It incorporates the areas often known as Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia, as well as Australia, New Zealand, and surrounding islands.
''Australia'' and ''New Zealand'' are both former British colonies. At one time it was envisaged that the two colonies would become a single country.
''Papua New Guinea'' was, at one time, a United Nations trusteeship, administered by Australia.
Various islands have been annexed by the Britain, Portugal, Germany, France and the United States.
This has had an influence of aspects of culture. Many areas speak both an indigenous language, and the language of the colonial power, often mixing in interesting blends. There has also been an influence on the food and architecture.
Ecologically, Oceania also includes the eastern parts of Indonesia as far as Lombok and Sulawesi.
See the country articles for detailed information on how to '''Get in'''.
The major countries of Australia and New Zealand offer extensive connections to all continents.
There are some other gateways offering other opportunities to get in to Oceania, and for interesting itineraries. Air France connects New Caledonia direct with Tokyo and Paris]. Onward connections to Sydney and Auckland are possible. Air PAcific connect Fiji with Los Angeles with connections through to Sydney, Auckland and Tahiti. Tahiti is connected to the Los Angeles, and you can fly to the Cook Islands direct from there.
Guam and Honolulu offer a gateway to many smaller Pacific Islands.
The smallest islands with less tourism present additional challenges to get to. Many are entirely deserted, and some have restictions on access.
A South Pacific cruise.
The most popular way for travelers to get around between the main destinations of Oceania is by plane. If travelling flying through the major centres this will usually present little problem with itinerary planning. Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, and Los Angeles have good connectivity to the region.
It is quite possible, but a little more challenging to fly from the west coast of the United States through to Sydney or Auckland via Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji or even the Cook Islands.
It gets a little harder, and more expensive, to plot a route around Oceania, as the flights between the countries can be limited. Some options, amongst others, are:
There are some options for boats, cruise ships, private yachts, adventure cruises, and even cargo ships.
Consult the guide for the destination you are visiting.
'''Skiing and snow sports'''. New Zealand has reliable winter snowfalls, mostly on the South Island in winter. The Snowy Mountains in New South Wales have the largest ski resorts in the southern hemisphere.
Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea all have malaria risk in parts. Fiji, New Caledonia, the Cook Islands and Samoa are malaria free.