Sydney to Auckland

With its glorious harbour, lavish golden beaches and iconic landmarks, Sydney is Australia's showpiece city. Creative and curious, discover the world-class cuisine, indigenous culture, and irresistible beach life that make Sydney one of the world’s most dynamic, exciting destinations. Sydney’s sparkling harbour is the heart of a richly cultural city. Overlooked by the metallic curves of the masterpiece of an Opera House, and that grand arched harbour bridge. Take it all in from the water, and admire the iconic landmarks, which are set before the city’s gleaming skyline backdrop. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the legendary climb up the smooth curve of the bridge - nicknamed the Coathanger - to soak in the shining city’s spread from a unique perspective. Spread out to tan on one of the world’s most famous stretches of sand - Bondi Beach. Restaurants and bars burble away in the background, while the sun beams down, and surfers curl and leap over pure rollers. Swim in spectacular salty ocean pools, or wander the beautiful Bondi to Coogee coastal walk for more of this sun-gorged stretch of prime coastline. Leaving the thrills of Australia’s largest city behind is surprisingly simple - take to the skies to be flown above skyscrapers and rippling ribbons of waves, out to majestic peaks, sheer cliffs and iconic rock formations - like the Three Sisters of the Blue Mountains. Or, drop in on wildlife sanctuaries caring for the country’s animals - from hopping kangaroos to adorably cute, cuddly koalas.

Mount Wellington's looming cloud-wisped form is an ever-present sight as you explore booming Hobart the cosmopolitan capital of Australia's most southerly state. A former British penal colony nowadays Australia’s second-oldest city is a place to live the free and easy life. Encircled by dramatic cliffs landscaped gardens and rolling vineyards Hobart is also well stacked with cultural pursuits including museums and respected - if controversial - galleries plastering new and old art to their walls. With fresh sea breezes and a fabulous location Hobart is a creative place where you can browse the produce of local artisans in Saturday's massive Salamanca Market - which draws visitors from all across Tasmania and beyond. Eat at waterfront restaurants or rise up Mount Wellington's slopes to appreciate the remoteness of Hobart's location. From this elevated platform you can look down across views of flowing forests undulating mountains and endless ocean swallowing up the city. Further away animal sanctuaries introduce you to the island's famous inhabitants including the famous Tasmanian devil. Thirsty? Hobart has a long brewing tradition - so enjoy a refreshing ale poured from the country's oldest brewery. The climate's blend of generous sunshine and cool Antarctic breezes helps Hobart to produce its acclaimed wines and thick clumps of pinot noir grapes hang from vineyards dotted along the valleys nearby. Taste the wines accompanied by a platter of artisan cheese and sausage.

Mount Wellington's looming cloud-wisped form is an ever-present sight as you explore booming Hobart the cosmopolitan capital of Australia's most southerly state. A former British penal colony nowadays Australia’s second-oldest city is a place to live the free and easy life. Encircled by dramatic cliffs landscaped gardens and rolling vineyards Hobart is also well stacked with cultural pursuits including museums and respected - if controversial - galleries plastering new and old art to their walls. With fresh sea breezes and a fabulous location Hobart is a creative place where you can browse the produce of local artisans in Saturday's massive Salamanca Market - which draws visitors from all across Tasmania and beyond. Eat at waterfront restaurants or rise up Mount Wellington's slopes to appreciate the remoteness of Hobart's location. From this elevated platform you can look down across views of flowing forests undulating mountains and endless ocean swallowing up the city. Further away animal sanctuaries introduce you to the island's famous inhabitants including the famous Tasmanian devil. Thirsty? Hobart has a long brewing tradition - so enjoy a refreshing ale poured from the country's oldest brewery. The climate's blend of generous sunshine and cool Antarctic breezes helps Hobart to produce its acclaimed wines and thick clumps of pinot noir grapes hang from vineyards dotted along the valleys nearby. Taste the wines accompanied by a platter of artisan cheese and sausage.

