a
year to the capital island - Rarotonga - the Cooks are largely unspoiled by
tourism. They offer a rare opportunity for people from the cities of the
world to experience a different type of vacation. There are no high-rise
hotels, only four beach buggies and very little hype. Ideal for
travelers
seeking more than the usual clichés associated with the South Seas, each
island has its unique qualities and offers the visitor a special experience.
Tonga - on a South Pacific map is just west of the international dateline were
it meets the Tropic of Cancer. From the Island of Niuafo'ou in the north
Tonga stretches nearly 1000 kilometers to the Minerva Reef in the south.
Tonga consists of 171 islands, spreading over 700,000 square kilometers of
the South Pacific. The countries total land area is 290 square miles (750
square kilometers) located between latitude 15 to 23 S. & longitude 173 to
177 W.
Only 45 of its islands of the 171 islands are inhabited. The countries
population is about 100,000; and about two thirds of its inhabitants live on
the island of Tongatapu. Tonga lies about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. The
largest island, Tongatapu, is approximately 1,245 miles (2,000 kilometers)
northeast of Auckland, N.Z .
Island Groups
Tonga's inhabited islands form four groups. Each group provides a distinctly
different experiences to the visitor. From the hub of the capital Nuku'alofa
on Tongatapu in the south; to volcanic and coral islands of the Ha'apai
group; to the picturesque waterways of the Vava'u archipelago; and to the
remote volcanic Niuas in the far north. |
Vanuatu - A group of 83 islands in the South West Pacific,
North East of New Caledonia and North West of Fiji, governed
as an independent Republic by its indigenous people. The Ni-Vanuatu, as they are known, are a peaceful, gentle race,
who enjoy life's simpler pleasures in a country of unique and
diverse customs and culture. The international offshore finance
center infrastructure of Vanuatu has long
been a favorite of investors. The facilities and the expertise available
through the members of the Vanuatu Finance Center Association are world
standard and Vanuatu is well facilitated with a number of international
banks and accountancy firms. Tourism provides experiences not found
elsewhere in the world - the Pentecost Land Dive and the Toka Ceremony on
the island of Tanna are both highlights that draw people from all around the
world, together with scuba diving.
SAMOA - Our islands are your islands. And everyone says that our friendliness,
hospitality, relaxed atmosphere, tropical climate, natural scenery, remote
beaches, traditional villages, folklore, culture, unique handicrafts,
historic sites and wildlife are the most appealing aspects
Western Samoa has
to offer. Mind you, that's all we have. To make your holiday just that
much more appealing, it is worth being appropriately orientated (i.e. being
conscious of our beliefs and customs, practices and
idiosyncracies). To
avoid any embarrassment, imitate what we do: our Samoan etiquette is
important to us. If you're really interested in learning more, then we can take the time
to explain in more detail when you arrive. Why not come out to our village
and we'll orientate you in the best setting possible. So, you're now entering the Land of Legends, the only home for the
endangered and elusive Tooth-billed Pigeon, the home of the Manu Samoa World
Cup Rugby Team. |