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Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Travel Guide
Looking for the ultimate Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific travel guide? From kangaroos to kiwis, Hobbiton to the Outback, the South Pacific has a magical energy. Plan that perfect Oceania trip with this guide.
Destinations
Imagine yourself on a long road trip through a land unknown, the horizon framed by jagged mountains as you make your way through varying landscapes of lush tropical forests and expansive grasslands. It sounds like another world, right?
Well, that’s just a snippet of the diversity in the South Pacific. From Australia with its weird and wonderful wildlife to the cultural richness of French Polynesia and Fiji, it’s a continent made for exploring.
Whether you’re looking to step into Tolkien’s mythical world or hop from one stunning beach to another, Oceania is the place to do it. Here’s what you need to know.
How to Plan a Trip
Best time to visit
You can’t go wrong if you travel to Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific between October and March. These months offer balmy summer days that are relatively rainless (I say relatively tentatively).
The best time to go snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef is in October and November.
Alternatively, New Zealand’s sunny December and January weather is best for exploring the Coromandel Peninsula.
Handy Resources
- Make your trip stress free by using Skyscanner for flights.
- Compare rental car prices with Holiday Autos if you’re looking to road trip across Oceania.
- 12Go offers affordable and reliable bus tickets throughout the South Pacific.
- Want to compare all the travel types? Use Omio for trains, buses, and flights.
- Worry no more by bookin12Go Asiag airport transfers via Booking.com.
- Looking for a stress-free all-inclusive experience? Use G Adventures for Multi-Day Guided Trips.
- Use Air Moana for island hopping in French Polynesia.
Where to Stay
Melbourne, Australia
When visiting Australia, skip Sydney and opt for Melbourne. Tasmania is fairly close, and the city’s transportation services are one of the best in the country. Stay at the Next Hotel Melbourne.
Wellington, New Zealand
For New Zealand travellers, Wellington is an excellent option as it’s wedged in between North and South Island. So all the country’s top attractions are just a couple hours’ drive in any direction. As for boutique accommodation, consider The Intrepid Hotel.
Yasawa Islands, Fiji
Romance is definitely on the cards at Fiji’s Yasawa Islands. Although it’s a three-and-a-half-hour ferry from the main island of Fiji, the sun-kissed beaches and lavish stays like Paradise Cove Resort will make you want to stay forever.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Lastly, for your travels through French Polynesia, Bora Bora is a luxury island with opulent resorts and exciting water activities for all to enjoy. It’s just a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Tahiti, and Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts is simply stunning.
Packing For Your Trip
Packing for your Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific trips? Don’t forget…
- Anti-Insect sleepwear for mosquitoes.
- Waterproof hiking trainers are a must.
- An outer shell to stay dry on those rainy days
- With some of the best treks in the world on offer, a quality daypack is essential.
- Bring a waterproof, lightweight camera for all the water-based exploration.
Read Next: Check out my travel gear essentials guide
Travel Insurance
With 66 venomous animals in Australia alone, it only makes sense to walk on the side of caution, right?
It doesn’t necessarily have to be a nasty snake bite, but accidents, hotel mishaps and lost luggage can all derail a seemingly stunning vacation. I strongly recommend exploring Oceania stress-free with travel insurance (I use AXA Travel Insurance).
Suggested Guidebooks
Grab one of these guidebooks to take your Oceania travels to the next level:
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Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Visitor Guide: What to Do During Your Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Trip
Top Things to Do
Whitsunday Islands
With 74 serene islands calling your name, Whitsunday is a dream come true for nomadic island hoppers.
Take an ocean rafting tour to the silica sand beach of Whitehaven or discover the underwater sculptures along the Ngaro Sea Trail. For something even more untouched, explore the hidden coves of Cape Gloucester.
Snorkelling Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is essentially the lungs of the ocean, as it cleans and fosters one of the world’s most important ecosystems.
A Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour is like diving into another world, with over 1,500 colourful fish species and 600 unique coral types to discover.
Road Tripping New Zealand
Discover New Zealand’s bounty, from the Bay of Islands to the ice-hiking escapades at Franz Josef Glacier. It only makes sense to embark on a road trip through this magical landscape.
Remember to visit Whakarewarewa’s traditional Maori village and redwood forests, admire the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and step into Middle Earth at Hobbiton.
Explore the Vineyards of Marlborough
Who doesn’t want to sip on the sweet nectar of Marlborough’s iconic Sauvignon Blanc? Enjoy a fantastic range of flavours with over 141 wineries gracing the Marlborough region.
Some top wineries include names like Cloudy Bay Vineyards and Oyster Bay. But you can always join a wine-tasting tour to help narrow down your choices.
Escape to Bora Bora
From overwater bungalows to one of the world’s best scuba-diving lagoons, Bora Bora should be a must-visit for any luxury travel bucket list.
The crystal clear waters and wildlife of the Lagoonarium are visual bliss, while the top of Mount Pahia offers unwavering island views.
