Pacific Insider
There's no time like 'island time'…

Had an email from Garth and Debbie, the managers of Sunset Resort in the Cook Islands. Winter whale watching weather has been wonderful (summer-like 28 degrees) and the humpback migration has started (July to October). Guests in the beachfront rooms have been enjoying watching these magnificent creatures playing alongside the lagoon reef, not far from [...]

The Pacific Insider is a Gold Fiji Matai Specialist (means he’s been about a bit in Fiji and passed an exam).  Now, Tourism Fiji has announced a new initiative for consumers from the end of this month, when the new website, FijiMe.com.au is launched.  Potential travellers will be able to go online, plan their holiday including [...]

In Vanuatu there are a couple of breweries – one that produces the more famous ‘Tusker’ and a boutique brewery called the Seven Seas (out of ‘The Saloon Bar’, near the golf course on the way to Mele).  The saloon is owned by Americans, Don and Donna MacQuoid.  Don and Donna were sailing around the [...]

It’s not that long ago that the Pacific fell behind the rest of the world in attitudes to smoking.  A decade ago smoking was permitted in the arrival and departure lounges at the airports, in banks, office buildings and all cafes and restaurants.  In Vanuatu, for example, the attitude is still pretty relaxed in cafes [...]

I mentioned ‘expats’ in the previous post.  A lot of expatriate Kiwis live in the Pacific, so here’s one for them! +++ A man in London walked into the vegetable section of his local supermarket and asked to buy half a head of lettuce. The boy working in that department told him that they only sold [...]

Congratulations to Cadel Evans – it is a major personal achievement to win the epic Tour de France at age 34 (after second place 2007 and 2008).  And what a national anthem belted out by Tina Arena!  In terms of an Australian sporting achievement, it is arguably the greatest ever.  Better than Pharlap?  Better than [...]

Vailima is the name Robert Louis Stevenson gave to the 162 hectares of bushland he purchased in 1889. The property is three and a half km inland from Apia with sweeping views. The name means ‘five waters’ and refers to the small streams that run across the property. It is a fabulous museum – and [...]

From Peter Fitzsimons column in the SMH this morning (rather than paraphrase – his words)… BRAVO the Wallabies. Not for their loss against the valiant Samoan side, which was dispiriting to say the least – but for what happened the following day. The side headed down to Coogee Beach for a recovery session in the [...]

Vanuatu’s Anchor Inn has a big weekend planned with Fiji vs All Blacks rugby Friday and Australia vs South Africa Saturday.  And for fans of Val’s Corned Beef and Mustard Sauce for Friday lunch, it is just 1000 vatu. The Insider has been fortunate enough to enjoy the famous corned beef and hospitality at home [...]

Another win to Samoa Rugby (and Samoa Tourism).  Really quick thinking and smart marketing by Samoa Tourism following the rugby win over the Australian wallabies on the weekend.  Already a promotion has gone out inviting people to feel the passion and the fire of the Manu Rugby Giants by visiting Samoa with your school or [...]