Explore Hidden Gems of the South Pacific Islands

Join Zegrahm Expeditions, the Experts in Adventure & jump onboard the Clipper Odyssey this fall.  The ship departs the islands of Fiji 19/September, 2010, setting sail for an in-depth exploration of the islands and remote atolls of the legendary South Pacific, ending in the islands of Tahiti.

The cruise includes Bora Bora, the Cook Islands, Tonga, and Wallis and Futuna. Join expert leaders, naturalists, marine biologists, and ornithologists as we step ashore on idyllic isles to meet Polynesia’s warm and welcoming people, hike through lush volcanic landscapes, and snorkel or dive sapphire waters teeming with marine life.

Activities- Birding, Diving, Hiking, Natural history, Photography, Snorkeling, Zodiac cruises

Day by Day Itinerary

September 19-20 -USA / Nadi, Viti Levu, Fiji
September 21 -Nadi / Lautoka / Embark Clipper Odyssey
September 22 -Taveuni Island
September 23 -Futuna, Territory of Wallis & Futuna
September 24 -Wallis
September 25 -Niuafo’ou, Kingdom of Tonga
September 26 -At Sea
September 27 -Neiafu, Vava’u Islands
September 28 -Sailing the South Pacific Ocean
September 29 -Palmerston, Cook Islands
September 30 -Aitutaki
October 1 -Atiu
October 2 -Sailing the South Pacific Ocean
October 3 -Bora Bora, Society Islands, French Polynesia
October 4-5 -Papeete, Tahiti / USA [Read more]

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Who is “See The South Pacific.com?”

Aloha and mahalo for visiting my website!

My name is Teresa Nelle, I am a Travel Agent with 20 years of experience and I am passionate about assisting my Clients with their travel requests to exotic and unique destinations. I love to travel and when I work with a Client, I feel like I am planning my own personal holiday - its fun and exciting - then I love to hear about how their trip was when they return!

I am the Owner of Luxury Hideaways which is affiliated with Park Avenue Travel, a Virtuoso Agency. I have lived on the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii for 20 years so obviously I am a Hawaii Specialist! I love living here and enjoy sharing my “kama’aiana” knowledge with my Clients! I have traveled extensively thru the South Pacific, having visiting the Fiji Islands 5 times as well as Australia & New Zealand. I have also sent many Clients to the Cook Islands, Samoa and as well as the islands of Tahiti.

HAWAII LESSON: Kama’aina is the Hawaiian language word for long-term resident of the Hawaiian Islands. It derives from the words ‘kama’, meaning ‘child’, and ‘aina’, meaning ‘land’.

The South Pacific is at the top of my list of travel destinations. I hope you enjoy visiting this site and do return to keep up with whats new and happening. Please also visit www.LuxuryHideaways.net.  On both sites you will find happy love letters from my past Clients.  I also have www.OnlyCruisesTravel.com highlighting small ship cruises around the world.

Luxury Hideaways is rated A+ by Better Business Bureau! (the highest rating available) I am also accredited with the Fiji Visitors Bureau, Hawaii Visitors Bureau, Australia Visitors Bureau as well as the Italian Visitors Bureau.

Last year I spent a month in Europe where I fell in love with the city of Rome, enjoyed a private walking tour of all things Rome (which I highly recommend), visited the ancient site of Pompeii with a Tour Guide from the Archeological Society of Pompeii as well as cruised the Mediterranean on a Windstar cruises, (which is a small cruise ship company) and visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre. Feel free to contact me about European travel as I just sent a family to the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain where they had their own private balconey in the shade!

My life motto is a wonderful saying by Mark Twain:
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain

See you in paradise!

Teresa Nelle
Your Friend in the Islands
800 644-6659  - Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net
Fiji Visitors Bureau, Hawaii Visitors Bureau, Australia Visitors Bureau, Italy Visitors Bureau

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Paul Gauguin now combines Fiji Islands, Cook Islands & Islands of Tahiti all within 2 weeks

The luxury small cruise ship Paul Gauguin has expanded South Pacific itineraries where it is now possible to cruise from the Fiji Islands, thru the Cook Islands and end in the islands of Tahiti all within 2 weeks!

