Sydney
Sydney's secret was revealed to the world at the 2000 Olympic Games. The secret? That Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is one of the most dramatic, sophisticated, diverse, and fun-loving cities in the world. From its world famous Opera House to its pristine beaches, Sydney truly has something to offer everybody.
Sydney is Australia's largest city, with over four million people calling it home. While it covers over seven hundred square miles, it is remarkably easy to get around town. Buses, trains, ferries, taxis, water taxis, and even a monorail are all available to you.
Sydney's cultural highlights include a handful of museums and art galleries. The Australian National Maritime Museum is phenomenal, as is the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Tourists marvel at the world-renowned Sydney Aquarium, and many have undertaken the challenge of climbing the Harbour Bridge.
The city reveals its true magnificence when the sun goes down. The harbor positively sparkles, and the town crackles with energy. There are plenty of fine restaurants to choose from, and the nightlife gives as much as you're willing to take.
Because you are on such a limited time budget, you probably won't have much occasion to leave the downtown and harbor areas, unless you squeeze in a trip to the beach. If this is your first visit to Sydney, then that will probably suffice. But because there is so much to see and do in Sydney, you'll probably end up plotting your next visit before you leave!
Christchurch (Lyttleton)
New Zealand is such a diverse and dynamic country that you must visit a variety of regions to truly get a taste of the wonder that awaits. Christchurch is a glorious location, full of great restaurants, beautiful beaches, and outstanding museums. The gardens and cultural centers are fantastic, and the greater Christchurch area stretches from the Southern Alps all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The wide array of outdoor activities is one of the best features of Christchurch, and from kayaking to golf, and from sailing to mountain biking, The Mainland has it all. This is the nickname given to the area surrounding the airport, and perhaps the most charming feature of Christchurch is that 20% of the surface land is devoted to nature reservations, recreation facilities, and public parks. This exemplifies the care and concern that the local government and the citizens have for their community. They are a close-knit and respectful bunch, and you will find that the inhabitants of Christchurch are friendly and will assist you in any way they can.
An interesting and amusing aspect of Christchurch is that it is a very English city, one that was once under the rule of England and seems to have stayed that way. The architecture in the city is distinctly southern English, with Victorian-style buildings and quaint little homes. The streets and stores are cute and homey, and the majority of the time you will feel like you are in a small town in the country. But during the summer, when the weather heats up and everyone heads to the beach, the city really livens up and becomes a hot vacation spot. The air is crisp, the water blue, and the amenities plentiful. 337,000 people live in Christchurch, making it the largest city in the South Island. With all its lush plant life, it is definitely no coincidence that it has been named the Garden City of New Zealand. Gorgeous flowers and trees line the streets, colorful parks are plentiful, and the square in the center of town is radiant with elegance and grace. Sections of Christchurch can become bitterly cold in the winter time, making the other three seasons more favorable times to visit. But no matter when you visit, you are sure to leave energized and inspired.
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.
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.
Suva
Suva is a tropical paradise, a place where you never want the day to end. But with sundown comes a whole new experience; Suva at night. When the stars come out, the restaurants get hopping and the clubs get going. The weather is great nearly all the time, and the brisk night air will feel wonderful after a day scuba diving in the sun. The outdoor sports adventures in Suva are fantastic, and this is one of the premier places in the South Pacific to scuba dive and snorkel. Diving in the Beqa lagoon is an experience that you will never forget. The restaurants and myriad shops in Suva are fantastic, and you are given terrific options when it comes to eating out. Many of the stores sell jewelry and handicrafts from all over the South Pacific, and you are sure to find something great to take home to your family and friends. During the day, there are a number of great sights and attractions to keep you busy, and the Fiji Museum in particular is a real standout. It has a tremendous collection of displays, and perhaps the most interesting are the remains of the H.M.S. Bounty that sank in 1789.
Suva is not large per se, but it sure is trying. This bustling city has everything you could want in a modern cultural center, but has managed to keep its heritage alive through its wondrous architecture and the natural beauty of the land. The parks and beaches of Suva are lovely, and basically anywhere you go you will encounter one or the other. Suva encompasses ten square miles and is a hilly area full of life and wonder. The scenery along the coastal sections of the city is beautifully picturesque. In fact, you are sure to catch yourself gazing for minutes at a time, unaware that time is even passing at all.
Until 1870, Suva was a quiet little city no different from any other in Fiji. But when Australian settlers came here to grow cotton and sugar, the area became livelier. However, they failed in their attempts to grow crops, and eventually the British took over. Through the years, Suva has seen influences from many different Asian and European cultures. Today, people from all kinds of backgrounds live in harmony in this glorious portion of Fiji called Suva.
