From Moorea’s Lagoons to New Zealand

Lunch with our feet in the water and stingrays swimming around us isn’t something we experience every day. But in Bora Bora, it became one of our favorite memories from a South Pacific journey that began in Moorea and ended in Auckland, New Zealand.

Our cruise aboard Regent Seven Seas Voyager took us from Papeete to islands with very different landscapes, stories, and traditions. Along the way, we snorkeled over a beautiful coral reef, learned about Samoan village life, and watched dolphins follow our excursion boat in New Zealand.

And before any of that, we had two nights in an overwater bungalow.

Moorea: A Beautiful Beginning

Before boarding the ship in Papeete, we stayed at Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort. Our overwater bungalow was spacious, with a beautiful view, and we loved the experience of staying right over the lagoon.

Those two nights gave us time to enjoy Moorea as a destination in its own right. It was a lovely way to begin our vacation, with something special to look forward to even before the cruise started.

When I think back on this trip, our bungalow belongs right alongside the cruise highlights. The beginning of a journey deserves some attention, too.

Raiatea: An Island’s History, Told Personally

In Raiatea, we enjoyed an island tour with a local guide who shared the history of his ancestors.

There’s something special about hearing a place’s stories from someone whose own family is connected to them. His perspective added meaning to what we were seeing and gave us more to take away than photographs.

It’s one of the things I appreciate about exploring with a local guide: the opportunity to understand a little more about the people and history behind the scenery.

Bora Bora: Our Favorite Port

Bora Bora was our favorite port, and our full-day excursion was a highlight of the entire journey.

We snorkeled at a gorgeous coral reef, swam with sharks and stingrays, and spent the day enjoying the water. Then came a lunch I’m still happy to talk about.

On a private island, we enjoyed a delicious meal seated in the shallow water, with fish and stingrays swimming all around us.

The setting made it unforgettable. There we were, enjoying lunch while watching the marine life moving beside us, a very different kind of dining experience.

For us, this day brought together so much of what made the South Pacific special: beautiful surroundings, time in the water, and experiences we could enjoy together.

American Samoa: Learning About the Samoan Way

Our village visit in American Samoa introduced us to Fa’a Samoa, meaning “the Samoan way.” We were struck by the pride people took in their traditions and the importance those traditions still hold today.

Family and community are central to Fa’a Samoa. An important part of this way of life is the matai system. A matai is a titled family leader or chief whose responsibilities include looking after the extended family’s welfare, overseeing communal family land, and representing the family in village affairs.

Understanding that role adds another dimension to a village visit. Leadership carries responsibility for the family and its place within the wider community.

Visiting a village where people continue to live helped connect that cultural background with everyday life. It was a memorable opportunity to learn about a way of life that remains deeply valued.

Fiji: Taking in the Views

Our stop in Suva, Fiji, gave us more beautiful views to enjoy as our journey continued across the Pacific.

The variety was part of the appeal of this cruise. Some days were filled with activities, while others offered time to appreciate the scenery. Each stop contributed something different to the trip.

Regent Seven Seas Voyager: Our Home Between Islands

Back aboard Regent Seven Seas Voyager, we enjoyed the comfort of our suite and the exceptional food and service we have come to appreciate on our Regent cruises.

The ship was very much part of the vacation. Having a comfortable suite to return to after an excursion, along with meals and service we enjoyed, made the time between destinations a pleasure.

For me, that balance matters. The itinerary gives you places to explore, while the ship shapes how you experience the journey between them.

Bay of Islands: Dolphins and Hole in the Rock

In New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, we took a lovely boat trip around the bay and out to Hole in the Rock, Motukōkako.

The scenery made the outing worthwhile, and on our way back to the dock, we had an added treat: dolphins followed the boat.

After our encounters with marine life in French Polynesia, this felt like a fitting welcome to New Zealand. It became another of those moments we would remember long after returning home.

Auckland: A Final Day on Waiheke Island

With one day in Auckland, we took a ferry to Waiheke Island, visited a couple of wineries, and enjoyed a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

It was a relaxed way to finish a journey filled with different experiences. We had started in an overwater bungalow in Moorea, eaten lunch in Bora Bora’s lagoon, learned about island traditions, and finished with wine tasting on Waiheke.

Looking back, that variety is what stands out most. We enjoyed the comfort of Regent Seven Seas Voyager while discovering places that each had their own character.

If you’re considering a South Pacific cruise, I’d love to help you bring the pieces together, from choosing your ship and itinerary to finding a special place to stay before or after your sailing.