Oceania Bucket List: Top Things to Do Before You Die

Fiji.

Dreaming of diving into electric-blue lagoons, hiking across ancient volcanic plains, or sharing a meal with a tribal community on a remote island? Welcome to Oceania — a region where the extraordinary is part of the everyday.

Geographically vast and wildly diverse, Oceania spans far beyond just Australia and New Zealand. It includes over a dozen countries scattered across the Pacific Ocean, grouped into four major subregions:

• Australasia: Australia and New Zealand

• Polynesia: Samoa, Tonga, French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Niue, and more

• Melanesia: Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia

• Micronesia: Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Federated States of Micronesia

Together, these islands and nations make up one of the most remote and culturally rich corners of the world. From the arid Outback to coral atolls, active volcanoes to ancient rainforests, Oceania offers some of the planet’s most surreal and soul-stirring travel experiences.

This is the kind of place that fills up your passport and your memory bank. A place where the distances are vast, but the adventures are bigger. Whether you’re road-tripping along a windswept coast, snorkelling with manta rays, or hiking to the edge of an erupting volcano, these are the once-in-a-lifetime moments worth travelling for.

In this guide, we’ve pulled together the ultimate Oceania bucket list — featuring natural wonders, cultural treasures, and the kind of adventures that leave a mark. Ready to dive in?

Dive the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

No Oceania bucket list is complete without exploring the largest coral reef system on the planet. Stretching over 2,300 kilometres along Queensland’s northeast coast, the Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s greatest natural wonders — visible even from space.

With over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, it’s a kaleidoscope of marine life: think giant clams, sea turtles, reef sharks, and over 1,500 species of tropical fish. Whether you’re a certified diver or a complete beginner, there are options for every level — from multi-day liveaboards to guided snorkelling tours straight off the beach.

The reef is best accessed from hubs like Cairns, Port Douglas, or the Whitsunday Islands, each offering different reef zones, water clarity, and types of coral. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider booking a scenic flight — the aerial views over Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach are next-level.

World Locals Tip: Visit between June and October for optimal visibility and calmer seas — but book ahead. And always choose eco-certified operators to help protect this fragile ecosystem for future explorers.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand

Widely considered one of the best one-day hikes in the world, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is New Zealand’s answer to Mars — all steaming vents, volcanic craters, and surreal turquoise lakes. Located in the central North Island within Tongariro National Park (New Zealand’s oldest), this 19.4 km trek weaves through a dramatic, otherworldly landscape shaped by millennia of eruptions.

Along the way, you’ll pass the active Mount Ngauruhoe (better known to many as Mount Doom from The Lord of the Rings), cross the South Crater, and descend past the vivid Emerald Lakes, where mineral-rich water glows in brilliant green and blue hues. The full hike takes 6–8 hours and is best attempted in late spring to early autumn for clearer trails and fewer weather disruptions.

While no technical experience is needed, this is an alpine hike — the weather can turn quickly, and elevation changes are significant. Book a shuttle service in advance, as this is a point-to-point trail with no loop.

World Locals Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and wind. If you’re into photography, the light around sunrise or late afternoon brings out the terrain’s dramatic contrasts beautifully.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand.

Stand at the Edge of Mount Yasur, Vanuatu

If staring into the heart of a live volcano has ever been on your bucket list, Mount Yasur on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu is your chance to tick it off — and then some. Often referred to as the world’s most accessible active volcano, Yasur has been erupting continuously for over 800 years, offering a rare opportunity to stand at the crater’s rim as molten lava bubbles and booms below.

Getting there is half the adventure. You’ll first fly into Port Vila on Efate, then take a short domestic flight to Tanna Island. From there, a 4WD journey winds through jungle and ash plains before reaching the volcano’s base. The guided hike to the summit is relatively short but steep — and timing your visit for dusk or nightfall makes the fiery glow all the more spectacular.

It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the reward is an unforgettable front-row seat to one of Earth’s most primal shows. You’ll feel the rumble in your chest before you even see the crater.

World Locals Tip: Bring a buff or face covering — the sulphur fumes are strong. Tours are weather-dependent, so allow an extra day or two in case conditions change.

Mount Yasur, Vanuatu.

