The Best Cities and Islands in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific of 2025

Travel + Leisure

2 days ago

In what other part of the world do global cities and remote island nations have such strong ties?
The vast, diverse area of Oceania encompasses large islands like Australia, New Zealand, and New Guinea, but it's also home to more than 10,000 smaller islands and archipelagos that sweep across the South Pacific. This balance between petite isles and more well-known destinations makes it a dream region for many travelers, who will sometimes spend several weeks traveling between multiple stops.
But what are our readers' favorite places to visit in this special part of the world? Keep reading to find out. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Cities were specifically rated on the criteria below: Sights/landmarks Culture Food Friendliness Shopping Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. Islands were specifically rated on the criteria below: Natural attractions/beaches Activities/sights Restaurants/food People/friendliness Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
Sunset over mountains on Fiji.
Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure
This year, four out of the five top-rated cities can be found in Australia, by far the most populous country in the region. These include metropolises like Sydney (No. 3), but also smaller cities that travelers might visit on a longer itinerary or return trip. Take Hobart (No. 2), a fraction of the size of Sydney, with just around a quarter million inhabitants. T+L readers also voted in numbers for Adelaide (No. 5), the capital of South Australia. One person described it as 'one of the most underrated but fabulous cities in the world," while another fondly remembered the 'wonderful wine regions outside of town."
The sole ranking New Zealand city is not Auckland, its largest population center, or the South Island city of Christchurch—but Queenstown (No. 4): a lakeside resort town on the South Island surrounded by ruggedly beautiful mountains. Though the city itself is small, it's 'active and outdoor-oriented,' says one survey respondent, and it makes a great home base for hiking, adventure sports, and boating on Lake Wakatipu. However, the landscapes alone are reason enough to visit. One reader called Queenstown 'the most beautiful location I've ever laid eyes on.'
The most beautiful location I've ever laid eyes on.
— T+L Reader
Melbourne, Australia Melbourne's skyline along the Yarra river.
GordonBellPhotography/Getty Images
This year's reader-favorite city in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific is Melbourne: the capital of Victoria, often described as Australia's cultural capital for its rich visual and performing arts scenes, diverse restaurants, and world-renowned coffee culture. T+L readers praised Melbourne for its natural beauty, walkable neighborhoods, 'excellent public transportation,' and overall value for travelers. While there's arguably enough to see, do, and eat here to fill an entire trip, Melbourne also makes a great hub for a day trip or overnight to the sunny Mornington Peninsula or the farms and wineries of the Yarra Valley.
1. Melbourne, Australia
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 87.51
2. Hobart, Australia
Reader Score: 86.93
3. Sydney, Australia
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 86.64
4. Queenstown, New Zealand
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 86.48
5. Adelaide, Australia
Reader Score: 85.65
If populous Australia dominates the city category, it is perhaps no surprise that the smaller, much less urbanized nations of the South Pacific are best represented in the list of reader-favorite islands. This year's top five include three in French Polynesia, including iconic island destinations like Tahiti (No. 5)—but also Moorea, a smaller island sited to its northwest. It's still a popular place to visit, of course, but perhaps lower key than some of its neighbors. 'If you want a less touristy destination, then Moorea is for you,' one reader wrote.
Australia does have one winning island chain: the Great Barrier Reef Islands (No. 2), located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Most travelers go to the region to engage with the incredibly unique ecosystem, with activities like diving, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, and whale-watching. 'An amazing adventure,' said one survey respondent. 'The tour operators really are fantastic, and the cost of a visit is worth every penny."
— T+L Reader
The top spot this year, though, takes us to the smaller islands of Oceania—keep reading for the full list.
Fiji Islands View of a boat off the coast of Fiji.
Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure
The Melanesian archipelago of Fiji actually has more than 300 islands, though most of the population lives on the two largest: Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, where travelers can experience the country's unique blend of cultures, historic towns, and traditional villages, as well as its beautiful beaches and national parks. Of course, there are also the kind of private island resorts that honeymooners dream of. But readers made sure to get away from their hotels and explore: 'Had an amazing time learning about the culture,' one reader wrote. Another found that, even after spending 10 days 'visiting several small islands, my journey was just too short.'
1. Fiji Islands, Fiji
Reader Score: 93.20
2. Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia
Reader Score: 88.95
3. Bora-Bora, French Polynesia
Reader Score: 88.11
4. Moorea, French Polynesia
Reader Score: 85.04
5. Tahiti, French PolynesiaReader Score: 78.10