Make the most of your Norfolk Island trip with seasonal highlights and unforgettable experiences.
Norfolk Island may be small, but it offers an impressive variety of experiences throughout the year. From tranquil lagoons and rugged coastal walks to rich cultural heritage and immersive storytelling, there’s no shortage of memorable moments to be had. This guide explores the best things to do on Norfolk Island by season, helping you plan the perfect trip no matter when you visit.
Staying somewhere central and comfortable makes all the difference, and Poinciana Cottages provides the ideal base for discovering the island at your own pace.
Your Base for Adventure: Poinciana Cottages
Set among landscaped gardens and peaceful countryside, Poinciana Cottages offers fully self-contained accommodation just minutes from Burnt Pine, Norfolk Island’s main shopping and dining precinct. Each cottage, including Lavender, Daisy, Azalea, Rose, and Gardenia, features a private balcony, full kitchen, quality bedding, and modern amenities, ideal for couples and independent travellers.
Thanks to its convenient location, guests can easily access beaches, historic sites, and walking trails across the island. You can explore the cottages in more detail on the Our Cottages page or check the property’s central position via the Location page.
Summer (December to February): Coastal Adventures & Ocean Views
Swim and Snorkel at Emily Bay
One of the most popular Norfolk Island activities, Emily Bay is a sheltered lagoon protected by a natural reef. Its calm, clear waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkelling, with colourful fish visible just metres from shore.
Summer’s warmer temperatures make this the best time to enjoy long beach days, and the nearby picnic facilities are perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Coastal Walks and Scenic Lookouts
Norfolk Island’s coastal tracks shine in summer, offering sweeping ocean views and cooling sea breezes. Walks to Captain Cook Lookout and other clifftop viewpoints are among the most rewarding things to see and do on Norfolk Island, particularly at sunrise or sunset.
Autumn (March to May): History, Culture & Comfortable Exploring
Kingston and Arthurs Vale Historic Area
Autumn’s mild weather is perfect for exploring the UNESCO-listed Kingston and Arthurs Vale Historic Area. This remarkably preserved site reveals Norfolk Island’s convict past through stone buildings, ruins, and coastal scenery.
Guided tours are highly recommended to gain a deeper understanding of the island’s complex and fascinating history.
Norfolk Island Cyclorama
A standout cultural experience, the Norfolk Island Cyclorama offers a powerful 360-degree visual journey through the island’s history. From Polynesian settlement to British colonisation and the arrival of the Pitcairn Islanders, this immersive attraction brings Norfolk Island’s story to life in a way few exhibits can.
This indoor experience is ideal during autumn and complements a visit to Kingston beautifully.
Winter (June to August): Peaceful Walks & Natural Beauty
Norfolk Island National Park
Winter is an excellent time to explore Norfolk Island National Park, with cooler temperatures making longer walks more comfortable. Trails wind through subtropical rainforest and past towering Norfolk pines, offering elevated views across the island.
Mount Pitt and Mount Bates
Clear winter days provide excellent visibility from Mount Pitt and Mount Bates, the island’s highest point. These lookouts are easily accessible and offer panoramic views stretching across the coastline — a must for photography lovers.
Spring (September to November): Wildlife, Greenery & Fresh Air
Hundred Acres Reserve
Spring sees Norfolk Island’s natural landscapes come alive. Hundred Acres Reserve is particularly beautiful at this time of year, with shaded walking tracks, birdlife, and impressive fig trees. It’s one of the quieter yet most rewarding places for nature lovers.
Gardens, Countryside & Local Produce
Spring is ideal for leisurely drives through the island’s countryside, where small-scale farming and home gardens flourish. While organised food festivals are not currently running, visitors can still enjoy locally grown produce and handmade goods from roadside stalls and island shops.
Things to Do on Norfolk Island All Year Round
No matter the season, there are plenty of timeless experiences to enjoy:
- Glass-bottom boat tours to explore marine life without getting wet
- Norfolk Island Golf Club, dramatically set above the ocean
- Two Chimneys Winery, offering tastings of locally produced wines
- Museums and heritage centres showcasing maritime and island history
- Self-guided scenic drives with countless photo opportunities
These activities are easily accessible when staying at Poinciana Cottages, with hosts happy to offer local advice. Visit the FAQs or About Us pages for more helpful information.
Planning Your Visit
- Best time to visit: Norfolk Island is a year-round destination, with each season offering different highlights.
- Getting around: Hiring a car is recommended for flexibility and access to remote viewpoints.
- Where to stay: Centrally located, peaceful, and fully equipped, Poinciana Cottages makes exploring the island easy and enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
From heritage sites and ocean adventures to quiet forest walks and scenic lookouts, the best things to do on Norfolk Island are as varied as they are memorable. Planning your activities around the seasons allows you to experience the island at its best, whatever time of year you choose.
Book your stay at Poinciana Cottages and enjoy the freedom to explore Norfolk Island in comfort, at your own pace.