OUR thoughts on NORFOLK ISLAND

Click here to view 101 things to do on Norfolk Island.
Click here to view the Norfolk Island 2013 Brochure.

Norfolk Island is less than 2 hours flight time from Auckland, so it is our closest International neighbour.  Norfolk Island is rich in British and Australian colonial history. It was discovered by Captain James Cook, who found there were no native inhabitants, was later used as a penal colony by the British and later still settled by Pitcairn Island descendants of the “Bounty” mutiny.  Today, the island is populated by descendants of the Pitcairn settlers, Australians and New Zealanders in roughly equal numbers.  The whole island is only 8 km long by 5 km wide and a third of the area is designated National Park.

This quote from a recent visitor sums up our thoughts on Norfolk Island.

"It’s a strangely addictive place, this Norfolk Island.  It is a totally non-threatening, wonderfully safe and a very interesting and enjoyable place to visit.  We were there at an excellent time of year as the weather was perfect, with warm clear days and cooler nights.  It is somewhat old-fashioned and quaint in many ways, but there is a nice sophistication creeping into the restaurant, events, soft adventure and the accommodation scene too.  There’s even a fledgling winery.  The air is clear and clean and the crisp night sky is absolutely alive with millions of stars.  Norfolk Island has pleasant little idiosyncrasies such as, when driving, having to give way to wandering cows and geese.  It is not usual for locals to lock their houses when they go out, car keys are usually left in the ignition and drivers still wave or raise a finger in friendly salute to everyone encountered on the road."

We have a wide range of accommodation options from deluxe stand-alone houses/cottages and the top resort on the island, to good quality self-catering motel-style accommodation and everything between.  In addition, we have the widest range of modern and historic homes available on Norfolk Island. These are ideal for families, especially extended families.  The bigger holiday homes are ideal for groups of couples travelling together, especially two couples happy to share a house but not wanting to share bathrooms.  Norfolk Island is a perfect place for groups of friends and families to enjoy getting together for a week or two. We have checked out every accommodation venue we deal with and like everywhere else in the Pacific, there is a huge range, so contact Our Specialists for the best match for your requirements.

The café and restaurant scene on Norfolk Island is lively and ever changing.  In addition to the hotel-based restaurants there are several very pleasant places to eat out.  We won’t go into them all here but early on in the stay try the Golden Orb Café and Bookshop where there is good lunch and great coffee and where you can browse a wide selection of local interest books.  Reading a book about Norfolk Island while you are on Norfolk Island adds something special to your stay.  Another ‘must visit’ is the Two Chimneys Winery, Norfolk Island’s first and only winery. Drop in for a wine tasting and cellar door sales but if you would like to experience something really special contact the winery in advance and ask about the chance of arranging to dine on their amazing lunch platter which is a great accompaniment to a wine tasting but is not always available.

You will never be short of things to do on Norfolk Island.  If you are into historic places, they are here in abundance but our suggestion is to get outdoors!  The fishing here is fantastic, the diving is great, there are some lovely beaches.  The walks around the coast to/from the Captain Cook Memorial are easy going and very scenic.  There are all sorts of clubs from golf, to shooting and archery.  Take a 4WD trip in the National Park, take a boat trip out to Phillip Island and marvel at how nature is renewing itself now the feral animals have been eradicated.  The view back to Norfolk Island makes a great photo opportunity. Take a picnic to a cliff top at sunset.

Norfolk Island is delightfully different.  For a destination less than 2 hours flying time from Auckland, it’s a great spot for those wanting to experience a gentler way of life while enjoying good food and wine, soft adventure activities and to enjoy the various special events that are held there throughout the year.  But best of all, it is a place to reconnect with your partner, your family and your friends.

At Our Pacific we know every corner of Norfolk Island.  We can organise you a great week or two on Norfolk Island.

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