Swim in Jellyfish Lake, Palau

Imagine floating through warm, golden water as thousands of translucent jellyfish pulse gently around you — and you’re completely safe. That’s the magic of Jellyfish Lake on Eil Malk Island in Palau, a surreal marine sanctuary where evolution has taken a unique turn.

Isolated from the ocean for millennia, this marine lake became home to a species of jellyfish that lost their ability to sting — making it one of the few places on Earth where you can snorkel freely among these mesmerising creatures. The golden jellyfish migrate across the lake daily in rhythmic, dreamlike movements that make for an ethereal underwater experience.

Access is via permit only, and you'll need to book with a licensed tour from Koror, Palau’s main tourism hub. Note that diving isn’t allowed here to protect the delicate ecosystem, but snorkelling is more than enough to feel fully immersed.

World Locals Tip: Bring a GoPro with a red filter to capture the jellyfish against the lake’s warm tones. And be sure to visit responsibly — no sunscreen in the water, as it damages the habitat.

Koror, Palau.

Sleep in an Overwater Bungalow in Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Few travel fantasies are as instantly recognisable as the overwater bungalow, and nowhere does it quite like Bora Bora. Set in the heart of French Polynesia, this island is framed by a turquoise lagoon, dotted with palm-covered motus (islets), and dominated by the dramatic silhouette of Mount Otemanu.

While it’s long been a honeymoon staple, Bora Bora isn’t just for luxury lovers — the island also offers snorkelling with reef sharks, hiking trails through lush volcanic hills, and some of the clearest paddleboarding conditions in the Pacific. That said, waking up in a thatched-roof villa suspended above the water, coffee in hand and stingrays gliding below, is the ultimate bucket list experience for good reason.

Most overwater stays are offered through high-end resorts like St. Regis, Four Seasons, or InterContinental, though guesthouses on nearby islands can offer more budget-friendly ways to explore the lagoon.

World Locals Tip: Book during the shoulder seasons (May or October) to avoid crowds and get better rates. And don’t skip a lagoon tour — you’ll get to snorkel coral gardens, spot manta rays, and even enjoy a Polynesian BBQ on a private motu.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia.

Sail Through Fiji’s Remote Outer Islands

While Fiji’s main islands offer plenty to explore, the real magic lies off the beaten path — scattered across over 300 islands, many of which remain untouched by mass tourism. The best way to explore them? By sailboat or catamaran, cruising between palm-fringed beaches, hidden coves, and coral reefs with barely another soul in sight.

The Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands are the most popular sailing grounds, offering crystal-clear lagoons, world-class snorkelling, and authentic Fijian villages where you can take part in a traditional kava ceremony. But head further afield — to islands like Kadavu or the Lau group — and you’ll discover vibrant coral gardens, remote marine reserves, and a way of life that hasn’t changed much in decades.

You can join everything from luxury sailing charters to more budget-friendly liveaboard trips, many of which include meals, snorkelling gear, and village visits.

World Locals Tip: Bring gifts for your village hosts (like school supplies or basic first aid items) — it’s customary and appreciated. And if you’re offered kava, take it slow — it’s more relaxing than it is tasty!

Leleuvia Island, Fiji.

Road Trip the Great Ocean Road, Australia

Winding for over 240 kilometres along the southern coast of Victoria, the Great Ocean Road is Australia’s most iconic road trip — and one of the most scenic coastal drives on the planet. Built by returning WWI soldiers and dedicated to their fallen comrades, it’s also the world’s longest war memorial.

This journey takes you past rugged cliffs, crashing surf, ancient rainforests, and charming seaside towns — but the real showstoppers are the limestone sea stacks known as the Twelve Apostles. Rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean, they’re best viewed at sunrise or sunset when the light paints the cliffs in golden hues.

Stop off for wildlife encounters in Great Otway National Park, spot koalas in the eucalyptus trees around Kennett River, or stretch your legs with a walk to Erskine Falls near Lorne. Whether you’re in a campervan or a rented convertible, it’s a drive that’s all about slowing down and soaking it all in.

World Locals Tip: Take at least two days to do it justice, and avoid the peak summer crowds (December–February) if possible. Autumn (March–May) offers stunning light, fewer tourists, and great conditions for wildlife spotting.

Great Ocean Road, Australia.

