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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The twin cities of Napier and Hastings, located within the region of Hawke's Bay on the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island, are unique. The area is blessed with a Californian-Mediterranean climate, boasting one of the highest sunshine averages in the country. The area is also dotted with colorful vineyards and orchards, with some of the most fertile farmland you will see. Within the region are more than twenty of New Zealand's finest vineyards.

Gisborne, named for the Endeavour crew member who first sighted land here in 1769, is a charming seaside city known for its maritime history, vibrant Māori heritage, and wine-often called New Zealand's "Chardonnay Capital." Visit its boutique wineries and the Tairāwhiti Museum for a taste of local history and art.

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.

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.