Pasifika-style shopping

Tahitian black pearls (11mm to 14mm) with yellow gold pave-set diamond clasp. $28,845 at Bilkey & Co, 53 High St, Auckland.

The book

New Zealand-based Samoan writer Albert Wendt is undoubtedly the granddaddy of Pacific writers from his classic Sons for the Return Home (1973), to more recent poetry and short story collections.

But James A. Michener's writings get the nod as iconic book choices, simply because the American travel author's writings gave Westerners some of their most idealised notions of the Pacific - a lush, exotic world where rain pounds down, beaches are unimaginably beautiful and dusky maidens serve drinks.

Michener, through Navy service and travel writing, visited 49 islands, including Vanuatu's Espiritu Santo where he wrote Tales of the South Pacific, a 1948 Pulitzer Prize winner. That collection of short stories featured a Tonkinese woman nicknamed Bloody Mary, whom some say was modelled on Samoa's Aggie Grey. The book with its mythical Bali Hai, was adapted into the musical and movie South Pacific and his later Return to Paradise Beach, was made into a Gary Cooper movie shot in Samoa in 1951. He also immortalised Tahiti's Bora Bora as paradise on earth.

But then again back in 1952 he described New Zealanders as boring and his views are a tad old-fashioned now, saying of Pacific Islanders: "They are at the beginning of history, and that's what made them exciting."

So read Michener before you go and Wendt when you get home.

The taste

Vanilla bean pods are a cook's delight. Bottled essence just doesn't give the intense aroma of a tropical orchid's seed pod. Vanilla is harvested across the Pacific and, properly packaged, can be brought into New Zealand to flavour your food. Don't forget to declare the item when going through customs, but if you've bought it from an authorised supplier, they'll wave you through.

The homeware

A Cook Islands Tivaevae quilt is an heirloom piece, bright and beautiful, taking many hours to make. The technique is used also in simpler pieces such as cushions. Sarongs in floral prints can also be used as throws or tablecloths and rarely cost more than $10.

Simple pottery is also available in some islands. Wooden carvings may appeal, but make sure they're locally made.

For a less overtly ethnic look, try a simple wooden lamp made with a shade of island-style fabric.

The necessity

Let's face it, sometimes the sun doesn't shine, so a good fake tan is every traveller's best kept secret. Use before you leave home and touch up while you're waiting for any clouds to clear in your holiday paradise. Good value and easy to use, L'Oreal Sublime gel or milk is a winner. And don't forget to pack the sunblock and mossie spray too.

The film

From various Mutinies on the Bounty, through to South Pacific, Brooke Shield's Blue Lagoon, and the appalling Island of Dr Moreau with Temuera Morrison, there have been plenty of romanticised views of island life. For a more modern take, watch out for new works by Wellington Samoan film-maker Sima Urale, whose short film Velvet Dreams was based on the women behind those cheesy 1960s paintings and whose O Tamaiti (The Children) won a Venice Film Festival prize.

The gift

Basketware, weaving and tapa are the indigenous arts of the Pacific and items are reasonably priced and practical, varying in style from island to island. From the simple pandanus fans and mats of Samoa and Tonga to the more intricate and colourful baskets from some Melanesian islands, these items are light to pack. Fiji's is intricately and densely patterned while tapa from Polynesia is of bolder, simpler design.

The bargain

Leis don't last, but cheery plastic versions from discount stores cost just $1 or $2 and give an instant uplift to your decor. Try stringing a brightly coloured garland around a mirror or picture frame

Cheap and cheerful, the only thing missing is floral fragrance - find a frangipani candle and your home will be redolent of the tropics.

The splurge

Jewellery is an obvious indulgence. and Tahitian black pearls are the benchmark collectable from this part of the world. From a simple pair of studs, to a full string, the pearl is a beautiful buy. Get them from a reputable outlet and ask for a certificate of authenticity.

If the pricy pearl is out of your budget, mother of pearl and simple shell jewellery is a cheap option.