South Pacific luxury yacht charters the perfect winter escape

The South Pacific is a tropical paradise with archipelagos largely untouched by mass tourism. Now, it is possible to see the authentic side of island life and savour the natural world at its finest without leaving behind any modern-day conveniences and comforts on a luxury yacht charter. Celebrities have long been using luxury yachts to maintain their privacy while on holiday - and the amenities they take with them can vary from a Jacuzzi on the sundeck to a full-blown spa with beauty salon, or a tender garage with submarine and diving centre!

You don't need a bottomless wallet to visit these five destinations below, however, and a sailing yacht such as a catamaran provides ample accommodation, excellent stability and a shallow draft to reach the best beaches and anchorages. On board, there will be a wide selection of amenities to entertain during a cruise, plus a choice of indoor and outdoor dining and lounging options. Best of all, you only need to unpack your suitcase once and a professional crew will take care of food, travel and everything in between. This is the perfect chance to catch up on your reading list - or go off and have your own adventure.

Vanuatu

Southeast Asia and the South Pacific have many spectacular Scuba diving sites, and Vanuatu is no exception: Underwater caverns, brilliant corals and schools of fish, shy dugongs and the wreck of the SS COOLIDGE all make for an enchanting experience in another world. If you can tear yourself away from the beauties along the coast to explore further inland, you will discover an impressive culture that has preserved itself from outside influences while influencing the rest of the world - 'Naghol', or 'land diving', is what inspired bungee jumping. Kayak through rain forest, hike to the top of a volcano then ashboard down its side, and deepen your knowledge of local history and traditions such as sand drawings - far more than just mesmeric pictures - through guided tours.

The Cook Islands

The Cook Islands have a far quieter pace of life than neighbouring Fiji, Niue and Tonga, leaving you with space to breathe and focus on the people and things that matter. White sand beaches gently sink into the warm clear blue seas which make this the perfect place for young families to gain confidence and swimming skills while surrounded by myriad tropical fish. Snorkellers and Scuba divers can get much closer to the best sights with canyons and caves to explore, and if you don't have a Dive Master on board your vessel, there are certified instructors in Rarotonga to get you earning your internationally recognised dive license or further the skills you already possess.

Fishing enthusiasts don't need to dip a toe into the water for some incredible catch: Fish from the shores or use your luxury yacht to reach the best spots between the islands at any time of the day.

Whether you spend your days admiring the views from your sun lounger or plunge head-first into one activity after another, the Cook Islands offer excellent Spa and Wellness facilities to ease tense muscles and instil a sense of calm. Lastly, the local markets have plenty of choice for souvenirs and gifts to take home: Some of the most popular are drums, ukuleles and the beautiful black pearls which can be worn for any occasion.

Australia

Australia offers so much choice for a luxury yacht charter, and while many prioritise the Great Barrier Reef and the white sand beaches of the Whitsundays, there is plenty else to keep you coming back year after year. Brisbane and the Gold Coast are great for shopping, family activities, night-time entertainment and lounging back on warm sands. Farther south, Sydney offers all this and the spectacular Sydney Opera House, plus guided tours from Aboriginal guides.

On the other side of Australia, the Kimberley's National Park is a natural extravaganza best experienced on the water: Cruise from island to island, finding the best beaches, unique land and marine life, and enjoying an array of water toys on board, then recover with a snooze in the sunshine on the sunpads while your crew looks after the little ones. The Ningaloo Reef is absolutely spectacular for snorkelling and Scuba diving: Whale sharks, manta rays and turtles are just some of the wildlife encounters to be had. By luxury yacht, you can access the best spots and stay as long as you desire: Your food and accommodation are just above the surface. The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's great iconic drives, and cruising along the coast will grant you a unique perspective of this scenic trail. Find a quiet anchorage for day trips into the national parks, or reconnect with the rest of the world with art, culture and entertainment in Melbourne's city centre. Tasmania has plenty to appeal to outdoors types, with unique local wildlife to witness on the hiking and biking trails throughout the island.

New Zealand

From the almost tropical tip of North Island down to the moody mountainous sounds of South Island and beyond, Aotearoa (New Zealand) has a lot of contrast and plenty to do. The active outdoor lifestyle is celebrated and actively encouraged with hiking and biking trails, a few of which pass through verdant vineyards where you can sample and purchase your favourite red and white wines. Auckland and the Bay of Islands are one of the primary stops on a New Zealand yacht charter: The Coromandel National Park and its Hot Water Beach are just one example. Dig your own bath in the sands at low tide and soak in the naturally warm waters. The Poor Knights Islands are a famous Scuba diving area, and there are sites for inexperienced divers and challenges for those with advanced skills. Another fantastic destination for water sports is the Abel Tasman National Park, where you can kayak around the islands and encounter turtles, manta rays and even dolphins.

To see kiwis in their natural habitat, a visit to Rakiura (Stuart Island) is in order. Hike along the coast to take in the rugged empty scenery, and head to predator-free Ulva Island to see the New Zealand's glorious birds thriving in the wild. For the rest of your visit, non-motorised water toys can be used around the bays, allowing for kayaking and paddleboarding and many more activities before a rest in the sunshine on the soft sand beach.

French Polynesia

Far-flung French Polynesia is a place to leave the rest of the world behind and reconnect with nature and yourself. Waterfalls feed into lush lagoons and all around you are the sounds of the wild. This is the perfect destination for romantics, honeymooning couples and anyone wanting tranquillity with a focus on wellness and exploration. Whether on land or in the water, life is all about enjoying the environment that you are in, observing the amazing flora and fauna as you hike, bike, swim, kayak and more. Visit the farms where the black pearls are harvested and buy directly form the source for a gift that is sure to last a lifetime.

Article written by Rachael Steele/CharterWorld.com