Coming back to Samoa for the second time, Charmaine Ngawhorau, wanted to make sure her family did not miss out on the chance to see the natural wonders of the big island of Savai'i. 

Mrs. Ngawhorau works as a public servant in New Zealand in the area of social development. 

"Its great to be here rather than being in New Zealand where right now it's so cold because it's winter there; the weather here is so nice and warm," she said.

The trip is a broader family affair. 

Joining Mrs. Ngawhorau in her escape to tropical climes are her aunt, uncle, husband and their kids. 

The family contingent of nine - six adults and three kids - are staying at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel at Sogi. They arrived in Samoa on Tuesday for a six day trip. 

Mrs. Ngawhorau said this was her second trip to Samoa. But she was desperate to bring her broader family back to visit the big island of Savai'i, something they missed on their first visit. 

"We came with more family and we just wanted to come back to go over to Savai'i; we are looking at going over maybe on the weekend or tomorrow," she said.  

 The family said Lalomanu beach had been the highlight of their trip so far, especially the weather. 

Mrs. Ngawhorau aunt, Carol Clarke, said she was having a fantastic first trip to Samoa and was especially impressed by the tropical greenery and the friendly way in which they had been met by locals. 

"So far the beach where we went to Lalomanu was great and the waterfall that we went for a swim on the other day," she added.