Joining a land and sea tour is great, and don’t forget to visit the Turtle Centre Project.
Enjoy the Culture & Heritage in Fiji
Admire Fijian heritage with the Dravidian architecture at the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple in Nadi or the traditional Hill Fort of Tavuni.
While a Fijian day cruise is always on the cards, let your taste buds dance in local flavours at the Seventh Heaven Floating Bar.
Spend Time in Melbourne
Melbourne’s nearby attractions are sublime, with the stunning Yarra Valley wine region and the scenic Great Ocean Road. But exploring the city itself is also a must, from admiring street art along Hosier Lane to riding the City Circle Tram.
Catch an outdoor movie at the Royal Botanical Gardens or browse thousands of artworks at the National Gallery of Victoria.
Go Island Hopping Across Samoa and Tonga
With 170 islands in Tonga and 18 in Samoa, hopping from one to the next is an unforgettable experience. You can see iconic landmarks like the To Sua Ocean Trench in ‘Upolu, the diversity of marine life at Aitutaki Lagoon, and the Mapu’a ‘a Vaea Blowholes in Tongatapu.
Suggested Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Itineraries
A Stunning Island Hopping Itinerary
4-6 weeks
Tahiti, French Polynesia – Rangiroa – Mo’orea – Bora Bora – Yasawa Islands, Fiji – Taveuni – Cook Islands, New Zealand
I hope you have sea legs because this itinerary hops from one majestic island to the next throughout the South Pacific.
Exploring the Reefs of the South Pacific Itinerary
2-3 weeks
Cairns, Australia – Whitsunday Islands, Australia – Tahiti Peninsula, French Polynesia
Get ready to dive into some of the best snorkelling spots in the world on this South Pacific reef itinerary.
Australia and New Zealand Travel Itinerary
6-8 weeks
Auckland, New Zealand – Bay of Islands – Rotorua – Waitomo – Taupo – Wellington – Marlborough wineries – Christchurch – Abel Tasman National Park – Franz Josef Glacier – Fiordland – Queenstown – Cairns, Australia – Whitsunday Islands – The Gold Coast – Sydney – Perth – Bay of Fires, Tasmania – Melbourne
Enjoy the full experience of Down Under on an extensive city-hopping tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Australia, & New Zealand Travel Itinerary
Five to six weeks
Vava’u, Tonga – Apia, Samoa – Suva, Fiji – Cairns, Australia – Brisbane – Sydney – Auckland, New Zealand – Wellington – Christchurch – Queenstown
Discover the culturally rich islands of the Polynesian Triangle before enjoying the luxuries of New Zealand and Australia.
Hidden Australia, New Zealand & Pacific: Off the Beaten Path
Admire the Beauty of Tasmania, Australia
Tasmania deserves a seven-day tour all to itself. The Bay of Fires has some mesmeric scenery, while Hobart is a culturally rich and vibey city few can compare.
Then there are the deep ravines of Cataract Gorge and the towering Cradle Mountain begging for your attention.
Explore The Underground City of Coober Pedy, Australia
Down Under takes on a whole new meaning at Coober Pedy. This desert town gets so hot that much of it is underground.
So you can explore Umoona Opal Mine and Museum or drink in an underground bar. Then there’s the Anna Creek Painted Hills to explore above ground.
Unearth the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
Experience a display of epic proportion in the Waitomo caves of New Zealand.
These alluring caves light up in neon blues due to the Arachnocampa luminosa endemic to New Zealand. A guided boat tour is the best way to discover these mesmerising bugs.
Hike Across Taveuni, Fiji
Playing host to the magical Bouma National Park, the island of Taveuni in Fiji is a hiker’s dream. It’s waterfalls aplenty on the Tavoro Falls hike or the Lavena Coastal Walk.
If you’re searching for verdant plant life, then the Vidawa Rainforest hike is for you.
How to See the Best of Australia, New Zealand & Pacific for Free
There are many Oceania places to explore that won’t cost you a cent. You even discover the beautiful cities of Australia and New Zealand on free walking tours with Guru Walk.
All of New Zealand’s national parks are free to enter. There’s also the popular Hot Water Beach, Kuirau Park, and several cost-free museums.
Then there’s Australia, where the City Circle Tram at Melbourne, many botanic gardens, and all the famous beach bum spots like Bondi Beach are free.
Dishes to Try in Australia, New Zealand & Pacific
Barramundi – A succulent fish that you’ll find across the South Pacific.
Hāngī – Traditional Maori dish of roasted meats and vegetables in a pit oven.
Cawaki – A Fijian edible sea urchin commonly eaten raw or grilled.
Pavlova – A hot debate of who made it first, it’s a tasty meringue stuffed with cream and fresh berries.
Top Drinks in Australia, New Zealand & Pacific
Kava – It’s not the tastiest, but this non-alcoholic tea-like drink made from the root of the pepper plant is a must-try.
Map of Australia, New Zealand & Pacific
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