15 Days Australia and New Zealand Coastal Wonders

About the destination: Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Hawkesbury River, Sydney is considered one of the world's most beautiful and liveable cities in the world. It has an iconic skyline, some wonderful museums, delicious restaurants, a lively atmosphere and tons of natural beauty. As with any large city there are many attractions, but the most important are the Sydney Opera House, set on the Sydney harbor, it is one of the world's most recognized landmarks, the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Sydney's main catholic cathedral, St Mary's Cathedral, the Royal Botanic Gardens and a vast array of beautiful beaches. Sydney's most famous beach, Bondi Beach has a lively promenade and it is a famous spot amongst surfers. Just outside of Sydney, we have the Blue Mountains, an unspoiled mountain range filled with Eucalyptus trees. Sydney is a city of immense vitality and it is an amazing and fascinating destination. There is something for every visitor, history, art, culture, nature, fashion, gastronomy, architecture and above all, Sydney is a city that knows how to have fun.

About the destination: Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland, and the third most populous city in Australia. The Brisbane central business district stands on the original European settlement and is situated inside a bend of the Brisbane River from its mouth at Moreton Bay. The metropolitan area extends in all directions along the floodplain of the Brisbane River valley between Moreton Bay and the Great Dividing Range. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Brisbane City Hall and King George Square. • Museum of Brisbane. • Churches and Cathedrals. • City Botanic Gardens. • Queensland Cultural Centre. • South Bank. • Alma Park Zoo. • Parliament House. • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. • Courier-Mail Piazza, Within South Bank often hosts free live events and movies. • University of Queensland, One of Australia's oldest and most prestigious institutions situated on a bend of the Brisbane River. Its majestic sandstone buildings are surrounded by ornamental lakes, Jacaranda lined boulevards and some of the finest architecture. • Wheel of Brisbane. A ferris wheel that allows you to observe the city from 60 m with views across the Brisbane River.

About the destination: Auckland is the largest metropolitan area in both Polynesia and New Zealand and a vibrant city with multicultural influence. It is located between two natural harbours, the Waitemata Harbour and the Manukau Harbour and it is dubbed the City of Sails, since it has the highest number of boats per capita in the world. In the city center, there are many galleries, museums, theatres, trendy bars, and top class restaurants which offer an extensive range of cuisine. The Skytower dominates the city’s skyline and offers a spectacular view of the city. Queen Street, the commercial hub area, starts at Waitemata Harbour and runs for nearly three kilometres in a virtual straight line. From the city centre you can walk to the Auckland Domain and the Museum, Albert Park, Parnell, a lovely historic precinct, and up to Newmarket with its many shops. From there it is not far to Mt. Eden and its impressive crater, and to Cornwall Park which is at the foot of the famous One Tree Hill. One Tree Hill, an extinct volcano cone and ancient Maori settlement offers great panoramic views of this sprawling city. Cosmopolitan and charming, Auckland is easily accessible, beautiful, and with plenty to do. It certainly is New Zealand's most vibrant city.

About the destination: Rotorua is a city on the southern shores of the lake of the same name, in the Bay of Plenty Region of New Zealand's North Island. It is the seat of the Rotorua District, a territorial authority encompassing Rotorua and several other nearby towns. The majority of the Rotorua District is in the Bay of Plenty Region, but a sizable southern section and a small western section are in the Waikato Region. Rotorua is a major destination for both domestic and international tourists. It is known for its geothermal activity, and features geysers – notably the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa – and hot mud pools. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Government Gardens is an immaculate park near the CBD, where there is also the city museum and the famous Blue Baths. • Hamurana Springs are a group of natural water springs in a beautiful reserve next to the Hamurana golf course. • The Lakes. The lakefront has a scenic promenade from where you can see Mokoia Island.

About the destination: Queenstown is a resort town in Otago in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island. It is built around an inlet called Queenstown Bay on Lake Wakatipu, a long thin Z-shaped lake formed by glacial processes, and has spectacular views of nearby mountains such as The Remarkables, Cecil Peak, Walter Peak and just above the town; Ben Lomond and Queenstown Hill. One of the best views is from the top of Bob's Peak reached by the Skyline Gondola. Breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks.