South Pacific Islands with White-Sand Beaches and Geothermal Formations
The volcanic islands of New Zealand and Fiji are stranded more than 1,000 miles off the eastern Australian coast. The remoteness of the two islands meant they were some of last lands on earth to be discovered by hunter-gatherers from Asia, who found untouched sand beaches and mountainous interiors populated by exotic birds and mammals. On a 12-day, 9-night tour from Pacific Islands, you can experience this pristine landscape and then settle into modern accommodations in bustling city centers. The package includes 3 nights in Fiji, round-trip economy-class airfare from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and midsize-sedan car rental for the duration of your 6-night stay in New Zealand. Click here for more information on the trip and available upgrade options.
Days 1–3: After flying across the International Date Line and under the International Limbo Pole, you’ll arrive at Auckland Airport (AKL) and pick up your rental car, an executive sedan. From here, you'll drive a half hour to the Copthorne Hotel Auckland City, set in the heart of New Zealand’s largest and most populous city. The hotel is just a short walk from boutique shopping along Queen Street and the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, home to more than 15,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art, including works by Maori and other Pacific Islanders.
Days 4–5: On the way to Rotorua, stop off at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, about a 2.5-hour drive south, where you can take a guided boat tour along underground rivers and caves that are illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms for an additional fee not included in the Groupon. From here, it's a 90-mile (135 km) drive west to Rotorua. You’ll also have easy access to watersports at Lake Taupo.
Day 6: Once you return to the Copthorne Hotel in Auckland, you're free to explore the city at your leisure. Waitemata Harbor is a nice spot to go kayaking, sailing, and fishing.
Days 7–8: The tour’s next leg brings you 150 miles (250 km) north to Paihia, a coastal town on the Bay of Islands. You can kick back on an outdoor deck and at the Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia. To fully experience the natural beauty here, it's worth it to take a boat trip; a number of fishing and sailing charters navigate the craggy waters of the Bay of Islands.
Days 9–11: An early-morning departure delivers you to the Auckland Airport just in time to return rental cars and catch a flight to Nadi Airport (NAN) in Fiji. From here, you’ll transfer to the First Landing Beach Resort in Fiji It’s set near a white-sand beach amid palms and rain trees, and the beach faces west, so you can see marvelous sunsets.
Day 12: Your return flight to the United States departs from Nadi and lands in Los Angeles.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
