Whether you’re seeking a secluded island all to yourself or a party vibe, we have all the top spots on our list of the best islands in the South Pacific.
The South Pacific is huge – it stretches from the top of Australia to the Hawaiian Islands. So, this is a diverse list, with tropical reefs and bays, as well as remote shores. These are the most amazing islands to visit right now.
From Fiji to Vanuatu, consider this your essential vacation guide…
The best islands in the South Pacific to visit in 2020
How do these rankings work?
1. Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Santo – as locals call it – is the largest of the 83 Vanuatu Islands. It still remains largely unspoilt, with powdery white sand and freshwater Blue Holes surrounded by natural rain forest. You’ll fall in love with this place the moment you spot it from the plane.
One of the world’s most picturesque islands, this spot has clear blue waters and sparkling sand. At Champagne Beach you will also find fresh fruit stalls, freshly prepared crab and lobster and cute beachside shacks.
2. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
When you think of bucket list destinations, the most ridiculously stunning Instagram travel snaps, or even desktop pictures, many of them come from Bora Bora.
It’s home to some of the clearest water in the world thanks to its shallow reefs, which are ideal for snorkelling and other water sports. It also happens to be home to some of the prettiest and most luxurious hotels and private villas in the world.
3. Aitutaki, The Cook Islands
The Cook Islands are a little South Pacific Paradise that’s only six hours from Sydney. There’s 15 islands to explore, but a must-see is Aitutaki. It’s spectacularly beautiful, with a triangular-shaped reef surrounding a bright turquoise lagoon containing 15 small motus (islets).
The crystal-clear water is home to an array of tropical fish and its pristine white-sand beaches are private and secluded. What more could you ask for from one of the best islands in the South Pacific?
4. Rangitoto Island, New Zealand
Rangitoto is the youngest and largest of Auckland’s 48 volcanic cones. You can hire a kayak and paddle out to Rangitoto Island, a dormant volcano not far from downtown Auckland (you can also get there by ferry).
See the black lava caves on your way up to the summit and bring a torch to explore them with the kids; the views from the top are spectacular. A super day trip.
5. Laucala Island, Fiji
This jaw-dropping luxury private resort island in Fiji is on a tropical jungle section of land, with lush vegetation and wild growing coconuts as a natural backdrop to the white sandy coastline.
Now, Laucala is a hot spot for celebrities such as Oprah and George Clooney. The resort has coral reefs, postcard-perfect beaches and dense rainforest.
6. Samoa
Samoa, in Polynesia, is a postcard of natural beauty consisting of ten islands. There’s reef-bordered beaches and rugged rainforests with gorges and waterfalls and a 3000 year-old friendly way of life called Fa’a Samoa.
Be sure to check out Alofaaga Blowholes! These impressive blowholes in the village of Taga on south-west Savaii propel a roaring jet of water hundreds of feet up into the air.
Bonus points if you’re here when locals throw coconuts into them and they shoot into the air.
7. Papua New Guinea
The off-the-beaten-track destination of Papua New Guinea is known for its coral reefs, beaches and active volcanoes.
Discover dense rainforest and hiking routes like the Kokoda Trail, as well as tribal villages. This is ideal for travellers who want a bit of adventure.
