Oceania is rich in a variety of natural resources. Both Australia and New Zealand have native flora and fauna, whilst the Pacific and its islands have fragile reefs, eco-systems and indigenous cultures (Cooper and Hall, 2005:1), though there are limited land resources throughout.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on the planet and one of the most complex natural ecosystems in the world (GBRMPA, 2011). The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park authority is responsible for the management of the area. Listed as one of the UNESCO sites, it attracts vast numbers of visitors. Around two million tourists visit the Great Barrier Reef each year (GBRMPA, 2009:7).

Southern Alps

The Southern Alps are a mountain range, part of Te Wahipounamu – a UNESCO world heritage site in South West New Zealand. Snow-capped mountains, glaciers and fjords are the focal features (UNESCO, 2014). The region is favourable for active forms of tourism, such as mountain climbing and skiing as the mountains are high enough to receive heavy snowfalls, with the skiing season lasting from July through October (Boniface and Cooper, 2012:525).

Atolls in the Pacific

Atolls in the Pacific are perhaps the most associated image with Oceania. Mass tourism is inappropriate to these islands and they require a sustainable and responsible tourism management strategy. The emphasis is on beach and resort tourism, however they also offer possibility for ecotourism.

The disappearing of such islands due to climate change and subsequent rising sea levels, has led to a new phenomenon, namely climate change tourism (Farbotko, 2010). ‘Sinking paradise’ is often attributed to these atolls. There is a question however, whether increased tourist arrivals contribute to the problem (Farbotko, 2010).