Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia
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
Encounter an impressive diversity of cultures from the Māori of the Bay of Islands to the spear dancers of the Solomons, and delve into their artistic and spiritual traditions
Venture to the former penal colony of Norfolk Island, now a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting the unusual trees called Norfolk Island pines
Visit the island nation of New Caledonia, made up of immaculate beaches and steep coral cliffs, and hike into the tropical forest to a vanilla plantation or enjoy world-class snorkeling among diverse coral species
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
Join Andrew Revkin on the Jan. 29, 2024, departure
Andrew Revkin
Environmental Journalist and Founding Director of the Initiative on Communication & Sustainability at The Earth Institute of Columbia University
From
$15,610
/ per person
Does not include flights
ROUND-TRIP AIR INCLUDED UP TO $6,000
Join National Geographic Expert Wade Davis on the Oct. 24, 2023, departure
Wade Davis
National Geographic Expert
View our brochures for more details
From
$15,610
/ per person
Join National Geographic Expert Wade Davis on the Oct. 24, 2023, departure
Wade Davis
National Geographic Expert
View our brochures for more details
From
$15,610
/ per person
ROUND-TRIP AIR INCLUDED UP TO $6,000
Join National Geographic Expert Wade Davis on the Oct. 24, 2023, departure
Wade Davis
National Geographic Expert
View our brochures for more details
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.”
Dates & Rates
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Ships
National Geographic Orion
Guests
102
Cabins
53
An authentic expedition ship, purpose-built for exploring the South Pacific and its surrounding regions
Featuring 53 cabins, the gracious and intimate National Geographic Orion takes travelers to little-known waters and isles in the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia to experience each location's natural and cultural wonders up close. With her high ice-class rating, National Geographic Orion is strong enough to explore the polar regions, yet her elevated maneuverability allows for navigation practically anywhere accessible by sea.
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Expedition Team
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.
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