Consisting of Australia and the surrounding sub-regions of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia, Oceania is a blend of tropical paradise destinations and some of the best surfing experiences in the world. From point breaks to beach and reef breaks, this part of the globe has it all. So, it’s no wonder that surfing is among is such a big thing around here. To help you discover Oceania in all its glorious surf, here are the best destinations and what expect once you hit the waves.
Tavarua, Fiji
Although Fiji is an archipelago nation, consisting of over 300 island, it is the small island of Tavarua that really set the Golden Standard for surfing vacations in this part of the world. Surrounded by a deep-sea reef system, Tavarua’s natural barrier produces giant waves with wide-open barrels. From early April to mid-October, these sensational swells are open to anyone willing to surf, from any point on the island. The other thing that attracts surfers from around the world to this tiny tropical island is the Cloudbreak and Restaurants resort. Elegant accommodations together with the warm hospitality of its staff seem to be the winning combination for Tavarua’s guests, who return to the island year after year.
Gold Coast, Australia
A meandering stretch of 70 km long inter-connected white sandy beaches, the Gold Coast is a surfer’s paradise. Aussie surfers from all over the continent gather here with their streamlined channel islands surfboards to experience jaw-dropping waves at the best breaks on the continent. These include Byron Bay’s Pass, Currumbin Alley, Snapper Rocks at Coolangatta, while the Superbank is a break in a category of its own. Additionally, the Gold Coast is also a holiday destination, with great resorts and hotels to accommodate all its visitors. However, this doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find a secluded surfing spot free from beginners when the ripping tide comes in.
Manu Bay, New Zealand
In case you are looking for epic left-handed point breaks, consistent throughout the year, be sure to visit New Zealand’s Manu Bay in Raglan. Ten-foot waves and epic barrels in a clear-blue ocean, surrounded by serene landscapes and uncrowded beaches makes Manu Bay one of the most beautiful surfing destinations in the world. Due to its proximity to Raglan, the Bay is easily accessible by road, while the locals will be more than happy to assist you anyway they can. If you want a break from surfing nearby Ocean Beach is a fine place to do a bit of swimming, before you soak up the sun on its black sand.
Upolu, Samoa
Just northeast from Fiji, are the Samoan Islands. Samoa is a world-class tropical destination featuring warm waters, palm-fringed beaches and dotted with stunning waterfalls, like the fabulous sprawl of Apia. For surfers it’s the home of quality waves, created by big blows arriving from Antarctica. Samoa’s top need-to-surf breaks are centered on the town of Upolu, which include Boulders, Coconuts, Pebbles, and the famous Special K, with its 500 meter-high waves.
Teahupoo, Tahiti
Part of the French Polynesian plethora of tropical extravaganzas, among all the islands Tahiti has the best surf by far. Due to the summer swells from that hit the island from the North Pacific, but also low pressures arriving from the south, Tahiti has quality year-round surfing conditions. These provide Teahupoo with the most intense surfing anywhere else on the planet, and is challenging for the most experienced surfers. However, between March and October, the waves are slower, and there are breaks to accommodate all experience levels.
From the Gold Coast in the Land Down Under, to Fiji’s Tavarua, Oceania has some of the best waves you are going to encounter this side of the planet. All that is left to do now, is figure out which one to visit first, pack your surfboard and head off into a thrilling adventure in the deep-blue Pacific. Surfs up!