Lonely Planet, one of the world’s most trusted sources for travel guidance, unveiled its Best in Travel 2027 today, and both New Caledonia and The Islands of Tahiti have made the list amongst a collection of 50 inspirational destinations and unforgettable travel experiences selected by its global community of travel experts. Released ahead of the holiday planning season, the list gives travellers fresh inspiration for the year ahead while providing the guidance needed to turn these travel dreams into real itineraries.
Featuring first-person insights from Lonely Planet writers, Best in Travel 2027 highlights the places their writers can’t stop thinking about, allowing travellers to discover the personal stories and appeal behind each selection. With the use of the Lonely Planet app, Lonely Planet guidebooks, and Lonely Planet’s booking platform Journeys, travellers will be able to confidently search, plan, and book these experiences for themselves.
For 2027, two easily accessible South Pacific destinations that are growing in popularity among Australians have made the list, encouraging travellers to discover them in the year ahead: New Caledonia, and The Islands of Tahiti. Both listed under the Best in Travel 2027 Oceania Destinations, the two destinations offer completely different experiences, scenery, and holiday options for travellers.
New Caledonia, The Wild West of the South Pacific
Australia’s closest neighbour, the South Pacific destination of New Caledonia, was highlighted for its unique blend of French and Indigenous culture with scenes straight out of the Wild West.
“As Lonely Planet’s Destination Editor for Oceania, I’ve travelled and worked widely across the
South Pacific, which is why it was easy to make assumptions when I booked my flights and looked at the map. New Caledonia’s geography alone felt familiar: Grand Terre, the baguette-shaped main island, is surrounded by smaller islands, coral reefs and lagoons, not unlike neighbouring Vanuatu. But this French overseas territory – just a two-hour flight from Brisbane, Australia – soon subverted everything I thought I knew about the region, in the best possible way.” – Jessica Lockhart, Oceania Editor.
Just a short flight from Australia’s east coast, the destination has something for everyone, whether it’s a tropical escape snorkelling in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed lagoon, a Kanak tribal experience in the Loyalty Islands, a biking adventure across the red-dirt tracks of the Great South, a road trip on the forgotten East Coast, or a cowboy-inspired experience with the local Broussards on the West Coast.
The Islands of Tahiti/French Polynesia, Embark on ocean adventures
Chosen for its unparalleled ocean adventures, the beautiful destination of French Polynesia, also referred to as The Islands of Tahiti, offer an extraordinary playground for ocean lovers, whether it’s swimming and snorkelling in crystal-clear lagoons, surfing, sailing, diving, or exploring pristine coastlines. The sea has shaped generations of Tahitians, and at the heart of this deep connection is mana, a spiritual force and life energy present in people, places, and the natural world. The ocean is a powerful expression of this mana, carrying a sense of connection, respect and belonging that visitors can experience in everything from traditional cultural practices to time spent on and around the water.
[…] in French Polynesia, ocean adventures aren’t limited to flopping and dropping on white-sand beaches – they’re an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the Polynesian culture and way of life. This deeply held respect is reflected in how tourism has been developed to best interact with – and protect – marine wildlife. Widely considered one of the best whale-watching destinations for those who want to have an ethical encounter, French Polynesia has strict industry regulations, which were further tightened in 2025. Only when the conditions and behaviour of whales align just so can a small group of swimmers slip into the water to observe the graceful giants from a safe and respectful distance.” Jessica Lockhart, Oceania Editor.
Air Tahiti Nui launches its new direct Sydney to Papeete service from 15th December 2026, making The Islands of Tahiti easier to access than ever. The new connection will make it easier to explore the destination’s spectacular landscapes, rich Polynesian heritage and powerful relationship with the ocean, and experience the mana that makes The Islands of Tahiti so much more than a tropical escape.
This year’s list from the Lonely Planet editors taps into what they’re seeing and hearing most from travellers: a desire to slow down, escape the crowds and seek out meaningful experiences that go beyond the obvious. Both New Caledonia and The Islands of Tahiti offer exactly that.
