There’s no denying that the South Pacific is a dream destination, especially for couples seeking a romantic getaway and divers looking to explore some of the world’s clearest water. The region’s leading island nations — French Polynesia, Fiji, and the Cook Islands, as well as Australia and New Zealand — all deliver their own idyllic version of tropical bliss. However, since paradise doesn’t come cheap, it pays to know how to find the best deal. Here are several ways to save.
Look for a package deal. The best way to save in the South Pacific is with a package deal that bundles your airfare (including inter-island flights), accommodation, transfers, some meals (typically breakfast and one or two lunches or dinners), and at least one excursion. These deals are popular, so start searching at least five to six months in advance to snag the best prices for your dates.
Book a Multi-islands Pass. If Tahiti, Australia, and New Zealand top your list, check out the Air Tahiti Multi-islands Pass, which lets you easily hop between dreamy islands like Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora — all at a lower price than booking separate flights.
Watch for low-season promos. The South Pacific is warm and sunny year-round, but the islands do have a low season (December to March) when rain and occasional tropical storms do occur. Yes, there’s higher humidity and passing afternoon showers, but occupancy is lower, so there are often air and accommodation deals. It is, however, high season (summer) in Australia and New Zealand.
Consider a cruise. For almost all-inclusive pricing (sometimes even airfare) and visits to a couple of islands in a single week (or several countries in two or three weeks), check out cruises that sail the islands of Tahiti on round-trip itineraries from Papeete (both Windstar and Paul Gaugin offer this option) or a combination of South Pacific island nations on itineraries (Princess, Holland America, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean offer itineraries departing from Australia, California, and/or Hawaii).
Use your hotel rewards points. If you’re a member of a hotel rewards program (such as Marriott, Hilton, IHG, or Sofitel, you may be able to score a few free nights in paradise.
Book a garden or beach bungalow. Yes, the ultimate South Pacific fantasy is the overwater bungalow, which you’ll find mainly in Tahiti but also in Fiji and the Cook Islands — but these sexy suites perched on stilts are priced at a premium (expect to pay upwards of $1,000, especially in peak season). However, you can save a few hundred dollars per night by opting for a garden or beach bungalow, which are offered at most but not all resorts.
Search for rates that include breakfast — and then stretch breakfast into lunch. Order room service for breakfast (first confirm that it’s included in your package), and you’ll typically receive enough food — eggs, bacon, croissants, yogurt, fruit, cheese, and baguettes — that you can wrap up half to store in your minibar until lunch; supplement with non-perishable snacks, such as dried fruit or protein bars, packed from home, and perfect for a picnic.
Eat lunch and/or dinner off the property. Restaurant bills in the South Pacific are shocking, especially at resorts where breakfast can cost $50 per person. Luckily, many properties are located within a short walk of a local eatery with more realistic (albeit not super cheap) prices. At night, some restaurants will pick you up from your resort. Do a little online research, and you can save big.
A resort’s bar menu can be a lite dinner option. Some resorts have a cocktail bar that serves small, more affordably priced shareable plates. If you’ve had a hearty lunch, these make a great light dinner.
Be smart about spirits. Buy bottles of wine or spirits at duty-free at LAX to carry aboard your flight, and after arrival, stop at a grocery near your resort to pick up essentials (juice, water, local beer) to store in your bungalow and enjoy anytime. Also, check if your resort has a happy hour offering two-for-one drinks or a cocktail of the day.
Plan for water transfers when possible. The nearer your destination island is to the international airport, the cheaper the transfer. Inter-island flights in Tahiti and Fiji can cost a few hundred dollars per person one-way, while a ferry or speedboat transfer is likely to be between $15 and $150 per person. Moorea, for example, can be reached via a one-hour public ferry ride from Papeete, while several private island resorts in Fiji’s Mamanuca group are accessible via boat transfer.
Consider the Cook Islands. Not as famous or commercially developed, this 15-island nation — Rarotonga and Aitutaki being the most accessible — offers old-school Polynesian ambiance and lower prices compared to Tahiti.