Holidays to the South Pacific: A Family Guide to the Islands

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Guide to family holidays in the South Pacific Islands

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When it comes to unforgettable holidays to the South Pacific, families are spoiled for choice. Scattered across the vast Pacific Ocean, the South Pacific Islands are known for their turquoise lagoons, palm-fringed beaches, lush rainforests and some of the warmest hospitality you’ll find anywhere in the world.

But a family holiday here isn’t just about postcard-perfect scenery. The South Pacific is home to deeply rooted cultures, laid-back island lifestyles, outdoor adventure, and destinations that genuinely welcome travelling families — whether that’s through kid-friendly resorts, safe swimming lagoons, cultural experiences, or space for kids to simply be kids.

From well-known favourites like Fiji, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia to more adventurous destinations such as Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, holidays to the South Pacific can be as relaxed or as adventurous as your family wants them to be.

Looking for ideas?

Browse the South Pacific destinations below to explore family-friendly islands, resorts, activities and travel tips for each country.

Not sure where to start? This quick overview compares the most popular South Pacific destinations for families.

Which South Pacific island suits your family?

Destination	Region	Best for	Family travel style
Cook Islands	Polynesia	Relaxed lagoon swimming, easy travel, younger kids	Laid-back, low-stress
French Polynesia	Polynesia	Bucket-list scenery, resort stays, older kids	Luxury, iconic experiences
New Zealand	Polynesia	Outdoor adventure, road trips, snow & nature	Active, multi-stop
Samoa	Polynesia	Cultural immersion, slower travel	Authentic, off-the-beaten-path
Tonga	Polynesia	Wildlife encounters, traditional culture	Adventurous, meaningful
Easter Island	Polynesia	History, archaeology, older kids	Educational, unique
Fiji	Melanesia	Family resorts, kids’ clubs, first-timers	Easy, resort-based
Vanuatu	Melanesia	Adventure, volcanoes, culture	Active, outdoorsy
New Caledonia	Melanesia	Lagoon swimming, French flair	Relaxed, food-focused
Papua New Guinea	Melanesia	Cultural depth, festivals	Immersive, experienced travellers
Solomon Islands	Melanesia	Snorkelling, WWII history	Remote, nature-led
Micronesia	Micronesia	Marine life, quieter islands	Niche, snorkelling-focused

South Pacific Islands for a family holiday

The South Pacific is typically divided into three main cultural regions:

• Polynesia
• Melanesia
• Micronesia

Each region offers a different style of holiday — from easy, resort-based family escapes to culturally rich and adventure-led experiences. Most families visiting the South Pacific tend to focus on Polynesian or Melanesian destinations, but all three regions have something unique to offer.

Polynesian Islands in the South Pacific

Polynesia covers more than 1,000 islands spread across a vast triangle formed by Hawaii, New Zealand and Easter Island (Rapa Nui). While each island group has its own customs and traditions, Polynesian cultures share strong connections through language, storytelling, dance and community life.

For families planning holidays to the South Pacific, Polynesian islands are often the easiest and most rewarding choice. Expect calm lagoons, welcoming locals, family-friendly resorts and a relaxed pace of life that suits travelling with kids of all ages.

Cook Islands

Best for: relaxed lagoon swimming, easy travel, younger kids.

Made up of 15 islands, the Cook Islands are one of the most family-friendly destinations in the South Pacific. Most international flights arrive into Rarotonga, where you’ll find safe beaches, easy transport and a strong sense of community. Aitutaki’s famous lagoon is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and slow, unstructured family days.

Unlike some island destinations, the main island is just as rewarding as the outer islands — making it a more affordable and low-stress option for families.

French Polynesia

Best for: bucket-list scenery, older kids, resort-style stays.

With 118 islands and atolls spread across five archipelagos, French Polynesia is known for its dramatic landscapes, vivid lagoons and iconic overwater bungalows. While often seen as a honeymoon destination, it also works beautifully for families — particularly those travelling with older kids or teens.

Tahiti is the main gateway, with Moorea, Bora Bora and Raiatea offering a mix of adventure, culture and high-end family resorts.

New Zealand

Best for: outdoor adventure, road trips, multi-generational travel.

New Zealand offers a very different style of South Pacific holiday. Split between the North and South Islands, it’s known for mountains, beaches, geothermal areas and outdoor experiences that suit active families.

While it doesn’t deliver tropical beaches, it’s ideal for families who enjoy road trips, hiking, snow sports and nature-based adventures — especially during the Australian winter.

Samoa

Best for: cultural immersion, slower travel, off-the-beaten-path families.

