New Zealand's largest city is draped over seven volcanoes and wrapped around Waitemata Harbour (meaning "sea of sparkling waters" in Maori). Despite its British feel, it is the world's largest Polynesian city. Shop for Polynesian crafts on Queen Street, the main drag. Or from atop Mt. Eden, overlook the "City of Sails," which will host the America's Cup races in 2000.

...It is no wonder why the region has become so popular, as it is safe, exciting, diverse, and warm.From touring in a four-wheel drive vehicle through the hills to swimming with the dolphins, Tauranga has it all.The hot springs are glorious, and you could spend an entire day and night lounging in the bubbling saltwater pools.They are truly magnificent, as are the restaurants and accommodations in Tauranga...

...exquisite architecture, great museums, and fabulous dining establishments.The accommodations and amenities in Wellington are superb, and during the summer there are many hot beach spots...

New Zealand is such a diverse and dynamic country that you must visit a variety of regions to truly get a taste of the wonder that awaits.Christchurch is a glorious location, full of great restaurants, beautiful beaches, and outstanding museums.The gardens and cultural centers are fantastic, and the greater Christchurch area stretches from the Southern Alps all the way to the Pacific Ocean.The wide array of outdoor activities is one of the best features of Christchurch, and from kayaking to golf, and from sailing to mountain biking, The Mainland has it all.

Dunedin is actually a collection of small towns, great sights, and enjoyable atmospheres.The flora and wildlife are plentiful, and Dunedin is loaded with wonderful historic buildings and fabulous architecture.

Located on the island of Tasmania and Australia's second-oldest city, Hobart is famous for its Georgian buildings, picturesque harbor, and fine galleries and gardens. Nearby are the ghostly ruins of Port Arthur, the infamous penal colony, with its Isle of the Dead cemetery. Or, visit one of the perfectly preserved colonial villages nearby.

Geelong is a historically fascinating location including a tale of William Buckley, the 'wild white man' that survived false imprisonment and a prison escape into the Austalian wilderness by living with the Aborigine Wathaurong people who thought him to be a reincarnated member of their tribe. The waterfront port has a story of its own. Until 1996, Corio Bay's north shore was almost exclusively devoted to maritime and general industry. Since then a government project went into effect to make this port more family and tourist friendly.

The starting efforts of this project resulted in a New Deakin University campus, a restored Eastern Beach for families with children - tourists and locals alike, and new restaurants and waterfront promenades. Additional items to beautify this once industry only area include sculptures such as the Baywalk Bollards and other modern art, both on and in the ground. To give this area some flare the project committee approved the restoration and installation of a steam driven carousel pavilion, and the construction of luxury hotels and apartment buildings, plus the Royal Geelong Yacht Club. The project culminated at the end of the millennium with the reconstruction of the Steampacket Gardens for the holding of multi-purpose events and activities, the integration of the Eastern Beach Mineral Springs, and the beautification of the surrounding streets with new furniture, lighting, rebuilt roads and powerline relocation. Geelong no longer looks like it use to, and it is waiting for you to see.

Sydney is Australia''s showcase: the oldest settlement, the largest and most thriving city, the cultural melting pot. It curves around idyllic Port Jackson, where sandstone cliffs and bright islands complement the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Wander the cobbled colonial streets of the historic Rocks quarter, or tour the mansions of Watson''s Bay.

The Great Barrier Reef city of Cairns is the northernmost city of Queensland and is located amidst endless stretches of white sandy beach, attracting visitors from around the world. Although Cairns is the scuba-diving capital of the Great Barrier Reef, you can also wander along the Esplanade, with its remarkable views over Trinity Bay, or explore the Heritage Walk with its fascinating insights into the city's history.

Named after evolutionist Charles Darwin, this tropical city on the top end of Australia is a former frontier town with a rough-and-tumble past. Darwin's growth was achieved back in 1871 with the discovery of gold at Pine Creek, and today a number of historic buildings from that era remain. Darwin is also the center of the aboriginal community, the world's oldest culture. From here, you can visit Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage Site renowned not only for its Australian wildlife but Aboriginal rock art.

A rare discovery awaits the traveler who ventures onto this remote island of Komodo. Walking through the dense vegetation, hearing and seeing a variety of bird and animal life, you may feel you've landed in another epoch. Indeed, the last vestiges of long-gone dinosaurs survive here, in the form of the legendary, giant lizards called Komodo Dragons.

One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.