10. New Zealand Cricket Museum

Located in the city suburbs, the New Zealand Cricket Museum features artifacts and memorabilia chronicling the history of one of the area’s most popular pastimes – cricket. Here you’ll find pieces dating as far back as 1743 along with several different guided tours and educational programs.

9. Wellington Zoo

The Wellington Zoo, also located in the city suburbs, is an amazing site. Filled with animal species from around the world, the zoo is a great destination for any animal lover – especially those with children in tow. Make sure you keep your eyes open for Tahi the one-legged kiwi. He visits the zoo theater every day!

8. Bolton Street Memorial Park

Located on a small hillside, the Bolton Street Memorial Park is the grave site of some of Wellington’s earliest settlers. If you visit the park chapel you’ll find plenty of information regarding the individuals buried in the park as well a permanent display explaining the history of the park itself.

7. City to Sea Walkway

Image credit: Robyn Gallagher

The City to Sea Walkway is a real adventure for those looking to blend historic intrigue with a bit of exercise. Your walk will start in Downtown Wellington and then guide you through the rest of the city, through the suburbs, out into the hills, and finally spit you out on the south shores of Wellington. The average person who completes the walk does so in about 4 hours.

6. Maori Treasures

In the Hutt Valley section of Wellington you’ll find Maori Treasures – a beautiful private studio that belongs to a family of Maori artists. Here, just 20 minutes outside of the main city, you’ll find dozens of pieces of traditional Maori artwork and crafts. You’ll enjoy browsing the exhibits, viewing demonstrations, and participating in hands on activities as well.

5. Wellington Cable Car

The Wellington Cable Car is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The cable cars run underground from the Lambton Quay section of the city until finally emerging in Kelburn. You’ll then get to see beautiful scenery including Kelburn Park and Victoria University before being dropped off at the top of Upland Road. From there you’ll have the chance to tour the Cable Car Museum, Planetarium, and several other attractions. You can either take the cable car back into the city or stroll through the gardens at Bolton Street cemetery.

4. Red Rocks Scientific Reserve

The Red Rocks Scientific Reserve is located in outer suburbs of Wellington and is a place of notable national significance. Within the reserve you’ll find Red Rocks, also known as Pari-whero, that were formed by volcanic eruptions more than 200 million years in the past. Between the months of May and October you’ll want to head a bit further north to Sinclair head to catch a glimpse of the seals hanging out.

3. Embassy Theatre

Looking for something relaxing to do on a rainy day? Take a trip to the Embassy Theatre – the most popular in all of New Zealand. Built in 1924, the theatre is considered a local icon, standing prominently in the Courtenay Palace entertainment precinct. The theatre still features some of its original marble staircases, tiled foyers, and wrought iron handrails. Just walking through the theatre will leave you breathless with awe.

2. Battle Hill Farm Forest Park

Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, set on the Kapiti Coast, is the site of the last battle fought between early colonial settlers and the Maori. Operating partially as a unique sheep and cattle farm, the park preserves local heritage while at the same time protecting the environment surrounding it. You’ll find that Battle Hill Farm Forest Park is an amazing place for walking, biking, and even camping.

1. Museum of Wellington

Located on the waterfront in downtown Wellington is the Wellington Museum. Here you’ll find over 1,000 years worth history portrayed through artifacts and interactive exhibits. You’ll learn about the history and development of the city as well as about social and cultural development. There are usually special events and exhibitions throughout the year.

Are you ready to visit the incredible city of Wellington? Why not enter HotelClub’s Discover Wellington contest for a chance to win round trip flights and 2 nights worth of accommodations in the city? Sometimes the best trips are the ones you don’t expect to take!

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There are eight different beaches at Cairns. They include Machan’s Beach, Halloways Beach, Yorkey’s Knob, Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach, Clifton Beach, Palm Cove Beach, and Ellis Beach. To this day Palm Cove Beach and Trinity Beach remain favorites amongst tourists and visitors, with Kewarra Beach following a close third.

