Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, trailing only Sydney. Over three million people call Melbourne home, and the city's welcoming climate has attracted people from all over the world to this city on the southeast coast of Australia.
Melbourne and Sydney enjoy a healthy rivalry, but even Sydneysiders cannot argue that Melbourne is Australia's shopping king. If you have been saving up for shopping armageddon, this is your chance! Melbourne also boasts of some of the best restaurants, music, and fashion in the country.
Much of Melbourne's boom can be attributed to the gold rushes of the 19th Century. Gold was found in the city's surrounding hills. The Ballarat and Bendigo gold rushes fueled the city's rise to prominence, as people from all over the world came to Melbourne to seek their fortune. In recent years, another wave of immigration has transformed the city into an international hub.
The city can be easily broken up into smaller neighborhoods. You will most likely spend the majority of your time in the City Centre, an area bordered by Latrobe and Flinders Streets to the north and south, and Spring and Spencer Streets to the east and west. Chinatown is nearby, with Carlton to the north, where you'll find the University of Melbourne. The Yarra River runs through Melbourne, affording opportunities to stop for a picnic lunch along the banks.
All in all, you'll find Melbourne to be one of Australia's most dynamic and diverse cities, with more than enough activities to keep you busy during your stay.
Hobart
The southern region of Tasmania is a spectacle of natural beauty. At the forefront of this gorgeous area is the city of Hobart. With a rich maritime history and a lovely deep-water port, Hobart is known throughout Australia and the South Pacific as a tranquil city with gorgeous sights and engaging activities. This is the capital of Tasmania, and the second oldest city in the state. Straddling the Derwent River and set right in front of Mount Wellington, Hobart's location could not be more ideal. The city was founded in 1804, and has experienced its share of ups and downs since. Currently, the city is quietly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in greater Australia. Tasmania is the only island state that is owned by Australia, and the culture of Hobart greatly differs from that of the mainland.
Hobart's population is 185,000, and the locals adore their city by the sea. It is free of pollution, there is never any traffic congestion, and the community is close-knit and has a very low crime rate. The temperature here is fabulous all year long, and the harbor is the only area in town that is fast-paced and busy. Every day, items are being imported and exported around the clock, and it is busiest during the fall when apple season is in full effect. The apples here are delightful, and annually Hobart exports tons to Australia, New Zealand, and the rest of the world. There are a number of great restaurants and fine shopping facilities in the city, and if you enjoy marvelous seafood, you have come to the right place. The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is a stunning establishment, loaded with extravagant paintings and gorgeous works of art. Golfing here is a tremendous experience, and the nightlife is relatively tame yet still quite enjoyable.
Dunedin
For a different kind of New Zealand experience, visit Dunedin. The landscape is unlike any other found in the country, and the weather, while much colder than the other tourist areas, is crisp and refreshing. From a sightseeing standpoint, the renowned beaches of northern New Zealand have nothing on those located in southern-based Dunedin. The museums and shopping facilities in Dunedin are marvelous, and the restaurants are excellent. The wide array of delicious cuisine is astounding, and there are a number of fun bars and clubs in the area as well. The Scottish influence can still be detected in Dunedin, as it was the Scottish who were the first settlers here in 1848. The Victorian buildings are lovely, and taking a tour of various parts of the city is a real visual treat.
Dunedin is the capital of the province of Otago, and is regarded as one of the premier locations in the south. It is an unhurried and relaxed region, where you can experience New Zealand without all the hustle and crowds of the north. Dunedin is actually a collection of small towns, great sights, and enjoyable atmospheres. The flora and wildlife are plentiful, and Dunedin is loaded with wonderful historic buildings and fabulous architecture. The population of this sprawling city is 120,000, making it the fourth-largest city in New Zealand. The heart of the city is an octagon-shaped center lined with beautiful trees. This serves as the primary gathering spot for citizens of Dunedin, and the perfect spot for coffee, lunch, or just admiring the scenery. The Green Belt is a 500-acre parcel of land that encompasses the center of the city, which is officially known as Otago Harbour. This region is much more lush and green than the majority of New Zealand, and the gorgeous countryside is complemented by a wonderful array of shops and interesting sights.
