Oceania Travel Guide

New Caledonia

New Caledonia

Green the vegetation in the east, red the earth in the south, the beach on Ouvéa white – La Nouvelle Calédonie has many faces. An independent animal life has developed on the chain of islands belonging to France. Sylviornis Neocaledoniae, the large bird that does not fly, is one of them, as are the Kagu and Ouvea Parakeets. Eucalyptus, niaouli and tea trees, araucarias and banyan trees protrude from the savannahs. The second largest barrier reef in the world encloses Grande Terre, the main island of New Caledonia. The beaches and lagoons are heavenly and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A region for explorers, with numerous islands to relax in. Move on good roads or on horseback through an exciting, diverse country. Encounter traditions of the Kanak and Melanesian cultures. Submerge

Climate:

New Caledonia lies between the 19th and 23rd degrees of southern latitude and is therefore in the tropical climate zone. The average temperatures on the islands are between 20 and 30 ° C all year round. The mountain range that runs along the main island divides New Caledonia into a wetter east and a drier west, which is in the rain shadow.

Best travel time:

The drier, sunny months from mid-May to mid-September are particularly recommended for trips to New Caledonia. The surrounding months of April and October also allow tourists to benefit from milder temperatures and the lower humidity caused by the trade winds. During the rainy season from mid-November to April, New Caledonia is in the cyclone area, so travel is not recommended.

Tonga

Tonga

According to Countryaah, there are 14 countries in Oceania. Tonga is one of them. The 169 islands and atolls in the infinite blue of the South Seas hold many wonderful discoveries in store. Never seen colors, scents that defy description. Light whose mood only a painter can capture. Tonga is located with its many volcanic islands in the Pacific – east of Fiji, south of Samoa and north of New Zealand – in the area of ​​the Pacific Ring of Fire. The capital and largest city of the country is Nukualofa.

Climate:

Tonga’s climate is pleasant and slightly cooler than other tropical areas. The mean annual temperature in Nukualofa is 24 ° C and the average humidity is 76%. December to February are the months with the hottest temperatures and the most rainfall.

Best travel time:

Tonga is an ideal year-round destination.

Samoa

Samoa

The islands in the infinite blue of the South Seas hold many wonderful discoveries in store. Never seen colors, scents that defy description. Light whose mood only a painter can capture.

Samoa is located in the southwestern Pacific, northeast of Fiji. The largest islands are Savaii and Upolu with the capital Apia and the international airport. About 238,000 inhabitants are spread over 14 islands. The Samoans are traditional Polynesians and daily life is based on three pillars: the Matai (chief), Aiga (the big family) and the church.

Climate:

In accordance with the prevailing tropical climate in the South Pacific, the temperatures in Samoa are warm all year round, an average of 26.5 degrees Celsius. Likewise, abundant rainfall occurs all year round, which cannot be ruled out in the form of showers in the dry season from May to October. The water temperatures rise to 28 degrees at that time, otherwise they move between 22 and 26 degrees.

Best travel time:

The drier, sunny months between June and August are particularly recommended for trips to Samoa. The surrounding months of May and September also allow tourists to benefit from milder temperatures and the lower humidity due to the trade winds. During the rainy season from November to April, Samoa is in the cyclone area, so travel is not recommended.

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is a country located in Oceania. The name of Papua New Guinea alone awakens the spirit of discovery in experienced travelers, because a tour to New Guinea is something unique to this day. The imponderables of the travel destination, sometimes rugged landscapes and the different ways of life promise adventure and unforgettable encounters. The heart of every trip to New Guinea is the cultural experience, even deep immersion in the diverse ways of life of the peoples of the island.

It is estimated that over a thousand different languages ​​are spoken on the island to this day, which underlines the diversity of the country. The Papua New Guinea Tourist Office even promises “A million different trips!” A slogan that we want to pass on.