Palm Cove Beach

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After a brief 25 minute ride away from the Cairns International Airport you’ll find yourself at Palm Cove. Food lovers will enjoy exploring the area’s myriad of restaurants and bars while fashionistas will have a great time exploring some of the area’s many fashionable shops and boutiques. Golfing and fishing are also popular pastimes here.

One of Palm Cove’s most popular resorts is The Sebel Reef House and Spa. The private resort lies on the border of some of Australia’s finest white sandy beaches and is also adjacent to a portion of the Great Barrier Reef. The resort is small, with only 69 rooms, but will make you feel as though you’re right at home. You’ll enjoy lounging on Palm Cove Beach or dining on exquisitely prepared meals at the hotel restaurant.

The Sea Temple Resort & Spa Palm Cove is another hot spot amongst travelers. This serene resort was designed with two things in mind – luxury and privacy. When you return from the beach you’ll enjoy spending time in the spa or trying one of the restaurants elegant South East Asian or Australian dishes before heading out to sip cocktails by the lagoon.

Kewarra Beach

Kewarra Beach is also a short ride from the airport and offers a myriad of entertainment and dining opportunities as well. The beach here may be a bit smaller, but the amenities are known for being a bit more affordable for the average traveler as well. You’ll be able to find both budget and luxury accommodations – perfect for travelers from all walks of life.

The Kewarra Beach Resort Cairns is a perfect example. The comfortable rooms are luxuriously decorated and provide a welcoming place to relax after a long day on the beach or exploring the nearby Port Douglas, tourist attractions, and shopping districts. Inside you’ll find the Island Kings Restaurant, daily serving a delicious buffet breakfast before turning the menu over to create a variety of seafood dishes for the lunch and dinner crowd.

Trinity Beach

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The last of our favorite Cairns beaches, Trinity Beach is a mere 15 minute drive from Cairns International Airport. Accommodations range from budget up to luxury and you’ll never run out of nearby restaurants and shopping complexes to explore. This is the perfect beach destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here you’ll find plenty of opportunities for sailing, boogie boarding, windsurfing, or riding wave skis.

One of the most popular hotels at Trinity Beach is the Sea Change Beachfront Apartments. Not only will you have access to some of Cairns finest beaches, but you’ll be within short travel distance to some of the areas most beautiful attractions. If you’re not on the beach, you’ll enjoy exploring the rainforests on the Skyrail Rainforest cableway, riding the Kuranda Scenic train, or visiting nearby Port Douglas.

Image credit: Blue Lagoon Resort

Another favorite, and one we enjoy immensely, is the Blue Lagoon Resort Trinity Beach. The resort is located strategically, making it easy for you to walk to the beach or access the main road. While you’re there you’ll have easy access to the Tablelands, the Great Barrier Reef, and Trinity Beach itself. The accommodations here are comfortable and the restaurant serves delicious dishes. You’ll have no trouble finding a room that meets your budgetary needs.

While all of the beaches in Cairns are worth visiting, why not start your vacation with a stay at some of the finest? The amenities and opportunities near Palm Cove, Trinity, and Kewarra Beach are endless and you’ll have little need to stray much further away!

Here are eight great museums in Melbourne one should endeavour not to miss when in the beautiful city.

Melbourne Museum

Within the idyllic confines of Carlton Gardens, Melbourne Museum is a rather attractive collection exhibition spaces. From world class temporary exhibits to IMAX presentations, Children’s Gallery and free research centre, the museum is a popular place. Permanent exhibits include Aboriginal works, fossils from the continent, dinosaur skeletons and the superb Mind and Body Gallery.

Heide Museum of Modern Art

The Heide Museum of Modern Art is in a suburb of Melbourne, about 12 km from the Central Business District. Once home to prominent art collectors and critics from the city, John and Sunday Reed, who wanted to inculcate a haven for creative types and aficionados alike, the excellent space recently underwent a $3 million (AUD) facelift.

