Situated astride a narrow, jade-green isthmus between the shimmering waters of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean on two harbors, the Waitematā and Manukau, is Auckland. This vibrant city is a gateway to New Zealand’s natural and cultural treasures: great natural beauty, friendly people, magnificent glacier-studded mountain ranges, sculpted fjords, pristine beaches, lush rainforest, an endless array of sporting activities, and, not to be forgotten, plenty of sheep and rolling farmland.

The spectacular Bay of Plenty on New Zealand’s North Island is home to the resort town of Tauranga. Known for its fine restaurants, boutiques and galleries, the city is also a hot spot for water sports and a gateway to nearby attractions, such as the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. At the southern end of Tauranga’s harbor lies the relaxed beach town of Mount Maunganui, named after its distinctive peak, Mauao, which towers 750 feet above the town’s white-sand surf.

The historic port of Lyttelton serves as the gateway to Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island. Traditionally considered the most English of New Zealand’s cities, there is much to explore in vibrant Christchurch, from its neo-Gothic stone buildings and beautiful botanical gardens, to its picturesque Avon River lined by graceful willows. Further afar, the Canterbury Plains, snow-capped Southern Alps and numerous rivers beckon with their enchanting beauty and wildlife.

Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria – and a global capital of trend-setting cool. Dynamic, sporty and arty, it still maintains an air of old-world grace with spacious tree-lined boulevards and expansive parks. The prosperous lifestyle of its people is both cosmopolitan and sophisticated. The heritage of more than 100 different cultures has contributed to Melbournes richly international character – exemplified by its range of 15,000 dining venues offering more than 50 different kinds of cuisine.

Sydney is an energetic and exciting metropolis where nightlife, shopping and fine restaurants compare favorably with the finest the world has to offer. Despite its modern advances, Sydney has lovingly cherished its heritage, for this was the birthplace of the Australian nation, defined by the billowing profile of the Opera House and the dramatic arch of the Harbour Bridge.

Nestled between the Gold Coast to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north, laid-back Brisbane makes the most of its magnificent beaches, offering an ideal blend of Aussie ease and urban energy. Wander the lush Botanic Gardens, shop the Queen Street Mall, or enjoy the countless cafés along the banks of the Brisbane River.

Bordering the Whitsunday Passage where famed British explorer James Cook sailed in 1770, today this thriving resort town is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday isles. A relaxed, tropical vibe fills its palm-fringed lagoon, beachfront parks, and assorted shops, restaurants and cafés. Situated nearby is Conway National Park, home to a lush, tropical rainforest and pristine waterfalls.

Welcome to Cairns [cans], where the weather and hospitality are warm. Tropical Cairns is Queenlands most northerly city, and is framed by two features of such pristine beauty and incomparable value that they have been listed by the World Heritage Society. Located at the point where the Great Dividing Range and Great Barrier Reef curve gently to the shoreline, Cairns is graced with inspiring natural attractions in all directions. Beyond the coast are mountains, rainforests, eucalyptus, waterfalls, lakes, rugged ravines and grazing farmlands fed by freshwater streams. Above all, two of the most wonderful assets are the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforests. Cairns, the colorful, sophisticated capital of the tropical north, is alive with life and charm. At hand and beckoning for your discovery are elegant boutiques, markets, art galleries and museums.

Welcome to Cairns [cans], where the weather and hospitality are warm. Tropical Cairns is Queenlands most northerly city, and is framed by two features of such pristine beauty and incomparable value that they have been listed by the World Heritage Society. Located at the point where the Great Dividing Range and Great Barrier Reef curve gently to the shoreline, Cairns is graced with inspiring natural attractions in all directions. Beyond the coast are mountains, rainforests, eucalyptus, waterfalls, lakes, rugged ravines and grazing farmlands fed by freshwater streams. Above all, two of the most wonderful assets are the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforests. Cairns, the colorful, sophisticated capital of the tropical north, is alive with life and charm. At hand and beckoning for your discovery are elegant boutiques, markets, art galleries and museums.

One of more than 100 Torres Strait Islands, Thursday Island, aka Waiben, sits at the northern tip of Queensland off the Cape York Peninsula, home to 4,000 residents. The vibe here is decidedly tropical paradise, while the island’s history holds some serious high points, as T.I. (as it’s affectionately known by locals) served as Australia’s defense center during World War II. Wartime remnants remain for visitors to explore, and the colorful reefs beyond the shoreline call to adventurers.

