Beaches,  lots of white-sand beaches. The power of the vast Pacific Ocean suddenly up-close, undeniable, ever-present. And on the flip side of that, the Australian Outback – pure desert for thousands of miles, a different kind of ocean. Wherever you look, stunning natural beauty.

You can’t go wrong in this part of the world. Whether you seek idyllic beaches, jungly mountain treks, or just amazing sea food, you’ll find it here. Australia, New Zealand, and the islands of the South Pacific are among the most memorable and paradisiacal places you will ever encounter. Take your camera because just about everything you see will be worthy of a postcard. And you’d be hard-pressed to find a warmer welcome anywhere in the world.

Getting to certain islands can be a challenge but don’t let that deter you. Once you’re there, you’ll never want to return to the real world.

Here are some posts and helpful tips based on my own experiences traveling in Oceania.

hobbiton hobbits new zealand lord of the rings shire film set
How to Be a Hobbit for a Day
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Queue halcyon flute music. Queue short people with oversize, hairy feet. Queue quite possibly the most amazing attraction you’ll see on your New Zealand adventure. Welcome to Hobbiton, a now-permanent structure that was originally constructed as a temporary set for … Read More

new zealand tasman sea ocean sand beach south island
Snapshot: On the Tasman Sea
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The wind gusts did not deter us from getting off the bus. We had been driving for at least two hours, heading steadily towards the coast. At last, the ocean broke into view, grayish green and frothing against the shore. … Read More

franz josef glacier alex knob trail new zealand hiking
Snapshot: Hiking the Gnarly Alex Knob Trail, New Zealand
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I thought I had been hiking before. I even thought I had done one or two challenging hikes in my lifetime. I was mistaken. The hike on the Alex Knob trail—located in New Zealand’s Westland Tai Poutini National Park—was a … Read More

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Snapshot: Sleeping in the Shadow of Aoraki (Mount Cook)
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This is the view out my window at sunrise on my first morning in New Zealand’s South Island. I am staying with a small tour group at a remote sheep ranch on the banks of Lake Pukaki. The lake’s color … Read More

hang gliding new zealand adventure
On a Wing and a Prayer: I Went Hang Gliding!
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The mountain town of Queenstown, New Zealand, is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand and maybe the world. It’s a small place with a hip and rugged Park City, Utah, vibe that caters to tourists, especially adrenaline junkies. … Read More

travel tips Milford Sound new zealand
Kayaking Milford Sound (in Striped Pajamas)
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The water was deepest blackish-blue and glassy when we set off in our kayaks. I took the rear seat while my friend Amanda sat in front. It was her first time in a kayak and I thought she’d like the … Read More