Oceania Travel Guide

Plan an amazing trip to Oceania with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food to try, and more.


Introduction to Oceania

Oceania is a region consisting of thousands of islands in the central and south Pacific Ocean. It is divided into four regions - Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia, and Australia. The region is known for its stunning natural beauty, tropical climate, and rich culture. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a culture enthusiast, Oceania is the perfect destination for you. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll help you plan the perfect trip to Oceania, with a detailed list of places to visit, things to do, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Oceania

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, New Zealand
  • National Gallery of Australia, Australia
  • War Memorial Museum, Papua New Guinea
  • Pacific Islands Museum, Hawaii
  • Solomon Islands National Museum, Solomon Islands

Natural Attractions of Oceania: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Great Barrier Reef, Australia
  • Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
  • Milford Sound, New Zealand
  • Bora Bora, French Polynesia
  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia

Hiking/Biking Routes of Oceania

  • Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand
  • Mount Tomanivi, Fiji
  • Kakadu National Park, Australia
  • Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia
  • Kokoda Trail, Papua New Guinea

Best Things to Do in Oceania: Activities and Tours

  • Snorkeling and Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
  • Skydiving in Queenstown, New Zealand
  • Surfing in Fiji
  • Bungee jumping in Vanuatu
  • Whale watching in Tonga

Week-Long Itinerary for Oceania

Day Destination Activities
1 Sydney, Australia Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Coastal Walk
2 Cairns, Australia Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest
3 Auckland, New Zealand Sky Tower, Waiheke Island, Hobbiton
4 Queenstown, New Zealand Milford Sound, Skydiving, Bungee Jumping
5 Nadi, Fiji Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, Sabeto Hot Springs
6 Papeete, French Polynesia Bora Bora, Snorkeling, Pearl Farm
7 Honolulu, Hawaii Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor

Food and Drink Scene of Oceania

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pavlova, New Zealand
  • Fish and Chips, Australia
  • Lovo, Fiji
  • Kava, Vanuatu
  • Hangi, New Zealand

Local Beverages

  • Wine, Australia
  • Beer, New Zealand
  • Coconut Milk, Samoa
  • Tea, Papua New Guinea
  • Kava, Fiji

Where to Stay in Oceania: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Langham, Sydney
  • InterContinental, Fiji
  • Hilton Auckland, New Zealand
  • Sofitel Bora Bora, French Polynesia
  • Hilton Hawaiian Village, Hawaii

What to Buy in Oceania: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handicrafts, Papua New Guinea
  • Pearl Jewelry, French Polynesia
  • Didgeridoos, Australia
  • Tapa Cloth, Samoa
  • Maori Carvings, New Zealand

Local Culture and Customs of Oceania

Oceania has a rich and diverse culture, predominantly influenced by its history and traditions. The people of Oceania are known for their hospitality and friendliness. The culture is strongly tied to family and community, and traditional practices and ceremonies are still prevalent in many parts of the region.

Best Time to Visit Oceania

The best time to visit Oceania is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This is when the weather is cooler, and there is little to no rainfall. However, it is also the peak season, and prices can be higher, and crowds can be larger. The wet season, which runs from November to April, has more pleasant temperatures but also has a higher chance of rainfall and cyclones.

Do’s and Don’ts of Oceania

Do:

  • Wear appropriate clothing when visiting religious sites or attending traditional ceremonies
  • Respect the local culture and traditions
  • Learn a few words in the local language
  • Carry cash, as credit/debit cards may not be accepted in some places
  • Be open to trying new foods and experiences

Don’t:

  • Touch or stand on coral reefs
  • Disrespect the local culture or traditions
  • Leave your belongings unattended in public areas
  • Swim in areas with warning signs indicating strong currents or dangerous marine life
  • Use offensive language or gestures

Safety and Health

Safety in Oceania

Oceania is generally a safe region to visit. However, travelers should still exercise caution and take necessary precautions, such as being aware of their surroundings and avoiding isolated areas at night. Petty crime, such as theft and pickpocketing, can occur in some areas.

Health in Oceania

It is important to take necessary vaccinations before traveling to Oceania and to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Zika and dengue fever. The water in some areas may not be safe to drink, and it is recommended to drink only bottled water and avoid street food that may cause stomach upset.

Getting to Oceania: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports in Oceania

  • Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport, Australia
  • Auckland International Airport, New Zealand
  • Nadi International Airport, Fiji
  • Faleolo International Airport, Samoa
  • Papeete Fa’a’ā International Airport, French Polynesia

Bus Stations in Oceania

  • Greyhound Australia, Australia
  • Intercity, New Zealand
  • Vodafone Bula Bus, Fiji

Other Options

  • Ferry services, connecting islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia
  • Domestic airlines, connecting islands within the region

How to Get Around in Oceania

Transportation options in Oceania vary by destination. Some islands have well-established public transportation systems, while others require visitors to rent cars or hire private drivers. For short distances, walking or cycling may be the better option. Additionally, there are many tour companies that offer guided tours and transport to popular attractions.

Where to Go Next from Oceania: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Bali, Indonesia
  • Tokyo, Japan
  • Cairns, Australia
  • Auckland, New Zealand
  • Los Angeles, USA

Conclusion

Oceania is a breathtakingly beautiful region, with something to offer every type of traveler. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll be able to plan an unforgettable trip to Oceania, complete with all the necessary information about places to visit, things to do, and more. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the beauty of the Pacific!

Crystal blue sea on the coast of Samoa Crystal blue sea on the coast of Samoa Tahitian Women on the Beach, by Paul Gauguin Tahitian Women on the Beach, by Paul Gauguin Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park on South Island forms part of one of the three most pristine alpine environments in Oceania (excluding Indonesia) Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park on South Island forms part of one of the three most pristine alpine environments in Oceania (excluding Indonesia) One of the displays from the Mt. Hagen cultural show One of the displays from the Mt. Hagen cultural show Plane approaching Nauru Plane approaching Nauru Neiafu harbour, Vava'u, in Tonga Neiafu harbour, Vava'u, in Tonga Sulphur-crested cockatoos in Sydney Sulphur-crested cockatoos in Sydney More palm-fringed beaches; this time on Aitutaki, Cook Islands More palm-fringed beaches; this time on Aitutaki, Cook Islands Hikers on the Milford Track, Fiordland National Park Hikers on the Milford Track, Fiordland National Park Umu, meat and vegetables roasted in an earth oven on Easter Island Umu, meat and vegetables roasted in an earth oven on Easter Island Hunter Valley vineyards Hunter Valley vineyards


    Australasia
    Australia
    Central Line Islands
    Melanesia
    Micronesia
    New Guinea
    New Zealand
    Papua New Guinea
    Polynesia