What to Do in the Pacific Islands – According to Qantas Frequent Flyers

Are you heading to the Pacific Islands? From harmonising in Tonga, to secret swimming holes in Samoa and snorkelling in Vanuatu, we asked Qantas Frequent Flyers who recently ventured to the region’s sparkling turquoise seas and powdery white sands to share their favourite experiences during their getaways.

“The sound of the congregation singing beautiful harmonies is incredibly moving.” – Kate Moala, Bronze Frequent Flyer

“Visiting my husband’s homeland of Tonga with our children for the first time was a joyful experience. We stayed with family on Tongatapu, the main island of Tonga, fishing in the reef and learning traditional mosikaka weaving. I am fascinated by the weaving process, which involves soaking, bleaching and pounding the leaves before they are woven into baskets and mats. The island is small enough to drive around in three hours – my kids, aged 15, 11 and eight, loved visiting the natural Mapu’a Vaea blowholes, where ocean water shoots through hundreds of holes dotted for kilometres along the west coast. They also enjoyed our visit to the ancient Ha'amonga 'a Maui Trilithon, a stone structure built in the 13th century which is sometimes referred to as ‘The Stonehenge of the Pacific’. 

“We also headed to the market in Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga, for fresh produce, intricate carvings and handwoven mats. The tropical fruit is incredible – even the bananas and pineapples taste sweeter than anything I’ve eaten back home. Whenever I’m in town, I go to Friends Cafe for great coffee and ota ika – a raw fish salad with coconut cream and lime juice.

“Tonga’s slow pace, friendly locals and respect for tradition come together on Sundays when everyone goes to church. The sound of the congregation singing beautiful harmonies is incredibly moving. Visitors are welcomed with open arms and more than likely invited to lunch afterwards for a feast of taro, seafood and pork slow-roasted in an umu (underground oven).”

Kate flew Sydney to Nuku’alofa via Brisbane.

“Happy hour cocktails by the fire pit on the beach is a 5pm ritual.” – Belinda Maguire, Bronze Frequent Flyer

“Since our first visit to Vanuatu, my husband and I have returned six times to Paradise Cove Resort near Port Vila. With 10 bungalows set in tropical gardens along a private beach, it’s somewhere you can really relax and unwind. A typical day for me starts with breakfast by the water then a walk or bike ride, before setting up at the beach to read or go snorkeling right off the sand – there are no tidal restrictions and the marine life is incredible. I’ve seen dugongs, octopuses and schools of colourful fish just offshore. My husband dives and has explored nearby wrecks, including a sunken WWII plane.

“Happy hour cocktails by the fire pit on the beach is a 5pm ritual, then we go on to the resort’s lovely little waterfront restaurant. The menu changes daily depending on what’s fresh and the food is so good, visitors from other hotels often visit for dinner.”

Belinda flew Sydney to Port Vila via Brisbane.

“Climbing down a ladder into the glowing blue water was unforgettable.” – Georgie Stokes, Bronze Frequent Flyer.

“From the moment we arrived in Samoa, the super-friendly locals and low-key vibe made my partner and I feel so welcome. We stayed at Taumeasina Island Resort on the main island of Upolo, where Apia, the capital, is located. Our accommodation was surrounded by its own private stretch of beaches and it had an incredible onsite day-spa and multiple swimming pools – it was amazing.

"We didn’t plan much in advance – part of the beauty was waking up and deciding what to do each day. We’d jump in our hire car, drive along the island’s ring road and stop at any of the beaches that caught our eye – the water is crystal clear and they’re often completely empty with no other people in sight. Along the road people often sell food outside their homes, such as deep-fried banana pancake balls called panikeke and extensive barbeque meals.  We also drove inland through the mountains to find waterfalls and swimming holes. 

“One of the highlights of our holiday was swimming in the famous natural swimming hole of To-Sua Ocean Trench. I climbed down a ladder into the glowing blue water, which was unforgettable, and there was hardly anyone else there. During a visit to the Namu’a Island turtle sanctuary, across the lagoon from Upolu, we actually swam alongside the turtles.

