Best of the South Pacific: Ultimate Australia & New Zealand

Sydney, Australia's iconic harbor city, is a dazzling blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. At the heart of its allure is the world-renowned Sydney Opera House, an architectural marvel that hosts an array of performances from opera to contemporary music. Its distinctive sail-like design makes it one of the most photographed buildings in the world. A tour of the Opera House offers insights into its fascinating history and architectural innovations.

Nearby, the Sydney Harbour Bridge provides a thrilling experience for adventure seekers. Visitors can climb to the top of this steel giant for panoramic views of the city and harbor, a breathtaking way to appreciate Sydney’s spectacular waterfront. For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, a walk across the bridge offers equally stunning vistas.

Sydney's beaches are legendary, with Bondi Beach standing out as a must-visit destination. Known for its golden sands and surf culture, Bondi is perfect for a day of sunbathing or taking a dip in the Pacific. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk offers scenic views of the rugged coastline and is a great way to explore other beautiful beaches along the way.

Fun fact: Sydney's Taronga Zoo is unique for its conservation efforts and its stunning location overlooking Sydney Harbour. It's one of the few zoos in the world where you can see animals while enjoying views of the iconic skyline.

Sydney, Australia's iconic harbor city, is a dazzling blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. At the heart of its allure is the world-renowned Sydney Opera House, an architectural marvel that hosts an array of performances from opera to contemporary music. Its distinctive sail-like design makes it one of the most photographed buildings in the world. A tour of the Opera House offers insights into its fascinating history and architectural innovations.

Nearby, the Sydney Harbour Bridge provides a thrilling experience for adventure seekers. Visitors can climb to the top of this steel giant for panoramic views of the city and harbor, a breathtaking way to appreciate Sydney’s spectacular waterfront. For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, a walk across the bridge offers equally stunning vistas.

Sydney's beaches are legendary, with Bondi Beach standing out as a must-visit destination. Known for its golden sands and surf culture, Bondi is perfect for a day of sunbathing or taking a dip in the Pacific. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk offers scenic views of the rugged coastline and is a great way to explore other beautiful beaches along the way.

Fun fact: Sydney's Taronga Zoo is unique for its conservation efforts and its stunning location overlooking Sydney Harbour. It's one of the few zoos in the world where you can see animals while enjoying views of the iconic skyline.

A vibrant cultural center in the land “Down Under,” Melbourne, Australia will entice you with its aromatic cafés, lush nature parks, immersive museums, and dedication to the arts.

Situated on the southern coast of the Australian continent, the warm sands and turquoise waters of Brighton Beach, which hugs Port Phillip Bay, invites you to relax and sunbathe. An array of colorful and vintage bathing boxes lines the shore and makes for a vivid photo op. North of Brighton Beach, St. Kilda Beach has amusements galore, including the iconic wooden coaster of Luna Park and an amazing view of the sunsets on St. Kilda Pier. Head to the pier’s breakwater to catch a glimpse of some St. Kilda penguins, who frequent its sturdy rocks at night.

The many diversions of the city center are guaranteed to entertain and delight! From the bustling Queen Victoria market, filled with delectable baked goods, fresh fruits and veggies, and unique souvenirs, to the stunning National Gallery of Victoria, whose thousands of distinct art pieces are illuminated by the glow of a stained-glass ceiling, Melbourne is a cultural and recreational haven. Stroll through quaint boutiques within the Block Arcade, learn about the city’s love of cricket at the National Sports Museum in the Melbourne Cricket Ground arena, or immerse yourself in the educational exhibits at the ever-popular Scienceworks Museum.

Melbourne’s natural beauty will astound and enchant you. Make a quick trip east of Melbourne to explore Yarra Valley, which offers dozens of wineries and rich Australian wines to sample. Steps from the city center, the Royal Botanic Garden encompasses an almost hundred-acre park filled with native flora and is a great spot to unwind after a long day of exploration. Follow the coastline west to find resplendent waterfalls and national parks, including the Great Otway National Park and Port Campbell National Park, where hiking, canoeing, and a whole host of outdoor activities await.

Melbourne is the perfect metropolitan hub for many Australian adventures!

A vibrant cultural center in the land “Down Under,” Melbourne, Australia will entice you with its aromatic cafés, lush nature parks, immersive museums, and dedication to the arts.

