Oceania includes Australia, New Zealand and thousands of Pacific islands. It is a region of reefs, rainforests, volcanoes and long coastlines, and also of very long distances. This guide explains what each area does well so you can decide where to spend your time.
Australia
Australia is huge, and most trips cover only a part of it. The east coast has the best-known highlights. Sydney is the main arrival point, with the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and beach culture. Melbourne is known for its cafés, arts and the Great Ocean Road drive. Further north, Queensland has the Great Barrier Reef, which can be visited from Cairns, Port Douglas or the Whitsunday Islands.
In the interior, Uluru and the Red Centre are among the country’s most memorable landscapes, and Tasmania offers wild coastlines and walking trails. Domestic flights are frequent and relatively affordable, but remember that Sydney to Perth takes about five hours. Choose two or three regions rather than the whole country.
New Zealand
New Zealand is compact but varied. The South Island has the Southern Alps, Fiordland with Milford and Doubtful Sound, Queenstown’s adventure activities, and Aoraki/Mount Cook. The North Island has Auckland, geothermal Rotorua, Taupō and Wellington. Roads are good but winding, so driving times are longer than distances suggest. It is best for walkers, road-trippers and anyone who likes dramatic landscapes. Māori culture is a visible part of the experience, and many visitors take a guided cultural visit. Our guides to New Zealand must-sees and New Zealand’s best time to visit have more detail.
Pacific Islands
The Pacific Islands include Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, French Polynesia and many others. Fiji is the easiest introduction, with resorts, snorkeling and village visits. Vanuatu is more adventurous, with volcanoes and strong traditional culture. Tonga offers swimming with humpback whales from July to October, and Samoa has waterfalls, blowholes and village life. Island-hopping depends on ferries and small planes, which run less often than on the mainland, so build flexibility into your plans.
Experiences worth planning for
Marine life. The Great Barrier Reef is the best-known site, but Fiji and Vanuatu have excellent snorkeling and diving too. Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral and choose operators with good environmental practices.
Hiking. New Zealand’s Great Walks, Tasmania’s Overland Track and Australia’s Larapinta Trail are famous multi-day routes. Book huts and permits early, and carry weather-appropriate gear.
Culture. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia, Māori in New Zealand and Pacific Islanders each have living traditions. Choose experiences run by community members, ask before taking photos and follow local guidance on sacred places.
Practical points
Distances. Flights between Australia and New Zealand take three to four hours, and flights from either to the Pacific Islands are often three to five hours. Decide which region matters most before you book.
Seasons. The seasons are reversed from the northern hemisphere. The tropical wet season, from about November to April, brings heat, humidity and cyclone risk. Check our best time to visit Oceania.
Entry and biosecurity. Australia and New Zealand have strict rules for food, outdoor gear and plant material. Declare anything you bring. Many Pacific nations allow visa-free entry for short stays, but requirements depend on nationality.
Costs. Australia and New Zealand are expensive for visitors, especially accommodation in peak months. The Pacific Islands vary, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts.
Where to start
Choose one anchor: the reef and cities of Australia, the mountains and fjords of New Zealand, or the islands of the Pacific. For first-time visitors, it is often best to combine one of the first two with a short island extension. See Oceania must-see and top destinations in Oceania for detailed routes.