10 exotic places to visit in Oceania in 2025

1. Milford Sound, New Zealand

Milford Sound, in New Zealand, is a fjord characterized by tall cliffs covered in vegetation that drop into the water. Waterfalls flow down the rocky walls, and the water reflects the surrounding mountains. On foggy days, the atmosphere becomes even more distinctive. This fjord, formed by glaciers thousands of years ago, offers stunning views throughout the visit. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Surrounded by sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests, Milford Sound is a place of dramatic natural beauty. Mist often blankets the area, adding a  mystical feel.
• Best time to visit 📅
  November to March for warmer weather, or June to August for fewer crowds and snow-dusted peaks.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture  the waterfalls during or after rain for their fullest flow. A wide-angle lens  is best for including the fjord and its towering cliffs.

2. Whitehaven Beach, Australia

Whitehaven Beach in Australia is like walking on a perfect tropical beach. The sand is pure white and so soft it feels like powder under your feet. The water is a bright, clear turquoise, and the colors look like they’re painted by nature. At Hill Inlet, the sand and water swirl together, creating beautiful patterns you can see from above. It’s a quiet and relaxing place where you can swim, walk, or just enjoy the view. Whitehaven Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it feels like paradise.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It's pure white silica sand and turquoise waters make it one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The swirling patterns at Hill Inlet look like an artist’s creation.
• Best time to visit 📅
  May to October for sunny skies and calm waters.
• Photography tip 📷
  Use a drone to capture the swirling patterns of sand and water at Hill Inlet. For close-ups, focus on the unique texture of the silica sand.

3. Kakadu National Park, Australia

Kakadu National Park in Australia is like stepping into a land of ancient wonders.  It has beautiful wetlands, tall cliffs, and stunning waterfalls. The park is  home to unique animals like saltwater crocodiles and many colorful birds. You  can also see rock art painted thousands of years ago by Indigenous Australians. The sunsets over the wetlands are breathtaking, with the sky turning golden and pink. Kakadu is a peaceful and magical place where you can feel the history and beauty of nature all around you.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  This park offers a mix of ancient culture and stunning landscapes, including wetlands, waterfalls, and rugged cliffs. It’s home to 20,000-year-old Indigenous rock art and unique wildlife.
• Best time to visit 📅
  May to October (dry season) for easier access to key attractions.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot at sunset to capture the golden light on the wetlands. Look for wildlife like saltwater crocodiles and birds to add interest to your photos.

4. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand is a place of incredible beauty. It is home to New Zealand's tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, surrounded by glaciers, lakes, and snow-covered peaks. The park is perfect for hiking, stargazing, and exploring nature. At night, the sky is filled with stars, making it one of the best places in the world to see the Milky Way. The fresh air and stunning views make every moment feel magical. It’s a peaceful and unforgettable place where nature feels big and powerful.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  This park is home to New Zealand's tallest peak, sparkling glaciers, and starry night skies. The Tasman Glacier and reflective lakes make it a natural wonder.
• Best time to visit 📅
  November to February for hiking, or winter for snow-covered peaks.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture Mount Cook reflecting in Lake Pukaki or Lake Matheson. Use a tripod for long exposures to capture the starry skies at night.

5. Tanna Island, Vanuatu

Tanna Island in Vanuatu is a place full of adventure and natural beauty. It is home to Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, where you can see glowing lava up close. The island also has black sand beaches, lush jungles, and clear blue waters. Traditional villages welcome visitors, sharing their culture and way of life. At night, the volcano lights up the sky, creating an unforgettable sight. Tanna Island is a magical and exciting place where nature and culture come together in a unique way.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  This crystal-clear river looks almost otherworldly, with deep blue water mysteriously flowing from an underground cave.
• Best time to visit 📅
  March to May for sunny weather and bright water conditions.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot from above to capture the glowing blue of the river against the surrounding greenery.

6. Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Lake Tekapo, located in New Zealand, is famous for its turquoise waters, caused by suspended glacial rock particles. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and  rolling hills, the lake offers spectacular scenery in every season. In spring, its shores are covered with colorful lupin flowers, adding an artistic touch to the landscape. The region also provides perfect nights for  stargazing. Lake Tekapo is a popular spot for photography, walks, and relaxation in an exceptional natural setting.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  This turquoise lake is surrounded by stunning mountain views and fields of vibrant lupin flowers in spring. Its night skies are part of an international dark sky reserve.
• Best time to visit 📅
  November to January for lupin flowers, or winter for snow-capped mountains.
• Photography tip 📷
  Photograph the Church of the Good Shepherd with the Milky Way in the background for a stunning composition.

7. Fraser Island, Australia

Fraser Islandin Australia is a natural wonder and the world’s largest sand island. It has crystal-clear freshwater lakes like Lake McKenzie, lush rainforests that grow in sand, and endless golden beaches. The island is home to unique wildlife, including dingoes, and the turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and relaxing. Driving along the sandy beaches feels like an adventure. Fraser Island is a peaceful and beautiful place where nature feels untouched and full of surprises.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Fraser island is the largest sand island in the world, with crystal-clear lakes, rainforests growing on sand, and unique wildlife like dingoes.
• Best time to visit 📅
  April to October for cooler weather and fewer insects
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the crystal-clear waters of Lake McKenzie in the morning for the best light.

8. Lord Howe Island, Australia

Lord Howe Island in Australia is a tiny slice of paradise. With its tall volcanic peaks, crystal-clear lagoons, and white sandy beaches, it feels like a hidden world. The island is home to vibrant coral reefs, rare birds, and plants you won’t find anywhere else. Only a small number of visitors are allowed each year, keeping it peaceful and pristine. Whether you hike Mount Gower or snorkel in the lagoon, every moment on Lord Howe Island is unforgettable.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Untouched volcanic peaks, rare plants and animals, and a pristine environment with limited visitors allowed each year.
• Best time to visit 📅
  September to May for the best weather and outdoor activities
• Photography tip 📷
  Photograph the volcanic peaks and lagoons during sunrise or sunset for soft, golden lighting.

9. Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

Tongariro National Park in New Zealand is a land of dramatic volcanic landscapes and breathtaking beauty. It is home to active volcanoes, emerald-colored lakes, and steaming craters. The famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the best hikes in the world, taking you through this otherworldly terrain. The park is also rich in Māori culture and mythology, adding a sense of history and mystique. With its stunning views and unique features, Tongariro National Park is a place that feels like stepping into another world.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Its dramatic volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and rich Māori culture and mythology.
• Best time to visit 📅
  December  to March for summer hiking conditions
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot the Emerald Lakes with a wide-angle lens to emphasize their vivid colors against the volcanic terrain.

10. Norfolk Island, Australia

Norfolk Island is a small, remote island in the Pacific, known for its spectacular cliffs, pristine beaches, and iconic Norfolk pines. The island combines a rich historical heritage, unique biodiversity, and a peaceful natural setting, making it perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination in Oceania.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Norfolk Island is exotic for its unique landscapes, iconic pines, secluded beaches, and its rich blend of colonial history and biodiversity.
• Best time to visit 📅
  From  March to May for pleasant temperatures, less wind, and flourishing nature  after the rainy season.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture  the iconic Norfolk pines in low-angle shots at sunrise or sunset for soft  lighting and dramatic shadows.