39-Day Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific Crossing

Located on the island of Maui, Kahului serves as the island's vibrant commercial hub and a gateway to many of its top attractions, offering visitors an exciting blend of local culture, historic sites, and easy access to Maui’s stunning landscapes. The town is a short drive from some of the island’s most striking destinations, including the majestic Haleakalā National Park and the nearby Hana Highway, with its lush rainforests and hidden waterfalls.

For those looking to enjoy the island's coastline, Kahului’s beaches won’t disappoint. Kanaha Beach Park, located just outside of town, is a prime spot for watersports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The gentle waters make it an ideal location for beginners, while more seasoned adventurers can take advantage of the area’s windy conditions. Nearby, the Maui Ocean Center offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse marine life that inhabits the waters around Maui. With exhibits showcasing everything from sea turtles to vibrant coral reefs, it’s a great way for families and visitors of all ages to learn more about the island’s underwater world.

The dining scene in Kahului is another highlight, with a strong emphasis on local ingredients and fresh seafood. Popular Hawaiian dishes like the "plate lunch" and Maui's iconic poke bowls are bursting with island flavors and are staples that shouldn’t be missed.

Raiatea, often referred to as the “Sacred Island,” is a gem of French Polynesia. Located in the Society Islands, Raiatea is known as the spiritual heart of Polynesia, home to Marae Taputapuātea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient site, once a central hub for Polynesian voyaging and religious ceremonies, is a must-visit for those looking to connect with the island’s deep cultural roots.

Raiatea is the only island in French Polynesia with a navigable river, the Faaroa River, where visitors can take guided kayak or boat tours surrounded by dense tropical vegetation. For adventurers, Mount Temehani offers hiking trails and a chance to see the Tiare Apetahi, a rare flower that grows only on this island and has become a symbol of Raiatea’s uniqueness.

Raiatea is also known for its lagoon, shared with its neighboring island, Taha’a. The lagoon provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving.

Local flavors play a big part in Raiatea’s charm. Visitors can savor dishes made with fresh fish, tropical fruits, and local vanilla, often grown on neighboring Taha’a, known as the “Vanilla Island.”

The Loyalty Islands, an enchanting archipelago in New Caledonia in the South Pacific, offer a blend of untouched nature, Kanak culture, and crystal-clear waters. Consisting of three main islands - Lifou, Maré, and Ouvéa - this remote paradise is known for its white sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and marine life. Each island has its own distinct charm, from Lifou’s coral formations to Ouvéa’s lagoon, recognized as one of the most beautiful in the Pacific.

Visitors to the Loyalty Islands can immerse themselves in traditional Kanak culture, which remains a fundamental part of daily life. Local tribes welcome travelers to experience authentic customs, from storytelling and dance to preparing meals in an earth oven. The islands are also home to breathtaking natural sites, such as the immense Jokin Cliffs in Lifou and the mysterious Warrior’s Leap in Maré, a site linked to local legends.

The warm waters surrounding the islands are teeming with tropical fish, colorful coral reefs, and even sea turtles. The underwater caves and grottoes of Lifou make for a unique diving experience, while Ouvéa’s lagoon is a perfect spot for kayaking and dolphin spotting.

Food lovers will enjoy the flavors of the islands, with fresh seafood playing a central role in local cuisine. Grilled fish, coconut crab, and bougna—a traditional Kanak dish wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked with yams and seafood—offer a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage. Visitors can also sample fresh tropical fruits like papaya, mango, and lychee.

A veritable paradise on Earth, Auckland combines the best of both worlds – a thrilling urban metropolis surrounded by striking natural areas, sparkling blue water, and colorful wildlife. New Zealand’s cultural and recreational hub, beautiful Auckland has something for everyone.

Museums, art galleries, and other culture-rich sites abound near Auckland’s city center. History buffs will appreciate the Auckland War Memorial Museum or the New Zealand Maritime Museum on Viaduct Harbour, while art enthusiasts will relish in the vast art collections housed at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. Be sure to peruse the famous Maori Portraits exhibit, a display featuring powerful portraits of the Maori peoples indigenous to New Zealand and Polynesia.

You won’t have to venture far from the city to experience some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders! Rugged Rangitoto Island is perfect for hikes, surrounded with stunning volcanic rock and lava fields, and provides a spectacular vantage point to observe Auckland across the harbor. Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, is another of the city’s volcanic wonders; its verdant crater is a sight to behold and remains one of Auckland’s most visited attractions. Head to Waiheke Island to visit Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary, a protected wildlife sanctuary where some of New Zealand’s most eye-catching fauna roam, or hit the beaches of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park to take in the glittering ocean views and soak up some sun. Travel two hours south to marvel at New Zealand’s rolling green hills when you explore the immersive set for The Shire, the fictional village from the ever-popular Lord of the Rings novels and film franchise.