Immigration Museum

As part of the Museum Victoria complex, the Immigration Museum shares a link with the Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks Museum and Royal Exhibition Building. The unique facility’s mandate is to create multi-disciplinary exhibitions that convey the rich and eclectic ethno-cultural fabric of Melbourne’s vast immigrant population.

National Sports Museum

As the de facto sports capital of Australia, it makes sense that Melbourne should have the National Sports Museum. A location within the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground gives the facility instant credibility and backbone. Much focus is paid to Aussie Rules Football, the Olympics, Cricket and the Sports Australia Hall of Fame.

Australian National Aviation Museum

The only bona fide aviation museum in all of Australia is fortunate to call Melbourne home. Since 1962 the museum has had a mission to restore and display historic aircraft and now has over 50 planes and 25 engines for visitors to observe.

Scienceworks Museum

The nerdy spawn of Museum Victoria has some of the most phenomenal exhibits from the wacky world of science. In the suburb of Spotswood, Scienceworks is housed in a terrific industrial complex, with tons of tactile and decidely hands-on installations and a rare digital planetarium.

Jewish Museum of Australia

Home to the Jewish community of record in Australia, slightly ahead of Sydney, Melbourne’s Jewish Museum of Australia is a superb facility that is part museum, part educational and research institution and part cultural centre. Across from perhaps the most beautiful synagogue in Melbourne, the museum forms a critical touchstone for a Jewish populace which other than Israel’s, has the most Holocaust survivors per capita than anywhere in the world.

Royal Exhibition Building

The inclusion of this splendid UNESCO World Heritage Site is a bit of a cheat, since in essence, the Royal Exhibition Building is not a real museum. It is however, a site with matchless historical worth and does from time to time, share exhibits with the proximate Melbourne Museum. Built to host the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880, the grand hall now plays host to a variety of special events throughout the year, with tours available in conjunction with Melbourne Museum.

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While it’s all too facile to expound at length on the city’s wide range of attributes, our focus today is instead on eight magnificent museums that mark Sydney as supremely special in the realm of arts, sciences and culture. Here they are then, in no particular order.

Sydney Jewish Museum

Although it comprises a mere 1% of Sydney’s total metro population of 4.3 million, the Jewish community has historically had a vital role to play in the civic and political life of the city. This is all on display at the Sydney Jewish Museum, which chronicles the heritage of the city’s Jews, from first settlement until the present day. One entire floor of the museum is devoted to a Holocaust exhibit.

Elizabeth Farm

The most historic European estate left in all of Australia, Elizabeth Farm was a vast plantation of almost 4 square kilometres west of Sydney Cove that overlooks the Parramatta River. The former brick cottage, built in 1793 for John and Elizabeth Macarthur, is now a superlative museum that attempts to re-create what colonial homestead life was like for recent expats from England in the early 19th century. Elizabeth Farm overlooks the Parramatta River, pictured below.

Sydney Observatory

On Observatory Hill in The Rocks area of Sydney is the functional and interactive Sydney Observatory. At over 150 years old, the landmark contains beautiful sandstone structures and a refractor telescope from the late 19th century that still works to this day. Bring your camera: the views of Sydney Harbour are incredible.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales

Within Sydney’s massive recreation space know as The Domain are a number of terrific attractions. The Art Gallery of New South Wales is just one of them, with a collection that makes it the most important in the entire city. The vast gallery has a permanent exhibit that feature native Australian works from the past two-hundred years, as well as a steady rotation of special exhibits that range from Renaissance to Modern.

Australian Museum

The first museum in Australia was built in 1845 with a beautiful Neo-Classical design. The Australian Museum today is no less fine a facility and a mainstay on the Sydney cityscape. As far as exhibits on natural history, anthropology and palaeontology go, the museum is the best in the country, with myriad Aboriginal artifacts and countless samples from Australia’s eclectic geology, fauna and flora on display.

Museum of Sydney

The de facto city museum of Sydney was appropriately, built over what was left of the house of the first governor of New South Wales, Arthur Phillip. With old documents and modern multimedia exhibits, this is the place to learn about the evolution of Sydney from small colonial outpost to a global capital.