Away from the capital Port Moresby, the island has a lot to offer in an area similar to that of Sweden: highlights are the Sepik plain, which is criss-crossed by meandering rivers and impenetrable rainforests, the highlands known for its colorfully decorated and warlike inhabitants as well as the coastal regions, the invite you to a bathing and diving extension.

Tree kangaroos, birds of paradise and cassowaries are the best-known representatives of the island’s wildlife.

Climate:

The coastal regions of Papua New Guinea are always humid and tropical and warm with maximum temperatures of up to 35 degrees Celsius. Especially during the humid season from December to April, the northwest monsoon with its precipitation brings increasing humidity to the coast. In the highlands the temperatures are more pleasant, but you should be prepared for rain showers all year round.

Best travel time:

The best time to travel to Papua New Guinea is from June to October. Especially on the southern coast there are many hours of sunshine and there are pleasant temperatures between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius. The months between December and April, when it rains heavily, are less favorable. The water temperatures are all year round at values ​​between 26 and 30 degrees.

Cook Islands

Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are idyllically situated in the middle of the beautiful South Pacific. They are the ideal place for a South Sea extension of a New Zealand trip or for a honeymoon. The northern of the fifteen Cook Islands are coral atolls with breathtaking white sandy beaches and blue lagoons. The southern islands, on the other hand, have volcanic origins and impress with sometimes steep mountains and dense vegetation.

Around 17,500 Cook Islanders live on an area of ​​land only slightly larger than that of the island of Fehmarn, and they are very closely connected to New Zealand both economically and in terms of families.

The islands themselves are spread over an area of ​​approximately two million square kilometers in the middle of the Polynesian triangle.

An absolute highlight of any trip to the Cooks is a visit to the world-famous Aitutaki lagoon. The main island of Rarotonga offers the opportunity to enjoy island life: mingle with the Cook Island Maori at the market or at church on Sundays. We also recommend going around the island with one of the two bus routes.

If you are in the mood for a Robinsonade, you can fly with the island airline to Atiu, where you can discover the birdlife of the South Pacific on an island tour. And how about a picnic on the beach followed by a snorkel?

Climate:

The Cook Islands have warm and sunny weather year round. From June to August it is a little cooler. From November to March it is warmest with occasional tropical downpours.

Best travel time:

The best time to travel are the months from July to December with pleasant temperatures and lower humidity.

Fiji

Fiji

Located in the midst of the expanses of the Southwest Pacific, the Fiji Islands are the epitome of a South Sea dream. Palm trees swaying in the gentle sea breeze, azure blue water, colorful coral reefs and the Melanesian joie de vivre await the traveler. The biggest city of Fiji is Suva with a population of 93,970.

Around 330 islands form the archipelago, which in terms of area corresponds to Saxony and which around 900,000 Fijians call their home. The main island of Viti Levu with the international airport in Nadi is the starting point of every Fiji trip. Direct connections from Singapore, Seoul and Hong Kong enable a journey with just one stopover from Germany.

Viti Levu offers the opportunity for a rental car tour and discoveries inland. Divers and active travelers are drawn to the garden island of Taveuni. The picturesque coastal hike near Lavena and diving trips to the Rainbow Reef are popular.

The highlight of any trip to Fiji is a visit to the Mamanuca or Yasawa group. The islands captivate with beautiful sandy beaches, excellent accommodation and an incomparable Robinson feeling. Anyone who has always wanted to fly by seaplane has come to the right place on Fiji. Alternatively, there is also the possibility of a cruise through the impressive island world.

And don’t forget: if you are not barefoot, you are probably “overdessed”!

Climate:

Fiji has warm temperatures and a tropical marine climate all year round. High air and water temperatures determine the southern summer between November and April. During this time it is quite humid on the islands and heavy rain showers must be expected. From May to October the temperatures drop slightly, so that highs of 27 to 29 degrees Celsius are reached. The water temperature remains almost the same and precipitation decreases.

Best travel time:

In the months between April and October, the temperatures are pleasant and the humidity slightly lower, so that travelers find optimal conditions.