Australia

Exotic and familiar at the same time,
Australia amazes at every turn.

With wonderful neighborhoods, lots of green space, beautiful views, great shopping, fantastic food and amazing weather, it is easy to understand why Sydney ends up on so many "best of" lists. So much more than its iconic Opera House and Harbor Bridge, Sydney is a city teeming with life and friendly Australians. World-famous Bondi Beach is easily reached by a short ride from the city center and the delightful beach community of Manly is just a half hour from downtown via one of the frequent ferries. Easy day trips from Sydney include the nearby Blue Mountains. Sydney is the kind of city where you find yourself looking at the real estate ads thinking "what if".

While somewhat more placid than Sydney, Melbourne is still a dynamic hive of activity and a wonderfully green and walkable city. It has the added benefit of being in close proximity to the breathtaking Great Ocean Road and Yarra Valley wine region which produces some of the worlds best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

In a land of such amazing geographic diversity, it is hard to compare the range of experiences on offer in Australia. There is the stark beauty of Ayers Rock and the desert outback, the lush beauty of the Daintree Rainforest, and the pristine island of Tasmania. But for all that is unique and wonderful about those sites, nothing can compare to the overwhelming beauty and size of the Great Barrier Reef.

Whether you take a day trip out on to the reef from Cairns or stay for awhile on one of the islands out in the reef, the snorkeling and diving is unmatched. The cast of Finding Nemo is just waiting for you to swim by in your snorkel gear. And some things are almost too surreal to believe. You wonder if something as large and ancient looking as a giant clam really be alive until it snaps shut as you float over it. There are many different and wonderful ways to experience the reef from Dunk and Heron Islands to the Whitsundays with their stunning beaches. But for a real treat make your way to Lizard Island, a secluded island right on the Great Barrier Reef that offers the most amazing direct access to the reef.

New Zealand

Panoramic vistas - Planet Earth Revealed.

New Zealand is a country of awesome landscapes, lush forests and amazing wildlife. It is multicultural and sophisticated with a dynamic blend of European, Maori, Pacific and Asian influences. By land or bysean one can enjoy the North and the South Islands with their dynamic cities, breathtaking natural beauty, and fantastic wine growing regions.

With a diverse landscape, the North Island offers a range of climates, from the snowbound mountains of the central plateau to the winterless north. Perhaps best known for the capital city Auckland and the geothermal activity around Rotorua the North Island is highly productive and picturesque farm country with verdant dairy and sheep pastures as well as orchards and vineyards.

About a third of New Zealanders live in the capital of Auckland. Sometimes known as the City of Sails it has the highest number of sail boats per capita than anywhere else in the world. It is a vibrant modern city with great access to national parks and nearby wine growing regions.

The South Island posses an amazing variety of scenic beauty. The snow-capped Southern Alps divide the island in two with spectacular glaciers, lakes, river and fjords. Untamed beaches can be found along the Tasman Sea on the west coast, with the patchwork Canterbury Plains and the rich rolling farmland of Otago and Southland to the east. The South Island is also famous for its numerous wine growing regions.

Located on the east coast, Christchurch serves as main entry point to the South Island. It is a beautiful old city founded by Royal Charter in the 1850's. Known as the Garden City it has lovely green parks and gardens.

For one of the most scenic settings in the world and the home of Bungy jumping head to the Queenstown area. With long leisurely days around Lake Wakatipu in the summer and snow clad mountains in the winter, Queenstown is gorgeous year round.

South Pacific

Bali Hai indeed.

The islands of French Polynesia including Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, provide the ultimate destination for couples who want to spend quality time together in a setting of unparalleled beauty and comfort. With bungalows positioned over sparkling bright blue waters, and luxury cruise ships that wish you in style from island to island. You will understand the romance and inspiration enjoyed by Paul Gaugin, Melville, Michner, and Somerset Maughan. With French influences still apparent in food and way of life French Polynesia offers a great combination native life and European refinement.

In some ways similar to the islands of French Polynesia, Fiji offers a South Pacific vacation with unique cultural influences and a distinctive style of luxury. The island nation of Fiji is comprised of two major islands and about 320 others and is a perfect romantic island getaway. Stay in your own personal "bure" or bungalow on the beach and doze in a hammock. Do as much or as little as you like.

Although geographically and culturally part of the South Pacific, Easter Island actually belongs to Chile. Known for the otherworldly great stone moai (that's giant stone heads to you and me) the island is as mysterious as it is beautiful and is one of the world's most isolated islands.

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