Make the most of Sydney: stroll Circular Quay and the waterfront, admire the Opera House, explore the historic Rocks under the Harbour Bridge, head to the Blue Mountains for the world's steepest railway, meet Australian wildlife at Koala Park Sanctuary, and finish with a drink at a traditional Aussie pub.

The "Bay of Islands" was how Captain Cook described this area two centuries ago and the simplicity of his name masks the diversity of its charms. The Bay of Islands is the finest Maritime Park in the country with 144 islands, secluded bays and abundance of marine life. It is one of the most popular fishing, sailing and tourist destinations in the country, and has been renowned internationally for its big-game fishing since author Zane Grey publicized it in the 1930s.

Auckland sits on a narrow isthmus between the Waitemata and Manukau harbors. Its volcanic landscape includes Maungawhau/Mount Eden, the city's highest point, Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill and Maungarei/Mount Wellington. Browse Queen Street or Parnell's galleries and boutiques, visit the Sky Tower, and take a harbor cruise to see why it's the "City of Sails," then enjoy its restaurants, bars and cafes.

From Tauranga's beaches and Mount Maunganui, travel to Rotorua for geothermal wonders and Māori heritage: Te Puia's geysers, mud pools, native bush, a recreated early Māori village, and a kiwi conservation center. South of Rotorua, hike the redwoods of Whakarewarewa Forest, or head to Waikato to see the Hobbiton Movie Set, the Shire from Peter Jackson's Tolkien films.

Wellington, New Zealand's "Creative Capital," is a compact city at the south end of the North Island, rich in Victorian architecture, museums, theaters, and galleries. See Weta Workshop and Parliament, enjoy excellent coffee and craft beer in laneway cafes and pubs, take in harbor-and-mountain views from Mt. Victoria, ride the cable car to the botanic gardens, and visit Te Papa and Zealandia for insights into New Zealand's culture and nature.

Set on a beautiful, sheltered harbor and overlooked by craggy volcanic hills, Akaroa is a popular resort town on Banks Peninsula in New Zealand. The name Akaroa means "Long Harbor." Sailors from the HMS Britomart proclaimed British sovereignty for the land in 1840, but French settlers also settled in the area that year. There is still a heavy French influence found on the island, including many French local names.

Timaru, on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, is the gateway to the mountains, including Mt Cook. It blends Edwardian heritage with roses, trees, paved public spaces, seating, and views between ocean and alps. Visit the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden and the striking piazza for sweeping views over Caroline Bay, plus nearby café-bars and restaurants.

Dunedin is a remarkably preserved Victorian city at the head of a fiord-like inlet, surrounded by lush green hills. Fueled by the 1860s Otago gold rush, it became New Zealand's largest and wealthiest city, and the first with gaslight, water mains, hydro power, and steam trams. Explore the rugged Otago Peninsula for geological wonders, fur seals, and yellow-eyed penguins, visit Larnach Castle, and enjoy Dunedin's Victorian and Edwardian stone buildings, local crafts, and Kiwi cuisine.

Hobart is regarded by guests as one of the region's most friendly, exciting and diverse destinations. In the State of Tasmania, Hobart is Australia's second oldest city. It is rich in character and history, nestling next to one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world and at the base of Mount Wellington, which rises 3,600 feet from the sea. The working harbor is unique with Antarctic supply vessels and fishing boats coming and going throughout the year.

Split by the Yarra River, this European-leaning Australian city blends obvious and hidden charms. The CBD is easy to explore by tram and on foot, especially historic Collins Street with Gothic buildings and skyscrapers. Visit Fitzroy Gardens, learn its gold-rush past at Melbourne Museum, browse Queen Victoria Market, and duck into laneways for cafes and shops. Its diversity shines in places like St Kilda, Carlton's Lygon Street, and Richmond's Vietnamese eateries.