Wellington Pictures

Things to do in Wellington

Wellington has tons to do and even more to see. To start off try the Te Papa, the national museum of Wellington. Admission is usually free and is a good place to chill out on a rainy day. There’s also the Wellington Cable Car that takes spring breaker’s to a great view of the city and harbor. It’s very cheap and a nice way to spend an afternoon. Also be sure to hit up the Old Government Building, opposite Parliament at 15 Lambton Quay. The second largest wooden building in the world, the building has beautiful architecture and is now home to the Victoria University Law School. Having a romantic vacation? Head over to the Botanic Garden for a relaxing picnic or afternoon walk. Wellington also has many different festivals going on at various points during the year.

Find things to do in Wellington

Nightlife in Wellington

Wellington has the best nightlife in all of New Zealand, with most of the best places concentrated along Courtenay Place. Some good places to check out are the Mighty Mighty, Shooters, Coyotes, Establishment, Kitty O’Shea’s, Good Luck, The Matterhorn, Blend Bar, and Havana Bar.

Dining in Wellington

Wellington has plenty of restaurants and even more cafe’s for you to dine in. Wellington’s cafes are known to be an experience in themselves. Some great cafes are Caffe L’affare, known to have great coffee, Nikau, at the Art Gallery, and Espressoholic. Wellington also has many different restaurants ranging from Japanese to Indian to Italian, all of which can be found around the city.

Shopping in Wellington

Wellington is pretty standard when it comes to shopping, with different shops and small malls all around the city. Go for a walk and find a trendy store that fits you.

Wellington Travel Tips

• Vehicle break-ins are common at shopping mall parking lots.
• Bring lots of sun block lotion.
• Most people in Wellington speak English.

Christchurch Pictures

Things to do in Christchurch

This place has so much to do! For a nice walking tour of the city see great places like the Christchurch Cathedral, and the Botanic Gardens, both open daily for tours and sight-seeing. For you artsy people try the Art Gallery on Worcester boulevard. The tour is usually free and open daily. Be sure to check out the Christchurch City Bike Tour, New Zealand’s only guided City bike tour. Book tickets early! Christchurch also features it’s own casino, open 24 hours usually. There is a dress code and you get a fee meal on our birthday. Looking for some adventure? In Christchurch, you can also find guided off-road motorcycle tours around the city and surrounding areas. Christchurch is also known for it’s awesome festivals like the World Buskers Festival, Festival of Romance, Christchurch Garden Festival, and the Christchurch Arts Festival.

Find things to do in Christchurch

Nightlife in Christchurch

For a great time hit up “The Strip”, a congregation of bars and clubs on the Oxford Tce by the river. This place has it all, from great music to dancing parties and tons of people to party with. Also try the Dux de lux, an upscale drinking spot in the city that brews their own award winning beer. The nightlife in Christchurch is good and you’ll definitely enjoy your nights out.

Dining in Christchurch

Most of the restaurants you can find right in the city and have a really cool atmosphere. For low cost dining options go to Perry’s Cafe or Osaka, where you can find great food at decent prices. For more mid-range cuisine try the Dux de Lux, Bodhi tree, or Strawberry Fare, all with great menus and atmospheres. For a really great but expensive place to eat try the Sign of the Takahe. This restaurant hosted Clinton’s visit to Christchurch and also was featured in some scenes of Peter Jackson’s film “Heavenly Creatures”.

Shopping in Christchurch

Ballantynes, on the corner of Colombo and Cashel, is a major upmarket department store, with a mix of places to shop and eat. There’s also High Street, a historical shopping street with local designers selling their products. The Dress-Smart factory outlets are located on Main South Street featuring over 60 outlets to shop from.

Christchurch Travel Tips

• There is a lot of smog during the winter.
• Christchurch has a lot of drunk people walking around on the weekends.
• Be careful of street racing in the city.