Hyde Park Barracks

Near Hyde Park and the Sydney Mint, Hyde Park Barracks is difficult to pin down as a former dormitory to convicts from England who came to built the city’s early infrastructure. The indelible landmark is one of the best works left in Australia by architect Francis Greenway. The museum today features exhibits on what convict life was like in colonial Sydney, as well as the early penal system in Australia.

Australian National Maritime Museum

Home to a world record natural harbour and the ubiquitous sight of boats everywhere, it makes sense that Sydney has a maritime museum. The superb Australian National Maritime Museum touches every possible facet of the topic, with exhibits that cover almost every facet of commercial, military and leisure maritime activity. If you get to Darling Harbour in Sydney, as well you should, give this special museum a couple hours of your time.

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So you haven’t made plans for the Christmas holiday yet? Never fear! We’ve put together a list of five of the hottest exotic destinations in the area. These incredible Queensland havens welcome travelers from all over the world and, if you act quickly, you still stand a great chance of being able to make last minute reservations for the holiday season at incredible rates!

5. Cairns

The city of Cairns, at the heart of Queensland’s Tropical North, is one of the hottest spots in the country for those wishing to catch an up close glimpse of the Great Barrier Reef, but that’s not the only breathtaking feature. Look in one direction and you’ll be met by the blue waters of the Coral Sea. In another you’ll see a picturesque natural backdrop created by the renowned Wet Tropics Rainforest, and in yet another direction you’ll catch a glimpse of the well-known Outback.

Those who prefer to comfort of the mainland will enjoy strolling the streets of Cairns and taking in the astonishing architecture with styles that range over a full century. Don’t want to trek into the rainforest? Stop by the Reef Casino where you can take a leisurely tour through a simulated rainforest! And, stay at the
Rydges Tradewinds Cairns. Adventure lovers of all ages will find unforgettable experiences in Cairns.

4. Cairns Beaches

Those who prefer to land a little further away from the hustle and bustle of the city will appreciate the true beauty of the Cairns Beaches. Kewarra Beach, Trinity Beach, and Yorkeys Knob are all located a convenient half hour drive from the main city and hotels like the Sea Temple Resort and Spa Palm Cove.

The three beaches give visitors the opportunity to relax with world-class resort amenities while enjoying some of the cleanest beaches in Queensland. The distinct location makes it easy to relax in a quiet atmosphere while giving visitors the option to visit the city at any time. Looking for a tropical holiday destination? The Cairns Beaches have exactly what you’re looking for.

3. Port Douglas

Not far from Cairns you’ll find the irresistible Port Douglas. The tropical atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for a day or snorkeling or diving in the Great Barrier Reef or talking a walk or hike through the wondrous Daintree Rainforest.

The Port Douglas Four Mile Beach is the perfect place to relax with your loved ones while the golden sands warm your feet as you gaze at the crisp aquamarine waters of the Coral Sea. To stay close to the beach reserve a room at the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas. The tropical temperatures, exotic wildlife, and beautiful night skies will create an atmosphere you’ll wish you never had to leave!

2. Townsville

Head over to Townsville and you’ll be greeted by a quaint yet vibrant tropical region like no other. Townsville itself will welcome you with open arms and encourage you to explore the wonderful natural landmarks that surround it. Not only will you be in the perfect place to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef, but you’ll have the opportunity to explore nearby islands, the Outback, and both sugar cane and mango farms as well! You’ll find the perfect room at affordable prices at the Rydges Southbank Townsville.

Magnetic Island is one of our favorite destinations. Not far from Townsville you’ll find a protected National Park full of incredible wildlife and birdlife. Magnetic Island serves as the home to the largest koala colony currently existing in the wild and also protects hundreds of different fish and marine life species. The island is a 25 minute boat ride from Townsville, making it easy to visit for the day or stay for a week!

1. Sunshine Coast

The astounding Sunshine Coast is a popular holiday destination for couples and families of all sizes. Starting at the tip of Caloundra, the Sunshine Coast spans all the way up to Cooloola where visitors can also find access to fantastic Fraser Island.

