Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Akl to Fiji ?

My wife and I are visiting New Zealand next year (June- mid July) as part of our round the world experience, We've hired a camper to follow the British Lions, so that should be fun and allow us to see NZ at its best. My wife wants a couple of weeks to relax after NZ and we're looking at Fiji at the moment. Would it be easier (or cheaper) booking as part of a package from NZ when we're there or booking it before we arrive. Would anyone recommend anywhere else for a couple of weeks which we have't though of. Tonga for example ? We're open to as many suggestions as we can get. We'll be flying onto Australia and spending approx 3 months there with family friends etc. so thats taken care of. We're based in the UK so any info will be greatly appreciated. thanks M & P

My own opinion is that NZ is much nicer than Fiji or Tonga or any of these alternatives. The northern half of the north island is quite warm and has good water sports (just about everything that Fiji has, but for less than half the price, etc.). The rural parts of NZ are very relaxing (most people find it to be too quiet) so it is funny to read about going from NZ to Fiji to relax (I'd say you'll find Fiji much less relaxing unless you are willing to spend USD 1000 per day!). And while NZ has a pleasant climate, Fiji is a bit cloying at best.
Missed the part that you are there in mid-winter. While the north tip of the north island is surprisingly tropical it won't be hot then; I've been there in October and it was very nice, but presume July is considerably cooler. So it depends on how much heat you want. I'd still prefer to stay in NZ.

July is mid-winter. But NZ winter much warmer and generally drier & sunnier than UK winter. North Island cool, South Island colder.

If you want a break from winter then Fiji or Rarotonga (or Gold Coast) are the cheapest and easiest to get to. Fiji is very family oriented. Rarotonga reminds us of life in simpler times. There are some very good deals for flights and accom at all three, but I'd suggest booking early as NZ's winter is the most popular time to head there.

Not sure what kind of RTW tickets you have, but NZ has flights to Los Angeles that stop at Fiji, Rarotonga and Papeete (Tahiti) - as well as their direct service. It doesnt add much to the mileage. Otherwise I'd book from a NZ TA (or directly with Air NZ) - there are good packages available.

Not sure what kind of RTW tickets you have, but NZ has flights to Los Angeles that stop at Fiji, Rarotonga and Papeete (Tahiti) - as well as their direct service. It doesnt add much to the mileage. Otherwise I'd book from a NZ TA (or directly with Air NZ) - there are good packages available.

Thanks for that, we're certainly looking into your suggestions. Our preliminary itinerary is posted on the star alliance forum. If you think we could add any other stops or if you have any itinerary suggestions or advice we would very much appreciate the help from an experienced flyertalker like yourself. m and p

wow. I completely disagree with Number_6 (but we all have our different opinions).

$1000 a day? I could stay for almost a month on $1000 and be in sheer bliss with a bungalow on the beach, good food, exotic scenery and very friendly people.

I guess it depends on what 'type' of accomodations you are looking for, but if you are on a RTW trip, you probably travel in a similar manner that I like to in the south pacific.

There are so many choices for the Fijian islands. Kadavu and Taveuni are both exotic with a range of choices (I prefer Kadavu myself). Off the main islnads are the Yasawas and Mamanucas with scores of islands to choose from. And of course the 2 larges islands of Vanua Levu and Viti Levu (where Nadi and Suva are located). I've been to Fiji 4 times and still love it. I remember one trip where I had an entire place to myslef at this little place about 5 miles outside of Savusavu. I had a little bungalow perched on a cliff overlooking the lagoon and the crashing waves against the reef. I paid $30 and that included 3 meals a day (lobster included on some nights). Of course you can spend up to $1000 if you want supreme luxury, but you might not find that necessary nor are actually looking for those types of places.

You might also look at Samoa before considering Tonga (imo). Samoa is incredibly beautiful and very inexpensive. Couldn't think of anything more relaxing than those places.

New Zealand is beautiful, but "I" would never confuse it with the mid South Pacific islands.

Thanks for the reply
You sound the same as us, a Hilton is a Hilton where-ever you go, ok for business not for a holiday. we'll be flying into Nadi from Auckland, I know this may sound stupid but how do get from one island to the next. I know by boat but do ytou have to book them in advance do you just walk up and jump on (silmilar to buses) do you buy a "boat ticket" which allows unlimited access any info would be helpful.

The litte bungalow is exactly what we're looking for, peace and tranquility and at 30 dollars, we'll need it after 38 days of drunken debauchery in New Zealand (we're following the British Lions rugby team around New Zealand with 27 fellow rugby fanatics, will be only the second time in history we've beaten the "All Blacks" and we will be there :D )

We don't have a time limit so Fiji and Samoa may be an option, dependent on prices of course, so if you have any web-sites or e-mail addresses of places we can stay i'll be grateful. M&P

we'll be in your home town San Fransisico at some time too so any advice you can give us for that destination would also be helpful thanks.

we're following the British Lions rugby team around New Zealand with 27 fellow rugby fanatics, will be only the second time in history we've beaten the "All Blacks" and we will be there :D

You keep telling yourself that... Afterall, it's a lot of money to spend on travelling half way round the world to see your team lose... :D