Experience the Mount Hagen Cultural Show, Papua New Guinea

Deep in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, the Mount Hagen Cultural Show is one of the most spectacular and authentic tribal festivals on Earth. Held annually in August, it brings together more than 100 different tribes from across the country — each showcasing their unique traditional dress, music, and dance in a dazzling explosion of colour and culture.

You’ll witness elaborate sing-sings (ceremonial performances), war paint, feathered headdresses, body art, and symbolic rituals that have been passed down for centuries. What makes this event extraordinary is not just the visual spectacle, but the sense of deep pride and cultural preservation on display.

Mount Hagen is accessible via flights from Port Moresby, but infrastructure is limited — so most visitors attend with guided tours that handle permits, accommodation, and logistics.

World Locals Tip: Bring a zoom lens — photography here is phenomenal, but it’s important to maintain respectful distance unless invited. Chat to your guide about cultural dos and don’ts before attending, especially regarding eye contact and photo permissions.

Papua New Guinea.

Stargaze in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand

In a world overflowing with light pollution, there are few places left where you can truly see the night sky as our ancestors did. Aoraki Mackenzie, in New Zealand’s South Island, is one of them — and it holds the title of the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve.

Set within the remote Mackenzie Basin, this region offers mind-blowing clarity, thanks to its dry air, low population, and strict lighting controls. On a clear night, you’ll see the Milky Way stretch across the sky, spot shooting stars, and even catch glimpses of the Magellanic Clouds — two small galaxies visible only from the southern hemisphere.

Base yourself in Tekapo or Mount Cook Village to explore both the cosmos and the landscapes. Combine your stargazing with a hike to the Hooker Valley, or take a guided astronomy tour at the renowned Mount John Observatory.

World Locals Tip: Visit between April and September for longer nights and crisp, clear skies. If you’re there during a new moon, you’ll get the darkest skies — ideal for astrophotography and that sense of cosmic awe.

Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand.

Discover Aboriginal Rock Art in Kakadu National Park, Australia

Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometres of Northern Territory wilderness, Kakadu National Park is more than just Australia’s largest national park — it’s one of the world’s oldest living cultural landscapes. Home to the Bininj/Mungguy people, Kakadu has been continuously inhabited for over 65,000 years, making it a place where nature and Indigenous heritage are deeply intertwined.

One of the park’s most powerful experiences is viewing its ancient rock art, some of which dates back more than 20,000 years. At sites like Ubirr and Nourlangie, you’ll find detailed depictions of animals, spirits, and everyday life — offering a rare insight into one of the world’s oldest surviving cultures. These artworks aren't just historical; they're part of a living tradition that still holds meaning and relevance today.

Beyond the rock art, Kakadu offers wetlands teeming with birdlife, crocodile-filled rivers, thundering waterfalls, and dramatic escarpments. It’s a true frontier — wild, remote, and humbling.

World Locals Tip: Visit during the dry season (May to October) when roads are open and walking trails are safe. Join a ranger-led cultural walk to gain deeper insight into the stories and significance behind the art.

Kakadu National Park, Australia.

Drift Beneath the Glowworms in Waitomo Caves, New Zealand

New Zealand is full of jaw-dropping scenery, but few places feel as otherworldly as the Waitomo Caves. Hidden beneath the rolling hills of the North Island, these limestone caverns are lit by thousands of tiny glowworms — native to NZ — which cast an eerie, beautiful blue-green glow across the underground ceilings like a starlit sky.

The most iconic way to experience Waitomo is via a guided boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, gliding silently through pitch darkness as the glowworms illuminate the cavern above. For more thrill-seekers, black water rafting through the cave system (complete with abseiling and tubing) offers a mix of adventure and awe.

This natural light show is both peaceful and surreal, a reminder of how much magic lies below the surface.

World Locals Tip: Combine your trip with a visit to nearby Hobbiton or Rotorua. Tours can sell out in peak months (December–March), so book in advance if you’re visiting during summer.

Glowworms, New Zealand.

Snorkel the Blue Cave in Vavaʻu, Tonga

Tucked away in Tonga’s remote Vavaʻu island group, the Blue Cave (also known as Mariner’s Cave) is one of the South Pacific’s most spectacular hidden wonders. Accessible only by swimming through a submerged entrance, the cave opens into a glowing sapphire chamber where sunlight filters in and makes the water look as though it’s lit from below.