Situated on the southern coast of the Australian continent, the warm sands and turquoise waters of Brighton Beach, which hugs Port Phillip Bay, invites you to relax and sunbathe. An array of colorful and vintage bathing boxes lines the shore and makes for a vivid photo op. North of Brighton Beach, St. Kilda Beach has amusements galore, including the iconic wooden coaster of Luna Park and an amazing view of the sunsets on St. Kilda Pier. Head to the pier’s breakwater to catch a glimpse of some St. Kilda penguins, who frequent its sturdy rocks at night.

The many diversions of the city center are guaranteed to entertain and delight! From the bustling Queen Victoria market, filled with delectable baked goods, fresh fruits and veggies, and unique souvenirs, to the stunning National Gallery of Victoria, whose thousands of distinct art pieces are illuminated by the glow of a stained-glass ceiling, Melbourne is a cultural and recreational haven. Stroll through quaint boutiques within the Block Arcade, learn about the city’s love of cricket at the National Sports Museum in the Melbourne Cricket Ground arena, or immerse yourself in the educational exhibits at the ever-popular Scienceworks Museum.

Melbourne’s natural beauty will astound and enchant you. Make a quick trip east of Melbourne to explore Yarra Valley, which offers dozens of wineries and rich Australian wines to sample. Steps from the city center, the Royal Botanic Garden encompasses an almost hundred-acre park filled with native flora and is a great spot to unwind after a long day of exploration. Follow the coastline west to find resplendent waterfalls and national parks, including the Great Otway National Park and Port Campbell National Park, where hiking, canoeing, and a whole host of outdoor activities await.

Melbourne is the perfect metropolitan hub for many Australian adventures!

A veritable paradise on Earth, Auckland combines the best of both worlds – a thrilling urban metropolis surrounded by striking natural areas, sparkling blue water, and colorful wildlife. New Zealand’s cultural and recreational hub, beautiful Auckland has something for everyone.

Museums, art galleries, and other culture-rich sites abound near Auckland’s city center. History buffs will appreciate the Auckland War Memorial Museum or the New Zealand Maritime Museum on Viaduct Harbour, while art enthusiasts will relish in the vast art collections housed at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. Be sure to peruse the famous Maori Portraits exhibit, a display featuring powerful portraits of the Maori peoples indigenous to New Zealand and Polynesia.

You won’t have to venture far from the city to experience some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders! Rugged Rangitoto Island is perfect for hikes, surrounded with stunning volcanic rock and lava fields, and provides a spectacular vantage point to observe Auckland across the harbor. Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, is another of the city’s volcanic wonders; its verdant crater is a sight to behold and remains one of Auckland’s most visited attractions. Head to Waiheke Island to visit Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary, a protected wildlife sanctuary where some of New Zealand’s most eye-catching fauna roam, or hit the beaches of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park to take in the glittering ocean views and soak up some sun. Travel two hours south to marvel at New Zealand’s rolling green hills when you explore the immersive set for The Shire, the fictional village from the ever-popular Lord of the Rings novels and film franchise.

Auckland, New Zealand awaits you!

A veritable paradise on Earth, Auckland combines the best of both worlds – a thrilling urban metropolis surrounded by striking natural areas, sparkling blue water, and colorful wildlife. New Zealand’s cultural and recreational hub, beautiful Auckland has something for everyone.

Museums, art galleries, and other culture-rich sites abound near Auckland’s city center. History buffs will appreciate the Auckland War Memorial Museum or the New Zealand Maritime Museum on Viaduct Harbour, while art enthusiasts will relish in the vast art collections housed at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. Be sure to peruse the famous Maori Portraits exhibit, a display featuring powerful portraits of the Maori peoples indigenous to New Zealand and Polynesia.

You won’t have to venture far from the city to experience some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders! Rugged Rangitoto Island is perfect for hikes, surrounded with stunning volcanic rock and lava fields, and provides a spectacular vantage point to observe Auckland across the harbor. Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, is another of the city’s volcanic wonders; its verdant crater is a sight to behold and remains one of Auckland’s most visited attractions. Head to Waiheke Island to visit Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary, a protected wildlife sanctuary where some of New Zealand’s most eye-catching fauna roam, or hit the beaches of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park to take in the glittering ocean views and soak up some sun. Travel two hours south to marvel at New Zealand’s rolling green hills when you explore the immersive set for The Shire, the fictional village from the ever-popular Lord of the Rings novels and film franchise.

Auckland, New Zealand awaits you!