Best slow travel destinations in Oceania
Best slow travel destinations in Oceania
Secluded island archipelagos and quiet rural roads in Oceania
New Zealand's southern regions and the wider Pacific Islands both reward a slower pace, shaped as much by geography and limited transport links as by deliberate choice, with ferries and small planes connecting many destinations rather than fast highways.
The destinations on this list range from rural regions built around farming and a genuinely quiet daily rhythm to remote Pacific Island communities where infrastructure naturally slows down any itinerary. Both reward staying considerably longer than a typical visit.
Building significant flexibility into ferry and flight schedules matters across the Pacific Islands specifically, where connections can be infrequent and weather-dependent. Renting accommodation for a week or more suits this kind of travel considerably better. Packing layers also tends to suit the changeable weather common across this region.
Lists by region
Island in Australia
Tasmania
Wilderness, Wildlife and Wild Coasts
Fairy penguins and short-tailed shearwaters breed on The Neck, a narrow sandy isthmus joining North and South Bruny Island. A ferry from Kettering takes cars across to the island off Tasmania. Visitors find a cheese factory, an oyster farm and a vineyard. Cape Bruny Lighthouse was first lit in 1838.
Country
Fiji
Tropical paradise with diverse landscapes
Yaqona, also called kava, is part of ceremonial and community life in this country. Family and community are central to Fijian culture. Fiji has more than 330 islands and about 110 of them are permanently inhabited. About 87 percent of people live on the two largest islands.
Town in New Zealand
Wanaka
Alpine Adventure, Lakeside Serenity
A rocky ridge called The Neck separates Lake Wānaka from Lake Hāwea by less than 1 kilometre. This town is at the southern end of the lake and about 120 kilometres from Queenstown. It is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. Day trips and week long hikes start nearby.
Island in Australia
Lord Howe Island
Secluded paradise with crystal reefs and cliffs
UNESCO listed the Lord Howe Island Group as a World Heritage Site in 1982. Visitors are limited to 400 at any one time. Only 445 people live on the island. There is no public transport and no mobile phone coverage. Cycling is the main way to get around.
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