Nautica - February 29, 2024

The largest of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, Tahiti held a magical attraction for artist Paul Gauguin and writer Robert Louis Stevenson. To understand why, simply listen to the winds whistling through casuarina trees on a secluded black-sand beach, or stroll through beautiful botanical gardens and marvel at island flora.

James Michener called it the most beautiful island in the South Pacific. You may confirm his opinion, either by the local "Le Truck" transport, 4-wheel-drive van, or in a helicopter overhead. And the offshore beauty is accessible by a glass-bottomed boat or by snorkeling.

Pago Pago--pronounced Pango Pango --is the capital of American Samoa, a small island in the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a traditional Polynesian feast. Be thrilled by the native singing, dancing, and music. Tuna canneries dominate the city. Also close by are the National Park of American Samoa, traditional Ta'u Island, and Aunu'u Island, a place of natural splendor.

After years of wandering the south seas, Robert Louis Stevenson chose this paradise as his home. If you like, visit his house and Aggie Grey's hotel. After touring the island, you'll come to understand why the Reverend John Williams, the first European to visit Apia, dubbed Samoa the "Friendly Islands."

Suva sits on the southeast shores of mountainous Viti Levu ("Great Fiji"), largest of the over 800 islands which comprise the Republic of Fiji. Local folk traditions remain strong, like fire walks and welcoming ceremonies, wood-carving and the fabrication of tree-bark cloth. The island's proud history is showcased in the Fiji Museum, with its impressive collection of war canoes.

The Bay of Islands is one of the most picturesque and popular holiday sites in New Zealand. It combines great fishing, diving, sailing and other watersports with some of New Zealand's most significant historic sites. One of the most popular attractions is the Hole in the Rock, off Cape Brett. You can take a boating trip through the hole in a huge rock outcrop. Also popular are dolphin swimming and diving trips to the sunken Rainbow Warrior wreck.

New Zealand's largest city is draped over seven volcanoes and wrapped around Waitemata Harbour (meaning "sea of sparkling waters" in Maori). Despite its British feel, it is the world's largest Polynesian city. Shop for Polynesian crafts on Queen Street, the main drag. Or from atop Mt. Eden, overlook the "City of Sails," which will host the America's Cup races in 2000.

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand / Aotearoa. It is also the cultural, administrative and political center of the country. Two aspects of the city that will immediately strike any visitor are the sprawling harbour and the dramatic, hilly terrain. Everywhere you go, the sounds and smell of the ocean hang in the air, and green hills and valleys wrap you in a bear-hug embrace.

In Tasmania, the 'stones are time' and so are the trees, which are believed to be the oldest living things on earth. This small island-state has preserved one-third of its land as nature reserves to keep its many ecological treasures safe. You might even spot a platypus, a penguin, or even a Tasmanian Devil.

Say 'G'day' to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Stroll along the world-famous Bondi and Watsons Beaches. Tour the Sydney Opera House on Bennelong Point, shop for Aboriginal art, or go on a photographic safari. This diverse land is home to crocodiles, koalas, emus, and, of course, kangaroos.

Say 'G'day' to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Stroll along the world-famous Bondi and Watsons Beaches. Tour the Sydney Opera House on Bennelong Point, shop for Aboriginal art, or go on a photographic safari. This diverse land is home to crocodiles, koalas, emus, and, of course, kangaroos.

Brisbane, located in Australia's Queensland, enjoys beach-perfect summers and mild winters. Other reasons to stay in this sunny city include its wealth of good food, diverse shopping, and copious arts and entertainment choices. Ride one of the ferries, paddlewheels, or pleasure boats on the Brisbane River. Stroll among the gardens of the city center or relax on the beach.

Boasting a wide array of attractions and one of the fastest growth rates in Australia, Townsville is a place with something for everyone. Formed around a mining province at the heart of town, Townsville is also one of Australia's most prevalent academic centers. Many leading universities and research organizations call this sunny haven home. Visit the Great Barrier Reef and New Pandora Museum.

Cairns was founded in 1876 as a port for the inland gold mines of Queensland. It is now the heart of the Tropical North of Queensland, and is one of Australia's most welcoming cities. Stroll, relax, fly a kite, or have a barbecue on the Esplanade, a popular gathering area. Enjoy several great beaches just north of the city. Cairns is also a great place to watch migratory birds.

Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea and the major exit/entry point for travellers, is located on a superb natural harbour on the southern coast of New Guinea. Much drier than the rest of the country, Port Moresby often suffers from extended droughts which can lead to water restrictions. A sprawling, some suggest crime-addled city (razor wire and snapping guard dogs are everywhere), Port Moresby is probably more bark than bite and does have some interesting things to see and do.

Levelled by a cyclone in 1974, Darwin has rebuilt itself from scratch. Wide tree-lined streets, well-designed public buildings, and acres of park land make this an ideal tropical capital. The attitude of the locals is casual and relaxed, and the young demographic keeps things moving. Darwin's location makes it the ideal jump-off point for sojourns into Australia's natural splendour.

Did you ever imagine that you would see a dragon in person? On the remote island of Komodo, travelers have been know to see the Komodo Dragons. These giant lizards are the last vestiges of the dinosaurs that roamed the earth millions of years ago. As if that weren't enough, the other wildlife on Komodo is stunning as well.

Semerang serves as the gateway to the Javanese city of Borobudur, site of an eighth century temple, the largest Buddhist monument on earth! View the dramatic carved towers and pathways that depict the life of Buddha.

One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.

One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.