Norfolk Island Travel Information

Norfolk Island is a small island located in the Pacific Ocean, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture. It offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. Here are the top 10 things to do in Norfolk Island:

1. Explore the Norfolk Island National Park

With its lush forests, pristine beaches, and scenic walking trails, the Norfolk Island National Park is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can hike through the lush vegetation, swim in the secluded bays, and spot a variety of wildlife.

2. Visit the Captain Cook Memorial and its lookout

This memorial offers a stunning panoramic view of the island, as well as a tribute to Captain James Cook, who discovered the island in 1774.

3. Go snorkeling or diving in the island's waters

The crystal-clear waters surrounding Norfolk Island are a snorkeler's and diver's paradise, offering an abundance of marine life and coral reefs to explore.

4. Learn about the island's history at the Norfolk Island Museum

The museum features exhibits and artifacts that showcase the island's rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can learn about the early Polynesian settlers, the arrival of the British, and the island's role as a penal colony.

5. Take a guided tour of Kingston and Arthurs Vale Historic Area

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a 19th-century settlement that has been restored to its original state. Visitors can take a guided tour of the historic buildings and learn about the island's unique history and architecture.

6. Experience the island's unique culture through dance or festivals

Norfolk Island is renowned for its unique culture, and visitors can experience it through traditional dance performances and cultural festivals.

7. Taste the local cuisine, including seafood and traditional dishes - The island is home to a variety of delicious cuisine, including fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional dishes such as Muttonbird.

8. Visit local vineyards and wineries to sample the island's wines

Norfolk Island is known for its rare grape varieties, which are used to produce high-quality wines. Visitors can visit local vineyards and wineries to sample the island's finest vintages.

9. Enjoy a meal at one of the island's cafes or restaurants - The island offers a range of international and local cuisine, including seafood, fresh produce, and traditional dishes. Visitors can choose from a variety of cafes and restaurants to suit their tastes and budget.

10. Shop for local souvenirs and gifts or relax at a spa or beach

Visitors can shop for local souvenirs, gifts, and products at the island's markets and boutiques, or relax and rejuvenate at one of the island's spas or beaches. With its stunning scenery and serene atmosphere, Norfolk Island is the perfect place to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Climate

Norfolk Island has a temperate maritime climate with moderate temperatures throughout the year. The average temperature is around 20°C, with temperatures rarely dropping below 16°C. The island experiences relatively low rainfall and mild winds.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Norfolk Island is between November and April, which is the warm, sunny and dry summer season. During this time, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling, and enjoy the island's lush vegetation and scenic beauty.

Weather

It's important to note that weather conditions can vary greatly on Norfolk Island, even during the summer months, so it's always best to bring a light jacket or sweater and prepare for both sun and rain. Winter months (May to October) can be cooler, wetter and windier, but still offer opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration of the island's natural beauty.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

There are over 60 accommodation properties to choose from on Norfolk Island, including hotels, cottages, holiday houses and self-contained apartments.

Hotels and Resorts

Norfolk Island offers a variety of hotel and resort options, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury. Visitors can choose from a variety of properties located in and around the main settlement of Burnt Pine, as well as in more remote areas of the island.

Guesthouses and Homestays

For a more authentic experience, visitors can opt for a guesthouse or homestay. These options offer comfortable and affordable accommodations and the chance to interact with the local community and experience their culture.

Self-Catering Accommodation

For visitors looking for more independence, self-catering accommodation options are available, including apartments, cottages, and holiday homes. These options allow visitors to cook their own meals and enjoy the island at their own pace.

Renting a Car

Renting a car is a convenient and popular option for getting around Norfolk Island. Visitors can choose from a range of vehicles, including compact cars, 4WDs, and electric vehicles. It's important to note that driving is on the left side of the road and visitors should be familiar with the rules and regulations of the road before driving.

Taxis and Tour Buses

Taxis and tour buses are also available for visitors who do not wish to rent a car. Taxis can be hailed on the street, while tour buses offer organized sightseeing tours around the island.

Bicycles

Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation for visitors who wish to explore the island at a leisurely pace. Bikes can be rented from various locations around the island and provide an eco-friendly way to see the island's sights and attractions.

Scooters and Motorbikes

Scooters and motorbikes can also be rented for those who want a more adventurous way to explore the island. Visitors should be familiar with the rules and regulations of the road and have a valid driver's license before riding.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.