5 days diving on a pacific island (From New Zealand)

Hi,

I will be working in New Zealand for a while and can take 5-6 days off in the beginning of September, where I would like to go to a pacific island, but would love som input to find the right one. 5-6 days off do of course limit my possibilities.

I've been backpacking a lot and don't look for fancy resorts etc. I would like to experience something unique, but I have no knowledge about this region besides what I am reading online.

I've done some research and it seems like diving will probably be the best aim for this trip, since beaching is not unique for me. Fiji seems good but difficult to figure out where to go. Today I spent quite some time reading about Tongo, and both Vava'u and Ha'apai seem quite unique since they both offer good diving and possibility of swimming with humpback whales.

Any other ideas of places to look into or which places should have the "best" diving? Regarding diving I fancy both colous, sharks, wrecks since everything is unique in its own way.

Regards

The good thing about Fiji is that it is relatively well set up for backpackers, so you can get to your final destination without wasting a lot of time/effort/money working out transportation/accommodation/scuba operators/etc. Good when you're on a limited schedule.

I can't comment on diving per se, but there was no shortage of great snorkelling in the Yasawa Islands. Manta rays should still be around in early September.

You could also try Solomon Islands.

Thanks to both of you for the answers.

Just did a bit more research about Fiji and you are right, it does actually seem better, since you can do some island hopping close to the main island, where I will arrive. Might go for Fiji - seems quite good for my itinerary.

Any specific islands you would recommend for their Athomphere/beauty/snorkling then? And any which are a waste of time?? Manta rays island seems nice with the mantas drifting through.

Regarding Solomon Islands there are no good connection to the main island from New Zealand as far as I can see. And then I would have to transfer myself further again to get somewhere interesting, which would leave me with a limited time there.

If it were me with that sort of time, I'd probably head to Paradise Cove or Octopus, since they're not too far from the mainland and they offer a great overall experience. The former is newer and I don't know what the snorkelling is like right off their beach, but nearby there was some really good snorkelling.

Manta Ray Island is good if you want more of a party atmosphere. Despite the name, wherever you stay you need to take a boat out to where the Manta Rays actually are.

Hi again,

Yeah but as far I am informed Manta Ray island is one of four islands , from where you can actually go for this trip. At least according to Amazing Adventures Fiji, which was the operator I was thinking about using for the trip.

You write they are a great overall experience, but besides the snorkling/diving/beachin' is there anything else to experience?

Just use Awesome Adventures to book your transportation. Otherwise book directly with your accommodation.

Paradise Cove is within swimming distance of Manta Ray Island, and they run their own manta ray trips.
There are plenty of other things to do to fill up the days, pretty much summarized on the following website - though it'll vary somewhat depending on the island/resort you choose. Manta Ray is geared more towards beachin' & drinkin', so I was done there after a day (I walked around the island mainly with my free time).
http://paradisecoveresort.com.fj/local-attractions/activities/

Hi again,

I'm quite keen on Fiji instead of Tongo I must admit, but I'm not sure I find Paradise Cove as themost interesting island. On Coralview island I can see they organise shark diving as well, stuff like this I'm looking for. For me Paradise Cove seems to be a place I would go with a girlfriend and relax - not a alone.

Besides that it seems quite expensive compared to awesomeadventures, where you have dorms for 20$ a night and travelling alone a dorm is a good way to meet people anyway.

But i really appreciate your suggestions. If you know about other experiences on some islands I should check up upon they are more than welcome

Hmmm, didn't realize Paradise Cove didn't have dorms.

I like it most up around where Coralview is, but that does add a few more hours of travel time (though the ferry ride is enjoyable enough). If I were to go that far then I'd personally stay over at Blue Lagoon, since it's newer and has a nicer beach, better food, etc (though it is priced accordingly). Coralview has a good rep though too for its price point.

For something closer to the mainland you should consider Octopus on Waya. It's similar to Blue Lagoon, but older.