14 Nights Australia

Australia's most illustrious city is the country's capital in everything but name. It possesses one of the most beautiful harbour settings in the world, and emanates with a intermingling of history, ruggedness and sophistication.

Here you can see where modern New Zealand was born. The Bay of Islands is located 140 miles north of Auckland, New Zealand, in the long finger-like stretch that runs from Auckland to Cape Reinga. Geographically speaking, the Bay of Islands is a "drowned river system" - an area where the sea has inundated a series of river valleys. The Bay of Islands is the finest Maritime Park in New Zealand, with secluded bays and an abundance of marine life. Ever since Captain Cook sailed into this bay containing nearly 150 islands, the region has become a sightseer and settler's delight. Every imaginable water sport is pursued with big game fishing a particular favorite. The Bay's three principal towns Waitangi, Paihia and Russell provide excellent tourist facilities while retaining many monuments to their lively histories.

Auckland is a lively fusion of international style, local creativity and Polynesian charm. Its urban personality is bold, fast and fashionable, while its seaside ambiance ranges from rugged and untamed to smooth and tranquil.

The principal city of the Bay of Plenty is a popular Kiwi summer resort with notorious military and missionary legacies. Its legendary Waitomo Caves comprises a vast underground network of water-sculpted, cathedral-like limestone grottoes. Big-game fishing and scuba diving abounds.

Picton, on the northeast corner of New Zealands South Island, provides access to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and to New Zealands most famous wine region, Marlborough, home to the worlds best Sauvignon Blanc

Lying at the head of a fiord-like inlet surrounded by seven hills, this city was once the largest and wealthiest city in the country, thanks to its gold fields. It's said to be one of the most perfectly preserved Victorian cities in the world.

Fiordland National Park is in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island. It's known for the glacier-carved fiords of Doubtful and Milford sounds. A beech forest trail on the sandy Milford shore offers views of towering Mitre Peak. Nearby, the craggy Earl Mountains are reflected in the glassy surface of Mirror Lakes. On the Cleddau River, the Chasm Walk passes over bridges with views of powerful waterfalls

Australia's most illustrious city is the country's capital in everything but name. It possesses one of the most beautiful harbour settings in the world, and emanates with a intermingling of history, ruggedness and sophistication.