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Best luxury destinations in Oceania

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Bora Bora
Turquoise Lagoons, Overwater Dreams
8.4
American forces built a supply base here in 1942. The airstrip they built is still in use today. It is on a small islet, so every visitor crosses the lagoon by boat. Mount Otemanu, a volcanic peak of 727 metres, rises above the water. Overwater bungalows line the turquoise shallows.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Take a private boat tour around Mount Otemanu
  • 🏝️ Stay overnight in a classic overwater bungalow
  • 🐠 Snorkel crystal-clear lagoon with rays and tropical fish
French Polynesia
Paradise of Crystal Clear Lagoons
8.9
May to October is the dry season with highs near 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Humpback whales visit Moorea and Tahiti from July to October. The Heiva festival in July fills Papeete with dancing and outrigger canoe races. Black pearls come from lagoons in the Tuamotu islands. Resorts on Moorea and Tahiti have overwater villas.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Snorkel the coral gardens of Moorea’s turquoise lagoon
  • 🤿 Dive with sharks and manta rays in Rangiroa
  • 🏝️ Stay in an overwater bungalow above the Bora Bora lagoon
Whitsunday Islands
Paradise within Great Barrier Reef
9.0
Seventy four islands lie between the Queensland coast and the outer Great Barrier Reef. Whitehaven Beach is about 7 kilometres long and its sand is nearly pure silica. Heart Reef is protected and can be seen only on a scenic flight. Qualia on Hamilton Island is for guests aged 16 and over.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Snorkel vibrant coral reefs at Hardy and Bait Reefs
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine white sands of Whitehaven Beach
  • ⛵ Sail the turquoise waters between the beautiful islands
Queenstown
Adventure capital with alpine beauty
8.5
Gold found in the Shotover River in 1862 drew thousands of miners to the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Today the lakeshore has lodges such as Rosewood Matakauri, with views of The Remarkables. Helicopters fly from town to Milford Sound in under an hour. The lake is S shaped and about 50 miles long.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw
  • ⚡ Zipline through the pine trees at Bob's Peak
  • 🚡 Ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views
Fiji
Tropical paradise with diverse landscapes
8.2
More than 300 islands are scattered across these waters and a few hold only one resort. Laucala Island was bought by Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz. A working farm on the island grows much of its food. Guests transfer from Nadi International Airport. The island also has a golf course.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Explore the underwater coral gardens at Rainbow Reef
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine sands of Natadola Beach
  • 🌊 Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Mamanuca Islands
Hawke's Bay
Sunlit shores and vibrant marine life
8.9
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers covers about 6,000 acres, roughly seven times the size of Central Park. Its rooms look over farmland, the golf course and the Pacific. Tom Doak designed the golf course, which is 140 metres above the sea. Gannets can be seen on nearby cliffs from September to April.
Highlights:
  • 🏄‍♂️ Surf at Bream Bay's renowned break
  • 🏜️ Hike Te Paki Track through sand dunes
  • 🗼 Explore Cape Reinga's iconic lighthouse and flagpole
South Island
Majestic fjords and alpine peaks
9.3
Cold mountain air and the sound of waterfalls fill Milford Sound. Mitre Peak rises 1,692 metres straight from the water. Helicopters land on glaciers near Franz Josef and Fox. Aoraki Mount Cook, at 3,724 metres, is the highest peak in New Zealand. Wine regions such as Marlborough and Central Otago add tastings to lodge stays.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Explore Fiordland's Milford Sound sunset cruise
  • ⛵ Cruise Abel Tasman National Park
  • 🏞️ Hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing sunrise
Bay of Islands
Sunlit coves echo with ancient legends
9.4
Rosewood Kauri Cliffs is a lodge with 22 suites on about 6,000 acres above Matauri Bay. Its clifftop golf course was designed by David Harman. Private chefs cook barbecues on three private beaches. A helicopter flight from Auckland takes about one hour. The wider bay has 144 islands to explore by boat.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, learn indigenous history
  • 🛶 Kayak through limestone caves at Te Puna Marae
  • ⛵ Sail to Russell, explore historic whaling village
Lord Howe Island
Secluded paradise with crystal reefs and cliffs
9.4
Mount Gower rises 875 metres above the south end of the island. Guided hikes climb to a misty forest on top. Visitor numbers are capped at 400 at any one time. UNESCO listed the island in 1982. Its reef is the world's southernmost coral reef.
Highlights:
  • 🗺️ Explore the historic lighthouse and maritime museum
  • 🏔️ Hike Mount Gower summit for sunrise panorama
  • 🤿 Snorkel at The Pinnacles reef, see diverse marine life
Cook Islands
Tropical paradise with year-round warmth
8.1
Water in the Aitutaki lagoon shifts between pale turquoise and deep blue over white sand flats. Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort has overwater bungalows and barefoot beach dinners. The flight from Rarotonga to Aitutaki takes about 50 minutes. A tiny post office on One Foot Island stamps passports with a footprint.
Highlights:
  • 🛵 Explore Rarotonga’s lush jungle trails by scooter
  • 🐠 Snorkel over coral gardens filled with tropical fish
  • 🌊 Swim in the turquoise lagoon of Aitutaki
Great Barrier Reef
World's largest living coral wonder
The Dingaal people are the traditional owners of Lizard Island, which they call Jiigurru. The island has one resort with about 40 rooms and 24 beaches. A one hour scenic flight from Cairns crosses the reef. Guests snorkel from the sand and have sunset dinners on private beaches.
Highlights:
  • 🚁 Fly over the reef to spot the Heart Reef
  • 🤿 Take a scuba dive at the outer reef
  • 🐠 Snorkel among colorful coral gardens and tropical fish
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