7 island gems of the South Pacific

The South Pacific remains one of the world’s most inviting family playgrounds. Turquoise waters meet ancient cultures on easy-to-get-to islands, each with their own distinct personality. From Fiji’s warm smiles and Vanuatu’s vibrant traditions to the laid-back charm of the Cook Islands, the rich heritage of Samoa and New Caledonia’s unexpected blend of French sophistication and island ease, each destination offers the perfect sweet spot for families… just enough adventure to thrill teenagers, cultural experiences to fascinate curious young minds and gentle beaches where parents can unwind. Join us as we island-hop through paradise.

Samoa

In Samoa, time seems to slow down. The ocean catches the light in a way that feels endless and the smiles you meet come without pretence. Lush rainforests meet rugged lava coastlines, while village life unfolds with an authentic warmth that stays with you. Around five hours by plane from Australia, this Polynesian island offers more than a getaway. It’s a chance to connect, soak in culture and spend days shaped by nature and stories that go back generations. Of the ten islands that make up Samoa, Upolu is the busiest, home to the international airport and the capital city of Apia. Savaii is the largest island and possibly the most beautiful with flora and fauna aplenty just waiting to be discovered by intrepid families.

Best Samoa activities for kids:

Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
The Victorian author of such childhood classics as ‘Treasure Island’ and ‘Kidnapped’ put Samoa on the map when he fell in love with the island at the turn of last century. Just outside Apia, he and his wife built the mansion, Villa Vailima, which is now the museum. They are both buried there.

Market shopping
Market shopping is always a great way to absorb the culture of a destination, and those in Samoa are especially bright and colourful. Especially worth visiting is the Apia Flea Markets which are a treasure trove of local handicrafts, or the Maketi Fou – the Central Market. Just be careful that any local products you purchase pass the stringent Australian Customs and Border Protection laws.

Papasee’a Sliding Rocks
Not far out of Apia is the best natural waterslide you could hope to come across. The constant flow has ironed the surface of the rocks, forming a completely smooth platform perfect for sliding down. Mother Nature has even been thoughtful enough to create slides of varying lengths suitable for all ages.

Where to stay?

Return to Paradise Resort
This four-star resort is located in beautiful Lefaga. The accommodation is airy and spacious, with two and three bedroom interconnecting villas, perfect for large families. The kids will love their own pool, crab racing, basket weaving, coconut tree climbing demonstrations and beach games. There is snorkelling equipment, stand up paddle boards and kayaks.

Vanuatu

Say “Halo” to the coral-fringed islands of Vanuatu, where each day starts with a coconut and ends with a sunset you’ll never forget. This laid-back archipelago is bursting with colour, flavour and fun and is perfect for families ready to ditch the ordinary. With short flights from Australia and between islands, and locals who welcome you like old friends, Vanuatu is a destination that’s easy to explore and hard to leave. After Fiji, Vanuatu is possibly the most visited of the South Pacific gems, with a gentle touch of French culture that gives the family tropical holiday a European twist.

Best Vanuatu activities for kids:

Yasur Volcano
Known as the Lighthouse of the Pacific, Yasur Volcano is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, but also one of the most accessible. This makes for a fascinating visit for older children.

Mele Cascades
These picturesque waterfalls are the perfect place to while away an afternoon. There are numerous swimming holes and the steep climb should not put you off as guides will often carry littlies on their back.

Where to stay?

Warwick Le Lagon

Located on the edge of the Erakor Lagoon in Port Vila, this South Pacific paradise is a regular winner on Holidays with Kids’ Readers’ Choice Awards, and took out first place last year. Kids will love their own pool, the Fun Factory Playground and all the cultural activities on offer, while mum and dad will appreciate the complimentary kids’ meals.

Iririki Island Resort
Iririki offers families deluxe accommodation, a free kids’ club and the Spa Frangipani, which is every bit as enticing as it sounds. Holiday Inn Vanuatu www.holidayinnresorts.com Another regular favourite in our Readers’ Choice awards, the Holiday Inn Vanuatu has two luxurious pools, lovely views from all the rooms, and no less than five dining areas so you won’t run out of choice.

New Caledonia

For the ultimate in South Pacific charm meets French sophistication, you really can’t go past New Caledonia. The islands are bordered by the second-largest coral reef in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, and this, combined with the area’s extensive lagoons, make the snorkelling and diving simply spectacular.

Best New Caledonia activities for kids:

Noumea
The capital of New Caledonia is a bustling hive of the islands’ unique French-fused culture. Here, the kids can learn about the local people at one of the city’s museums, or you can simply relax and soak up the atmosphere in the Place des Cocotiers, the heart of the city.

Kuendu Beach
One of the best for families in New Cal. Its crystal-clear shallow waters make it the perfect place for swimming and splashing around, while the nearby marine reserve is a great place for kids to sample snorkelling.

Where to stay?

Hotel Le Lagon
Family-run and operated since 1970, this resort is welcoming, relaxing and the perfect place to soak up the best of both worlds in New Caledonia – the city and the beach. It also has Spa Institut Le Lagon with Decelor products to ensure mum and dad get some well-deserved down-time!

Sheraton’s New Caledonia Deva 
Five-star resort situated on 13km oh beautiful beachfront. The kids will love the pool and kids club while the parents have a round of golf at the resorts 18-hole course.

 Cook Islands

Fifteen perfect islands scattered across a turquoise sea like confetti tossed by the gods, the Cook Islands feel like the South Pacific distilled. Think untouched beaches, emerald jungle and barefoot charm at every turn. Paddle across Aitutaki’s gin-clear lagoon, cycle Rarotonga’s breezy coastal roads or sink your toes into sugar-white sand before flopping into the breathtaking blue that laps gently at its shores. With warm welcomes and easy island-hopping, every day is like a postcard come to life.

