Tokelau

Midway between Hawaii and New Zealand, the remote island nation of Tokelau is a destination for adventurous travellers. It’s only accessible by boat – a ride of at least 24 hours from its nearest neighbour, Samoa – and the same boat, scheduled infrequently, is the only transport you’ll find to take you between Fakaofo, Atafu and Nukunonu, the three atolls which make up Tokelau. To journey between the two atolls furthest from each other will take 9 hours. Due to this, tourism numbers are extremely low, and there’s little tourist infrastructure. However, with a population of less than 1,500, residing in just three villages, it’s hard to get lost here. Once you’ve made the journey, you’re sure to be charmed by Tokelau’s natural beauty, lapped by warm South Pacific Ocean waves.

Tokelau’s largest atoll is Nukunonu, which is known for its large central lagoon, home to a diverse range of marine life. Fakaofo is an atoll comprised of several islets dotted around a coral reef, where swimming pigs catch fish. The smallest of Tokelau’s atolls is Atafu, which has a triangular-shaped lagoon and is known for traditional canoes used by highly skilled fishermen.