9 Nights Australia

Australia's most illustrious city is the country's capital in everything but name. It possesses one of the most beautiful harbour settings in the world, and emanates with a intermingling of history, ruggedness and sophistication.

Here you can see where modern New Zealand was born. The Bay of Islands is located 140 miles north of Auckland, New Zealand, in the long finger-like stretch that runs from Auckland to Cape Reinga. Geographically speaking, the Bay of Islands is a "drowned river system" - an area where the sea has inundated a series of river valleys. The Bay of Islands is the finest Maritime Park in New Zealand, with secluded bays and an abundance of marine life. Ever since Captain Cook sailed into this bay containing nearly 150 islands, the region has become a sightseer and settler's delight. Every imaginable water sport is pursued with big game fishing a particular favorite. The Bay's three principal towns Waitangi, Paihia and Russell provide excellent tourist facilities while retaining many monuments to their lively histories.

The principal city of the Bay of Plenty is a popular Kiwi summer resort with notorious military and missionary legacies. Its legendary Waitomo Caves comprises a vast underground network of water-sculpted, cathedral-like limestone grottoes. Big-game fishing and scuba diving abounds.

The seaport tourist city of Napier located on Hawke Bay allows cruisers to marvel at the beautiful Pania of the Reef, an important figure of M?ori mythology. Thousands go here every February to attend the Tremains Art Deco Weekend event to celebrate the city's Art Deco inspired heritage.

Picton, on the northeast corner of New Zealands South Island, provides access to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and to New Zealands most famous wine region, Marlborough, home to the worlds best Sauvignon Blanc

Australia's most illustrious city is the country's capital in everything but name. It possesses one of the most beautiful harbour settings in the world, and emanates with a intermingling of history, ruggedness and sophistication.