Top Reader-Recommended Islands in Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific (2025)

Take a moment to reacquaint yourself with a map of the South Pacific, New Zealand, and Australia. Then locate your appetite, your bathing suit, and your hiking shoes, and prepare for your next adventure. This part of the world offers it all. Perhaps you will be so captivated by watching the sea life from your overwater cabana in French Polynesia that you will opt for room service. Alternatively, the thrilling, hyper-local culinary scene in Tasmania may entice you to explore from meal to incredible meal, with only occasional glimpses of the extraordinary wildlife. One thing is clear: you won’t experience boredom on any of these adventure-filled islands, hailed as the best by iBestTravel readers.

Each year, our World’s Best Awards survey collects insights from readers about their travel experiences around the globe. They share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Islands are rated based on their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.

This year, two revered destinations in French Polynesia make the list once again: Moorea offers a family-friendly alternative to the celebrity-favored (and often more expensive) Bora-Bora, where several hotel winners have established luxury lagoon outposts. One reader remarked on Bora-Bora’s breathtaking beauty, stating, “Prettiest water anywhere in the world.” Meanwhile, Moorea attracts experienced divers eager to swim with lemon sharks and explore the underwater Garden of Roses, as the coral reef is affectionately known.

Stunning vistas are a given in any of these destinations, particularly if you venture into the jungles of the Cook Islands, located between Hawaii and New Zealand. Both surfers and beach lovers agree that the reef-protected island of Rarotonga offers a unique experience: the northern end presents challenging waves while the rest of the atoll has calm waters ideal for snorkeling and whale watching. What could possibly be more spectacular? Apparently, one destination has captured the top spot in readers’ hearts for the second consecutive year.

Top Islands to Visit

5. Bora-Bora, French Polynesia

Score: 86.42

4. Moorea, French Polynesia

Score: 87.56

3. Cook Islands

Score: 88.52

2. Tasmania, Australia

Score: 88.70

1. Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Score: 90.21

This 12-mile-long island can be reached in less than an hour by ferry from Auckland, yet it feels far from the hustle and bustle. Visitors rave about its unmatched beaches and praise its lush landscapes, exceptional vineyards, and vibrant arts scene. One reader described it as, “A lovely day trip from Auckland to visit the wineries.” You may consider a stay at the bohemian, three-room Oyster Inn or indulge in luxury at Delamore Lodge, featuring its own helipad for seamless commuting.