The vibrant cultural capital of Australia, Sydney is a must-see city for anyone visiting the Land Down Under. From the silhouette of its iconic opera house perched on the edge of the water to the idyllic green hills of the Blue Mountains sprawling from the city, Sydney is guaranteed to capture your heart. With its pristine beaches, landmark architecture, and charming islands, you may never want to leave Sydney Harbor - but venture outside the city and you'll be rewarded with a world of incredible nature just waiting to be discovered.

Once a Victorian seaside resort, Melbourne has evolved into a hip capital of culture where the party never stops. Its world-famous arts scene means it’s home to multiple exhibits and festivals each year. History buffs won’t want to miss out on historical landmarks such as Flinders Street Station, an Art Deco cinema called The Astor, or the Old Melbourne Gaol, a former prison for convicts. Those more interested in the 21st century will delight in the numerous art galleries, cocktail bars, and cafes just waiting to be discovered. And to keep its residents fueled up for all-night parties and high energy festivals, Melbourne reportedly has the best coffee in the world.

Located in the shadow of Mount Wellington, Hobart is Tasmania’s largest and oldest city. Booming with tourism, the town boasts a buzzing waterfront area overflowing with shops, restaurants, and an enormous town market, Salamanca Place. The town center offers a plethora of dining, drinking, and shopping options, including a budding craft beer scene and several galleries featuring local art. Those looking to get away from it all may enjoy a scenic drive to the summit of Mount Wellington, or an excursion to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

Dunedin is a quirky university town located on the south island of New Zealand. Its colorful downtown, full of cute cafes and elaborate street art, make it a popular destination for young people, while its windswept beaches and rolling hills delight nature lovers and solitude seekers of all ages. Its thriving art scene make it a great place for shopping, and the handmade jewelry, homeware, and local art make great souvenirs as well as gifts.

Named for the Maori word for “long harbor,” Akaroa is a charming harbor town located about an hour outside of Christchurch. The only French settlement in New Zealand, the town is a mishmash of French, English, and Maori culture. Stroll through the historic town center and take in the quaint European architecture, or explore the serene nature both on and offshore. The harbor is home to a resident population of Hector’s dolphins, the smallest and rarest dolphins in the world, and shorebirds and penguins abound.

The capital of New Zealand, Wellington is a charming, coastal city with a number of cultural centers and landmarks disproportionate to its size. Its picturesque crescent-shaped harbor is the perfect place for a pleasant walk on a calm day, or you can explore the surrounding countryside on a guided tour – a landscape you just might recognize from New Zealand’s most famous fantasy film trilogy, The Lord of the Rings.

The main city in New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay region, Napier is a charming town built in the distinctive Art Deco style of the 1930s. Classic cars, vintage clothing and stunning design await if you choose to tour the city’s historical quarter. Napier is also a great destination for kids, with an aquarium, a technology museum, and a petting zoo all providing great activities for families. Grown-up travelers may prefer to spend the day touring a winery, and adventurous travelers won’t want to miss a day trip to Te Mata Park with its redwood forests and limestone cliffs.