New Zealand is home to more than just beautiful landscapes and hobbits. A melting pot of different cultures, its blend of European, Pacific Islander, and indigenous Māori heritage give the island its unique charm. To get a real sense of the colonial, geographic, and indigenous forces that have shaped this city, be sure to check out the Auckland Museum, located in the heart of the city. Nature lovers might find themselves more drawn to the volcanoes, beaches, and caves nearby.

The Bay of Islands is a sweeping sub-region of northern New Zealand. The enormous inlet holds 144 islands and dozens of cities and towns, each more charming than the last. Breathtaking waterfalls, beautiful rainforests, and clear waters teeming with marine life await, and the region also has a fascinating history marked by clashes between the colonists and the region’s indigenous Māori people.

Suva is the capital city of Fiji and is the perfect combination of modern city living, along with the quaintness and natural beauty of the South Pacific. Suva boasts diverse cultural activities, colonial era buildings and a vibrant nightlife. The natural beauty of Suva is evident in parks like Colo-I-Suva, where vistors will find a vast National Park with waterfalls, clear rivers and stunning landscapes. Orchid Island is also a great way to find out more about the Polynesian way of life. The city's blend of modern city living in a lush green enviornment is an ideal way to experience the South Pacific.

Lautoka is Fiji's second largest city and is situated on the island of Viti Levu. It is also the largest sugar producer in the southern hemisphere, which has led to Lautoka often being referred to as Sugar City. Visitors to Latoka can witness the unique culture of Fiji by paying a visit to the Lautoka Abaca Village, home of the tribes of Fiji. For nature enthusiasts, the beautiful and vast Botanical Gardens house a fantastic selection of exotic horticulture. There are also a number of watersport activities and boat tours available for those looking to explore the sunny South Pacific coastline.

Apia is the capital and commerical centre of Samoa, located on the island of Upolu. Apia is the perfect location to discover the culture of the South Pacific, with a mix of colonial buildings and traditional Samoan houses situated alongside beautiful reef-bordered beaches. Apia is a town with a wealth of culture waiting to be discovered, from the Samoa Cultural Village to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. The natural beauty on the island is everywhere, from beaches like Lefaga, to majestic waterfalls like Papapapaitai Falls, tropical raiforests.

Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa and is located on the volcanic island of Tutuila. Mount Matafao is the highest peak on the island and offers a fantastic view of the tropical scenery of the island. The National Park of American Samoa offers dramatic hiking trails to historic sites, secluded beaches and picturesque villages. The beaches and reefs of Pago Pago are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, diving and fishing. Full of idyllic beaches, Pago Pago is the ideal place for relaxation and unwinding.

Tauranga is a booming port city surrounded by stunning nature. Its bustling waterfront is full of diverse restaurants and pop-up shops that are popular among tourists and locals alike. Nearby, some of New Zealand’s greatest natural wonders are just waiting to be discovered. From the nearby Mount Maunganui to the hot springs of Rotorua to the marine life living just offshore, Tauranga is the perfect launching point to discover New Zealand’s bay of Islands.