Explore Oceania
Oceania Travel Guide
Coastal roads, mountain landscapes, lagoons and island life. Start with the place that draws you in, then give it room in your journey. Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific islands each deserve time of their own.
By Rob Wheatley · Traveller and Viking Program Director
Choose your destination
Eight starting points, from road journeys to island stays. Open a guide to explore the places, pace and practical details.
Australia
Australia offers cities, coast and nature. For a first trip, consider focusing on one region.
Explore Australia
New Zealand
New Zealand has dramatic scenery and road-trip routes. However, allow time for weather and driving.
Explore New Zealand
Fiji
Fiji offers island stays and international connections. Before booking, compare transfer options.
Explore Fiji
French Polynesia
Lagoon days and island life. Choose your island base before adding more transfers.
Explore French Polynesia
Samoa
Coastal stays and living traditions. Make time to learn about local customs.
Explore Samoa
Tonga
Island stays at a quieter pace. Compare accommodation and connections before choosing a base.
Explore Tonga
Vanuatu
If nature interests you, explore the volcanic landscapes and reefs.
Explore Vanuatu
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea offers rich cultures. However, the U.S. advises reconsidering travel; check the latest official guidance.
Explore Papua New GuineaShape a journey that fits
Compare your travel style with the seasons and the time needed between stops. These visual guides offer a starting point; check the details for the places you choose.
Planning truths (no drama)
- Australia and New Zealand offer many possible starting points. For a shorter trip, focus on one region.
- Island connections depend on schedules. Therefore, allow for weather changes and delays.
- Flights can be important because distances are long. Compare connections before choosing a route.
- Seasons vary. In addition, tropical islands and New Zealand can have very different conditions.
Independence + ease (quick decisions)
- For island travel, leave buffer days for connections.
- Before leaving, consider booking your first nights.
- Alternatively, combine independent travel with a guide in remote areas.
- My rule: choose fewer stops so you have more time in each place.
My advice: give each place time. That way, the journey can feel less rushed.
Oceania travel advice
Before a trip, check entry rules for each country and territory. Then review the latest official advisory and weather information. For example, remote islands may have fewer transport or medical options. In addition, confirm that your insurance covers planned activities. Finally, leave a copy of your itinerary with someone you trust.
Conditions differ across Oceania. Therefore, check official travel advice for each destination, as well as current weather and transport information.
Travel conditions vary by destination and can change. For example, the U.S. advises travelers to reconsider travel to Papua New Guinea, with stricter warnings for some areas. Before booking, check the current U.S. country advisories. In addition, review local weather, transport and health guidance for every stop.
Follow your interests
Explore reefs, landscapes, living cultures or local food to narrow your choices.
Nature & landscapes
For example, the region includes reefs, rainforests, volcanoes, fjords and deserts.
Beaches & islands
Alternatively, look for lagoons, beaches and slower island days.
History & culture
In addition, learn about Māori and Pacific cultures as living traditions.
Food & local life
For another perspective, explore markets, cafés and local food.
If this is your first time in Oceania
Choose one manageable journey first. Add another destination only when the travel days leave enough time to enjoy both.
First, choose one base. Then add another place only if you have enough time for the journey.
Australia: city + nature loop
Choose one coast or region
For example, focus on one Australian region and allow time for local exploring.
New Zealand: one island, done slowly
Alternatively, choose the North or South Island
Because New Zealand road journeys can take time, leave room for stops and rest.
One island nation reset
For a shorter stay, use one base
For a shorter trip, one island group can reduce transfer time.
Anchor + add-on
For a longer trip, add one island
Alternatively, combine Australia or New Zealand with one island destination if time and connections allow.
Not sure where to start yet?
Explore the resources below. Then check the details for the places that interest you.
Join the conversation
Where in Oceania are you leaning — and what’s pulling you that way? Share your plans, questions, or “I have no idea yet” thoughts in the comments. If you’ve been, drop one tip to help another traveler choose a calm starting point.