Canberra Pictures

Things to do in Canberra

There are a few must see sites when visiting here. The Australian War Memorial is one of Australia’s prime museums. You can learn about all the history of Australia from the Federation to present day. Displays of war memorabilia and battle scenes depict the very interesting history of Canberra and the area. Take a tour of the Parliament House. This is a good couple hours if you are trying to plan your itinerary. The Old Parliament House, which was used for several years, is another great tour for those interested in history. Tour the Prime Minister’s office, the Cabinet Room, and the historical rooms. The National Gallery of Australia has an extensive selection of aboriginal art, among other art varieties. Black Mountain Tower, aka Testra Tower, is a landmark in Canberra. From the top you look out on a 360 view of the city. Have a bite at the revolving restaurant at the top.

Find things to do in Canberra

Nightlife in Canberra

Same as the restaurants in Canberra, the clubs and bars are closed on Sunday nights as well. So if you are looking for something hot to do on a Sunday night while visiting, rent a good DVD for your room. However, with that said, Friday’s and Saturday’s are full of excitement and loud, rowdy fun. Bunda Street is a good place to try first. There is always something interesting going on, even if it’s a street fight between locals. The best places that you will be sure to have fun at are The Wig and Pen, Uni Pub, and Kremlin Bar. At Wig and Pen enjoy a large selection of independently brewed beers and award winning beers. Uni Pub is multi-leveled and includes a pool and restaurant. Each floor has a different theme and it’s really a lot of fun.

Dining in Canberra

For a real treat or romantic idea head over to Testra Tower to the revolving restaurant at the top. Take in the view and sunset as you dine on delicious cuisine. Since many of the restaurants you will visit here are closed Sundays, you will want to plan accordingly. If you are looking to eat out on a college budget there are some very good options, a nice bang for your buck. Griffith Vietnamese Restaurant serves Australian inspired Vietnamese food. Receive large, tasty portions without breaking the bank. Kismet is a good place if you are on the go. Grab a kebab stuffed with shaved meat and yogurt sauce. Front Gallery and Cafe is perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. This lounge-type atmosphere has comfy couches and chairs to enjoy a coffee and pastry in. Looking for a little bit of a splurge? Four Rivers Sichuan Chinese Restaurant offers a good variety of Sichuan cuisine. Dickson shops is similar to a China Town in other cities. Here you can bump around to various restaurants and sample foods from China, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Shopping in Canberra

The main shopping centers are Canberra Centre, Woden Westfield, and Fyshwick. In Woden Westfield you will come across huge department stores, grocery stores, and a slew of other brand name stores. Canberra Centre is just like a typical mall atmosphere you would find in the US. Stores selling anything from CD’s to jeans are here. This is helpful if you need to pick something up quick or like to spend a few hours window shopping. Interested in something a bit more authentic? Boutiques like Lonsdale St in Braddon and Manuka have independent clothing designers, local artists, and discount items such as electronics and books. For those who are interested in art, sculptures, and historical books try one of the national institutes, such as National Gallery’s gift shop for a good selection of these items.

Canberra travel tips

• Most restaurants are closed Sunday evenings.
• This is a smoke-free city.
• Bring bug spray, for walks around gardens and trails.

Brisbane Pictures

Things to do in Brisbane

Being right on the water allows Brisbane to have an excellent beach and water sport activities. Take a short ferry to Bribie Island or the Southern Bay Islands and enjoy the stretches of gorgeous and pristine beaches. Water sports here are quite unique and a little different then home. Here you can take a group tour sand tobogganing or maybe four-wheel driving for more speed! There are also diving and snorkeling. You can even go marine watching and spot turtles, dolphins, and dugongs in the water; maybe even a whale. Cruises are available daily that go up and down the river with excellent sites of the city and banks. If you are looking for a land activity head over to Mt Coot-tha. This cool mountain is popular for its make-out spots, but more importantly has an amazing view of the city from above. The Brisbane Botanical Gardens and Planetarium are here as well. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is only a fifteen minute bus ride from the city. This koala sanctuary is a one of a kind experience. It is the World’s first and largest koala sanctuary, with over 130 koalas. There are also kangaroos here that you can buy food and feed right out of your hand. There is much more wildlife here. Take a walk through the premises and experience the true outback feel with beautiful scenery. If you are looking for the historical roots to Brisbane go to Brisbane City Hall and King George Square. Located right next to each other, you can walk around the square and see the most famous architecture in the city. There are tours of City Hall. You can also take a free lift ride to the top of the clock tower for a great aerial view.

