Need an Escape From Your Escape to New Zealand?
Trade your working holiday or casual extended holiday in an adrenaline-fuelled country for a small piece of paradise nearby in the South Pacific. Crystal clear waters, pristine beaches and intriguing cultures draw travellers to these tropical islands near New Zealand.
Whether you’re using it as a good excuse to stopover somewhere and break up your trip or taking a quick vacation, these islands are well worth visiting to get an all-round experience of the South Pacific.
Nevertheless, don’t forget to visit the awesome islands of New Zealand while you’re here too at these 10 Islands in New Zealand Every Backpacker Has to Explore.
1. The Cook Islands
Snorkelling in Maina or chilling in a hammock on the beach is the best way to enjoy the calmness of the Cook Islands, rather than planning a busy itinerary. For information, check out Cook Islands – Guide for Backpackers and of course, Cook Islands Pocket Guide which is the largest travel guide for the country.
© Pexels2. New Caledonia
A unique fusion of traditional Melanesian culture with a touch of France that exists in the middle of the South Pacific. New Caledonia has many options for backpackers. Try the Isle of Pines for beaches and Loyalty Islands to soak up some cultural experiences. Check out more at New Caledonia – Guide for Backpackers.
© Pixabay3. Vanuatu
Before New Zealand’s famous introductory of the bungy jump came the terrifying land dive in Vanuatu. Of course, there are also beautiful beaches like Champagne Beach to relax on when not strapping vines to your ankles. For a budget travel guide, check out Vanuatu – Guide for Backpackers.
© Pixabay4. Tonga
A 3-hour flight from Auckland can land you in Tonga or, as dubbed by Captain Cook, the Friendly Islands’. Here lies a mix of rugged terrain ideal for hiking and underwater exploration of coral reefs. Find out more in Tonga – Guide for Backpackers and check out our sister website, TongaPocketGuide.com.
© TongaPocketGuide.com5. Fiji
The most popular tropical escape for backpackers staying in New Zealand, Fiji offers island-hopping water activities and, well, beaches again. See how to experience Fiji as a backpacker in Fiji – Guide for Backpackers or visit FijiPocketGuide.com for some practical advice on planning a trip to Fiji.
© fijipocketguide.com6. Samoa
Sunbathe, snorkel and swim with turtles! Immerse yourself in a true slice of heaven on Earth. The cheapest paradise you’ll ever visit. Find out more at Samoa – Guide for Backpackers.
© Pixabay7. Niue
The world’s largest raised coral atoll is one of the world’s smallest countries. Niue is an island in the South Pacific that can only be accessed via flights from New Zealand. Why would you go? For the crystal clear waters, unbelievable snorkelling, beautiful culture and swimming with Humpback Whales. Learn more about the island on our sister website, NiuePocketGuide.com or on our own Niue travel guide.
© NiuePocketGuide.com
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
- New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
- New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
- Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
