Tahiti is a dream destination, perfect for those wanting to escape big city nonsense and enjoy some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world.

A bobble-head dive helmet allows Megan Singleton to get up close and personal with the sealife.

Polynesian tattoos are a popular souvenir for tourists to Papeete, writes Sophie Bond.

This state-of-the-art working ship can accommodate 170 passengers on its 14-day cruising itineraries between Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands.

For 50 years, the Aranui III has serviced the remote islands of French Polynesia.

Whisking your loved one to one of these romantic retreats will impress.

The nicest moment on our stopovers in French Polynesia came while we were sitting eating pastries outside a little patisserie in Vaitape.

Moorea is everything you'd imagine a tropical island to be, writes Sophie Bond.

Herald artist Richard Dale takes his sketchbook with him on board a luxury cruise liner.

Gauguin finally has a fitting memorial, writes Diana Plater.

Jill Worrall explores the abundant waters around Moorea.

Wave activity "appears to be stabilised" at previously-reported levels, Civil Defence Emergency Management says.

ARC chairman Mike Lee could have some explaining to do next time he visits the city library, after leaving three of its books on a deserted Pacific island.

Charles Darwin spent nine days in New Zealand in 1835. He disliked the young country, but his experience helped shape his monumental theories about evolution.

Susan Buckland boards a freighter, bound for hauntingly beautiful islands where ancient man-size stone tiki guard moody, lush valleys.

Two women abandon bland in favour of the sunny colours and natural style of our neighbours.

The global downturn is hitting travel plans, but Megan Singleton discovers a way to make that Tahitian holiday affordable after all.