Australias northernmost city lies between the sun-bleached Outback and the Arafura Sea on Australias “Top End,” as tropical northern Australia is familiarly called. Chic yet casual, the Northern Territory capital has grown into a modern, mellow mini-metropolis, with a comfortable tropical climate and some of Australias most fascinating natural highlights – the abundant wildlife and many waterfalls of Litchfield National Park, and beautiful Adelaide River and its famed jumping crocodiles.

Many of Komodo Islands residents are descendants of convicts, who like the early inhabitants of Australia, were sent to the island to live in exile. And, like Australia, Komodo Island has a population of strange and wondrous wildlife, the most renowned of which is the Komodo dragon. The worlds largest lizard, this ferocious predator enjoys full protection on the island. Both Komodo Island and nearby Rinca Island are part of a national park system that allows the dragon to sunbathe on the river banks and amble past curious visitors without fear of being harmed. Actually, it is the human that should be wary: in spite of their clumsy stride and apparent nonchalance, the Komodo dragon can run as fast as a dog and is capable of killing and eating a human being. But visitors to the island need not worry. Calm and capable park service guides are on hand to escort onlookers to a kind of reverse zoo, where the people gather in a protective enclosure while the dragons patrol the area, making themselves available for safe observation.

Bali is so beautiful that the natives believe heaven will be just like home, and touring this island paradise, its easy to see why. Here are mysterious volcanic lakes and jungle-shrouded volcanoes, wondrous ancient temples, fabulously creative painters and wood-carvers, and the legendary dancers who re-enact the stories of their Hindu deities.

Bali is so beautiful that the natives believe heaven will be just like home, and touring this island paradise, its easy to see why. Here are mysterious volcanic lakes and jungle-shrouded volcanoes, wondrous ancient temples, fabulously creative painters and wood-carvers, and the legendary dancers who re-enact the stories of their Hindu deities.

The sights and sounds of wildlife that can be found virtually nowhere else in the world permeate the air and every adventure in this lush forested region. Orphaned orangutans thrive in the treetops of the rehabilitation center, long-nosed proboscis monkeys perch in the jungles, and elephants meander along the Kinabatangan River, Malaysia’s second-longest waterway. Also look for the Bornean sun bear and birds that comprise the entire rainbow as you explore these wild wetlands.

Enter the subterranean world of Puerto Princesa’s Underground River – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders located in the Philippines – surrounded by ethereal rock formations and lush forest where monkeys and monitors casually greet guests. The Palawan capital is also a bustling gateway to El Nido and the breathtaking Bacuit Archipelago, surrounded by limestone cliffs and soaked in sunshine.

Lush and green, surrounded by impossibly blue waters ranging from turquoise to a deep azure, this tiny island is big on water play. From moment to moment, Boracay gives you an array of options: swim in the coral protected lagoon, try windsurfing or kiteboarding, snorkel the quiet cove of Baling Hai Beach or go shopping the bustling White Beach.

Set amid the forest-green splendor of Luzon Island is bustling Manila, the second largest city in Southeast Asia, with its towering skyscrapers and remarkable joie de vivre. Yet amid the big-city excitement are oases of calm: lush tropical parks, magnificent cathedrals and dramatic Spanish forts. North of the city, mountains beckon with their spectacular rice terraces, while across Manila Bay stands Mount Mariveles, a dormant volcano studded with scenic hiking trails.

Set amid the forest-green splendor of Luzon Island is bustling Manila, the second largest city in Southeast Asia, with its towering skyscrapers and remarkable joie de vivre. Yet amid the big-city excitement are oases of calm: lush tropical parks, magnificent cathedrals and dramatic Spanish forts. North of the city, mountains beckon with their spectacular rice terraces, while across Manila Bay stands Mount Mariveles, a dormant volcano studded with scenic hiking trails.

Although Hong Kong has returned to its original Chinese roots, it still remains a cosmopolitan city with influences, languages and accents from around the world. Here East meets West and the result is electric. Soaring skyscrapers rise from the hills and harbor, blending geography and nature with commercial concrete, steel and pulsating neon in a way that brings traditional Chinese culture and Western-style commerce into perfect harmony.

Although Hong Kong has returned to its original Chinese roots, it still remains a cosmopolitan city with influences, languages and accents from around the world. Here East meets West and the result is electric. Soaring skyscrapers rise from the hills and harbor, blending geography and nature with commercial concrete, steel and pulsating neon in a way that brings traditional Chinese culture and Western-style commerce into perfect harmony.