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Best craft destinations in Oceania

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Cairns
Gateway to Reef and Rainforest Wonders
8.1
Kuranda is a rainforest town about 25 kilometres from this city with many arts and souvenir shops. The Djabugay people have lived in the Kuranda rainforest for over 10,000 years. The Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway both link the town to Cairns.
Highlights:
  • 💦 Explore the tropical waterfalls and swimming holes of Atherton Tablelands
  • 🚡 Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway above the treetops
  • 🐠 Snorkel or dive in the Great Barrier Reef
Rotorua
Geothermal Wonders and Māori Culture
8.2
The New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute teaches carving and weaving in Whakarewarewa. The current institute opened in 1963. It runs three national schools for woodcarving, weaving and jade, bone and stone carving. Visitors reach the institute through Te Puia, which is a major attraction in this city.
Highlights:
  • 🛷 Experience thrilling rides at Skyline Luge tracks
  • 🚡 Ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views
  • 🌋 Explore the colorful thermal pools at Wai-O-Tapu
Samoa
Tropical paradise with volcanic mountains
7.8
On the island of Savai'i, Palauli village is known for high quality siapo. Siapo is barkcloth made from the paper mulberry tree, beaten with a wooden mallet and decorated with natural plant dyes. It is often given as a gift at weddings and funerals. Mary Pritchard began reviving the craft in the 1970s.
Highlights:
  • 🌳 Explore the lush jungle on the Canopy Walk
  • 💦 Slide down natural waterfalls at Papase’ea
  • 🌊 Swim in the stunning To Sua Ocean Trench
Papua New Guinea
Last paradise of South Pacific
5.7
Dozens of Sepik languages are spoken along the 1,126 kilometre Sepik River. Each area has its own carving style. The region is known for sculptures, masks and shields. Garamut drums are hollowed from tree trunks and carved into animal shapes for rituals. Sepik villages are a good place in this country to see this work.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Trek the historic Kokoda Track through dense rainforest
  • 🎭 Meet the colorful tribes at the Mount Hagen Festival
  • 🤿 Dive among WWII wrecks in Rabaul’s volcanic waters
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