Fiordland Expedition (Coming Soon)

 Whanganui / Home – Auckland (17th July)

If departing from Whanganui, meet at the Whanganui Racecourse for a 12.30pm departure and travel to Palmerston North Airport to catch our flight to Auckland at 3.10pm.

Departing from another destination

For those departing from another destination we will arrange for you to meet the group in Auckland depending on your location.

Auckland – Samoa (18th July)

After breakfast we are collected and transferred to Auckland International airport to check in and board as a group for our 8.45am flight to Faleolo Airport Apia. The flight time is just under 4 hours and your ticket is ‘The Works’ which includes movies and meals. 

Samoa (19th July)

After a relaxing start to the day and after a lovely breakfast we are collected for our first real chance to explore of the main island of Upolu.

We start with visiting Apia township & surrounding areas before we are taken to the beautiful Mulinu’u peninsula where the high chiefs of Samoa are buried.  It is also the place where the Independence flag was raised when Samoa became independent from the New Zealand Administration.  It is a unique and special peninsula to Samoa as it is where the first parliament house was built during the German rule, and the location where the German flag was raised during the 1st World War.

Accommodation: Taumeasina Island Resort

 Upolu (20th July)

After breakfast we are collected at 9am and head out for a real unique taste of Samoa. Our first stop is the fish market where you hand pick the fresh fish that you would like to be cooked up for your lunch (alternate lunch is available). We then head to Fugalei Market to buy fruits and vegetables to accompany the fish and there is the chance to purchase a souvenir from a variety of handicrafts stalls.

Upolu (21st July)

A relaxed start to the day and for those who are keen you can go to a local church service which is just next to the resort. We are then collected from the resort mid-morning and head back out on the coastal road before taking the Le Mafa Pass which sits 1700 feet above sea level. We enjoy the breath-taking views of the east and south coastlines before the scenic drive takes us through lush green forests and the amazing reservoir, on to more post card coastal views of the Aleipata District. 

Once we arrive at the beautiful Lalomanu Beach you have the chance to have swim, catch a tan or simply relax in one of the fales taking in the exotic views.  After the Samoan style BBQ lunch, we begin our return trip along the South West coast and over the Cross-Island road.  As we descend you will be able to observe the magnificent view of Apia Town and you may be able to spot your home away from home.

There will be a couple of hours to yourself before meeting back for dinner and resting your head for the evening.

Accommodation: Taumeasina Island Resort

Upolu - Savaii (23rd July)

After breakfast it’s time to pack our bags and leave our first resort as we head west over to Mulifanua Wharf Ferry Terminal, to catch the ferry to the beautiful island of Savaii. We will grab some lunch on the way before we catch the midday ferry sailing.

Savaii (24th July)

After a delicious tropical breakfast, we head out to explore the northern region of the island. The tour starts by visiting the Salelologa fresh fruit market to observe the variety of root crops, fresh fruits and vegetables. There is also plenty of fish and great handicrafts for the taking.  

The next stop is at Sapapali’i village, which is where the first missionaries landed in Samoa. We will be shown around, and our guides will inform us on this interesting history. 

Our next exciting stop is the lava field where you can wander here or do a short coastal walk and view the virgin’s grave.  The last stop of the day is the wetland at Satoalepai. Here we have a great lunch then it is time to learn all about the turtles that visit the warm waters around Samoa. You have the opportunity to get up close with the turtles by either swimming with them and/or feeding them - a great experience! 

We then make our way back to the resort for some R & R before meeting for dinner.

Accommodation: Stevensons at Manase Resort

Savaii (24th July)

Another relaxed start to the day before we are collected for our tour of the southern end of the island.

The first part of our days see’s us travel through villages & lust rainforest to one of the most popular spots on the island, Alofaaga Blowholes. These impressive blowholes are wave power in its purest form, as they propel a roaring jet of water hundreds of feet up into the air. They are particularly worth watching when locals throw coconuts into the holes and these are blasted into the air.

We then head to Afu A’au Falls which is a spectacular waterfall in south-eastern Savaii, that plunges from the rainforest deep into a fresh-water swimming pool. This is also our lovely lunch spot for the day.

You then have the chance to show your skills with some traditional “art form” through the Siapo (Tapa) making. Experience firsthand this ancient practice of the Tapa Cloth making, hand painted with local designs/motif. Make your own tapa which is made from the bark of the Mulberry tree and natural tree dyes & river rocks.  

We then head back to the accommodation for our final special group dinner of tour. 

Accommodation: Stevensons at Manase Resort

Savaii - Home (25th July)

The final breakfast before packing our bags and making our way back over to Upolu. When we arrive back at Mulifanua followed by a short drive to Faleolo Airport where we check in for our 2.50pm flight to Auckland.

Again, your ticket includes meal and movies and we are expected to land at 6pm local time where we collect our luggage and clear customs. If you are flying to another destination your guide will show you the way and for those who live in Auckland, your shuttle will be ready and waiting to take you back home.