Are you tired of the usual tourist traps and looking for a unique travel experience that veers off the beaten path? Look no further than a Norfolk Island holiday, an adventure that promises not just scenic beauty but also activities and experiences you won't find elsewhere. This island in the South Pacific stands out for its diverse offerings, ranging from awe-inspiring natural landscapes to rich historical tapestries and authentic cultural experiences.

Norfolk Island holidays are truly one-of-a-kind getaways that leave an indelible impression on every traveller. Whether you're an adventure junkie, a history buff, or someone who simply enjoys indulging in the local culture, Norfolk Island provides a refreshing contrast to mainstream tourist destinations. It's a place where you can dive into unique activities while soaking up an atmosphere that is distinctly its own.

For those looking to make the most out of their holiday Norfolk Island style, there are numerous options to consider. Various Norfolk Island holiday packages offer an array of activities that can be tailored to your unique interests, ensuring that your trip is as exceptional as the island itself. Additionally, a multitude of Norfolk Island tours are available, catering to those who prefer a more curated and guided experience.

In this blog post, we're delighted to unveil 10 Unique Things to Do on Norfolk Island. Prepare to go beyond the usual travel clichés and dive deep into activities and experiences that are not just tourist-friendly but also uniquely Norfolk. From hidden gems to local secrets, your Norfolk Island travel adventure awaits.

Things to do on Norfolk Island

There are so many unique things to do on Norfolk Island that are different from any of our other island escapes. Choose from walking, snorkelling, fishing, nature watching and history tours just to name a few. Below we have put together a list of just some of our favourite and more unusual things to do on your next Norfolk Island holiday.

1. Find Seclusion.

Emily Bay is the most recognised beach on the island with its beautiful lagoon and soft white sands. Stepping off the beach you are just a few short strokes away from some amazing snorkelling or one of the local surf breaks. But if you want to be the only ones on the beach and don’t mind a little trek to get there, then head over to the north west coast of the island and take the trek down the cliff to Anson Bay.

2. Be on top of the world

Just a short drive up into the national park will bring you to Mount Pitt. From here you can literally see in all directions standing on the very top of a small rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. An amazing place to check out the night sky or take in the sunrise.

3. Watch a ship unload

Something completely unique a Norfolk Island travel experience is watching a Cargo Ship unload! Truly understand how isolated the island is by catching the unloading of a Cargo Ship. When a ship is in the harbour and the weather conditions are favourable a call goes out on the morning radio for the men to come down and get to work. There is an old world process on how they achieve emptying the ship with no port to dock at.  A lighter (an open wooden boat), or two for bigger loads, are tugged out to the cargo ship where all the goods are craned downed and then towed back in to either one of the piers. Once craned onto the mainland the cargo is distributed around the island by road.

4. Be a Locavore

Join the movement of people who prefer to eat foods grown or farmed locally - or in Norfolk Island terms within a 5x8kms radius. There are a couple of really good ways to do this on island. Firstly meed the goats at Hilli Goat Farm and then sample the cheese. Join the Xtian Brothers Cheese Tour, and meet local brothers Glen and John Christian who run the dairy farm that is produces a  range of tempting cheeses. There is also the Spacifica Travel’s Norfolk Island tour 'Taste of Norfolk Island' which takes you to the local butcher, a beekeepers home or you can simply pick up some fresh supplies at the Saturday Farmers markets.

5. Kentia Palm - more than a plant

The 'Farm and Industry' Norfolk Island tour with teach you about one of the biggest industries on Norfolk Island after tourism (can you name the industry here?). See how big the business of exporting Kentia seedlings around the world is. If only you could take a couple home to grow.

6. Tee time with a view

Try your hand at a course that has their 4th hole located next an unstable cliff face, but with an amazing outlook of the sandy beach and Pacific Ocean. The golf course on Norfolk Island is located in the UNESCO World Heritage protected area and has the most spectacular coastal views from almost every fairway. Even non golfers will enjoy the stunning 9 hole course.

7. Watawieh Yorlye? (Hello, how are you?)

Try your hand at Norf’k (also known as Norfuk). The unique local language that fuses a type of 18th-century English and Tahitian.  Gaye is our local expert and conducts classes especially for Spacifica Travel guests while on the island.

8. Be a plane spotter

It is rare that you can see the whole runway of an airport from one advantage point. So why not be a plane spotter and watch Air New Zealand or the mail run land and take off from the lookout at Mount Pitt.  With 5 services a week from Australia there is sure to be one that happens during your stay.

9. Take in the Cyclorama

Unsure of what a Cyclorama is? It’s a pictorial representation of a landscape or a battle on the wall of a cylindrical room which gives it a spectacular 3D effect. The award winning Norfolk Island Cyclorama brings to life the history of the island’s people and their connection with the infamous mutiny on the bounty. Music and sound effects composed especially for the painting further enhance the experience.

10.  Get involved

Norfolk Island has many special events throughout the year that allows visitors to get involved. Foundation Day, the arrival of the first European settlers and Bounty Day, the arrival of the Pitcairn Islands to Norfolk Island are re-enacted not only for visitors but to keep traditions and history alive. Norfolk Island also hosts a large number of musical (jazz / opera / country) and special interest events each year that ensures something for everyone.

This is just an introduction to the many different things to enjoy while visiting Norfolk Island. If you would like more information about any of these or would like to discuss Norfolk Island accommodation packages or itineraries, please get in touch with our team of specialist travel consultants on 1800 800 722.