Latest fromPacific Islands

Cook Islands: Tiny designs carved in stone
Gifts for family sparked a career-change for Cook Island carver, writes Jim Eagles.

Fiji: All crew report to the dancefloor
BlueSky's inaugural trip to Sonaisali Island resort in Fiji is a Fijian holiday experience you won't find in any of the travel guides or tourism paraphernalia, Belinda Henley says.

Underwater at Mystery Island
Stepping off P&O Cruises' superliner Pacific Jewel, Jennifer Ennion spends an "island day" on Vanuatu's Mystery Island.

Fiji: Where time stands still
Levuka is just as laid-back today as it was when the first traders and whalers arrived in the 18th century, finds Kelly Lynch.

McCully: UN must help Pacific, Syria
Foreign Minister Murray McCully says the UN must do more to help small Pacific nations, and he's warned it risks losing its credibility over its inaction on Syria.

Barefoot in the blue lagoon
Paul Rush sails to dreamy tropical islands under the spirit of the Bula.

Samoa: Pacific peace is back
Sinalei Resort is better than ever after being rebuilt, says Chloe Johnson.

Royal tour for Solomon Islands
A youngster from the Solomon Islands has taken on the future king of England in a show of football prowess - and won. "He was good, yes, but not as good as me," said Philemon Fatai, 13.

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

Savai'i, Samoa
The island of Savai'i is home to fewer than 44,000 people and has so far escaped commercial development, making it an ideal place to sample traditional Samoan culture and to see fascinating natural landmarks such as the Alofa'aga Taga blowholes.

Blown away by Samoa
Chloe Johnson savours the local craft, music and natural wonders of Savai'i Island.

Coral Coast Sevens, Fiji
This annual tournament in Sigatoka is the pinnacle of entertainment in sevens-mad Fiji, more a South Pacific carnival than a sporting contest. New Zealand Herald photographer Steven NcNicholl went along to document the excitement.

Fiji: Sports tournament with a twist
The Fijians inject lots of fun into the serious business of sevens, writes photojournalist Steven McNicholl.

Samoa: Ride on time
Sometimes the best part of going somewhere, is the getting there, writes Dan Ahwa, won over by by Samoa's one-of-a-kind buses.

SS President Coolidge wreck, Vanuatu
October 26, 2012, marks the 70th Anniversary of the sinking of SS President Coolidge off the Vanuatu island of Espiritu Santo. Today, the World War II wreck is one of the world's most famous dive sites.