Named after Milford Haven in Wales, Milford Sound is not a sound but a fjord, yet the name has stuck. In 1998 the Maori name Piopiotahi has been added and officially it should be written as Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. The local name refers to the extinct New Zealand Thrush (the piopio). Milford Sound sits within South Island’s Fiordland National Park, one of the four national parks forming the UNESCO World Heritage site “Te Wahipounamu” –pounamu being the local greenstone highly estimated for carvings by the Maori.The fjord has a length of approximately 16 kilometers and a depth of more than 290 meters. Steep cliffs, several impressive waterfalls and dense rainforest characterize the fjord. Halfway down the fjord is Stirling Falls, the second tallest. Near the end of the sound the U-shaped Sinbad Gully and the famous Mitre Peak which rises to a height of 1,692 meters can be seen, while on the eastern side is Lady Bowen Falls, at 162 meters the tallest of the falls. The Piopiotahi Marine Reserve protects the flora and fauna in the water. Apart from bottlenose dolphins in the fjord, New Zealand fur seals can be seen resting on Seal Rock on the northern shore, while on the opposite side is a Fiordland Crested Penguin site.

Within touching distance of the South Island's southern tip the majority of New Zealand's third-largest island is handed over to a beautiful sprawl of National Park. Taking its name from the Māori word 'Rakiura' which means ‘land of the glowing skies’ this is an island sanctuary of radiant beauty. Sunsets and sunrise are magical but it’s the swirling patterns of lights that dance across the heavens above that enchant above all else - as the southern hemisphere’s version of the northern lights dazzles overhead. Slow the pace on this island of leisurely fishing villages and swirling Maori legend. The majority of Stewart Island has been claimed by dense forests which conceal wonderful wildlife watching opportunities and reveal isolated coves and dramatic cliffs. Bring your hiking boots as with only 15 miles of road the best way to see the rugged beauty is by crunching along seaside trails. Coastal hikes along sweeping bays lead to viewpoints like Ackers Point or you can take to the sea's waves to undulate gently offshore admiring the island’s coastline from the turquoise waters. Pleasure cruises along the scenic Paterson Inlet will take you out to islands teeming with life and animal activity. Stewart Island and its scattered skerries provide the perfect sanctuary for crowds of brilliant birdlife. Encounter everything from blue penguins to albatross and New Zealand's national icon - wild kiwis.

The south-easterly coast of New Zealand's wild southern island is a haven for outdoor adventures with masses of raw scenic beauty and thrilling coastline. Heading the Otago Harbour Dunedin is a cosmopolitan city of culture and architectural splendour with a distinctly tartan flare.Searing bagpipes echo down the streets in the Edinburgh of the South which wears its Scottish origins proudly. Gothic revival architecture is scattered liberally including the magnificent university - with its glorious clocktower - and the city's grand cathedral. The railway station is perhaps the pick of this city's many artistic structures. Its glowing gardens and pretty mosaics add extra detail to the elegant gingerbread building. The melodramatic coastline of the Otago Peninsula boasts dramatic cliffs and sea-sprayed beaches as well as an abundance of animals. Explore cliffs laced with tunnels and hidden walkways to get you up close and personal with Yellow-eyed penguins. Sea lions and seals also sprawl out on windswept beaches drifting in and out of indulgent dozes. Not that Dunedin is lacking a distinctly quirky personality of its own as showcased by the event where locals race thousands of chocolate orbs down the world's steepest street - Baldwin Street. Museums in the city tell of Chinese influences as well as the stories of early Maori settlers. Round off an active day sampling a South Island institution - an icy beer from Speight's Brewery.