Find things to do in Brisbane

Nightlife in Brisbane

Brisbane’s nightlife is crazy; period. In addition to the pulsating nightclubs and bars, there are festivals, concerts, and great events throughout the year. With the nice weather year round here many of these events are outdoors, which makes for a nice atmosphere. The Queensland Orchestra performs about thirty times a year in Brisbane. This experience is definitely worth looking into if you are searching for a different experience. Most bars in this city offer outdoor beer gardens that are perfect for a night out with some friends. If you are coming during spring break there is always something fun going on during the week(s). There are a few historic pubs in Brisbane that attract tourists year round. The Story Bridge Hotel’s bar was built in 1886 and redone in 2003 so that the bar literally collides into the Story Bridge. There is a great beer garden directly under the bridge. It’s quite the fun night out. Breakfast Creek Hotel is the most famous hotel and beer garden in the city. This is where you will want to go for a nice steak and beer. If you are the clubbing type check out Her Majesty’s Basement. This fine establishment is known for crazy parties and good music. However, there is also usually a cover charge to get in. Rosie’s and Anise have dress codes to watch out for and at Anise you can try out different kinds of French, Spanish and Swiss absinthe.

Dining in Brisbane

Many of the bars in the city double as great, casual restaurants before the nights really get going. Places like Belgian Beer Cafe, which is known for its food as well as beer is perfect for a later dinner or an early night out for a couple drinks. Go to Breakfast Creek Hotel for a nice steak (as mentioned above) and a cold, large beer. Sit outside and soak up the culture as you dine with your college buddies reminiscing about the good times. Besides beer, Belgian Mussels are the specialty here. Merthyr Street in New Farm has a lot of cafes and bistros to meet any palette. There are also many Asian inspired and Mediterranean restaurants thanks to Australia’s proximity to Asia and the European influences. Green Papaya has excellent Vietnamese food. China Sea and Royal Thai Orchid are also notable for their cuisine. A Salt ‘n Battery is definitely where you will want to go for that authentic Australian feel. Their seafood is incredible. Other than that most beer gardens, as already mentioned, have really good barbecue type food, which is popular for this region.

Shopping in Brisbane

There is all the usual shopping in Brisbane that you might expect to find in a multi-cultural, high energy city. But something that’s a little unique and different for this city is the aboriginal items that are definitely specific to the Australian outback. Nowhere else can you find Australian Aboriginal art and craft items. There are many retro markets and local boutique stores with fun, different items. A traditional Australian outback cowboy hat is always in style. Most touristy stores sell knockoffs, but to get an original go to a store outside of the tourist traps. If the label brands and designer stores are what you are looking for head over to Paddington and Wintergarden. On the way to Paddington you can see the brightly colored houses and cottages that line the streets of Brisbane.

Brisbane travel tips

• 000 is the emergency contact phone number.
• Stay with a group when going out at night.
• Remember to purchase a phrase book before going, it will help with deciphering the local dialect.

Sydney Pictures

Things to do in Sydney

For the best view of the city go to North Sydney. From here you can see the beautiful skyline and all of the buildings. Walk or take a bike ride across the Sydney Harbour Bridge into the main streets and into North Sydney. Spend part of a day at Darling Harbour. Take a bike ride, picnic along the water, and window shop ’til you drop. It is a very relaxing way to enjoy the scenery. If you are a fan of the Olympics, come to Olympic Park, home to the 2000 Summer Olympics. Luna Park, located here, has a large Ferris wheel that overlooks the city high in the sky. Sydney Tower is the tallest building in Sydney and is open to the public. On a transparent platform, look out over the city, making for a great night activity. Plus there’s a great restaurant and bar at the top with large windows on all sides. The Rocks and Parramatta are Sydney’s oldest sights. In Parramatta you can visit some preserved old buildings from the colonial period. Sydney Hospital has also been preserved and is one of the oldest hospitals on the island. One of the most scenic views are the gorgeous harbors. Sail boats are for rental along with paddle boats and you can enjoy a nice long afternoon on the water.

