The 144 subtropical islands that dot the sapphire seas around New Zealand's northwestern coast comprise a region known as the Bay of Islands. This is a nature-lover's paradise, where seals, dolphins, and whales abound in the protected waters, mighty kauri trees permeate ancient rainforests, and long stretches of pristine coastline invite adventure and relaxation in equal measure. There are endless opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking, but you don't have to be an outdoorsy type to appreciate the region. Historic towns such as Paihia, Kerikeri, and Russell offer thriving arts and culinary scenes.

Explore Suva, Fiji's enchanting capital, where a kaleidoscope of colonial architecture, bustling markets, and a fusion of Fijian, Indian, and Pacific cultures merge to create a uniquely vibrant urban experience. Suva sits on the southeast shores of mountainous Viti Levu ("Great Fiji"), largest of the over 800 islands which comprise the Republic of Fiji. Local folk traditions remain strong, like fire-walks and welcoming ceremonies, wood-carving and the fabrication of tree-bark cloth. The island's proud history is showcased in the Fiji Museum, with its impressive collection of war canoes.

Cradled along the northern shore of Upolu, picturesque Apia's thatched-roof fales blend into the emerald-hued countryside. Jagged mountains rise above deserted beaches where trade winds sigh on coconut palms. Western Samoa's friendly, carefree islanders will welcome you to their bountiful homeland and proudly show you the former home of their adopted son, Robert Louis Stevenson.

It's all about the welcome in the beautiful port of Pago Pago (pronounced Pango Pango), on the shores of a deep natural harbor in the shadow of jungle-cloaked Mount Pioa – more lyrically known as Rainmaker Mountain. This is a place that has long-established, valued customs and traditions, passed down the generations over many centuries, where the offer of a drink made from the kava root has been turned into a ritual, Sunday is still a day of rest, and myths, legends and a turbulent history are shared through storytelling, dance, crafts and, of course, tattoos. But the capital of American Samoa is also a modern urban center with shops and sights including the Jean P. Haydon Museum, with its displays of war canoes, jewelry made from coconut shells and seeds, and a curious exhibition about the island chain's role in the U.S. Apollo Space Missions

This halcyon island is as spiritual as it is beautiful. The second-largest of the Society Islands after Tahiti, Raiatea is the ancient ancestral home of the Polynesian people and, legend has it, the birthplace of gods. While neighboring Bora Bora is a magnet for visitors, Raiatea has a serenity that's unmatched, thanks in no small part to its sacred place in Polynesian history and culture. Learn more at Taputapuatea marae, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which would have been used as a ceremonial and social space, and a point where the human and spiritual worlds met. Elsewhere, while Raiatea doesn't have the impressive beaches found on other islands, its mountainous interior offers calf-stretching hikes with glorious views, while its impossible clear waters reward divers with shipwrecks and a colorful array of marine life.

Bora Bora is the jewel in the crown of French Polynesia, a blissful paradise of white sands, turquoise waters, and lush, jungle-clad peaks. It's no surprise that honeymooners retreat here – the romance is palpable. Spend your time snorkeling through kaleidoscopic coral gardens in crystalline lagoons, stand-up paddleboarding amid the island's iconic overwater bungalows, exploring the rugged foothills of majestic Mount Otemanu, and soaking up the sun on secluded motus (islets).

The South Pacific island of Moorea is a place rich in untouched nature and enchanting landscapes, where jagged volcanic peaks, lush emerald valleys, and crystal-clear lagoons create the perfect setting for an island escape. Known for its unique heart shape, the island is surrounded by white-sand beaches to enjoy as you take part in Shore Excursions and other outdoor activities.

Fringed by emerald peaks and the turquoise waters of the South Pacific, Papeete serves as an ideal stepping stone to the wonders of the island of Tahiti. But there's plenty to do in the French Polynesian capital itself. Wander along the lively waterfront and through bustling markets to immerse yourself in the rhythms of daily Polynesian life; admire the colorful Notre Dame Cathedral, one of Papeete's last remaining examples of early colonial architecture; and pay a visit to the Robert Wan Pearl Museum for an insight into the history and cultivation of Tahitian pearls (plus the opportunity to acquire a lustrous keepsake).