Check out our book and film recommendations for anyone looking to explore Australia, New Zealand or the South Pacific Islands
Check out our book and film recommendations for anyone planning to explore Australia, New Zealand, or the South Pacific Islands. From iconic stories and local classics to powerful films that showcase each region’s landscapes and culture, this collection is designed to inspire your travels and deepen your connection to the places you visit. A perfect starting point for curious travellers who love to read, watch, and wander.
Alone on a Wide Wide Sea follows Arthur, one of many British children sent to Australia after the Second World War. Torn from his sister and home, he endures harsh conditions in an Outback orphanage before finding freedom at sea. Decades later, his daughter Allie sails solo across the world to uncover his past and reunite their family’s story. It’s a poignant tale for children and older readers, focused on the unfamiliar landscape of Australia.
An iconic Aussie read (inspiring both film and television remakes), A Town Like Alice tells the story of Jean Paget, a young Englishwoman captured by the Japanese in Malaya during the Second World War. Years later, after inheriting money, she returns to build a better life for the people she met and to search for Joe, the Australian soldier who once helped her survive. Set between war-torn Asia and the Australian outback, the romance helps readers understand the lasting legacy WW2 left with the nation.
This book remains the defining Australian coming-of-age story. It follows Josie Alibrandi, a bright, headstrong teenager navigating school, family expectation, and first love. As the daughter of Italian immigrants, she struggles to find her place between two cultures. Through humour, heartbreak, and self-discovery, Josie learns what it means to define her own identity. The novel offers a vivid glimpse of multicultural Australia and the tensions and warmth of growing up between worlds.
The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera is a moving story set in a Māori community in New Zealand. It follows Kahu, a young girl who defies tradition by aspiring to lead her people, despite her tribe’s belief that leadership is reserved for men. Blending myth and modern life, the novel explores identity, gender, and the deep bond between people and nature. Rich in symbolism and culture, it’s an inspiring tale of courage, heritage, and belonging. The later film adaptation is credited with spreading knowledge and appreciation of Māori culture both domestically and internationally.
This intricate, Man Booker Prize-winning novel is set during New Zealand’s 19th-century gold rush. When newcomer Walter Moody arrives in Hokitika, he’s drawn into a web of mystery involving a missing man, a dead recluse, and a hidden fortune. Blending historical fiction with astrological structure, Catton paints a vivid picture of colonial life, ambition, and fate. Richly atmospheric and masterfully written, it offers a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand’s past.
Written by Keri Hulme (the first New Zealander to win the Man Booker Prize in 1985), The Bone People is a profound and atmospheric novel exploring love, loss, isolation and grief. Set against the intersection of Māori and European cultures, it follows characters of mixed descent navigating complex relationships and historical tensions. Hulme’s poetic prose vividly evokes New Zealand’s landscapes and heritage, tackling intense emotions and human struggles. This rich, layered story offers insight into culture, identity, and the lasting impact of colonization through the journey to indigenous independence.
A light-hearted romantic adventure set on a remote island in the South Pacific, where escape, chaos, and unexpected love collide. When a group of travellers becomes stranded, alliances form, secrets surface, and sparks fly amid paradise’s unpredictable charm. Shalvis blends humour, warmth, and romance with a dash of escapism. A perfect beach-read for those who enjoy witty, feel-good stories, island settings, and the idea that love can bloom when least expected.
Albert Wendt composed a sweeping Samoan novel tracing three generations of one family as they navigate ambition, power, and tradition in a rapidly changing society. Centred around Tauilopepe, a man driven by pride and the desire for success, the story explores the clash between modern influence and cultural heritage. Rich in symbolism and local detail, it’s a powerful portrait of postcolonial Samoa and a cornerstone of contemporary Pacific literature.
Bill Bryson’s infamous travelogue of Australia is not only witty and easy to read but also offers a surprisingly comprehensive look at the country’s history, culture, and wildlife. In a Sunburned Country follows Bryson’s travels from the vast outback to the bustling coastal cities. Divided into three parts (‘Into the Outback’, ‘Civilised Australia’, and ‘Around the Edges’), it blends sharp humour with keen observation, capturing Australia’s extremes of beauty, isolation, and charm. A light-hearted, insightful companion for any journey Down Under.
