Once considered the "country cousin" among Australian cities, Brisbane is today the nation's third-largest metropolis - and one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Lying on the banks of the meandering Brisbane River, this cosmopolitan city boasts elegant 19th-century sandstone buildings, a lively cultural scene and superb parklands. Brisbane is also your gateway to uniquely Australian adventures, be it the theme parks of the Gold Coast or Queensland's dazzling beaches.

The beaches south of Brisbane form Queensland's Gold Coast. Travel tip: Brisbane is pronounced "Bris-bin."

Popular Attractions
• Gold Coast.
  With 26 miles of beaches, resort hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, a casino, luxury homes and golf courses, the Gold Coast serves as both Australia's vacation and retirement capitals.
• Australia Zoo.
  Founded by the late Steve Irwin, TV's "Crocodile Hunter," this 70-acre zoo is home to exotic wildlife, such as fresh and salt-water crocodiles, koalas, kangaroos and giant pythons.
• Mt. Tamborine.
  Lying inland from the famous Gold Coast, this volcanic plateau is a fertile landscape of national parklands, rainforests, and groves of macadamia nut, kiwi fruit and avocado.
• XXXX Brewery & Alehouse.
  More than just a brewery tour, this famed Irish alehouse is home to the iconic "XXXX" brand beer. A visit provides insight into over a century's old legacy and its place in Queensland history.
• Surfers Paradise.
  This beach was voted one of the best beaches in the world, with wide golden sands and excellent surf. It is located on Queensland's famous Gold Coast of luxury resorts and designer shops.
• SkyPoint.
  Rising 230 meters into the sky with 360-degree views, the Q1 Deck is a spectacular vantage point on the world's tallest residential tower, and boasts the highest point on all of the Gold Coast.
• Montville.
  Settled in 1887, this village is often described as the "Creative Heart of the Sunshine Coast," home to art galleries, artisans, crafters' workshops and restored Victorian cottages.
• Brisbane River.
  A popular cruise tour venue, this river runs through Brisbane and is the longest in southeast Queensland. It was named after Governor of New South Wales, Thomas Brisbane in 1823.

Napier and Hawke's Bay have become New Zealand's premier lifestyle getaways. Located on the North Island's eastern coast, New Zealand's oldest wine-growing region boasts a superb Mediterranean climate and golden sand beaches. In recent years, Hawke's Bay has become a leading producer of fine olive oils and artisanal cheeses. Wildlife lovers and birders will flock to Cape Kidnappers in Southern Hawke Bay: the Cape is home to the largest mainland gannet colony in the world.

In 1931, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake leveled Napier. The town rebuilt itself, and today Napier is hailed as the "Art Deco City" for its superb collection of Deco, Spanish Mission and Classical Revival buildings.

Popular Attractions
• Art Deco City Tour.
  World-renowned as the "Art Deco City," visitors can leisurely stroll, take an antique car ride or jump on the Deco bus to view some of the most revered architectural gems in Hawke's Bay.
• Wine Tasting.
  New Zealand's oldest wine region, Hawke's Bay is home to over 140 vineyards and 70 wineries. Visit a tasting room or take a wine tour to broaden your knowledge while taking in the spectacular scenery.
• Cape Kidnappers.
  Home to a top-ranked golf course, spectacular ocean views, and geological cliff formations, this promontory is also home to the Gannet Reserve, the world's largest gannet nesting place.
• Te Mata Peak.
  Majestically rising over 1,300 feet above sea level, Te Mata is the highest peak in the area, making it a favorite spot for paragliding and hang gliding, hiking and mountain biking.
• National Aquarium.
  New Zealand's largest display of aquatic life features an Oceanarium tank filled with an amazing array of sharks, stingrays, porcupine fish, eels, snappers and more; plus there's a touch pool and a kiwi environment.
• Silky Oaks Chocolate Company & Pernel Fruit World.
  Silky Oaks specialized in handmade chocolates using couverture- chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa butter. Watch the chocolate making process, sample a handmade chocolate and tour the Chocolate Museum. Pernel Fruit World, family-owned orchard produces award-winning apples and stone fruit. Board a wagon for a tractor-drawn tour of the orchards.
• Moana Winery.
  This privately owned, boutique winery is in pursuit of creating New Zealand's finest wines which pays homage to some of the very best viticulture sites throughout New Zealand.

On the eastern shores of New Zealand's South Island, Akaroa is a popular tourist destination with a distinctly French flair, its history steeped in legend. It lies on the volcanic Banks Peninsula, which the Maori believe was formed when a hero named Maui piled mountains upon a giant who threatened to eat his children.

The same peninsula was purchased from the local Maori by a French whaler around 1838, and was later settled by both the French and the British, who had just signed the Treaty of Waitangi ensuring New Zealand's existence as a British colony.

With French-named streets leading to restaurants serving French cuisine and colonial architecture all around, Akaroa's heritage as the only French-founded community in New Zealand is unmistakable. Akaroa harbour is home to a diverse array of marine life, including rare Hector's dolphins, and visitors are lured by the area's secluded beaches and quaint boutiques.

Popular Attractions
• Tranz Alpine Express.
  One of the world's great scenic railways travels through 19 tunnels and across four bridges showcasing verdant open plains, lush beech forest, rugged river valleys and the towering Southern Alps.
• Arthur's Pass.
  Giving its name to the astounding alpine wilderness that is Arthur's Pass National Park, the highest pass over the Southern Alps is a popular destination via road and the Tranz Alpine Express railway.
• International Antarctic Centre.
  An interactive Antarctic experience unfolds through fascinating exhibits, a polar room chilled to -5C, an indoor storm with authentic blizzard conditions, a 4D audio visual experience and a penguin encounter.
• Canterbury Plains.
  This verdant breadbasket is spread out like a patchwork quilt of farmland in shimmering shades of green. And in the distance, the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps are a dazzling surprise.
• Okains Bay Museum.
  Started by a private collector this is an expansive collection of historic Colonial and Maori buildings that provide a window into a bygone era.
• Waimakariri River.
  Flowing in a southeastward direction the river rushes through a narrow canyon called the Waimakariri Gorge and then gently meanders across the Canterbury Plains on its journey to the Pacific Ocean.
• The Giant's House.
  Originally know as Linton, "The Giant's House" is a unique part of the history of Akaroa - nestled in a secluded valley, it was built in 1880 for Akaroa's first bank manager. The grand house built of native timbers sits in sculpture mosaic garden that's colorful, exuberant, interactive, romantic, fun and full of surprises.
• Hector's dolphins.
  One of the smallest marine dolphins in the world and only found in New Zealand's water, Hector's dolphins grow no more than 1.5 m in length.