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.
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.
Bay Of Islands
If you are looking for an exquisite tropical getaway, then it should be your mission to visit the Bay of Islands in New Zealand. The beaches are some of the best in the world, with perfect white sand and crystal clear water. The weather is ideal, and if all you want to do is relax on the beach, you are in luck. There are enough beaches here to keep you happy for weeks. But if you would like to mix in a little culture with your beach time, then many locations within the Bay of Islands will suit your desires. The museums, parks, and historical sites are wonderful. The general vicinity is known as Northland, or Te Tai Tokerau, which translates as Birthplace of a Nation. The Bay of Islands is the most noteworthy sector of Northland, and this is also the home of the Waitangi National Reserve, where the Treaty of Waitangi was drafted and signed. After much deliberation, the Maori and European settlers came to an agreement here in 1840. Both governmental and land distribution decisions were made, coming after many years of hard fought struggle.
Vast open areas ideal for exploring complement the beaches of Bay of Islands. Many of the regions in this portion of New Zealand are quite unpopulated, so grab yourself a tour guide and start discovering the diversity and beauty of the countryside for yourself. The indigenous people of New Zealand have various cultures, depending on where their ancestors originated. The crime rate in the Bay of Islands is normally not very high, and it is generally a safe and peaceful place to be. If you are a beach lover, the one thing you can be assured of during your stay is that you will love the beaches of the Bay of Islands. If you enjoy great food, then you are also in luck. Visit the Bay and experience pleasure the New Zealand way.
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