Surrounded by tranquil golden beaches, lush forests and dramatic coastal trails, Auckland is a nature lover’s paradise. The 48 volcanic cones that dot the surrounding area provide stunning panoramic views of the city and harbour. New Zealand’s largest city is also a shopper’s paradise offering everything from top designers to local open-air markets. Learn about the indigenous Maori and take home some native art pieces or jewellery. The fine, locally produced woolens also make excellent gifts.

This subtropical region of around 150 undeveloped islands is known for its stunning beauty and history. From kayaking to fishing to wildlife watching, it’s a water enthusiast’s paradise. You’ll want to have your camera ready for an abundance of sea life, from dolphins that fly to penguins that dress in blue. The site of New Zealand’s first British settlement, it offers numerous historic sites as well. Meet local artists while shopping for paintings, pottery, textiles and woodcarvings.

Australia’s third largest city and the capital of Queensland, this modern, vibrant city offers plenty to see and do. Lush mountains backing the city offer breathtaking views. Nearby, stunning forests and wineries await. The South Bank of the Brisbane River offers a diverse mix of parklands, cafés, boutiques, museums and galleries to explore. Or visit the markets downtown and in Chinatown where you can practice you chopstick technique.

A gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, water sports are the main attraction here, from kayaking to water skiing. Take a day-trip to Whitsunday Island and Whitehaven Beach, one of the most-photographed places in Australia, with gorgeous turquoise, clear water and sugar-white sand. Airlie’s manmade lagoon in the heart of town is ideal for relaxing, swimming or even having a picnic – spend an hour there or two. If getting a move on is more your speed, head out to the Bicentennial Walkway for a walk or short bike ride.

Ride through the magnificent rainforest aboard the historic Kuranda Railway. Unwind your way through rugged mountains and waterfalls tumbling into deep ravines. Or immerse yourself in tradition at the Tjapuki Aboriginal Culture Park, and maybe take home a boomerang. Take a waterfront walk along the Esplanade Boardwalk with beautiful views of the mountains and sea, have a snack at one of the many eateries, or people-watch while the little ones play in one of the playgrounds or small water parks.

Ride through the magnificent rainforest aboard the historic Kuranda Railway. Unwind your way through rugged mountains and waterfalls tumbling into deep ravines. Or immerse yourself in tradition at the Tjapuki Aboriginal Culture Park, and maybe take home a boomerang. Take a waterfront walk along the Esplanade Boardwalk with beautiful views of the mountains and sea, have a snack at one of the many eateries, or people-watch while the little ones play in one of the playgrounds or small water parks.

Cooktown is a coastal town and locality in the Shire of Cook, Queensland, Australia. Cooktown is at the mouth of the Endeavour River, on Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland where James Cook beached his ship, the Endeavour, for repairs in 1770.

Australia’s only tropical capital city, Darwin is rich in culture and ethnically diverse. While the Northern Territory boasts some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet, the city’s innovative museums celebrate the city’s past and the galleries showcase the region’s rich indigenous art. For a tamer experience, enjoy the city’s wonderful gardens, or browse for authentic Aboriginal art pieces and crafts and take a little piece of Australia home with you.

No myth here, real dragons with forked tongues run about the island in search of prey and carrion. One of three major islands making up Komodo National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Komodo is the natural habitat of the Komodo dragon, a prehistoric-looking lizard up to 10 feet long. If you’re leery of these reptiles, the ecologically diverse waters around the island provide superb diving and snorkelling and are home to graceful manta rays, dolphins and even seahorses.

Lombok

This exquisite island is known for terraced rice fields, beautiful beaches and volcanic mountains. Its lush countryside is home to iconic stone temples and mischievous monkeys. Historic sites like the Cliffside Uluwatu Temple mesmerize visitors. Soak up the atmosphere of villages filled with beautiful arts and crafts. From scenic vistas to cultural performances, there’s bound to be something to invigorate your mind and body.