Nature has blessed this part of the world with an abundance of flora and fauna that’s unique in every way. Rare crested iguanas, spectacularly colourful birds of paradise (38 different kinds of them), exquisite and delicate orchids and ferns plus a collage of living corals in a kaleidoscope of colours plus the fascinating World War II wrecks lying in the waters of Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands which have captivated divers from around the world.

This place is an ecologist’s delight. The hiking trails of Aitutaki in the Cook Islands are among the most untouched in the world, and you will also find a rich diversity of flora and fauna endemic to each outer island. Niue’s network of caves are hauntingly beautiful and the jungles and forests of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands almost primeval in their make up. Several countries like Samoa and Vanuatu, where eco-tourism is currently being established, have set aside national parks to share and preserve their national heritage.

Whether trekking, bushwalking or reef-walking you’ll be fascinated by the diversity of the plants and wildlife you’ll encounter. This is indeed a region richly endowed with nature’s bounty.