Find things to do in Sydney

Nightlife in Sydney

The drinking age in Sydney is 18, which makes it a great party spot for college students. Bars and clubs can be strict and most card, so make sure to have some ID on you. In Sydney, the nightlife is so incredible you probably won’t get to all of it in, in your time here. If you are staying in a hostel there are plenty of bars around these areas. Many hostels also have bars on site that cater to the college student. These make for a good pregaming spot because the drinks are usually a lot cheaper then at bars in the city. Sydney has a great Irish bar scene as well as a club atmosphere. There are also a few good gay bars. keep in mind when going to a club that there is a general dress code at most places and an entrance fee, usually around $5 – $15. A tip to know is don’t go out before 11, nothing is open and if they are they’ll be bare. Plan to head out to the clubs after midnight. This will give you a chance to pregame at the bars first. For the Gay scene head over to Oxford Street.

Dining in Sydney

If you really wanted to you could eat your way through the city. All day long there are plenty of opportunities to get a quick bite or a lavish dinner. For those of you who are not breakfast eaters, you may want to reconsider. Cafes are located all around the city and offer great breakfast foods. Especially on weekends you can enjoy a good spread with your friends before you start the day. One of the coolest things about the food selections in Sydney is that there are hundreds of different types of food. Korean, Thai, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Lebanese, and Kosher; whatever your taste is you can find it here. Of course Sydney does specialize in seafood, being right on the water. Head over to Darling Harbour for the best and freshest fish markets and seafood restaurants. And for the best Chinese go to Hong Kong in the China Town area of the city.

Shopping in Sydney

Australia is usually not put into the same category as places like Paris, Milan, Rome, NYC, and London when it comes to high fashion. However over the past few years Sydney in particular has become a centerpiece for fashion and commerce. Not so isolated from the rest of the world anymore, this city has a booming fashion industry waiting to be discovered. DFO is near Olympic Park and has all the top name brands. Birkhenhead Point is a great outlet area. This multi-story building is perfect for grabbing an inexpensive outfit for a day trip or for a night out clubbing. Oxford Street and Pittsfield Street also have great shopping opportunities.

Sydney travel tips

• There are continuous shuttles and buses from the airport to city center.
• Bring a map of the city around with you during the day as the streets can be confusing.
• Tipping is not usually done here.

Melbourne Pictures

Things to do in Melbourne

Visit NewQuay, Docklands, and Federation Square. They are the number one priorities when visiting here. The city center is where you will find the typical tourist things such as boutiques, cafes, stores, and old architecture. AFL World is Melbourne’s incredible football team. If you come during the season you must buy a ticket to a game. It is a lot of fun and very different from any sports you are used to at home. Close by, Carlton and Parkville are alive with entertainment and excitement. They make for excellent day excursions. Go to the beach or walk along the boardwalk. Check out the Melbourne museum with a large variety of animals and Lygon Street, which has good Italian food. And if you get a chance go to the Parliament of Queen Victoria. It is quite the sight.

Find things to do in Melbourne

Nightlife in Melbourne

Southgate has a lot of good bars. If you are into that kind of scene there are a few pub crawl tours. They meet at one spot and spend the night going around to some of the top bars in the area. It is a good way to meet people and get out there. Comic’s Lounge is in this area as well. For a small fee you can watch a fun comedy show or take in a local venue concert. The drinks are reasonably priced too. Block Arcade is a fun alternative to the typical bar scene. If you and your friends are looking for something a little more low key for a night head over to the arcade. You can still grab a drink at some cafes and have a great time all night long.

