What to See Down Under

Australia and New Zealand are fascinating and fantastic places to vacation.  Whether you choose a land-based vacation or a cruise as the way to see these South Pacific islands, the first thing you should know is that they are quite different from each other.

Australia is vast and diverse, with everything from beaches to deserts, mountains and rainforests.  The city of Sydney is a major attraction, with instantly recognizable landmarks like the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.  Taronga Zoo, Bondi Beach, Sydney Aquarium and the Australian National Maritime Museum are all found in Sydney.  The rock formations, canyons and caves of the Blue Mountains are just a two hour train ride away.

The city of Cairns is the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, a legendary spot for snorkeling and diving.  Cairns is also a good base for visits to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park or the Daintree Rainforest.

Another Australian must-see is Uluru, also known as Ayer’s Rock.  Sunrises and sunsets are particularly impressive at this sandstone monolith, which is sacred to the Aboriginal people of the area.

New Zealand is home to about four million people and 44 million sheep.  However, the country is far more than a collection of sheep stations.  No part of the country is more than 80 miles from the sea, and the water plays a major role in New Zealand’s culture.

The city of Auckland offers lovely beach promenades, markets, shops, restaurants, and a look at native Maori culture at the Auckland Museum.  Take a ferry to Waiheke Island to visit the wineries, olive groves and art studios there.
Rotorua is the place to learn more about Maori life and to see rare geothermal features.  Visit the Rotorua Museum for an overview of the area’s volcanic history, then tour the geysers and hot mud pools.  You can also see Ohinemutu, an original Maori village.

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital, and the many attractions include Parliament and the Te Papa Tongarewa national museum.  Ride the cable car to visit the Wellington Botanic Gardens, then return to enjoy Wellington’s lively café society and arts scene.

In addition to these must-see sights, there is much more to both Australia and New Zealand.  For example, New Zealand’s mountains offer wonderful skiing from June through October.  For more information about these exciting countries, contact us.