Marcia Langton’s contribution to Indigenous literary history is an engaging and essential guide for anyone wanting to explore Australia through an Indigenous lens. Combining practical travel advice with rich cultural insight, it introduces readers to the diversity, traditions, and living heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Covering everything from art centres to guided experiences and sacred sites, it’s an enlightening companion for travellers seeking to understand Australia’s First Peoples with respect and curiosity.
True Girt is a sharp and brilliantly irreverent take on Australia’s colonial past. Mixing meticulous research with biting wit, Hunt brings to life the rogues, rebels, and dreamers who shaped the nation’s early years. From bushrangers to political blunders, he reveals the absurdities and ambitions that built modern Australia. Perfect for readers who enjoy history told with humour, honesty, and a refreshingly unpolished sense of national character.
Part travel guide, part autobiography, New Zealand Solo Traveller is an inspiring and down-to-earth memoir of self-discovery set across New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes. Travelling from snow-capped mountains to quiet lakes and rugged coastlines, Wong-A-Ton shares the challenges and rewards of exploring alone and travelling across New Zealand. Blending reflection with practical insight, it celebrates independence, curiosity, and the warmth of Kiwi hospitality. Ideal for travellers seeking genuine experiences in Aotearoa, or any solo traveller looking for inspiration.
Now an international bestseller, this guidebook is a detailed companion for fans eager to explore New Zealand’s most famous film sites and unmatched scenery. Featuring maps, photographs, and behind-the-scenes notes, it takes readers through the landscapes that brought Middle-earth to life, from Hobbiton to the Southern Alps. With practical travel tips and insight into the filmmaking process, it’s an essential guide for visitors wanting to see how New Zealand’s dramatic scenery shaped one of cinema’s greatest adventures.
Mary Jane Walker presents a lively and personal account of exploring New Zealand beyond the usual tourist trails. Drawing on her adventures as a keen hiker and traveller, Walker shares stories from remote mountain tracks, coastal walks, and small-town encounters that reveal the country’s rugged beauty and character. Part memoir, part travel guide, it’s full of insight, humour, and practical detail—ideal for travellers keen to experience New Zealand with curiosity and an open mind.
A thought-provoking collection of essays, fiction, and poetry exploring life, identity, and connection across the Pacific Islands such as Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. Hau‘ofa challenges colonial perceptions and celebrates the strength, humour, and creativity of Pacific peoples. Blending personal reflection with cultural commentary, he redefines the region as a vast, connected “sea of islands” rather than isolated nations. Insightful and deeply human, it’s essential reading for anyone interested in Pacific history, culture, and perspectives.
This historical re-examination explores how the islands of the Pacific—stretching from Samoa and the Cook Islands to French Polynesia—were first discovered and settled. Combining history, anthropology, and storytelling, Thompson traces the achievements of the great Polynesian navigators who crossed vast oceans long before modern technology. Blending European accounts with Indigenous knowledge, she reveals the ingenuity behind one of humanity’s greatest voyages. A captivating read for those drawn to exploration and Pacific heritage.
Theroux presents his readers with an adventurous and reflective travel memoir tracing the author’s solo journey by kayak through the islands of the South Pacific, including Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and French Polynesia. Blending sharp observation with dry humour, Theroux explores the beauty and challenges of island life while reflecting on culture, isolation, and his own search for meaning. It’s an insightful, often wry portrait of the Pacific and its people.
The Coconut Wireless is a humorous and adventurous travel memoir chronicling the author's journey through Tonga with his partner, Fiona. A combination of satirical retelling and genuine experience, their quest to meet the Queen of Tonga leads them into unexpected situations, including being stranded on a desert island, encountering an undiscovered tribe, rescuing a drowning actress, and participating in rare cultural ceremonies. The narrative is filled with wit, engaging dialogue, and vivid descriptions, offering readers an entertaining and insightful glimpse into Tongan life and customs
A beloved Australian classic, Crocodile Dundee stars Paul Hogan as the charming bushman Mick Dundee and Linda Kozlowski as the New York journalist who turns his world upside down. Filmed across the Northern Territory and New York City, it celebrates Australia’s humour, rugged landscapes, and easy-going spirit. With its mix of outback adventure and fish-out-of-water comedy, it remains an iconic introduction to Aussie life and charm for travellers discovering the country’s laid-back appeal.