Dining in Melbourne

Southgate and Yarma have a wealth of restaurants and good digs. There are also plenty of bars for a nice transition from dinner to night time pub crawling. If you are a food connoisseur then you have arrived at the right place. Melbourne is known around the world and specifically Australia for its incredible food. Being right on the water doesn’t hurt its amazing seafood either. Everything here is fresh and most places are made to order. Go along the docks to get a really incredible meal. St. Kilda has a great variety of food and restaurants if you are looking for a good selection. There is also a great opportunity to have African food. Since people have migrated to Melbourne from various regions in Africa the food has come with them. It has made a nice addition to the already varied and popular cuisine.

Shopping in Melbourne

The Queen Victoria Market is the place to go for all the typical unique and funky items that you don’t find in department stores. Get some souvenirs to bring home with you or as gifts for friends and family. They have everything here and you can find stuff you wouldn’t think to pick up that are special and unique to Australia. Collins Street and Brunswick Street are worth stopping by if you are in the mood to walk around and window shop. There are many stores and a wide variety. Although don’t expect a Paris or Milan if you are in search of designer duds.

Melbourne travel tips

• Stay away from the Red Light district at night.
• Always keep wallets and purses close to you in crowded areas.
• There are designated ’safety zones’ at stations at night to look out for.

Perth Pictures

Things to do in Perth

King’s Park is one of the notable places to explore in Perth. This is the kind of place where you will think you have journeyed to the Australian outback. The well maintained and preserved lush greenery and natural life is a nice break from the busy streets of the city. There are biking and walking trails and places to rest for a picnic. There is also probably the best view of the city from above here. Look out on the whole city in breathtaking scenery. Perth Cultural Center is where people go to find the shops, restaurants, and other tourists. Locals are quite friendly and welcome you into their storefronts. A recently built Wheel of Excellence is a Ferris wheel that takes people on a 13 minute ride overlooking the city and Swan River. Hillary’s Boat Habour is a great day activity. Set aside a whole day for this place. Spend part of it swimming in the pristine water and lounging around. The large aquarium is also located here. Fremantle is another day trip as it is located a little ways from Perth. However it is well worth the trip. The original port town still relies on maritime business. And you can walk around the docks and see the ships. Then, grab a nice seafood dinner before heading back.

Find things to do in Perth

Nightlife in Perth

Burswood Entertainment Complex is the perfect compliment to any fun day. This place has it all and is a great idea if you are traveling with a group of friends. Spend some money at the casino then walk over to the theater and take in a show. Plus there are many bars and other places you can dance to some good music here. If you’re looking for a good pub crawl with your college buddies hit up Murray Street. Bobby Dazzler’s is in this area and is considered by many the quintessential Aussie pub. Try some of the local brews and draught beers.

Dining in Perth

Unlike many other places you visit Perth never caught onto the idea of having a late dinner. So many people here eat early, like around 6 or 7. And many establishments close by 9 or 10pm. In Northbridge you will find the bulk of the variety of restaurants. There is a great selection of Asian inspired foods. There are also some good Italian and Greek restaurants here as well. If you are already in Fremantle for the day you should consider staying for dinner. There are some great fish and chip restaurants that serve fresh and tasty seafood. In fact this is one of the best kinds of food to get since the city is on the water. You can’t go wrong scoping out a place around here.

Shopping in Perth

One thing you might find different and nice about Perth is the sales tax is already included in the price on items. So you don’t have to deal with it at the register. Everything is priced as is. Beyond this things are extremely cheap since the Australian dollar is weak compared to the US dollar. This makes shopping a lot of fun, just don’t get too carried away. Or do! Some of the best shops in town are around the center of the city. Just take note when buying your souvenirs that there is a Government mandated opening and closing time on all stores. So don’t expect anything to be open after 5 or 6, depending on the place. The only exception to the rule are a couple of 24-hour pharmacies.

Perth travel tips

• The sun is extremely hot and sunburns are frequent so bring a higher SPF than usual.
• If you rent a car take note of zebra crossing signs to avoid hitting one.
• Keep a photo ID on you at all times. Most places card.