Named by the Maoris as Te Maru – which translates as 'Place of Shelter' - you're guaranteed a warm and refreshing welcome here. The location means Timaru has understandably been adopted as something of a pitstop for road trips by many but with charming Edwardian architecture a lively port and prime fishing opportunities - there is a lot to keep you hooked. Beachside charm awaits at Caroline Bay while birds tweet and chatter in the botanical gardens where pink and purple petalled flowers unfold. The diverse museum exhibits everything from aviation history to hunting wares and whaling tusks - and the town boasts the third biggest art gallery in all of New Zealand - which is adorned with colour and creativity. Paths weave along the stunning coastline with waves washing below and seabirds soaring on the breeze. Caroline Bay’s beaches are also home to a colony of blue penguins who return to the shelter of their sandy burrows as the sun dips. If you choose to venture inland you can witness the rise of mighty Mount Cook and the glorious glaciers that spill down from its icy heights. Head to the glowing turquoise Lake Pukaki for some of the best of New Zealand’s cinematic fantasy landscapes and to immerse yourself in the mystical settings where scenes from The Hobbit films were shot. Hike the lake - surrounded by the majesty of the Southern Alps - or cycle pathways alongside scenic salmon-filled waterways.

New Zealand's ‘Garden City’ is a place of quiet streets leafy parks and beautiful tree-lined boulevards. Christchurch has an unmistakable English flavour to it and serves as the gateway to southern New Zealand’s natural wonders. The rebuild of the country's oldest city continues apace - following the earthquakes that devastated it in 2011 - and the South Island's biggest city is now blossoming having evolved into a confident and cultural powerhouse. Colourful street art adds an edge to the city while shiny new bars and restaurants contribute to the sense of revitalisation and renewal. Visit museums and take tours to learn more of the reconstruction which has made incredible progress in recent years. The old-time charm of a punt on the River Avon is still a quintessential Christchurch experience. Sail amid weeping willows drooping to the water as you drift through a blur of colours in the botanical gardens. Surrounded by extinct volcanoes soaring lakes and the rolling farmlands of the Canterbury Plains spectacular scenery sprawls around the city. Pay a visit to the Southern Alps’ snow-covered peaks the stunning hot pools and rushing streams of Hanmer Springs or the Hector’s dolphins who swim at Akaroa. A city that has faced immense challenges - both natural and manmade - over the last decade it's hard not to feel inspired by Christchurch's defiant character and friendly people who share an open and welcoming outlook that shines stronger than ever.

Sprawling around a hook-shaped peninsula Wellington is a vibrant and energetic seaside capital. A compact well-stocked city of buzzing bars and chatting cafes New Zealand's capital is a bright and breezy place with an infectious easy-going atmosphere. Known as the creative hub of the South Pacific there are shows to see art installations to enjoy and rich flavours to savour here. The sounds of rare and beautiful birdlife fill the hills around the city and the bush of the green belt provides easy-to-access sanctuary strolls and cycle rides. The Botanical Gardens break up the buildings even more while an iconic cherry-red cable car rumbles up Wellington's slope to the city's best viewpoint looking out over the city's scenic harbour from above. Zealandia has provided an urban home for rare and endangered birdlife bringing many species back from the brink. Varied museums cover everything from Maori traditions to earthquake simulations and even the real-life Kraken - a displayed colossal squid. Wellington is only New Zealand's third-biggest city but spend some time here and you'll realise that's a blessing. The wines grown nearby are revered and the city's craft beers are also making waves. Wander the breezy waterfront and admire the surfers riding the wind-whipped rollers of the self-proclaimed 'coolest little capital in the world'.

Sip the fine wines of legendary producers visit Cape Kidnappers’ crowds of birdlife and wander the stylish streets of the world’s art deco capital during your time in handsome Napier. Located on the huge arc of Hawke’s Bay Napier enjoys a generous Mediterranean style climate and a breezy cafe culture. A green outdoor town wander Marine Parade which borders the rich blue Pacific and invites you to stroll along a tree-lined two-mile seafront. Take the gentle hike up to Bluff Hill for panoramic views over the lively Napier Port and out towards Cape Kidnappers - given its name following a clash between Captain Cook’s settlers and the local Maori population. Here you’ll encounter one of the world’s largest mainland gannet colonies creating a colourful cacophony by the sea. Set on sheer cliffs the golden-headed birds are an incredible sight swirling overhead and dancing before you. The city’s renowned Art Deco architecture glows in the sunshine of New Zealand’s North Island. Built following the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake which ripped through the region in 1931. The rebuild in the architectural fashion of the time has left an authentic treasure-trove of 30s style buildings. Grapes thrive in the warm dry climate of Napier and Hawke’s Bay which is one of New Zealand’s oldest wine regions. Swirl glasses in waterfront bars or head out to walk among the vineyards of pinot gris and syrah grapes learning of the climate conditions that help add sophisticated flavour to every bottle.

