In this episode, we talk about Rivers Fiji and the kind of experience that changes how people think about Fiji: whitewater rafting through remote rainforest canyons on the Upper Navua River, far from the usual coastal vacation rhythm. If you’re planning a trip to Fiji and want help designing a trip that includes both comfort and real adventure, start at Far and Away Adventures.com and connect with our team at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand Schafer is joined by Casemiro, director at Rivers Fiji, for a conversation that highlights a simple truth—Fiji has an interior world most visitors never meet, and the upper river is one of the most vivid ways to experience it. Casemiro explains that Rivers Fiji focuses on whitewater rafting and describes it as a standout offering within the destination. He also emphasizes that rafting isn’t only for thrill addicts; he shares that they have taken an 80-year-old guest down the river, which is his way of illustrating the wide range of people who can enjoy a day on the water. Another theme that stands out is the family element. Casemiro talks about modern disconnect—how screens can separate parents and kids even while on vacation—and he frames a rafting day as a natural reset. You’re together in the same raft, sharing the same scenery, the same moments of excitement, and the same sense of discovery. That shared space is part of what makes the day feel memorable, not just “fun.” Normand asks why the Upper Navua River is so unique, and Casemiro contrasts it with the familiar South Pacific beach image. He suggests that a beach photo can look like many places around the world, but the upper river feels unmistakably Fiji because of its landscapes: high canyon walls, rainforest corridors, and a setting that’s remote enough to feel like you’ve stepped into a different era. Casemiro describes the upper corridor as a place where no one lives along the river route, and he says that isolation creates a “back in time” feeling—especially when mist hangs in the canyon and the scenery feels almost prehistoric in mood. The conversation also clarifies the types of trips Rivers Fiji offers across different sections of the river system. Casemiro notes that kayaking is available on a different section (lower/middle), while the upper section is associated with rafting. He describes the rapids discussed for the upper river as Class II and III and frames them as a great match for beginners: enough movement to feel like true whitewater, but still presented as manageable for first-timers with professional support. He also notes that life jackets are part of the experience and presents the day as accessible even for guests who are not confident swimmers. One of the most compelling parts of the episode is what Casemiro says about guides. He describes them as more than safety leaders—they bring the landscape to life by explaining rock formations, pointing out birds and animals, and sharing stories tied to how their forefathers grew up connected to the river and the highlands. That interpretation makes the scenery feel meaningful instead of just scenic. Normand asks what guests say after their first trip, and Casemiro describes the experience as consistently called unforgettable, with repeat travelers coming back and others sending friends and family through referrals because they don’t want anyone to miss it. The episode also includes simple preparation advice so the day feels smooth: bring sunscreen (with a preference for biodegradable options), sandals with secure straps, and a change of dry clothes. Casemiro adds that Rivers Fiji provides towels and covers the other key needs, and suggests leaving dry items in the bus until the end. Finally, he shares what he hopes people take home: a stronger respect for nature and the responsibility to protect it, so these places can remain wild and thriving.

In this episode, we talk about a side of travel that’s hard to manufacture: the feeling of being welcomed into a community that genuinely lives together. Normand is on Rapa in the Austral Islands of French Polynesia with Roti M, and Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com) sponsors the episode as we explore why some destinations can only be visited in moderation.

Rapa is small—about 500 people, shifting as residents travel to and from Tahiti—and yet its cultural energy is huge. We talk about dance, drumming, and singing as something deeper than performance: it’s the way people gather, stay connected, and pass identity forward, even through children performing in the village.

You’ll hear what’s changed over time—roads, cars, imported building materials—and what has stayed remarkably strong: shared responsibility, communal problem-solving, and relationships built on discussion rather than division. We also touch on everyday realities: growing food in plantations and gardens, the temptation of imported items, and how money flows outward when you have to buy what you can’t produce locally.

The conversation turns to protection—why “not too many tourists” helps preserve the social fabric, and why introduced pine trees spreading across the hills are a real concern for views, history, and heritage. If you want travel that feels human, grounded, and unforgettable, this episode is a reminder that the best places are often the ones that ask us to slow down and show respect. When you’re ready to plan French Polynesia with care, Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com) can help you do it the right way.

In this episode, we talk about New Caledonia with Philippe from New Caledonia Tourism—covering the destination’s standout nature, cultural diversity, and the simple planning choices that can make a trip feel effortless. For help designing your itinerary, visit Far and Away Adventures.com and start here:
https://farandawayadventures.com

Normand Schafer introduces New Caledonia as a place that surprises people the moment they try to describe it: French and Oceanian at the same time, developed yet deeply connected to nature, and packed with contrasting landscapes and local character. Philippe explains that New Caledonia Tourism promotes the destination internationally through marketing, PR, trade training, and more, under the brand “New Caledonia: Pacific Heart.” From there, the conversation shifts quickly to what matters most for travelers—what it feels like and what you can actually do.

A key takeaway is diversity. Philippe describes extraordinary lagoon and mangrove scenery, preserved nature on land, and distinct regions that each have their own atmosphere. Culturally, he points to the Kanak people and their enduring traditions, alongside French influence and a “bush” country spirit that adds another layer to the experience. It’s a destination that can satisfy travelers who want beaches and water time, but also those who want cultural connections and a sense of place beyond the postcard.

For first-time travelers, Philippe shares several “if you do only a few things” ideas. Sailing in Upi Bay is one of them—gliding through a lagoon with dramatic rock formations rising out of the water. Another is a scenic flight over the Heart of Voh, a naturally formed heart shape in the mangroves that’s become one of New Caledonia’s most recognizable views from above. These highlights can anchor a trip and help you decide how to split your time.

Normand also shares his own memory of visiting the Isle of Pines (Île des Pins), and Philippe explains why it’s often called the jewel of the Pacific. The appeal is simple and powerful: pristine beaches, a relaxed feel away from mass tourism, and the Natural Swimming Pool—an easy, sheltered snorkeling spot where you can see coral and fish in calm conditions that feel almost like a natural aquarium.

Then we talk logistics, because “just travel” is easiest when you understand how a destination works. Philippe recommends renting a car and treating New Caledonia as a self-drive trip—following the coastline and using a well-developed road network. But he also emphasizes something many travelers miss: don’t stay only on the main island. He suggests adding at least one outer island via domestic flight, and Normand mentions Lifou as an example. The outer islands can bring a completely different texture to the trip.

Timing comes up as well. Philippe notes New Caledonia’s generally temperate conditions and suggests September and October as shoulder-season months that can be especially good for outdoor activities, with pleasant temperatures and less rain. Finally, his “hidden gem” is an approach, not a secret location: slow down, relax, be curious, and try to stay a minimum of 10 days so you have time to really enjoy the destination rather than rushing through it.

If New Caledonia is calling your name, Far and Away Adventures can help you choose the right island mix, create a pacing plan, and pull together the moving parts so the trip feels smooth from day one.