Far away. Totally worth it…
Oceania is one of the hardest regions to catch but one of the most rewarding.
This is where country catching gets remote. Vast oceans, long flights and island nations scattered across the Pacific make planning essential.
- ✈️ Access: Long-haul flights and limited connections
- 🛂 Visas: Usually straightforward
- 💉 Health: Very low risk in Aus and NZ. In Pacific islands, basic precautions apply and bottled water is advisable.
- 🌍 On the ground: Relaxed and safe
- 🤝 People: Friendly, laid-back and welcoming
- 🗣️ Language: English, local and French in places
- 🎒 Catch smarter: Combine Australia or New Zealand with island catches
Top Country Catches
🇳🇿 New Zealand – Stunning scenery and easy to explore
🇵🇫 French Polynesia – Exotic, remote and unforgettable
🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea – Wild and authentic
🇫🇯 Fiji – Beautiful islands with easy access from Australia/NZ
Catchers’ Experiences
🇦🇺 Australia – Road-tripping or city-hopping
🇹🇴 Tonga – Catching one of the Pacific’s least-visited nations
🇼🇸 Samoa – Experiencing traditional Polynesian culture
🇵🇫 French Polynesia – Island hopping in paradise
🇦🇺 Australia – This vast country combines vibrant, modern cities with some of the world’s most dramatic natural landscapes. 
Cities are awesome with big distances between them. Perth and Darwin often underrated and slightly closer for flight access. Outback towns and Tasmania are great for the outdoors and amazing landscapes. If going by camper van or your own transport, be prepared for the vast distances and take emergency supplies with you. Driving is on the left. Gold coast truly iconic but can be very touristy and busy so plan ahead. Great winery areas including Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Unique wildlife. Try the Steve Irwin/Australia zoo, 1 hour north of Brisbane. Uluru is the most famous Aboriginal sites but there are others such as Kakadu NP near Darwin. ETA visa now needed for all citizens other than NZ in advance. See more on Australia here
🇫🇯 Fiji – The island is the Pacific’s classic tropical escape, known for its warm hospitality, turquoise lagoons, and palm-fringed beaches. Famous for rugby, beaches and traditional way of life. Incredible beaches and traditional villages. Try standing on the international date line and take a selfie! Good flight access from Australia, about 4.5 hours.
🇵🇫 French Polynesia – The area is made up of over a hundred islands scattered across the Pacific, including famous names like Bora Bora and Tahiti. Try to catch one of the lesser known islands such as Fatu Hiva or Ua Pou. Multi air passes are a good idea if flying between islands to save costs. Flight time from Sydney is still 7 hours!
🇳🇿 New Zealand – Famous for its breathtaking landscapes, from alpine mountains and glaciers to rolling farmland and wild coastlines. Weather unpredictable all year round so be prepared. Catch a rugby match at the national stadium Eden Park in Auckland. Great driving possibilities from north island to south. Immerse in Maori culture, such as at Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga. Amazing farmers markets with great fresh produce including lamb and wine. Stay at a vineyard for the real experience. To save costs, buy provisions from local supermarkets such as countdown or new world. See more on New Zealand here
🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea – PNG offers rugged mountains, remote villages, and vibrant festivals, making it a destination for adventurous and culturally curious travellers. Obtain evisa well in advance and check vaccinations. More adventurous and the rest of the continent, so check safety precautions. Drink bottled water. Flights from Southern Asia or Australia. Great local customs with an immense variety of cultures and languages.
🇼🇸 Samoa – The island of Samoa offers a slower, more traditional Pacific island experience, with strong community values and rich cultural heritage. Great beaches and proud local customs dominate. Try to stay in a local hut (beach fale) for the real experience if you can. Very religious and sundays are very quiet.
🇹🇴 Tonga – This is one of the Pacific’s few remaining kingdoms and is known for its deep cultural traditions and unspoilt islands. With 170 islands, there are many to choose from! Try swimming with whales around Vava’u. Cash is often preferred and sometimes USD is accepted.