Moorea
Moorea is a marvelously beautiful island just twelve miles
from Tahiti. Many visitors to French Polynesia take a trip to Moorea because it
has so much to offer the wide-eyed tourist. For years Hollywood has used
photographs from Moorea's gleaming lagoons and majestic mountains as
"stock shots" for their movies. Moorea is clean and tidy, with a calm
air and mood. This is the island you should go to if you really want to relax.
Geologists have deduced that Moorea's stunning landscape
came from an erupting volcano thousands of years ago. One thing is for certain;
you are sure to fall in love with this heart-shaped island. The majority of the
12,000 residents of Moorea live on the coast, and the fact that there are no
towns or cities in Moorea adds to the overall charm. The main crop of the island
early in the 20th century was vanilla, and the vanilla producing
houses that were set up then still stand today. Modern Moorea is a country that
survives economically primarily because of tourism. However, vegetables and
pineapples are harvested and shipped daily to Papeete for sale in the
marketplace.
Moorea is surrounded by an offshore coral reef, and the
island encloses a serene, sparkling blue lagoon. This makes Moorea ideal for
scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and boating. Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay
are two glorious bodies of water that are finger-shaped and cut through the
center of the island. They constantly remain two of the most photographed water
masses in the entire world. Mountains surround these enchanting bays, and great
hiking trails are everywhere. The citizens of Moorea are polite but fairly
withdrawn, quietly going about their peaceful island lives. But do not fall prey
to the assumption that Moorea is slow or boring, because this is definitely not
the case. Old Polynesia, with its traditional ways, has mixed with exciting
tourist attractions to coexist in harmony. There are several fabulous dining
facilities, art galleries, and hot shopping spots. Despite the worldwide
acknowledgement that Moorea has received for being an island paradise, the
beaches and inlands remain uncrowded and unhurried. After the breathtaking
scenery, this is perhaps the next best feature of Moorea. Everything is so
tranquil, and so far away from the bustling city life that encompasses the
majority of the world.
Papeete
Tahiti is the biggest and most famous island in French Polynesia. For over
200 years Tahiti has been a destination that allured travelers from all over the
world. Papeete is bordered by an aqua-blue sea and gorgeous beaches laced with
palm trees. The landscape is downright magnificent, and the people friendly and
helpful.
Although historians are not entirely certain exactly when and
how the Polynesian people arrived on Tahiti, some facts are known. Around 3,000
or 4,000 years ago they left Southeast Asia, and we know that they were fabulous
sailors and navigators. Arriving in present day Tahiti about 300 A.D., they
settled on this island and others in what is now French Polynesia. These islands
were originally ruled by all-powerful Chieftains, who commanded large fleets and
ordered human sacrifices. But rest assured that the island is much more friendly
now! Among the first European visitors to Tahiti included Samuel Wallis in 1767
and James Cook in 1769. They returned to Europe with tales of a tropical
paradise run by savages, and full of beautiful women. It was no coincidence that
soon after, every man in Europe was determined to visit this mysterious and
alluring island. The islands became French Polynesia in 1842 when the French out
maneuvered the British and took control.
As the 20th century began, French Polynesia became
unified into the French Pacific settlements. At this time, a program of
fast-paced commercial expansion was instituted, and Chinese workers were made to
work on cotton and vanilla plantations. As World War One began, almost 1000
Polynesians were sent by the French to fight the Germans. Currently, Tahiti is
leading the charge in an attempt to gain independence from France. But at the
same time, the citizens are welcoming, and everywhere you go in Papeete is a
place of beauty and tranquility. Scuba diving, exploring, and dining in the
fabulous Tahitian restaurants are among the most pleasurable activities. The
food in the city is delicious, and all of the beaches accessible from Papeete
are gorgeous and offer a plethora of water sports. Tahitians adore beauty
contests and celebrations, so festivals and grand parties seem like weekly
events.
Bora Bora
The most lavish destination in all of the South Pacific, Bora
Bora is located 161 miles northwest of Tahiti in the Leeward Islands. Renowned
traveler James Michener has repeatedly declared Bora Bora the world's most
beautiful island. Actors, royalty, and cinematographers all make this Polynesian
paradise their vacation spot of choice.
The first inhabitants of Bora Bora were Polynesian settlers,
who sailed their canoes into the island's gorgeous lagoon during the 9th century. The name given to the island was "Porapora," during the reign
of Chief Puni "The Terror." Then, during World War II, American armed
forces were stationed on Porapora and called the island "Bora Bora."
Despite the fact that there is no "B" in the Polynesian language,
common usage prevailed.
This luxurious island was formed three or four million years
ago by a series of volcanic eruptions. Today the island is almost entirely
devoted to tourism. At times, visitors and temporary residents can outnumber the
locals in certain areas.