Auckland, New Zealand awaits you!

Picton, a coastal town at the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, serves as the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds. Surrounded by tranquil blue waters, lush hills, and winding inlets, Picton is a paradise for outdoor explorers.

The Marlborough Sounds, a nearby network of sunken river valleys, offer so many opportunities for adventure. Visitors can kayak through the sheltered coves, sail along the peaceful bays, or hike the famous Queen Charlotte Track. The waters around Picton are also home to dolphins, seals, and even rare seabirds.

Picton’s culinary scene reflects the rich produce of the surrounding Marlborough region, which is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc. Visitors can explore wineries, taste freshly caught seafood, and enjoy farm-to-table dining at charming eateries. The town’s close connection to the sea means that fresh green-lipped mussels, a local specialty, are a must-try dish.

With its stunning coastal scenery, welcoming atmosphere, and easy access to both land and sea adventures, Picton is more than just a transit point—it’s a destination that provides a true taste of New Zealand’s beauty.

Fiordland National Park, located on the southwestern tip of New Zealand's South Island, is a breathtaking wilderness that captivates visitors with its dramatic landscapes of towering fjords, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests. Established in 1952, Fiordland is part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its stunning natural beauty and unique biodiversity. The park’s crown jewel, Milford Sound, is often described as the "eighth wonder of the world" and offers visitors a chance to cruise through deep glacially-carved waters, flanked by sheer rock faces and the iconic Mitre Peak rising sharply from the fjord’s depths.

The adventure begins in Te Anau, the gateway town to Fiordland National Park. From here, travelers can embark on one of New Zealand's Great Walks, such as the Milford, Kepler, or Routeburn Tracks, which showcase the park’s diverse terrains—from alpine meadows to pristine lakes and dense beech forests. Each trail offers its own set of challenges and rewards, with vistas that seem straight out of a fantasy film. A boat trip to Doubtful Sound, often referred to as the “sound of silence,” allows for a more secluded exploration of Fiordland's beauty, where mist-covered mountains and tranquil waters create a mystical atmosphere that is both calming and awe-inspiring.

For those seeking to experience Fiordland’s unique marine life, the Milford Discovery Centre & Underwater Observatory provides a rare opportunity to see black coral, normally found at great depths, thriving at shallow levels due to the park's unique water conditions. Fiordland is also a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts; it is home to a variety of native species such as the rare Fiordland crested penguin, bottlenose dolphins, and fur seals. Bird watchers can delight in spotting the endangered takahe, a flightless bird thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in Fiordland in 1948.

Fun fact: Fiordland is known for its infamous sandflies, which were humorously explained in Maori legend as being created by the goddess Hinenuitepo to keep humans humble in the face of such overwhelming natural beauty. Visitors often joke that the stunning views of Fiordland come with a "tiny" price to pay. Despite these tiny nuisances, Fiordland National Park remains a must-see destination for travelers seeking to experience one of the last great wilderness areas on Earth, offering unmatched opportunities for exploration, adventure, and tranquility in the heart of New Zealand’s rugged beauty.

Sydney, Australia's iconic harbor city, is a dazzling blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. At the heart of its allure is the world-renowned Sydney Opera House, an architectural marvel that hosts an array of performances from opera to contemporary music. Its distinctive sail-like design makes it one of the most photographed buildings in the world. A tour of the Opera House offers insights into its fascinating history and architectural innovations.

Nearby, the Sydney Harbour Bridge provides a thrilling experience for adventure seekers. Visitors can climb to the top of this steel giant for panoramic views of the city and harbor, a breathtaking way to appreciate Sydney’s spectacular waterfront. For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, a walk across the bridge offers equally stunning vistas.

Sydney's beaches are legendary, with Bondi Beach standing out as a must-visit destination. Known for its golden sands and surf culture, Bondi is perfect for a day of sunbathing or taking a dip in the Pacific. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk offers scenic views of the rugged coastline and is a great way to explore other beautiful beaches along the way.

Fun fact: Sydney's Taronga Zoo is unique for its conservation efforts and its stunning location overlooking Sydney Harbour. It's one of the few zoos in the world where you can see animals while enjoying views of the iconic skyline.