New Zealand & South Australia Discovery Col

From the Sydney Opera House to Bondi Beach, man and Mother Nature contribute in equal measure to this splendid city.

Dense rainforests and snaking rivers cover the steep enchanting slopes of New Zealand’s most famous fjord, Milford Sound.

Every year, visitors flock to New Zealand in search of landscapes straight out of Middle Earth. They find what they're looking for in Fiordland National Park, on the southwestern coast of the South Island. This stunning 12,000-square-kilometer (4,633-square-mile) park encompasses mountains, lakes, fjords and rain forests. The area was once the home of Maori hunters; later, European whalers established small settlements here. But mostly, this region has seen a notable lack of human activity—the steep peaks and wet landscape deterred all but the hardiest people. That changed around the end of the 19th century, when travelers discovered the beautiful scenery of Fiordland. The national park was formally established in 1952. Countless plant and animal species find a haven here. Among the park's rare birds is the flightless takahe, thought for decades to be extinct until it was spotted in the area in 1948. The natural wonders continue offshore: Seals, dolphins and whales frequent these waters.

Much of New Zealand feels like England, by way of Polynesia. There are a few exceptions, though, such as the town of Akaroa, a former French settlement, and the distinctly Scottish city of Dunedin, named after the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh. After Dunedin was founded in 1848, city surveyor Charles Kettle attempted to impose Edinburgh's New Town grid plan on the growing city. But the Otago Peninsula's hilly landscape proved challenging—for evidence, note that Dunedin has one of the world's steepest streets (Baldwin Street). The volcanic remnants around the harbor make for a dramatic backdrop. Dunedin's prominence during the gold rush in the late 19th century resulted in many grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Thanks to the beautiful University of Otago (the country's oldest), there's a large student population to keep the city vibrant and modern. But Dunedin's heritage is always proudly on display: The magnificent Dunedin Railway Station and Larnach Castle have been restored to their full glory, and the fascinating Toitu Otago Settlers Museum provides a glimpse into the lives of early residents. Outside the city, the Otago Peninsula is lined with scenic beaches and home to rare birdlife like the royal albatross and yellow-eyed penguin.

Nestled on the eastern shores of New Zealand's South Island, Lyttelton is a picturesque port town steeped in history and surrounded by rugged beauty.

New Zealand’s capital city is a veritable hotspot of food, fun and culture situated in one of the planet’s most beautiful countries.

Nestled on the eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island, Napier stands as a vibrant testament to resilience and renewal.

Nestled on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island, Gisborne is a charming coastal city renowned for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches and rich Maori heritage.

Nestled on the sun-drenched shores of New Zealand's North Island, Tauranga welcomes visitors with its blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

Stretched over a volcanic field on New Zealand’s North Island is the country’s largest city, multicultural Auckland.

Nestled on the northeastern coast of New Zealand's North Island, the Bay of Islands beckons with its pristine beauty and rich history.

From the Sydney Opera House to Bondi Beach, man and Mother Nature contribute in equal measure to this splendid city.

Phillip Island, a natural wonderland just off the coast of Victoria, Australia, beckons with its pristine beaches, abundant wildlife and captivating attractions.

Nestled along the northwest coast of Tasmania, Burnie is a picturesque coastal town that embodies the essence of Tasmania's natural beauty and rich maritime heritage.

Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, exudes a distinct charm with its blend of historic architecture, vibrant cultural scene and lush parklands.

Welcome to Kangaroo Island, a pristine sanctuary off the coast of South Australia, where rugged landscapes, pristine beaches and diverse wildlife await.

Bursting with modern energy and historic charm, Hobart is a contrasting mix of colonial style and vibrant modernity.

Nestled on the scenic Tasman Peninsula of Tasmania, Port Arthur stands as a testament to Australia's rich history and natural beauty.

Boasting stunning art, a vibrant music scene and excellent food, wine and coffee, Melbourne simply buzzes with life.

Nestled on the pristine shores of Twofold Bay in New South Wales, Eden exudes natural beauty and rich maritime history.

From the Sydney Opera House to Bondi Beach, man and Mother Nature contribute in equal measure to this splendid city.