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.

White Bay is located in Sydney Harbour and is used mainly for water-based transport and industrial activities. The White Bay Power Station is a highlight of the landscape and the magnificent Anzac Bridge sits on the Eastern side of the bay.

Eden is a small town in New South Wales, on the coast. The town has some sandy beaches that are perfect for surfing.

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.

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.

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.

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.