Hi all,
I’m planning a trip to NZ this summer on Air New Zealand, which allows up to two stopovers in the Pacific. One of them is definitely going to be in Rarotonga, but I’m torn between Tahiti and Fiji for the other one. I’ve been reading the Moon Handbooks guide, but it’s a bit hard to get a sense of what these places are really like, so I’m hoping to get some ideas from people who have actually been to one or the other.

— I’ve read that Fiji is less expensive, but by how much? Is hostel-style accommodation readily available in both places?
— What’s public transportation like in these countries? Can you get off the beaten path without spending a lot on additional airplane flights?
— Which one offers more interesting things to see and do? (I like hiking, snorkeling, and learning about artistic / cultural stuff. I’m not really interested in adventure-sports type activities.)
— Are lone female travelers likely to have to deal with harassment?

Thanks in advance for any help.