[Bill Douglas]

If you do use NZ as a hub go to Auckland. Wellington flies to some of these places directly, but not all of them.

Rarotonga (Cook Islands) is a fantastic place. I'm going to Samoa in a few months both islands to do pina coladas/snorkling/warm water and naked island girls. Just joking about naked island girls. Tahiti is best for that.

The New Caledonia and Vanuatu islands were a bit of a let down. I guess I imagined small bustling Parisian style towns, but in reality they were harsh fishing/commercial places.

As you know Great Barrier reef is fantastic.