Best Cook Islands activities for kids:

Muri Beach

Nestled in the south-east corner of Rarotonga, this shallow beach is the perfect place for children to explore some wonderful underwater-life. It is a particularly notable stretch of talcum sand and smooth glassy waters on an island filled with lovely spots.

Aitutaki Lagoon

Often described as the world’s most beautiful lagoon, this luminous body of water lies in the island of the same name, which is the second most visited Cook Island. The spectacular colour of the lagoon’s water has made it a poster-child for the Cook Islands and should not be missed.

Where to stay?

Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa

Moko’s Kids’ Club is one of the biggest drawcards in this brilliant family resort. It offers a variety of engaging and educational activities to keep the kids happy. Children aged 3 and under can also play free under the supervision of a parent or caregiver. At The Rarotongan you’re spoilt for choice with accommodation options including standard Beachside Rooms, suites with kitchen, multi-bedroom 2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom suites right through to 3-bedroom private pool villas. Perfect for families of all sizes, especially ideal for inter-generational getaways with Nana and Grandpa or family reunions.

Edgewater Resort and Spa

A central location, spacious accommodation, two delicious restaurants, twice-weekly Island Feast and performance, and the free Coconut Kids’ Club is all it takes to put the Edgewater at the top of the list for family-friendliness on Rarotonga. The amazing pampering at the resort’s Edgewater Health Spa and Salon put it high on the list for mums and dads too.

French Polynesia

French Polynesia, home to popular island destinations such as Tahiti and Bora Bora, is often considered paradise for honeymooners, but that’s not the only reason to visit. The lush tropical paradise, comprised of around 130 islands, offers more than just beachside play. The intriguing culture will fascinate kids, while the friendly nature of the South Pacific locals is famous for making the whole family more than welcome.

Best activities for kids in French Polynesia:

Le Marché

As with many islands in the South Pacific, the markets in Tahiti are a bustling hive of colour and culture. It’s a great place to meet some locals, polish up on your French, and pick up great local souvenirs like the versatile pareu, the Tahitian version of a sarong. 

Lush landscape 

The perfect way to explore the beautiful island is on a Jeep safari, especially when you’re with little ones with little legs. 

The Arahoho Blowhole 

This Tahitian sight is sure to entertain, with black sands, vibrant blue waters and a blow hole that loves to show off for the kids.

Where to stay?

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora 

With iconic overwater bungalows, and just an hour flight from Tahiti, this luxury resort lives up to its brand with facilities you’ll adore. For kids there’s the Four Seasons Kids’ Club, a Kids for All Seasons program, children’s splash pad, and Chill Islands for young adults to make sure everyone indulges. Now that’s a holiday.

Niue

One of the major drawcards of Niue is that it is relatively unexplored, but developed enough to provide families with all the comforts they need for a relaxing break away. And it’s got a cute name.

Best activities for kids in Niue:

Hio Beach

Tackling the cliff-side wooden stairway that leads down to this beach is definitely worth the effort and those brave enough are rewarded with the longest stretch of sand on the island and, when the tide is out, one of the best snorkelling spots for families in the entire South Pacific.

Avaiki Cave

Easy to access, these caves used to be exclusively for the use of Niue royalty, and it is not hard to see why. Their fascinating history and the stunning seawater pool inside the caves are enough to entice visitors of any age.

Where to stay?

Matavai 

With a choice of resort, motel or villa accommodation, Matavai offers the perfect stay for any type of family on any budget. Friendly and laid-back service, perfect waterside positioning and spacious rooms, many with views of the ocean and its passing inhabitants such as spinner dolphins, make Matavai a great family choice.

Namukulu Cottages and Spa

If you’d rather a self-catering option, Namukulu’s cottages are spacious, have panoramic sea views, and decks complete with barbecues. The kids can splash up a storm in the fresh water pool and there’s a Day Spa to keep the parents happy!

Fiji

Fiji family holidays are simple in the best way. From time outdoors and wide-open spaces to explore, to hands-on culture and world-class kids’ clubs, it’s a place where kids can snorkel with rainbow-coloured fish before breakfast, where the pace slows but the days stay full, and where every encounter is wrapped in a big Bula hug. Whether you’re paddling across glassy lagoons, visiting villages that still live by tradition or spending an afternoon beachcombing with no one else in sight, Fiji offers a kind of freedom families rarely find elsewhere and plenty of reasons to return.

Beaches

Fiji’s beaches are as family-friendly as they come – calm, clean and fringed by swaying palms. One of the best is Natadola Beach on the Coral Coast, famed for its soft white sand, gentle waves and horseback riding opportunities for kids and adults. On islands like Malolo Lailai, close to the mainland and home to family-friendly Plantation Island Resort and Malolo Island Resort Fiji, kids can snorkel from the shore to spot colourful fish and coral. Or island hop through the Yasawa and Mamanuca island groups, where islands framed by soft sands and crystal-clear lagoons offer plenty of fun, and barefoot opportunities for families to explore untouched nature together

Five top Fiji activities for families

1. Thrill seekers can hop on for a ride on kid-friendly jet ski tours.
2. Enjoy a wild, high-speed jet boat ride up the Sigatoka River for a culture-rich visit to a local village.
3. Get messy at the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool. Kids will love slathering on volcanic mud.
4. The Big Bula Waterpark is an inflatable waterpark filled with slides and obstacle courses.
5. Ride the rails through rainforest and plantations with Ecotrax, Fiji’s electric-assisted bikes.