It’s a short swim, but not for the claustrophobic — you’ll need to dive down briefly and come up on the other side. Once inside, though, the experience is pure magic: the silence, the colour, and the sense of discovery all combine to create a moment that feels genuinely unrepeatable.

Vavaʻu itself is a paradise of sea cliffs, whales (in season), and calm lagoons — the Blue Cave is its crown jewel.

World Locals Tip: Visit between June and October, when the water’s calmest and humpback whales also migrate through the region. Local guides know exactly when and where to enter — always go with someone experienced.

Tonga.

Honourable Mentions

• Black Water Rafting in Waitomo (NZ) – For thrill-seekers who want to crawl, float, and rappel through glowworm-lit caves.

• Island-Hop the Cook Islands – A slower, more traditional alternative to the Maldives or Tahiti with a strong local culture.

• Surf the Legendary Break at Cloudbreak, Fiji – One of the world’s top reef breaks, not for beginners but iconic for surfers.

• Explore Niue’s Coral Chasms – Wild, rugged, and refreshingly tourist-free, with natural swimming holes and sea caves.

• Cruise the Whitsundays (Australia) – White sand, turquoise sea, and access to the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

• Hike Mount Wilhelm (Papua New Guinea) – The country’s tallest peak offers panoramic views across misty ranges and alpine lakes.

• Swim with Humpback Whales in Tonga – One of the few places in the world where it’s legal to get in the water with these gentle giants.

• Watch the Sunset at Uluru (Australia) – One of the most sacred and powerful sites in Aboriginal culture; the changing colours at dusk are unforgettable.

Travel Tips for Oceania

Best Time to Visit

Because Oceania covers such a vast area, timing varies depending on where you’re headed:

• Australia & New Zealand: April to May and September to November offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer (Dec–Feb) is popular but can be hot and busy.

• Pacific Islands (Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, etc.): Dry season runs May to October — expect cooler temperatures and calm seas, ideal for island-hopping and whale watching.

• Papua New Guinea & Northern Australia: Visit during the dry season (May to October) to avoid heavy rains and ensure road access in remote areas.

Getting Around

• Australia & New Zealand: Self-driving is ideal — both countries are campervan-friendly with excellent road trip routes. Domestic flights are frequent but can be pricey, so book early.

• Pacific Islands: Ferries connect some islands, but inter-island flights are often your best bet. Some remote spots (like Tanna or outer Cook Islands) require small aircraft — check baggage limits.

• Micronesia & Melanesia: Infrastructure can be basic; guided tours or resort transfers often handle logistics best.

Budgeting & Currency

• Australia & New Zealand: Generally more expensive. Budget travellers should aim for hostels, campervans, and supermarket meals.

  • AUD to GBP: ~£1 = A$1.90

  • NZD to GBP: ~£1 = NZ$2.10

• Pacific Islands: Can be surprisingly pricey due to imports, though local homestays and food stalls help.

  • FJD, TOP, PGK, etc. — always check current exchange rates as they vary between islands.

Cultural Etiquette

• Aboriginal & Māori Culture: Show respect at sacred sites (like Uluru or Marae). Don’t photograph rock art or ceremonial areas without permission.

• Pacific Islands: Modesty matters — cover up when away from beaches, and always ask before taking photos in villages. It’s customary to greet elders and participate in cultural protocols like ava or kava ceremonies when invited.

What to Pack

• Lightweight, breathable layers

• Reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent

• A sarong or scarf (great for temple visits or village dress codes)

• Waterproof dry bags and reef shoes

• Travel adapter: most of Oceania uses Type I plugs (like Australia)

Cook Islands.

Oceania isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling. It’s the stillness of a glowing cave deep beneath New Zealand, the roar of lava echoing from a volcano in Vanuatu, and the quiet power of ancient Aboriginal stories painted on stone. It’s the freedom of the open road, the thrill of diving into sapphire waters, and the warmth of communities who’ve called these islands home for millennia.

Yes, it’s remote. Yes, it takes effort to reach. But that’s part of the magic — the further you go, the deeper the experience. Whether you’re hiking alpine passes, drifting through coral gardens, or sitting under stars brighter than you’ve ever seen, Oceania rewards every traveller who leans into its rhythm.

So take it slow. Stay curious. Choose the longer road or the smaller island. Because this region isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about letting the land, the sea, and the stories reshape the way you travel.