Even being woefully underprepared for a river rafting trip didn't stop me from enjoying the five hours spent floating down the tranquil upper portion of the Navua River in Fiji.

The US Geological Survey reports the epicentre was just shy of 200km southwest of Apia, which is the capital and largest city of Samoa.

Night snorkelling with giant manta rays off the Kona coast in Hawaii is undoubtedly a major drawcard for tourists.

It's time for us to dig deep and give back to a place which has been a favourite holiday destination for Kiwis over the years.

The Solomons had a pivotal role in foreign war, writes Emma Kemp.

Cyclone Winston reached category 5 status as it passed over Tonga tonight, it's now headed for Fiji.

During the northern winter, storms in cold, scary places of the North Pacific generate swells that march thousands of kilometres across the ocean to warm and pleasant Hawai'i.

Less than $600 for each member of your family will cover a four night Rarotonga escape for two adults and two children aged 2 to 11.

Choosing where to go for a family summer holiday gets increasingly tricky as the kids advance through the teenage years.

Hawaii is a perfect family destination and the Hilton Hawaiian Village is a large multi-purpose resort complex close to many iconic attractions.

In 1866, Mark Twain wrote that he "went to Maui to stay a week and remained five". I would have done the same had I been given the chance.

There's something a little risky but also exciting about playing beer pong in front of your young children.

It's an exhilarating feeling to launch a sea kayak from the beach and set out to explore a cluster of islands shimmering like a mirage under the tropical sun.

Say 'I do' on the golden sands of a sun-kissed isle as soft waves gently lap the shore. Bridget Jones writes.

Shandelle Battersby finds herself floating on Cloud 9 - literally - in Fiji's Mamanucas.

Tuvalu has issued a stern warning to its Pacific Island neighbours, urging countries not to do deals outside of the like-minded group at major climate talks in Paris.

Steve Braunias finds a fortress of New Zealand pride on a Fijian resort island full of Australians.

The museums of the Solomon Islands house plenty of memorabilia from the Pacific campaign, writes Gillian Vine.

Pasifika beats, arts, culture and talent will be seen and heard around Auckland over the next two weeks during the Urbanesia festival, which starts today.

In search of adventure, Tess Nichol is soon hurtling through the treetops, upside down on a wire.

The perfect place to see a volcano erupt is high in the banyan treetops of Vanuatu, writes Peter de Graaf.

The 'E2 Way' keeps angler Jane Jeffries happy - and her prey gets to live another day.

For a few blissful days before a conference, Leah McLennan enjoys a luxurious bonding time with her beloved mum.

Niue's slower pace has plenty to offer eco-adventurers, as Sophie Barclay discovers.

Chris Daniels climbs aboard a bike to explore a different side of Rarotonga.

The brightly coloured fish of the Marquesas would have inspired Doctor Seuss, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Resort offers five reasons for Megan Singleton to stay a while.

Richard Moore bravely plunges into the warm-water home of some scary but seriously impressive creatures.

Oahu's big waves and warm waters are a magnet to all types and sizes of mammals, finds Paul Davies.

Tribal rituals, war relics and the legendary 'Queen of lovemaking and drinking' are just the tip of Rabaul's iceberg, finds Andrew Stone.