Auckland to Brisbane

Situated astride a narrow, jade-green isthmus between the shimmering waters of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean on two harbors, the Waitematā and Manukau, is Auckland. This vibrant city is a gateway to New Zealand’s natural and cultural treasures: great natural beauty, friendly people, magnificent glacier-studded mountain ranges, sculpted fjords, pristine beaches, lush rainforest, an endless array of sporting activities, and, not to be forgotten, plenty of sheep and rolling farmland.

The spectacular Bay of Plenty on New Zealand’s North Island is home to the resort town of Tauranga. Known for its fine restaurants, boutiques and galleries, the city is also a hot spot for water sports and a gateway to nearby attractions, such as the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. At the southern end of Tauranga’s harbor lies the relaxed beach town of Mount Maunganui, named after its distinctive peak, Mauao, which towers 750 feet above the town’s white-sand surf.

Nestled on the Pacific coastline of New Zealand’s North Island is charming Napier, a town with much to boast about. Napier is known for producing wool, growing fruit, cultivating grapes and making wine. The city abounds in art deco splendor with iconic landmarks, rivaled only by the surrounding natural beauty of Hawke’s Bay. A highlight of the region is wild and wonderful Cape Kidnappers, known for its gannet colony, considered to be one of only two such mainland colonies in the world.

Hugging the hillsides around Port Nicholson, a horseshoe-shaped bay that is one of the world’s finest, Wellington reminds many visitors of San Francisco. In cultural offerings as well as landscape – Wellington boasts the National Art Gallery and the Dominion Museum, as well as the Government Building, one of the world’s largest wooden structures.

The historic port of Lyttelton serves as the gateway to Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island. Traditionally considered the most English of New Zealand’s cities, there is much to explore in vibrant Christchurch, from its neo-Gothic stone buildings and beautiful botanical gardens, to its picturesque Avon River lined by graceful willows. Further afar, the Canterbury Plains, snow-capped Southern Alps and numerous rivers beckon with their enchanting beauty and wildlife.

The charismatic city of Dunedin lies in southeastern New Zealand, at the head of Otago Harbor on South Island. Its name means Edinburgh in Gaelic and to this day it has retained enduring reminders of its Scottish roots. Adorning the streets of Dunedin is a wealth of Victorian and Edwardian buildings, richly festooned with spires, gables and gargoyles. The rolling hills, pristine beaches and secluded bays of the adjacent Otago Peninsula are home to albatrosses, sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins.

Doubtful Sound / Patea is a fjord in Fiordland, in the far south west of New Zealand. It is located in the same region as the smaller but more famous and accessible Milford Sound. It took second place after Milford Sound as New Zealand’s most famous tourism destination.

Milford Haven is situated in an inlet of the Celtic Sea along Wales’ southwestern coast. During the Middle Ages, Viking ships occasionally used the Milford Haven waterway for shelter. Today yachts, shops, restaurants and cafés line the waterfront. Nearby nature attractions include the gorgeous St. David’s peninsula, a hot spot for birdwatchers, Colby Woodland Garden, and the golden beaches of Stackpole Estate, all special places preserved by the UK’s National Trust.

While nearly half of Tasmania is protected national parks and World Heritage Sites (and home to creatures from platypus to fairy penguins), Burnie is known for its industrial past – a city of farmers, mill workers and craftsmen who built a prosperous town and a reputation for quality. Savor locally crafted cheeses and single-malt whiskey, and visit Creative Paper to see art exhibitions and watch artisans at work.

Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria – and a global capital of trend-setting cool. Dynamic, sporty and arty, it still maintains an air of old-world grace with spacious tree-lined boulevards and expansive parks. The prosperous lifestyle of its people is both cosmopolitan and sophisticated. The heritage of more than 100 different cultures has contributed to Melbourne’s richly international character – exemplified by its range of 15,000 dining venues offering more than 50 different kinds of cuisine.

Sydney is an energetic and exciting metropolis where nightlife, shopping and fine restaurants compare favorably with the finest the world has to offer. Despite its modern advances, Sydney has lovingly cherished its heritage, for this was the birthplace of the Australian nation, defined by the billowing profile of the Opera House and the dramatic arch of the Harbour Bridge.

Similar to another of the world’s Newcastles – Newcastle, England – in that the city has its roots in industry, including coal mining and shipbuilding, Australia’s Newcastle exports a large amount of coal, but it is also imports travelers keen on enjoying some of the best Australia has to offer. The milieu of the Victorian era is on display in historic Christchurch Cathedral, while the country’s natural wonders are exhibited along a spectacular coastline fringed with pristine beaches.

Nestled between the Gold Coast to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north, laid-back Brisbane makes the most of its magnificent beaches, offering an ideal blend of Aussie ease and urban energy. Wander the lush Botanic Gardens, shop the Queen Street Mall, or enjoy the countless cafés along the banks of the Brisbane River.