In this episode, we talk about Rivers Fiji and why their Upper Navua River rafting day can be a rare kind of family adventure in Fiji—one that’s thrilling, scenic, and genuinely bonding. If you’re planning a family trip and want help choosing the right mix of experiences, start at Far and Away Adventures.com and connect with our team at https://farandawayadventures.com so your itinerary fits your kids’ ages, comfort levels, and the kind of memories you want to make. Normand Schafer sits down with Casemiro, director at Rivers Fiji, to explore what makes the Upper Navua River feel so different from the “postcard Fiji” most people picture. Casemiro explains that Rivers Fiji focuses on whitewater rafting and presents it as something that can work for a surprisingly wide range of travelers—he even mentions taking an 80-year-old guest down the river, which speaks to the idea that you don’t have to be an extreme athlete to enjoy the day. He also highlights a family theme that’s especially relevant right now: it’s hard to get everyone truly together when screens pull kids and parents in different directions, but a day on a raft creates natural togetherness. You’re in the same boat, literally, sharing the same views, the same laughs, and the same small challenges, and that’s often what families remember long after the trip. The conversation also explains why the Upper Navua River is such a standout setting. Casemiro describes the upper river corridor as remote and empty of settlement, which creates that “back in time” feeling—especially when mist rolls through the canyon and the walls rise high around you. It’s not just a river ride; it’s a nature immersion through rainforest, canyon walls, and landscapes that look unmistakably like Fiji once you’re there. Normand asks about activities beyond rafting, and Casemiro notes that kayaking is offered on a different (lower/middle) river section, while the upper section is discussed in terms of Class II and III rapids—enough excitement to feel like a real adventure, but still presented as approachable for beginners. He also notes that life jackets are provided, and he frames the experience as accessible even for guests who are not confident swimmers, which is often a key consideration for families traveling with mixed skill levels. Another important piece for parents is the role of guides. Casemiro describes guides as the bridge between what you see and what you understand—sharing knowledge about rock formations, birds, animals, and how their forefathers grew up in and around these landscapes. That kind of interpretation turns the day into more than “fun”; it becomes a story your family can talk about together afterward. Normand asks what guests say when they finish, and Casemiro says the word he hears most is unforgettable, adding that many visitors return or refer friends and relatives because they don’t want others to miss it. The episode also includes a simple, practical packing checklist to make the day easier: bring sunscreen (with a preference for biodegradable options), sandals with secure straps that won’t fall off, and a change of dry clothes. Casemiro adds that Rivers Fiji provides towels and takes care of the rest of the basics, so families can focus on enjoying the day instead of worrying about gear. Finally, the conversation ends with a value that’s worth sharing with kids: Casemiro says he hopes guests leave with a stronger respect for nature and a desire to protect it, taking that mindset home beyond Fiji. If you want a family day that feels adventurous but still manageable—and that pulls everyone into the same shared experience—Far and Away Adventures can help you decide where this fits best in your Fiji plan.

In this episode, we talk about what it’s like to step into a real-life, close-knit island community on Rapa in the Austral Islands of French Polynesia—and how Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com) helps families plan meaningful travel without overwhelming small destinations. Normand visits with Roti M, who shares what makes Rapa different: a communal way of life, shared responsibility, and traditions that feel alive because kids grow up singing, drumming, and dancing together.

We explore why the island can only host visitors in moderation, and how “too much tourism” can quietly change family relationships, time, and community rhythms. If you travel with kids or teens, this is a powerful reminder that the best “family travel moments” aren’t always big attractions—they’re the human connections, the smiles, and the feeling of being welcomed into a place that values being united on the land.

Roti also explains how people on Rapa provide food from their own plantations (taro, manioc, sweet potatoes, gardens), and why imported goods create financial pressure even in a place built around sharing. We talk about practical realities of remote islands—supplies arriving by ship, materials like sand being brought in for roads, and the importance of guarding against unintended impacts when things are introduced from outside.

This conversation also touches on cultural stewardship: preserving traditions without “closing the door,” and protecting heritage landscapes from introduced pine trees that spread across hillsides and can obscure views and historic areas. If your family is dreaming about French Polynesia beyond the usual stops, this episode offers a thoughtful framework for traveling gently—so the places we love can stay strong for the next generation. To design a trip that matches your family’s pace and values, connect with a Far and Away Adventures specialist at Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com).

In this episode, we talk about why New Caledonia can be such a rewarding “go at your own pace” destination—especially when you want nature, culture, and variety without feeling rushed. If you want help mapping out a smooth trip (including which island mix makes sense for your crew), visit Far and Away Adventures.com and start here:
https://farandawayadventures.com

Normand Schafer chats with Philippe from New Caledonia Tourism about what makes this archipelago stand out in the South Pacific: a distinctive French-and-Oceanian identity, remarkable lagoon and mangrove scenery, and cultural experiences that feel meaningful rather than staged. We discuss how New Caledonia offers multiple “styles” of travel in one destination—coastlines and road trips, outer-island escapes, and moments that connect you to local tradition.

For families and multi-gen travelers, the episode highlights an approach that can make the trip feel easier: give yourself time. Philippe’s “hidden gem” is simple but powerful—slow down, stay longer if you can (he recommends a minimum of 10 days), and be curious. That extra breathing room helps you enjoy the destination’s natural beauty and avoid trying to cram everything into a tight schedule.

We also cover first-timer experiences that can become core memories: sailing through Upi Bay with its dramatic rock formations rising out of the lagoon, and taking a scenic flight over the Heart of Voh—an iconic heart shape formed naturally in the mangroves. Then we zoom in on one of Normand’s personal highlights: the Isle of Pines (Île des Pins), often described as a “jewel of the Pacific.” Philippe shares why it feels so special—pristine beaches, a relaxed vibe away from mass tourism, and the Natural Swimming Pool, a sheltered snorkeling area that feels like nature built its own lagoon “pool.”

Logistics matter when you’re traveling with others, so we talk about how people typically get around: New Caledonia works well as a self-drive destination, with a rental car and a coastline route on the main island. And to really experience the diversity, Philippe encourages travelers not to stay only on the main island—add at least one outer island by domestic flight. Normand mentions Lifou as an example of the outer-island options, and the broader point is that each island brings its own character.

If you’re thinking, “Could this work for our family trip style?” we can help you decide what to prioritize—outer island time, lagoon experiences, cultural visits, and a pacing plan that matches your travel energy. Connect with Far and Away Adventures to design an itinerary that fits your dates, your comfort level, and the kind of memories you want to make.