42-night South Pacific Islands & New Zealand Collector Cruise

Alotau is the capital of Milne Bay province, a province of Papua new Guinea.  Renowned for its friendly people and amazing tropical islands, it is a very well kept secret and sees very few tourists each year. The whole of Milne bay offers some of the worlds best scuba diving and coral reef experiences.

Known as the "Happy Isles," the Solomons are one of the best-kept secrets in the Pacific. These are islands of great natural beauty from jungle-clad peaks and active volcanoes to dashing waterfalls, misty rainforests, turquoise lagoons, and brilliant coral reefs. The islands' variety of cultures and customs is also striking. In Honiara, backstreet quonset huts and an occasional, rusty wreckage provide grim reminders of World War II; over 25,000 Japanese and American soldiers were killed or wounded on Guadalcanal. Honiara has been the capital of the Solomon Islands since Tulagi was devastated during World War II.

The biggest draw for divers to the Island is the wreck of the SS President Coolidge, a WWII troop carrier sunk by friendly mines in 1942. For adventure seekers, a trip to the Millennium Caves filled with bats and sparrows is well worth your time. There are many shops on the main road in town, and there are a good number of local craft stores and restaurants, as well.

Located on the southern part of the Vanuatu archipelago this beautiful island is a relaxing uninhabited location for those wanting to get away from it all. The clear blue waters are calm and perfect for swimming. Visitors also have the opportunity to snorkel or dive around the coral reef that is teeming with colorful marine life.

Dravuni Island, Fiji is a tropical island paradise. On the island is a small tribe of villagers who open their hearts and homes to visitors. Not a bustling port, Dravuni is a perfect place to relax and enjoy what nature has to offer. Hike up the grassy slopes of Dravuni’s highest peak for a spectacular view of the sea and surrounding islands. Have a lazy day on one of their many beautiful beaches or take a snorkel or dive around one of the last healthy reefs in the Pacific.

Nuku'alofa, the capital and largest town of Tonga is on the north coast of Tongatapu Island in the southern Pacific Ocean. It is the island's chief port and principal economic, administrative, and tourist centre. The red-roofed Royal Palace (1865-1867) on the waterfront, is a major landmark. In 1643 the Dutch navigator Abel Janszoon Tasman landed here.

Bullock wagons, pioneers, water and strawberries help describe some history, scenery and character to be experienced as you travel through Timaru District and along South Canterbury's Heritage Trails. Where else in the world can you look across the sea to the mountains? From the Bay Hill, leading to the centre of Timaru, it's possible to see Timaru's well known Victorian and Edwardian architecture which graces the downtown retail area. Architecture, Maori rock art, heritage trails, rafting, fishing, golf, picnic areas, Temuka Pottery, Swandri, Dominion Brewery Tours... Timaru District is just a couple of hours pleasant drive from Christchurch.

Burnie is situated on Emu Bay at the mouth of the Emu River on the northern coast of Tasmania. Established in 1829 as Emu Bay Settlement, the settlement was renamed as a town in 1866. Burnie is served by the Sydney-Tasmania ferry and is the commercial centre for northwestern Tasmania. Nearby is Cradle Mountain - Lake St. Clair National Park, incorporating Cradle Mountain itself with its lava peak rising to 5,069 feet.