New Caledonia and The Islands of Tahiti have been recognised in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027.
The move places two South Pacific destinations popular with Australian travellers among the publication’s 50 destinations and experiences for the year ahead.
New Caledonia was selected among the Oceania destinations, with its combination of French and Kanak culture, lagoon experiences and varied landscapes highlighted alongside opportunities to explore the Loyalty Islands, Great South and less visited parts of Grand Terre.
Jessica Lockhart, Lonely Planet Destination Editor for Oceania, said the destination challenged her expectations of the South Pacific.
“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,” Ms Lockhart said.
French Polynesia was recognised through its ocean experiences, with activities including swimming, snorkelling, surfing, sailing and diving viewed alongside the cultural connection between Polynesian communities and the sea.
The selection also highlights the destination’s approach to marine wildlife encounters, including strengthened regulations introduced in 2025 governing interactions with whales.
Australian access to The Islands of Tahiti will expand from December 15 when Air Tahiti Nui begins direct services between Sydney and Papeete.
Lonely Planet said its 2027 selections reflected growing traveller interest in slower journeys, less crowded destinations and experiences offering stronger connections to local culture and place.
Best in Travel 2027 comprises 25 destinations and 25 experiences globally, with New Caledonia joining Dunedin and the Waitaki and The Tweed among the Oceania destination selections.
French Polynesia appears alongside Red Centre art experiences and Samoa’s Faʻa among the region’s selected experiences.
