Auckland to Sydney

Enjoy this beautiful city, its enormous parks and spectacular views from Mount Eden. Learn about Maori culture; visit the famed Waitomo Glowworm Caves and their fantastic formations. Or head for the coast and the crashing surf, see a gannet colony and admire the sheep farms along the way. Visit an area vineyard or one of sixty volcanoes

Tauranga is a harbourside city in the Bay of Plenty region on New Zealand’s North Island. It hosts historic buildings like the Elms Mission Station, an 1847 Georgian-style home. A bridge over the harbour connects Tauranga to Mount Maunganui, a beach town with hot saltwater pools and an extinct namesake volcano with winding walking paths. Offshore is the active volcano White Island, accessible by helicopter or boat.

Named in honor of the crew member on Captain James Cook’s ship Endeavour who first sighted land in the area in 1769, this thriving seaside community is wedded to the sea and its vibrant Maori heritage and culture. Often called the “Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand,” Gisborne has a splendid array of boutique wineries. For a taste of Gisborne’s history and art, the Tairawhiti Museum is an essential destination in this city of warm smiles and even warmer hearts.

Spend time admiring the marvelous Art Deco architecture for which Napier is known. Enjoy the picturesque countryside, tour superb area vineyards and sample the vintages. Visit a huge nesting colony of gannets near the spot where Captain Cook landed.

Stroll past Victorian Gothic buildings, visit the exquisite botanic gardens, take the cable car up the mountain for a fantastic view, or head for the city beach. Journey around the spectacular harbor with its amazing views and visit a sheep or cattle station. See some of the sites where the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed.

Built around a sheltered harbor, Picton boasts a picturesque seafront lined with cafés, restaurants and galleries. Popular attractions include a floating maritime museum and an aquarium. Local operators offer cruising tours, fishing, dolphin watching and sea kayaking. A beautiful local attraction, the Queen Charlotte Track is navigable on foot or bike. From Picton guests can also explore the scenic Marlborough Sounds.

Enjoy the scenic drive past quaint towns into Christchurch. Stroll through Cathedral Square and nearby gardens and savor the English atmosphere. Watch a sheep-shearing display or sample fine wines. Explore the Banks Peninsula and its dramatic landscape.

Explore Caroline Bay, one of the largest man-made harbors and safest beaches in the world. Sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing, fishing, hiking, skiing and even golf make the island an adventurer’s paradise. The Edwardian architecture, blue stone buildings, Maori rock art, museums and gardens are perfect for those who enjoy the aesthetics of life.

Discover the rugged, beautiful Otago Peninsula, filled with geological wonders, and gaze in awe at the great albatross with its 10-foot wingspan. Keep an eye out for fur seals and yellow-eyed penguins sunbathing on the rocks. Enjoy the amazing views and the enchanting gardens that surround the historic 19th century Larnach Castle. Splendid Victorian and Edwardian stone buildings are a highlight of a tour of Dunedin.

Explore quaint, historic towns; see the exquisite countryside of apple orchards and wineries. Enjoy spectacular views from mountaintop aeries. See wombats, emus and the famed Tasmanian devil at a wildlife park or visit the historic penal colony at Port Arthur. Stroll through Hobart and its lovely botanical garden.