Wellington
There are so many good things to say about Wellington, that I will start by mentioning that it is the cultural and entertainment capital of New Zealand. During weekends, there are more people visiting Wellington than anywhere else in the country. There are many reasons for this, but perhaps those at the forefront of any tourist's mind will be the exquisite architecture, great museums, and fabulous dining establishments. The accommodations and amenities in Wellington are superb, and during the summer there are many hot beach spots. In the wintertime the area can get bitterly cold, so it is understandable if you would prefer a warmer visit. Nearly everything is within walking distance, and this helps out tremendously. If you are new to the region, or a tourist in town for a few days, the fact that you can see so many glorious sights on foot is an incredible traveling advantage. Shops, elegant galleries, restaurants, and theaters line the streets, and the nightlife in Wellington is spectacular. There is something exciting for you to do no matter what time of day or night.
The harbor in Wellington was originally controlled by the British, and they named it Port Nicholson. It was not until 1839 that the city was renamed after the Duke of Wellington. The main governmental sector of New Zealand was stationed in Auckland until 1865, when it was relocated here, and Wellington has been the political center ever since. The city is compact yet diverse, meaning you can see a lot in a small vicinity, but what you will be seeing will differ tremendously. This is one of the interesting aspects of Wellington, the fact that two stores or buildings right next to one another can be so architecturally or culturally different.
The harbor is the most visited part of the city. The Queen's Wharf complex is here, complete with extravagant dining and shopping facilities. The recently opened Te Papa National Museum can be found at the harbor as well, and it is one of the city's premier cultural sites. Wellington is the official capital of the country, and 407,000 inhabitants reside in this city set between the ocean and the mountains. The landscape is glorious, and the scenery beautiful. Living well in Wellington is not just a tag line, it is the truth.
Tauranga
Tauranga is by no means your standard New Zealand town. The weather cannot be classified as hot, although Tauranga is blessed with over 2,400 hours of sunshine every year. That is certainly a plus, and every relaxing activity imaginable is offered here. The city is the second fastest-growing town in all of New Zealand, with only Queenstown expanding at a faster rate. Currently, Tauranga is home to 82,300 people, and on average 50 families have been moving to this bustling city every year. It is no wonder why the region has become so popular, as it is safe, exciting, diverse, and warm. From touring in a four-wheel drive vehicle through the hills to swimming with the dolphins, Tauranga has it all. The hot springs are glorious, and you could spend an entire day and night lounging in the bubbling saltwater pools. They are truly magnificent, as are the restaurants and accommodations in Tauranga.
Tauranga is the place to go if you need a vacation from everyday life. The beach sports and activities are active all year long. If you love water sports, then Tauranga is the place for you. The fishing here is great, and yachting and sailing are incredibly popular. The White Island volcano is an exciting destination, as it is the only live marine volcano in New Zealand. Even though it is active, the guided tours and hikes remain quite popular. The shopping and eateries in Tauranga are great, and you are sure to find some unique cuisine in this fast-growing town. If you enjoy kiwis, or just unusual and interesting sights, then visiting the Kiwifruit Country is an absolute must. The terrain, nightlife, and museums in Tauranga are all diverse and wonderful, so if you want to mix in some culture with your beach going, scoot on over to Tauranga, New Zealand.
Auckland
New Zealand offers a vacation with a twist. A perfect amount of diversity, a sprinkle of familiarity, and enough sights and great spots to keep you busy for months. Auckland is no exception, with dozens of spectacular restaurants, museums, and shopping facilities. You will find that Auckland is a close-knit community full of friendly and helpful locals, eager to assist you any way that they can. The environment is spectacular, and you will be in awe of the uniqueness of the land. The jewelry that is designed in Auckland is marvelous, and over forty different jewelers are represented in one small area. If you are looking for new ways to spice up your wardrobe or your home, Auckland is definitely the place to go. Auckland is said to produce some of the finest quality chocolate in the world. They claim that theirs rivals Sweden's. Give it a try, and you'll most likely agree!
Nicknamed the City of Sails, Auckland is perhaps the most bustling city in New Zealand. Home to 1.3 million people, some of it is cosmopolitan, while other parts are strictly tropical, and have gorgeous beaches with scuba diving, water sports, and fabulous sailing. Be warned that there is a great deal of big city life here in Auckland, but it is counterbalanced perfectly with the subtlety and warmth of the small town feel that emanates from the secluded parks and cozy diners. The energy in Auckland is overwhelming, and you cannot help but get caught up in it. The nightlife in Auckland is stellar. The bars, clubs, and dance joints rock throughout the night. Touring the 48 dormant volcanoes in Auckland could keep you occupied for days with their scenic wonder. In short, Auckland is a captivating city bursting with natural and man-made attractions, ready to be enjoyed by tourists from around the world.
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