In the center of the island, two dominating, black rock peaks
stand amongst dazzling blue waters. They can be seen at any angle, and are a
truly magnificent sight to behold. Bora Bora's Lagoon is another of the
crowning visual achievements that blesses the island. You can wind surf, scuba
dive, swim, jet-ski, or just soak up the warmth of the tropical sun. There are
so many activities in Bora Bora that it is best to plan your trip ahead of time.
Otherwise, you will end up either forgetting or missing out on some of the
island's best features. Deep sea fishing for the Bora Bora marlin, driving off
on a 4X4 safari excursion, or parasail through the sparkling blue skies. Chances are if you are feeling adventurous, Bora Bora has
the ability to offer you whatever it is you want to do.
The landscape of Bora Bora resembles a circle of coral reef
with a glorious emerald in the center. It is a surreal atmosphere that is so
picturesque hours can be spent gazing at the sights. The horizon is so
beautiful, and the ambiance so romantic that it is no wonder that Bora Bora has
become one of the premier honeymoon destinations for American couples.
Honolulu
Honolulu is a gorgeous city that, while quite popular, still remains untainted by all of the tourism. The small neighborhoods, nearby beaches, and sparkling waterfalls are picturesque, and the scenery is gorgeous. Modern skyscrapers provide a certain alluring contrast to the intrinsic beauty of the region. The city is the 11th largest in America, with 850,000 residents. Honolulu is about twenty-six miles long and twelve miles wide.
The pleasant island of Oahu greets over five million visitors every year, the majority of whom at least make a stop in Honolulu. Because the island is a combination of all South Pacific people and cultures, Oahu was given the nickname The Gathering Place. This name has stuck because it continues to be true. This is the case in Honolulu as well; you can see by the fine selection of restaurants and activities that diversity is alive and well. One of the best places to visit to get a sense of true Honolulu is the Polynesian Cultural Center. It is located on the North Shore and is very appealing to both locals and tourists. As a result, it is an extremely popular gathering spot. Combining education with entertainment, the Polynesian Cultural Center is a mixture of theme park, history, and heritage.
Traveling around Honolulu, it becomes quite evident what a truly remarkable city it is. From perfect waves to hiking, tide pooling to golf, Honolulu has it all, not to mention the wonderful shopping. Another fabulous aspect of Honolulu is the weather. The climate in and around the city is the loveliest in all of Hawaii. Less windy than Maui, not as muggy as the Big Island, and dryer than Kauai, every day is a gift from nature. The wondrous beauty of Honolulu is complemented by the friendly locals and comfortable, relaxed atmosphere of the city. Honolulu is a dazzling tropical paradise that may resemble a big city, but it's a big city complete with gorgeous beaches, natural wonders, and terrific weather.
Los Angeles
One of the most famous cities in the world, everyone dreams
of going to Los Angeles at one time or another. A certain romance is attached to
this city, the "city of angels." Even children on remote islands
thousands of miles away can describe Los Angeles to a certain degree. They will
tell you of glorious beaches, beautiful women, fabulous weather all year long,
and how easy it is to meet real life movie stars. The incredible part is that
this kind of lifestyle is true for many of the city's inhabitants. A region of
tremendous size and magnitude, Los Angeles is a marvelous place to visit. The
variety of activities and opportunities for diversity is practically
unparalleled.
Speaking in relative terms, Los Angeles is a remarkably new
city, a cultural center unlike anywhere else. Los Angeles fascinates historians
because its history is so exciting and easy to track, and because its growth has
been so amazing. The Spanish officially founded Los Angeles in 1781. The area
had been inhabited by Native American tribes prior to that, and was under
Spanish rule until 1821, when they relinquished their power, and the Bear Flag
Republic was then proclaimed in 1846. In 1850 California became the 31st
state of this new Republic, The Santa Fe Railroad finally reached Los Angeles in
1875, and from there the expansion began. However, it wasn't until 1911 that
Los Angeles really started to take off; it was at that time when the first
Hollywood studio was established. Just one year later, there were already 16
motion picture companies located in Hollywood. So began the history of the movie
capital of the world. Since then, Los Angeles has been the pioneering force
behind everything in entertainment and film, in particular.
Los Angeles is a region where you can drive to the mountains
and ski in the morning, then travel to the beach and surf in the afternoon. It
is truly an unbelievable city, with miles of glorious beach, gorgeous mountains,
interesting cultural centers and museums, extraordinary amusement parks, and of
course, plenty of movie studios. The Staples Center, just opened to the public
in 1999, is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment facility, where the Los
Angeles Lakers, Clippers, and Kings play their respective professional sports
games. Concerts and marvelous events are held here as well, and this is only the
beginning of this diverse haven; a city that has been designed with the intent
to entertain.
|