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Vivid color in the ‘aquarium of Rangiroa, French Polynesia
A local villager, preserving ancient traditions, plays music on a flute in Owa Raha, Soloman Islands
The intense color of the coral is trimmed over the blue of the sea, Munda, Solomon Islands
Clear water on a lava beach in tropical Tanna, Vanuatu
Guests kayaking a blue hole, in Espiritu Santa Island, Vanuatu
Vivid color in the ‘aquarium of Rangiroa, French Polynesia
ExpeditionsRoots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia

Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia

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Following in the wake of Captain Cook, journey from New Zealand’s North Island to the Solomon Sea. Delve into a fascinating history of explorers, convicts, and traders, and learn about the rich cultures of the Māori and the Melanesians. Examine traditional carved houses and ancient caves and meet villagers on some of the most remote islands of the South Pacific. Along the way, don your snorkel and fins to discover incredible coral reefs and lagoons.

Highlights

A typical maori puppet head with moko at the end of a war canoe in Waitangi, New Zealand.
  • Encounter an impressive diversity of cultures, from the Māori of the Bay of Islands to the spear dancers of the Solomon Islands, and delve into their artistic and spiritual traditions

  • Witness the Rom dance on Ambrym Island or the kastom dances of the Torres Island Group on Lo Island

  • Visit World War II sites from the Battle of Guadalcanal, including an optional dive on the wreck of the S.S. President Coolidge

  • See the traditional canoes of the people of Utupua and take a Zodiac ride along their mangrove-studded lagoon

  • Enjoy world-class snorkeling or diving among diverse coral species

duration
15 Days
Talk to an Expedition Specialist1.800.397.3348
duration
15 Days
duration
15 Days

Video

South Pacific Islands - Beauty & History

  • Sep 2023

Hiding among the azure lagoons, white-sand beaches, and tropical forests of places like the Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Vanuatu, the scars of World War II are still very much present. As we call in on these remote sites on our Rites and Relics voyage, we’ll be joined by Ian W. Toll, author of a highly regarded, three-volume history of the Pacific War, who will help resurrect these stories from the past. “When I visit these places, I really do feel as if I’m seeing the history of that war through the eyes of those who were there and that makes it a much richer and more personal experience.”

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Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.

Captain Andrew Cook with guests and Staff on the Bridge of National Geographic Venture, Baja California, Mexico

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Australia & New Zealand 2024

South Pacific & French Polynesia 2023-25