With a population of around 35 000 and located on the north island Gisborne exudes history at every turn. Maori for “Great standing place of Kiwa” Kiwa was a leading figure aboard the Maori ancestral canoe Takitimu which ran aground in Gisborne around 1450 AD. After landing Kiwa became a coastal guardian eventually marrying Parawhenuamea the keeper of the streams. The union point of three rivers and the first place to see the sun the city is filled with light and laugher and gracefully squeezes surfer’s beaches with the district’s colonial past. Captain Cook made his first landfall here John Harris set up his first trading station in the then village and today Gisborn is the major centre of Maori cultural life.Suffice to say then that the city is a watery wonderland. With its picture perfect beaches what savvy traveller does not want to add being among the first people in the world to say they have watched the sky change colour as the sun bursts from out of the sea.    A place of nature spectacular beach cliff views are all just part and parcel of everyday life here and easy walks from the centre of town to the Titirangi Reserve will award you with yet more unbelievable 180˚ vistas from Poverty Bay to Gisborne City stretch your eyes with the panorama while stretching your legs on one of the many enjoyable walks.A perfect place to stroll amble and wander like much of New Zealand Gisborne keeps a healthy respect for history and nature and enjoys a very laid back feel.

Tauranga is New Zealand’s sunny capital – with wide sweeping beaches and surfers curling across cresting waves. Climb to the top for spectacular views of the natural harbour or take winding coastal footpaths to explore the unfolding scenery. An entry point to the vast indent of the Bay of Plenty the volcanic peak of Mount Maunganui is a fittingly dramatic welcome. Brooding geothermal energy creates spectacular natural attractions across this region while plunging waterfalls and fascinating Maori culture ensures that the Bay of Plenty has a lot to offer visitors. Said to receive New Zealand’s highest amount of sunshine the hanging kiwi citrus fruit and avocados add an exotic touch to the area’s landscape - especially around Te Puke. Vibrant teal and orange colours await at the stunning geothermal area of Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve where mud pools bubble and steam rises from the earth. There are more hot pools and some of the country’s best scenery at Lake Rotoiti - where you can kayak across the smooth surface and enter a cave that glows gentle blue with its darkened roof illuminated by glittering glow worms. Enter New Zealand’s fantasy world with a visit to some of the country's celebrated filming spots - which have featured as doubles for JRR Tolkien’s Middle Earth's fantasy settings. Offshore the wonderful White Island’s volcanic cone peeks from the waves and New Zealand's most active volcano certainly knows how to put on a show belching out smoke across the water.

Known as the ‘City of Sails’, its two harbours will tempt you with waterfront walks and the chance to breathe fresh sea air deep into your lungs while absorbing spectacular views of Auckland’s grand harbour bridge’s span. Take in the true scale of Auckland’s magnificent cityscape by ascending 192 metres to the Sky Tower and looking out over the city’s gleaming silver towers which reflect on the abundant waters below. Views over the bay and adjacent islands await and you can share elegant cocktails at this dizzying height above the mingling yachts of Viaduct Harbour. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the area at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Set beside tranquil fountains and handsomely landscaped flowerbeds of Albert Park, the French-Renaissance building houses, New Zealand’s most extensive art collection and exhibits works from Māori and Pacific artists. New Zealand is world-renowned for its captivating natural scenery and day trips across the sparkling bays to nearby islands like Waiheke Tiritiri Matangi and Rangitoto are always tempting. Discover lava caves grape-laden vineyards and flourishing wildlife in the Hauraki Gulf’s islands. You’ll also find an exceptional 360-degree panorama over the city to the horizon beyond from the heights of ancient Mount Eden. The spectacular dormant volcano rises improbably from a city suburb and also lends its name to Eden Park – the unusual translucent stadium of New Zealand’s mighty All Blacks.