Samoa is known for its lush landscapes, volcanic features and strong cultural traditions rooted in fa’a Samoa, a way of life that places emphasis on family, respect and community. The main islands of Upolu and Savai’i offer waterfalls, beaches and village stays.

It’s a quieter alternative to more resort-heavy destinations and suits families seeking cultural connection and a slower pace.

Tonga

Best for: wildlife encounters, authentic culture, adventurous families.

The Kingdom of Tonga is made up of more than 160 islands, many of which remain untouched by mass tourism. Families visiting Tonga can enjoy snorkelling, coral reefs and, during winter months, the chance to see humpback whales.

Tonga offers a deeply traditional Polynesian experience and is best suited to families comfortable with simpler infrastructure and meaningful cultural travel.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Best for: history-loving families, older kids, unique experiences.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world and is famous for its monumental Moai statues. These stone figures, carved between the 13th and 16th centuries, are central to the island’s cultural identity.

Beyond the history, families will find volcanic landscapes, dramatic coastlines and a strong Indigenous Polynesian culture — making it a fascinating destination for curious, school-aged kids and teens.

Melanesian Islands in the South Pacific

Melanesia is located in the southwestern Pacific and includes Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. This region is known for its dramatic landscapes, cultural diversity and strong traditions, with more than 1,000 languages spoken across its islands.

Holidays to the South Pacific in Melanesia tend to suit families looking for a mix of resort comfort, cultural experiences and outdoor adventure — from snorkelling and volcanoes to village visits and rainforest exploration.

Fiji

Best for: all-inclusive family resorts, kids’ clubs, first-time South Pacific holidays.

Known for its family-friendly resorts, stunning coral reefs and white sand beaches, Fiji comprises 333 islands with the largest being Viti Levu. Fiji is famous for its warm hospitality, with the traditional Fijian greeting, ‘’Bula,’’ reflecting the friendly and welcoming nature of the people.

It’s a popular choice for families seeking a mid-range or luxury holiday with natural beauty and cultural immersion in the South Pacific.

Vanuatu

Best for: adventure-loving families, cultural experiences, volcanoes and snorkelling.

Vanuatu is an archipelago in the South Pacific comprising 83 islands. Like many of the islands in the South Pacific, a holiday here features beautiful landscapes, white sand beaches, coral reefs, diverse cultures and vibrant traditions.

Vanuatu’s population, known as Ni-Vanuatu, comprises various ethnic groups with distinct languages and customs, and is one of the few places where traditional kastom (custom) remains integral to daily life.

New Caledonia

Best for: French-style island holidays, lagoon swimming, families wanting something different.

New Caledonia is a French overseas territory comprising the main island, Grande Terre, and numerous smaller islands. This archipelago has everything from mountain ranges to coral reefs and even boasts the world’s second-largest barrier reef, the New Caledonian Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a haven for marine biodiversity.

It has a certain degree of autonomy from France, but the blend of French and Melanesian cultures, combined with its natural beauty, is a big drawcard for many seeking a holiday to the South Pacific. 

Papua New Guinea

Best for: culturally curious families, festivals, remote and immersive experiences.

Papua New Guinea is diverse and culturally rich, sharing the eastern half of the island of New Guinea with Indonesia and encompassing numerous smaller islands. Port Moresby serves as the capital.

Home to over 800 Indigenous languages, the country’s rugged terrain includes mountains, dense rainforests and coastal lowlands. Visitors are drawn to this South Pacific destination for a holiday for its unique cultural experiences, unique festivals, stunning landscapes and coral reefs.

Solomon Islands

Best for: snorkelling and diving families, WWII history, off-the-grid island escapes.

The Solomon Islands are an archipelago comprising nearly 1,000 islands and are known for pristine coral reefs, diverse marine life, and lush tropical rainforests. Honiara serves as the capital of the island of Guadalcanal.

Here, you will find a culturally diverse population with unique traditions, dances and languages. Visitors come to this South Pacific holiday destination for its natural beauty, people, WWII historical sites, and world-class diving and snorkelling. 

Micronesian Islands in the South Pacific

Best for: marine life, snorkelling-focused trips, experienced travellers seeking quieter destinations.

Micronesia consists of hundreds of small islands scattered across the western Pacific Ocean. While less visited by families compared to Polynesia and Melanesia, Micronesian destinations are known for exceptional marine life, coral reefs and rich Indigenous cultures.

The most well-known Micronesian destinations include Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands. These destinations tend to appeal to families seeking off-the-beaten-path South Pacific holidays, particularly those interested in snorkelling, diving and cultural discovery.

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FAQ: Holidays to the South Pacific

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Not sure where to start?

Whether you’re planning a relaxed resort stay or a more adventurous island escape, our destination guides will help you choose the right South Pacific holiday for your family.

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