Dreaming of where to go for your first international getaway as soon as it’s safe to travel again? Then look no further than the beautiful island of Samoa.
As one of the few countries without a local case of COVID-19, Samoa’s pristine shores are safe, secluded and only a short four-hour flight if travelling from Auckland.
Situated in the heart of the South Pacific between New Zealand and Hawaii, Samoa is known as the Treasured Islands of the South Pacific – the true heart of Polynesia.
Boasting crystal clear turquoise waters, stunning waterholes, lush rainforest trails, and pristine reefs abound with marine life, Samoa offers the perfect paradise for Kiwis looking to escape their everyday surroundings.
Plus, with Samoa expected to be included in the pending Pacific Travel Bubble, a vacation to this beautiful part of the world could be closer than you think.
While the friendly locals love a slower, relaxed way of life, don’t be fooled – Samoa is home to plenty of action-packed opportunities to get your heart rate pumping and adrenaline skyrocketing.
Quad bike through the lush jungle
For the ultimate adventure seekers, jumping on a quad bike to explore the picturesque bushlands of Leauva’a’s lush plantations should be on the top of your list. Samoa’s first ATV Quad Tours which are locally owned in Upolu are the way to go, showing travellers a new way to soak up Samoa’s natural beauty.
Jump into 30m deep swimming holes
Samoa is widely known for its breathtaking and Insta-worthy swimming holes. The Tu-Sua Ocean Trench is a unique spot to visit for any traveller, said to be one of the world’s most spectacular natural swimming pools. The 30-metre, symmetrical swimming hole is surrounded by lush vegetation and sits in the middle of a lava field nested on the spectacular coastline of the south coast of Upolu.
Slide down natural water slides
Slide, splash and enjoy the natural aquatic playground that is the Papase’ea Sliding Rocks. Brave Mother Nature’s waterslides and slide down these naturally formed rock slides, worn down by thousands of years of running water, into blessedly cool waterholes beneath. The sliding rocks are divided into two – one for kids and one for adults. The longest slide is five metres long, but there are a couple of smaller ones at the bottom of the stairs.
Walk across a 40mhigh jungle canopy
Imagine a treetop canopy walkway built approximately 40 metres above ground that zig-zags through the low-lying Falealupo Rainforest preserve amongst giant Banyan trees. For an idyllic adventure, bask in the natural beauty of the surrounding greenery and take in the beauty of Samoa’s untouched landscape from 40 metres up.
Scuba dive through a diverse marine ecosystem
Only a five-minute walk from the centre of Apia, find Palolo Deep Marine Reserve – home to a marine diversity area with an array of vibrant coral and tropical fish. Perfect for diving and snorkelling, discover the nation’s underwater wonderland and immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Samoa’s pristine shores.
Explore ancient caves steeped in legend
Paia Dwarfs Cave is found in the northern part of Savai’l Island in the village of Paia. According to local legend, dwarfs still inhabit this intriguing lava tube cave where their footprints can still be seen today! Exploring these caves can take up an entire day, and local guides from the village of Paia are recommended to get the full experience.
