In this episode, we talk about building an adventure-forward Cook Islands itinerary—how to combine Rarotonga’s land activities with lagoon time, plus why Aitutaki is worth more than a quick visit. For help crafting the right mix of resorts and excursions, visit Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com.

Normand Schafer welcomes a resort representative from the Rarotongan Beach Group of Resorts to explore the Cook Islands through an adventure lens. They start with the Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium, where snorkeling is positioned as a front-and-center experience thanks to the Lagoonarium, described as a marine sanctuary right in front of the resort. Instead of treating the lagoon as something you have to “go find,” the conversation frames it as part of everyday island life—grab your snorkel, and you’re in. That kind of easy access sets up a great rhythm for active travelers: a water session whenever the conditions look good, paired with time exploring the island on land.

On Rarotonga, the episode calls out how simple it can be to get around to activities. If you want to hike, trek, or do 4WD safari-style adventures, the island is described as having straightforward transportation and quick access to what you want to do. The bus system gets a special mention because it’s almost comically simple—one bus marked clockwise, the other anticlockwise—running the loop road and making it easy to hop off for a viewpoint, a cultural stop, or dinner.

For couples seeking a more romantic base between adventures, Sanctuary Rarotonga is highlighted as adults only and designed as a quiet retreat on the same lagoon. But the biggest “passport stamp” moment in this episode is Aitutaki. Normand stresses a key advice point: don’t treat Aitutaki as a day trip—stay overnight and give it time. The conversation describes the lagoon as exceptionally clear and frames Aitutaki as a bucket-list destination, with the Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort presented as a standout stay for travelers looking for something truly special.

They also discuss a seasonal highlight mentioned for Aitutaki: whale experiences with humpback whales during the migratory window (described in the episode as roughly July through November), with the appeal of a quieter, less crowded setting than many other whale destinations. Culture rounds out the adventure framework too, with encouragement to explore villages, visit church services (especially on Sundays), and experience the local warmth that turns an active trip into a meaningful one. For help turning all of that into a well-paced itinerary, start at https://farandawayadventures.com and let Far and Away Adventures plan your Cook Islands adventure from start to finish.

In this episode we talk about the wild side of Fiji from the sky. Host Normand Schafer joins Island Hoppers for an aerial adventure, flying over waterfalls, rainforests, volcanic ridges, and uninhabited islands. Discover how these flights offer more than transport—they’re immersive experiences that showcase Fiji’s natural drama from a new angle.

In this episode we talk about how the InterContinental Fiji offers both upscale relaxation and thrilling day trips. Host Normand Schafer looks at how you can golf at championship-level, explore Sigatoka Valley, or snorkel vibrant reefs—all while returning to top-tier dining and sunset views each evening.

In this episode we talk about combining adventure with luxury at Hilton Fiji. Normand Schafer explores how travelers can dive into snorkeling excursions or explore nearby villages — then return to five-star service, waterfront sunsets, and a cocktail by the pool. If you want all the experience with no rough edges, Hilton might be your passport to the perfect trip.

In this episode we talk about how strategic location and comfort make Hexagon properties the ideal beginning or end to your Fijian adventure. Host Normand Schafer discusses how Tokatoka’s proximity to Nadi Airport and the ferry terminals helps streamline transitions to the islands or back home — giving you more time to explore and less time in transit.

In this episode we talk about the bold mix of speed and substance behind Go Dirty Tours Fiji. Host Normand Schafer explores how the tours go beyond typical quad biking with stops at sacred sites, local homes, and natural wonders. Hear what it's like to ride from city streets to jungle trails, all in a single day.

In this episode we talk about First Landing Resort’s fascinating origin story and how it shapes the guest experience. Host Normand Schafer explores how this culturally rich property serves as a base for both exploration and relaxation. Whether you’re heading out on day trips or staying local for traditional dancing and storytelling, the adventure starts here — where Fiji’s story began.

In this episode we talk about traveling through both land and spirit in the ancestral village sites of Haida Gwaii. Norman Shaffer meets Gidinjad, a cultural guide and Watchman with decades of experience welcoming travelers into the spiritual heart of the Guaihanes region. We explore the village sites of Skedans, Tanu, Hot Springs, and SGang Gwaay, revealing their enduring role as places of healing, memory, and ceremony. Book your journey into Haida heritage at https://farandawayadventures.com. Discover how you can walk through living Haida stories at Far and Away Adventures.com.

Gidinjad shares moving stories of his grandchildren learning to live as their ancestors did—fishing, foraging, and feeling the spirit of these villages. Learn about the philosophy behind letting mortuary poles return naturally to the Earth and how the interconnectedness of all life guides Haida tradition. This is not just a podcast about history or travel; it is about the presence of ancestors, the power of cultural renewal, and how every visitor can step gently into that sacred continuum.

Visit https://farandawayadventures.com if you would like to book a trip to any of the places we discuss.

More information on Haida cultural sites: ⁠Haida cultural sites – Gwaii HaanasNational Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and HaidaHeritage Site

In this episode we talk about the fascinating transformation of Fiji Orchid — once home to actor Raymond Burr — into a tropical sanctuary for modern travelers. Normand Schafer uncovers how the property has kept its cinematic legacy alive while evolving into one of Fiji’s most peaceful getaways. Whether you’re a film buff or serenity seeker, this is a place where story and setting come together.

In this episode, we talk about Skedans (K’una), a site that rests gently on the edge of Haida Gwaii, yet stands boldly in the history of the Haida people. Norm interviews Watchman Melanie, whose deep familial ties to this “village on the edge” guide the conversation into themes of heritage, respect, and spiritual presence. Book your journey into Haida heritage at https://farandawayadventures.com. Discover how you can walk through living Haida stories at Far and Away Adventures.com.

Once home to more than 600 people, Skedans today is a mosaic of fallen and standing poles, grassy trails, and whispers of ceremony. Melanie reveals how mortuary poles housed the deceased in bentwood boxes and how their deliberate return to the earth is a sacred act—not a failure of preservation, but a triumph of belief.

Learn how visitors often arrive confused about why the Haida don’t move or restore their poles, and leave enlightened by their understanding of nature, death, and spiritual ecology. Melanie’s advice? Visit the Haida Heritage Centre twice—before and after your site tours—for a fuller experience.

This isn’t just a walk among ruins. It’s a meeting with memory itself. Start your next passport stamp at https://farandawayadventures.com

More information on Haida cultural sites: ⁠Haida cultural sites – Gwaii HaanasNational Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and HaidaHeritage Site