Starring Eric Bana and directed by Robert Connolly, The Dry is a tense and atmospheric crime drama set in a drought-stricken rural town in Victoria. As a federal agent returns home to investigate a suspicious death, long-buried secrets surface. Adapted from Jane Harper’s bestselling novel, the film captures the stark beauty and isolation of Australia’s interior. Gritty and beautifully shot, it offers a compelling look at small-town outback life and the resilience found in harsh landscapes.
Directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, Australia is a sweeping romantic drama that captures the rugged beauty and spirit of the Australian outback. Set during the Second World War, it blends history, adventure, and romance against vast red deserts and tropical frontiers. While opinions on the story were mixed, the film’s breath-taking cinematography and sense of scale make it a wonderful watch for travellers wanting to experience Australia’s landscapes on screen.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy transformed New Zealand into the cinematic home of Middle-earth. Filmed across some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes—from the Southern Alps to Fiordland and Tongariro National Park—the films showcase its wild beauty on an epic scale. This legendary adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work not only redefined fantasy cinema but also put New Zealand’s majestic natural landscape on a global stage, inspiring countless visitors to explore its real-life magic.
Based on Alan Duff’s novel, Once Were Warriors is a powerful and confronting portrayal of a Māori family living in urban New Zealand. With outstanding performances by Rena Owen and Temuera Morrison, the film explores themes of poverty, violence, and cultural identity. Gritty and emotional, it offers a raw look at social struggle and resilience, providing important cultural context for anyone seeking to understand New Zealand beyond its postcard beauty.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a heart-warming adventure-comedy following a rebellious boy and his reluctant foster uncle as they go on the run through the New Zealand bush. Directed by New Zealander Taiko Waititi, the film combines humour, stunning scenery, and a touch of Kiwi eccentricity. Its mix of wit and wilderness celebrates the country’s offbeat charm and natural splendour, making it a feel-good favourite for travellers drawn to New Zealand’s wild side.
This Disney animated adventure celebrates Polynesian culture through the story of Moana, a spirited young navigator who sets sail across the Pacific to restore balance to her world. It draws inspiration from legends and landscapes of Samoa, Fiji, and French Polynesia. With its joyful storytelling, stunning ocean imagery, and respect for island traditions, Moana offers children an engaging introduction to the beauty and spirit of the South Pacific.
Tinā is a moving New Zealand drama about a Samoan teacher rebuilding her life after losing her daughter in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Taking a job at an elite school, she forms a choir that helps bridge cultures and heal old wounds. Blending humour, music, and emotion, it’s a celebration of Pasifika resilience and community. Hugely successful at the New Zealand box office, it’s an inspiring and heartfelt story of hope and belonging, whilst showcasing cultures often underrepresented in New Zealand cinema. An engaging and important film that can help travellers begin to understand modern New Zealand culture.
Debuting at the Berlin Film Festival, Vai follows the life of a woman named Vai, portrayed by different Indigenous actresses across seven Pacific nations—Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, the Cook Islands, Samoa, Niue, and New Zealand. Each chapter represents a stage in her life, exploring themes of identity, womanhood, and the deep connection to water (“vai” meaning water in many Pacific languages). Created by nine female Pacific directors, the film beautifully celebrates shared heritage, resilience, and the strength of women across Oceania.
Whether you’re planning an adventure across Australia, exploring New Zealand’s wild beauty, or dreaming of the South Pacific’s turquoise shores, these books and films offer more than just inspiration. They open a window into the landscapes, histories, and cultures that make each region unique. From classic novels and contemporary voices to sweeping cinematic stories, each recommendation adds depth to your journey. Wherever your travels take you, these stories will help you see the places not just as a visitor, but as a curious and connected traveller.
and start planning your tailor-made holiday
