Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand

The ecosystems of Australia and New Zealand are unique to anywhere else in the world but the culture and people are more like America than one might guess.  Australia is a vast country roughly the size of the continental United States and cannot be conquered in one trip.  Likewise New Zealand's two islands could each be explored on separate journeys.  These countries are more than just Kangaroos and Kiwi birds.  Below are my recommended activities for traveling down under.  If you want to know more please contact us.

Melbourne Free

Melbourne

The second largest city in Australia is a sports fans dream.  You can catch a match of most of the major sports in the country and it is the home of Australian Open held in January.  The public transportation, within a certain zone, is free to all which makes getting around easy.  There is a river that runs through the middle of the city that is perfect to take an afternoon stroll along or walk over one of the unique pedestrian bridges.  There are day trips within driving distance like the Great Ocean Road, an animal sanctuary or Philips Island.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is home to more than 400 different types of coral and over 1500 different species of fish.  That doesn't include the birds, dolphins, whales, turtles and other reptiles that inhabit the region.  To get the most close up view of what the reef has to offer there are numerous scuba and snorkeling tours.  However if getting in the water isn't your thing there are plenty of other options, including glass bottom boats, helicopter and sailing tours.  Most tours are all day long and many will take you to several different parts of the reef.  If you are making the trip to Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is a must do itinerary item. 

Great Barrier Reef Free
Glow Worm Cave

Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, New Zealand

There are many unique experiences in New Zealand and one of the most enlightening is the  Glow Worm Caves in Waitomo.  The caves are the not very large so it's an easy trek for almost anyone to go on a tour to see the glow worms, including kids who will love the experience.  Located on the North Island, the caves can be done as a day trip from Auckland or as a stop between Auckland and Wellington.

Hobbiton

There are multiple sites within New Zealand in which the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were filmed, but not all are easily accessible.  Hobbiton, however is easy to find and is one of the most visited filming sites.  Anyone that has seen the movies will find the experience of Hobbiton incredible.  You can walk right up to several of the Hobbit homes and order a drink at the Green Dragon Inn!

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