Sunscreen, wet suits, fins and paddle boards. Just add sparkling reefs, warm water, soft sand and the odd octopus and you're in Polynesia.

There is something about the people of Fiji that makes them the most memorable part of a visit. Shy but quick to smile and even faster to make you feel welcome. Throw in some great diving and local cuisine and you will know you are in paradise.

Samoa is more an island vacation community than an in-your-face holiday destination. Don't get me wrong, there are still great resorts, stunning sunsets, shallow reefs full of ocean critters and many, many cocktails, but it has a feeling of visiting someone's home rather than a holiday destination flooded with tourists. Take a drive and enjoy the phlegmatic atmosphere but take note, the village beaches are not free, you will need to rent the farles (beach hut) before use.

New Zealand is an island of incredible natural beauty and proud culture. You can't help but admire that fierce pride Māori's have for their heritage and country. Once we experienced their mountains, glaciers, fiords and oceans, it was a no brainer to make New Zealand the final 12 months of our epic journey...who knows, we may not want to leave.

Postcard pretty, steeped in history and unusual island inhabitant stories and you are on Norfolk Island. However, you get the impression its carefully guarding its island mystery and secrets and visitors are to be kept to a minimum and at arm's length. Shops and eating spots are just a few and most open at irregular times or not at all. Norfolk is the kind of location you only visit once but glad you went for just a few days.

UNESCO sites visited:
Convict site- Norfolk Island
Volcanic Nation Park- Hawaii
Milford Sound- New Zealand

Perfectly Polynesian.

Norfolk

Hawaii

New Zealand

Fiji

Samoa