Auckland is a city for people who love the outdoors. Situated between the Manakau and Waitamata Harbours, and built on a lush landscape of around fifty extinct volcanoes, the landscape is one of hills and sea. Hikers, sailors, and surfers might think they’ve found paradise. Home to the America’s Cup yacht race, Auckland has a well-earned reputation as the City of Sails.

If urban delights are more to your liking, Auckland boasts some of the best nightlife in New Zealand, funky neighborhoods to explore, and hip cafes to lounge at. Combining the largest Polynesian population in the world, with 150 years of European and Asian influence, the city is a cultural mecca and a joy to explore.

It is always nice in New Zealand, and there are things to see and do all year round. The warmer months (November to April) are busiest, especially during the summer (December-January) holidays. Auckland’s climate is often described as muggy, but it is never scorching hot, and the heat is always cooled by a sea breeze. Winters are generally mild but rainy.

Auckland Pictures

Things to do in Auckland

Auckland is home to many fine galleries and museums. The Auckland Museum is noted for its Maori art and displays of New Zealand’s natural history. Downtown, the Auckland Art Gallery is host to traveling shows as well as a permanent collection of New Zealand and European works. The Hobson Wharf Maritime Museum on the city waterfront depicts New Zealand’s maritime history.

There are over 100 beaches within an hour of the city center and some of the most picaresque are worth driving to. Piha, the black sand beach seen in The Piano is one of the most scenic. Others in the vicinity include Karekare (a very rough surf beach) and Muriwai, known for its gannet bird colony.

One of the best views of the city can be seen from One Tree Hill. U2 wrote a song with the same name in memory of a friend who is buried nearby. A lonely pine tree grows on the summit of what is not actually a hill, but a volcanic cone. The tree is the burial site of one of Auckland’s ‘founding’ fathers, Sir John Campbell, as well as the location of a pre-European Maori fortification (pa). The Maori name for the hill is Maungakiekie – mountain of the kiekie (climber or vine).

To get a good overview of Auckland, hike the Coast To Coast Walkway. This well-marked urban trail crosses the nine km of land that separate the Pacific Ocean on the east from the Tasman Sea on the west. The walk offers tremendous views of the city, the main harbors, two volcanic peaks and passes through parks, gardens, and woods.

To enjoy Auckland’s natural beauty, visit the Domain. A large green expanse of park land in the center of a 50,000 year old crater, the Auckland Domain is an ideal place to exercise, play or learn. Jogging trails, duck ponds, rugby and cricket pitches, as well as the glass house Wintergardens and the War Memorial Museum are just some of the Domain’s attractions.

Find things to do in Auckland

Nightlife in Auckland

Auckland undoubtedly has New Zealand’s largest and most exciting club scene. Home to many Kiwi bands, and visiting international acts, the city has plenty to do in the evening. Auckland isn’t known as a great city for nightlife but, with a million people to entertain, there is always something going on, even if it is just a night down at the local pub. Keep an eye out for flyers if you are into raves. They are not always easy to find, but the local outdoor raves are worth the hunt.

Dining in Auckland

You can find almost any type of cuisine in Auckland. Fresh and delicious, the seafood is a must. If you are a lobster fan make sure you take the time to sample the similarly tasting New Zealand Crayfish. Fish and chips are cheap and an easy staple that taste even better in New Zealand.

Shopping in Auckland

Parnell, Newmarket and Ponsonby are popular shopping strips. A short walk from downtown Auckland, Parnell Road is the place to come for an afternoon’s window-shopping – in between sipping cappuccinos and people watching at one of the area’s trendy cafes. Walk a little further away from the city center and you come to Newmarket, a bustling neighborhood great for no-nonsense shopping. Ponsonby on the opposite side of the city center to Parnell also has trendy cafes and bars, but with a grungier and homier feel.

Auckland Travel Tips

• Check out the views from the Sky Tower in Auckland, the tallest building in the southern hemisphere!
• Try and go and watch a rugby game at Eden Park.
• Grab an Auckland Tourist Times to check out the hottest and latest places to hit.