“At the local markets in Apia, I found handcrafted wooden carvings, stamped fabrics and a really lovely painting that’s now hanging in our home. I also savoured the most delicious pineapple and coconut cake and really good coffee at Milani Café. The beauty of a holiday here is in the slow moments and the care Samoans put into everything. We can’t wait to go back.”

Georgie flew Sydney to Samoa via Brisbane.

“You’d put on your snorkel, kick out and the whales were below.” – Melissa Key, Bronze Frequent Flyer

“My partner and I are ocean obsessed so we booked a week-long trip to Vava’u in Tonga to swim with whales – it was a bucket list holiday. We flew out of Sydney with Qantas to Nuku'alofa before taking a little plane to Vava’u. The flight was very emotional because many people were returning home for the first time since the pandemic. 

“Our trip was organised by Blue Safaris and there were just 10 of us in the group. The team organised everything: accommodation (we stayed in a local holiday home), food, boats, taxis. We’d travel with a local Tonga guide and an underwater photographer each day. 

“Tonga is one of the best places to swim with the whales because the water has 30-metre visibility – it’s incredibly clear. We spent five days in the water, heading off on our boat at 7am and returning around 4pm. You’d just put on your snorkel, kick out, look down and they were right there. It was just whales, whales, whales! 

“It’s one of the most humbling experiences being in the water with animals of that size. It wasn’t uncommon for people in our group to return to the boat in tears because of how powerful the experience was. For me, the most incredible moment was seeing the humpback whales resting with their newborn. It was beautiful. 

“Vava’u isn’t very touristy; it’s filled with locals and people who love nature and whales so it’s a different type of holiday experience. When we weren’t in the water, we visited local farmers’ markets and went hiking. It’s trips like this that continue to motivate me to keep seeking wild, majestic places and experiences.”

“I’ve never seen water so clear. Samoa is paradise.” – Kate Tanner, Bronze Frequent Flyer

“To celebrate a friend’s 40th birthday, three of us went to Samoa for a week. We flew Qantas return and the entertainment, food and crew were great. We stayed in a villa overlooking the water at the only fully family-owned Samoan resort, Return to Paradise Resort and Spa on Upolu, the main island of Samoa. There was music and special dinners at night; we even saw a fiafia show [a get together with music and dance] with fire dancers.

“The plan was to drink cocktails on the beach and little else but we couldn’t resist exploring. One day we went to the east side of the island to the incredible Sopoaga Falls and had a beach lunch. The beaches are all so beautiful – I’ve never seen water so clear! I loved To Sua Trench; it’s equal parts pretty and terrifying as you have to climb down a steep ladder to reach the water. But it’s so worth it when you’re surrounded by lush greenery and look up to see the circle of blue sky above. It’s really stunning. 

“On the island of Savai’i, we swam beneath the spectacular Afu Aau Waterfall in the rainforest, saw the blowholes and the lava fields. When people tell me they want to go on holiday, I say, ‘Go to Samoa! It’s paradise.’”

“You arrive at an island with nothing on it – the perfect spot for snorkelling.” – Katrina Yan, Bronze Frequent flyer 

“My best friend and I booked a Qantas Holidays Package to New Caledonia for my birthday. The flights and hotel were included, so it made organising the trip a breeze. Plus, it worked out cheaper than if we booked it ourselves. We stayed at the Chȃteau Royal Beach Resort & Spa at the edge of the island, which was beautiful. You must visit the on-site spa Aquatonic where you sit in massage seats under the water looking out at the palm trees. I was so relaxed that I actually fell asleep at one point! 

“Book a table at Marmite et Tire-Bouchon in advance; it’s one of the island's best restaurants and the locals told us it’s always booked out. They serve French cuisine – the mangrove crab, fish gratin and yellowfin tuna were my favourites. 

“The highlight of the trip was snorkelling at Signal Island. We travelled by water taxi and had to take our own food, drinks and snorkelling gear as there’s nothing on the island. But we were met with crystal-clear water (I saw turtles and a baby shark) and stunning trees and flowers.”

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