On your ride up the coast you’ll enjoy views of the Glass House Mountains, Mary Valley, Noose Hinterland, Blackall Range, and what seems like endless miles of white sandy beaches. No matter where on the coast you stop you’ll be sure to find something to entertain the entire family – whether that means a fishing trip, a romantic spa day, or a hike through the mountains! Find luxurious accommodation at the Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa Sunshine Coast .

Queensland is full of spectacular exotic destinations. Why freeze your toes off North of the equator when you could spend your holiday relaxing on the beach? You’ll create lifetime memories no matter where in Queensland you end up. Just relax – and enjoy the holidays!

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While we have in the past, doled out mad props to the wine region of Otago and the beautiful town of Christchurch, perhaps a more than cursory look at New Zealand’s South Island is in order. With that firmly in mind, here are 12 great reasons to show the place the Maori people call Te Waka a Maui some love. These destinations could make you forget New Zealand has another island, at least temporarily.

Fiordland

The spectacular southwest portion of the South Island is home to Fiordland National Park. Colossal, at more than 12,000 km2, the park contains some of the most dramatic waterfalls in the world, the Southern Alps and phenomenal Milford Sound. Perhaps the most popular attraction in New Zealand, Milford Sound was famously described by Rudyard Kipling as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”.

Queenstown

The resort community of Queenstown is in pristine Central Otago, famous as a world class wine region on the rise. Built around finger-like Lake Wakatipu, the town is a notable hub of outdoor, adventure and ecotourism. In recent years, Queenstown’s emergence as a vibrant little culinary and viticulture hotbed has drawn even more attention from tourists at home and abroad.

Wanaka

As a gateway to gorgeous Mount Aspiring National Park, the Central Otago town of Wanaka is another supreme resort town in the area. The 19th century Gold Rush led to Wanaka’s official establishment and since then, the community on Lake Wanaka has become a splendid gem to behold.

Dunedin

Behind only Christchurch in population on the South Island, Dunedin is a lively hillside town that overlooks Otago Harbour. With Maori settlement as far back as the year 1100, Dunedin underwent a veritable renaissance in the Gold Rush era of the mid-19th century. Today the city offers superb architecture and cultural attractions.

Stewart Island/Rakiura

Across Foveaux Strait, 30 km south of South Island, Stewart Island/Rakiura has a sparse population but untold natural beauty. With only one town, the island is a major sanctuary for a variety of endemic bird life.

Christchurch and the region of Canterbury

The city of Christchurch and province of Canterbury contains the majority of the South Island’s population and as a result, is ground zero for a bevy of cultural gems. From the World Buskers Festival to the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Canterbury Museum and Christchurch Art Gallery, the city and region offers a strong case for the Mainland.

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Hanmer Springs

The small town in Canterbury is notable for a popular hot spring and two excellent ski resorts. Hanmer Springs also acts as a gateway to superb national parks and a slew of adventure tourism options.

Kaikoura Peninsula

The Kaikoura Peninsula extends 5 km into the Pacific Ocean and as such, has some of the most exquisite scenery in New Zealand. The town of Kaikoura has an enviable perch on the peninsula’s shore and serves as ground zero for tourists who come to observe whales, fur seals and impressive mountain peaks.

The Coast

The colloquial term for the South Island’s West Coast region, The Coast is a remote, skinny stretch of land with relatively few inhabitants. With the rough Tasman Sea to the west and the Southern Alps to the east, the area is pretty unique. Geographical highlights include the World Heritage Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, the community of Punakaiki, Haast Mountain Pass and the 82 km-long Heaphy Track.

Marlborough

Home to world class Sauvignon Blanc, the region of Marlborough is instantly familiar to oenophiles and even casual wine lovers around the globe. The area of mountains and valleys contains almost 12,000 km2 of spectacular landscape and only 43,000 people, with the town of Blenheim as the capital. With a terrific climate and a surfeit of leisure endeavors on hand, Marlborough offers some of the best tourist value in New Zealand.