There is no other ship offering the extensive menu of 38 extraordinary itineraries ranging from 7 to 15 nights, highlighting such exquisite destinations as Tahiti, the Society Islands, Tuamotus, the Cook Islands, Marquesas, Tonga, Fiji and New Zealand - spectacular cruises that cater to the tastes of discerning travelers seeking a legendary small ship experience.

Highlights of the 2010 sailing season include:
• Sixteen classic 7-night departures featuring Tahiti and Society Islands;
• Six 10-night and two 9-night voyages of Tuamotus and Society Islands;
• Five 11-night Cook Islands adventures;
• Four 14-night sailings featuring the Marquesas Islands;
• In-depth 13- and 15-night discoveries of Fiji, Tonga and the Cook and Society Islands;
• Two exclusive 14-night cruises featuring New Zealand, Tonga, the Cook and Society Islands;

Since the Paul Gauguin carries a maximum of 332 Guests onboard and is offering outstanding savings, including free airfare on some of the departures, these sailing are a sure bet to sell out. Call us at 800 644-6659 for more details.

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Where are the Cook Islands?

The Cook Islands are closely associated to New Zealand. Air New Zealand is the only air carrier that flies directly from the U.S. to the Cook Islands. As you will see below, the Cook Islands use the NZD as their currency.

Despite some 90,000 visitors a year to the capital island, Rarotonga, the Cook Islands are largely unspoiled by tourism. There are no high-rise hotels, only four beach buggies and very little hype. The Cook Islands offer a rare opportunity for an authentic island holiday.

There are a total of 15 islands in the heart of the South Pacific spread over 850,000 square miles with a population of approximately 15,000. The Islands most visited are Rarotonga and Aitutaki which are only 140 miles apart.

Cook Island History
Ru, from Tupua’i in French Polynesia, is believed to have landed on Aitutaki, and Tangiia, also from French Polynesia, is believed to have arrived on Rarotonga around 800 AD. Similarly, the northern islands were probably settled by expeditions from Samoa and Tonga.

Cook Island Climate
Cooled by the gentle breezes of the Pacific, the climate of these islands is sunny and pleasant. Roughly speaking, there are two seasons: from November through May the climate is hot and humid, and from June through October the climate is warm and dry. Most of the rain falls during the hot season, but there are also many lovely sunny days during these months, with refreshing trade-winds.

Cook Island Geography
The Cook Islands consists of two main groups, one in the north and one in the south. The southern group is nine “high” islands mainly of volcanic origin although some are virtually atolls. The majority of the population lives in the southern group. The northern group comprises six true atolls.

Cook Island Southern Group
Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Manuae, Mauke, Mitiaro, Palmerston, Rarotonga (the capital island), Takutea.

Cook Island Northern Group
Manihiki, Nassau, Tongareva (Penrhyn) also known as Mangarongaro, Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Suwarrow

Cook Island Time Zones
Rarotonga and Aitutaki are in the same time zone.

Cook Island Currency
New Zealand dollar.

Cook Island Language
English and Cook Island Maori.

Call the “Island Travel Gal” at 800 644-6659 or email teresa@luxuryhideaways.net

to secure your seats to the idyllic Cook Islands

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Cook Islands Airfares on Sale!

Air New Zealand slashes fares to the Cook Islands from $698 per person based on double occupancy.

Do you feel you need to escape to a secluded island - a place that your Blackberry won’t get a signal?

Air New Zealand has reduced airfares from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Rarotonga. Fares from Los Angeles start at $698/person in economy class and $1930/person in Business Class. Combine this airfare with some of the exceptional “specials” packages available at the moment - the Cook islands have never been so affordable!

Fares are valid for sale until Jun 30, 2009 for travel May 31, 2009 through August 30, 2009.
Conditions & Restrictions apply. Excludes government fees, taxes and 9/11 security fee of $58-$62. Change and cancellation penalties and other restrictions apply. Prices are subject to change without notice. Tickets must be issued within 72 hours of confirmation of reservation but no later than June 30, 2009, whichever is earlier. Full terms and conditions available on request.

Call the “Island Travel Gal” at 800 644-6659 or email teresa@luxuryhideaways.net

to secure your seats to the idyllic Cook Islands

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