Story: Pacific migrations

The Pacific Ocean, showing Remote Oceania

The Pacific Ocean, showing Remote Oceania

Around 1100 BCE, Lapita people embarked on one of the greatest oceanic migrations. They sailed east from Near Oceania, covering stretches of up to 850 kilometres, to settle the continental islands of Remote Oceania. This region includes Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. The islands are generally smaller and more isolated than those in Near Oceania.

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How to cite this page:

Geoff Irwin, 'Pacific migrations - The world’s first seafarers', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/map/1762/the-pacific-ocean-showing-remote-oceania (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Geoff Irwin, published 8 Feb 2005, reviewed & revised 8 Feb 2017