Nelson

On the shore of beautiful Tasman Bay, the town of Nelson is a vibrant little community of 60,000 people, with a rich heritage of cultural and artistic activity. With no less than three national parks in close proximity, Nelson is a paramount ecotourism gateway. From cave systems to pristine lakes, mountains and of course, the diverse environment of Tasman Bay, Nelson is a gem people need to discover on the South Island.

Check out some terrific hotels in beautiful Nelson.

Tasman District

The Tasman District is one of the most eclectic and heterogeneous in New Zealand, at least from a geographic point of view. Replete with dramatic peaks, rivers and valleys, the area with a population of 47,000 is most notable for the Matiri Ranges, Tasman Mountains and the Tasman Sea to the west and Tasman Bay and Golden Bay to the north. Peerless flora and fauna, in fine delicate balance, makes the Tasman District a real treasure.

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Because of its distance from the rest of the world, the islands were mostly undisturbed by humans for a number of years. This quiet calm allowed for the development of number of unique bird and plant varieties, but many of them became extinct after the island became populated by humans and the new animals they brought with them.

Rich with history and culture, New Zealand is home to a number of incredible landmarks. Be sure to include a few of these in your itinerary when you visit.

10. Auckland Domain

Auckland Domain, resting above the volcanic crater known as Pukekawa, spans over 75 hectacres and is known as the oldest park in New Zealand. The park houses a number of historic attractions, most notable among them the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Walking paths, picturesque statues, and incredible plant varieties, many of which are featured in Wintergardens, dot the landscape throughout the park.

9. Goat Island Marine Reserve

The Goat Island Marine Reserve can be found between Okakari Point and Cape Rodney. Goat Island is an incredible place to relax on the beach or explore the marine wildlife. There are dozens of outfits on the island offering diving lessons and guided tours, both from boats and right off of the beach. A guided tour is recommended, by the way, because of the strong currents that can develop quickly when bad weather approaches.

8. The Beehive Building

In Wellington you’ll find the Beehive building, otherwise known as the New Zealand Parliament Building. Designed by a Scottish architect, the ten-story building is shaped like an actual beehive. The offices of the Prime Minister can be found here, as well as the offices of a number of other cabinet members. The building itself is a site to behold.

7. Auckland Harbour Bridge

The Auckland Harbour Bridge was completed in 1959 and spans more than 1,000 meters over St. Mary’s Bay. The bridge is popular with tourists because of the illuminated views of the city at night. The bridge is also popular amongst climbers and those who enjoy bungy jumping excursions.

6. Mount Eden

Mount Eden is another popular destination for tourists from all over. Also referred to as Maungawhau, Mount Eden is Auckland’s highest volcano. The mountain slopes features a wide variety of trails suitable for both hikers and walkers. It isn’t difficult to reach the summit, where you’ll be simply amazed at the views of the city beneath you.

5. Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto Island is the most youthful of the volcanoes in the area, but it is also the largest. The island used to boast a number of residential settlements, but they were abandoned after the Depression, leaving only a glimpse of what life was like in the early 1900’s. Today the island features plenty of hiking and walking trails, hundreds of unique plant varieties, and an incredible dense phoutukawa forest.

4. City Center

New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, is located on the Northern Island. Within the city you’ll find a number of entertaining attractions, including the Auckland Zoo and the Auckland Regional Botanical Gardens. Beer lovers will also enjoy a tour of the Lion Beer brewery.

3. One Tree Hill

One Tree Hill ranks amongst the tallest volcanic peaks in the city of Auckland. The area is treated with a considerable amount of respect and is recognized as a memorial ground by the Maori settlers. The hill used to feature a single totara tree. In the late 1800’s the tree was replaced by a pine tree, but towards the end of the 20^th century the tree was attacked and destroyed – not once, but twice. The park still features a number of hiking trails and incredible summits for viewing the land below.

2. Rotorua

Rotorua is another incredible New Zealand destination. One of the most prominent features in this city is The Bath House, which is considered one of the most incredible spas in all of the South Pacific. The natural hot springs draw visitors from all over, as everyone clamors to take advantage of their therapeutic properties.

1. Parnell Rose Gardens

Nestled in the heart of Dove-Myer Robinson Park, the Parnell Rose Gardens are a spectacular destination for botanists and rose enthusiasts from all over the world. The garden boasts over 4,000 roses and sits near the Nancy Steen Garden, which features a white rose garden of its own. The free Parnell Festival of Roses is held each and every November, including tours, entertainment, and music.

New Zealand is an incredible country with a diverse culture. No matter which island you visit, you’re sure to find an amazing landmark or historical attraction.

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The Three Sisters

Nestled within the Blue Mountains of New South Wales you’ll find the incredibly famous rock formation known as the Three Sisters. Blue Mountain was mainly formed by a soft sandstone, and the Three Sisters (known as Meehni, Wimlah, and Gunnedoo) are the products of erosion. Legend says that the three sisters were forbidden to marry three men from a neighboring tribe, thus causing a battle in which an elder turned them to stone, supposedly for protection. After the elder was killed, the people realized that no one else could bring the sisters back to life. Sadly, the Three Sisters will eventually disappear completely as erosion continues.

Telstra Tower

Telstra Tower was first opened in May of 1980 by the Prime Minister. Originally known as Telecom Tower and located on the Summit of Black Mountain in Canberra, it serves as a functional telecommunication tower. Tourists can visit Telstra Tower and either eat in the revolving restaurant or simply enjoy the panoramic views of the city from the observation deck.

Anzac Bridge

The Anzac Bridge is famous for being the longest cable bridge in the country of Australia. The bridge is officially located on Johnstons Bay and spans between Pymont and Rozelle. The original bridge, Glebe Island Bridge, was a swing bridge built in 1901. Anzac Bridge was built as a replacement due to increased traffic and to alleviate the problems associated with stopping traffic to open a swing bridge for bay traffic. Anzac bridge includes eight lanes for traffic as well as a pedestrian path and bikeway.

Melbourne Cricket Ground

The Melbourne Cricket Ground is actually a gigantic sports stadium in Melbourne. The stadium is the largest in the country and proudly holds the world record for having the largest light towers of any sports stadium. The stadium was once dubbed “The G Spot” by Madonna and is commonly fondly referred to as “The G” by locals. It was featured during the 1956 Olympics as well. Melbourne Cricket Ground is cleared to hold up to 100,000 visitors gathering to watch cricket matches, Australian-rules football, rugby, and various concerts.

The Q1 Tower

The Q1 Tower, also known as Queensland Number One, stands over 1,058 feet tall (spire included) and is known as the largest residential building in the world; it is the second largest when measured from inhabitable floor to inhabitable floor, not including the spire. The skyscraper can be found along the Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise. There are absolutely no commercial offices or stores in this building, and stands taller than the 21^st Century Tower in Dubai. Occupancy aside, Q1 is the 20^th tallest building in the entire world.

Swan Bells

The Swan Bells can be found in a 271-foot high building in Perth. There are a total of eighteen bells which proudly hang in the campanile overlooking the Swan River. The original twelve bells came from the church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London and were donated to the State of Western Australia in 1988. The other six bells were more recently cast and were donated to various Australian establishments by a number of benefactors throughout London and Westminster. The tower is surrounded by a path made of ceramic tiles decorated by school children back in 1999. Swan Bells officially opened as a tourist attraction in 2000.

St. Peter’s Cathedral

Construction on St. Peter’s Cathedral in Adelaide began in 1869 and wasn’t complete until 1901. The Anglican Cathedral has many different faces, the most famous of which resembles the Cathedral of Notre Dame. The Cathedral is open to the public on a daily basis for prayer, but free tours are only conducted during specific hours on the weekends.

Golden Guitar

Tamworth, in New South Wales, is the home of the famous Golden Guitar. The guitar was originally constructed as an acknowledgment of Australia’s country music roots. Standing over 12 meters (or 40 feet) tall, the guitar is made with steel reinforcements, fiberglass, and wood situated on a concrete base. Golden Guitar is incredibly popular amongst country music lovers as well as those who love to visit things that are just “big.” Don’t be disturbed by it’s lack of strings, though – the guitar is a replica of the trophies awarded during the Country Music Awards of Australia each year!

No matter where you go in Australia, you’re sure to find dozens of natural and historic sites aimed to both educate and entertain. These popular destinations are only a few of dozens. Keep exploring and you’re destined to uncover even more incredible Australian landmarks.

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The city of Auckland, at just over 1.4 million residents, provides a wonderful introduction to New Zealand and serves as a quasi-microcosm of the country as a whole. With all the comforts of modern urban life and a zest for recreational pursuits, Auckland is rather complete as a vacation destination. 

Here are 10 terrific ways to spend your time in the cosmopolitan conurbation on the North Island of New Zealand.

10. Rangitoto Island

The most perceptible landmark around Auckland is without a doubt, Rangitoto Island. The volcano island is the most impressive of many in the region and serves as a wonderful destination for a scenic trek outside of the city. From unique fauna and flora to decrepit WWII installations, there is a lot to see on Rangitoto.

9. Waitemata Harbour

A source of confusion from time to time, as many refer to it as Auckland Harbour, Waitemata is the ideal spot from which to explore many areas of the city. The large harbour is the defacto connection to the main port of Auckland, the waterfront, Hauraki Gulf and Pacific Ocean.

8. Manukau Harbour

The immense natural harbour of Manukau is a branch of the Tasman Sea and source for endless recreational pursuits. Southwest of Auckland proper, the harbour is a favourite spot for boaters, aquatic life enthusiasts and people who just want to kick back on idyllic sandy shores.

7. Wine Tours

The ability to tour world class wine producers and vineyards in close proximity to a major urban area is a rare treat. With New Zealand a New World wine powerhouse, take advantage of the oenophile culture of the country with a wine tour around Auckland. From the trailblazer West Coast to relative newcomer Matakana, Auckland has much to offer wine lovers.

6. Westhaven Marina

If you love boats, Auckland is the place for you. Known as the “City of Sails”, yachts and the culture around the luxury vessels, make up a vital part of the city fabric. The marina of record south of the equator, Westhaven is a great place to explore and admire these super boats.

5. Auckland Art Gallery

For a taste of New Zealand culture, the Auckland Art Gallery is the prime nexus point in the country. In a beautiful structure that overlooks central Auckland from Albany Park, a walk through the gallery is a virtual lesson on New Zealand art.

4. Auckland Domain

A massive park in the suburb of Grafton, Auckland Domain contains over 75 hectares of land within the crater of the Pukekawa volcano. Attractions in the park include the Auckland War Memorial Museum, cricket grounds and Wintergardens.

3. Auckland Zoo

A zoo may seem like a quaint way to kill a few hours but in Auckland, they have a great one. With exhibits of endemic New Zealand fauna, the zoo is miles in front of most in North America and Europe. If you have a family, a superb afternoon of fun and education is in store.

2. The Sky Tower

The Sky Tower in the Central Business District of Auckland has become the physical icon of the city, most notably to outsiders. While a trip to the observation deck may sound like a square suggestion, the view will be worth the subsequent mockery – or panic attacks from a lifelong fear of heights.

1. Rugby

Few events characterize the life of a city like a football game, auto race or tennis tournament. Sports provides a wonderful avenue for expression among denizens and in New Zealand, that means rugby. Whether you catch the Blues at Eden Park or the national team, a rugby match in Auckland is a must.

Discover the best hotel rates in and around Auckland before you plan your next trip to New Zealand.

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Hi Guys,

For friends and family, I’m asking $150 for weekends up to three nights, & $250 per week. In any case, it’s a 1 bedroom, high-rise unit that overlooks the ocean, nestled among lush green trees, and has a lovely ocean view from every window! See photo attached. Let me know if you’re interested.

Thanks,

Mr X.