Auckland the city is within the Auckland region that also consists of three other cites Manukau City, North Shore City and Waitakere City. There are three districts that also form part of the Auckland region and they are Rodney, Franklin and Papakura. The beautiful region of Auckland is on four major tour routes like the Twin Coast Discovery, Pacific Coast Highway, Thermal Explorer and the Great New Zealand Touring Route.

Auckland also has great city life. There are a number of businesses and offices since this is the country’s business center. The largest international airport in New Zealand is also located in Auckland as well as two other smaller domestic airports. There are numerous shopping malls, pubs, bars, restaurants, cabarets, nightclubs and cafes all across the city.

Marine life is also worth seeing in Auckland. The city is home to two busy harbours that helped to give the city its nickname the City of Sails. These and more are some of the reasons why many people come and go from the city every day of the year. They arrive and leave via ferries, buses, planes, trains, and even private jets.

There are a number of recreational activities to enjoy and many of them are very reasonably priced. You can enjoy golf, rugby, cricket and even bush treks. There are other activities like rappelling or how about a descent down steep and beautiful mountains what the New Zealanders call abseiling.

The city has a number of superb beaches and seaside attractions. There are 28 beaches where you can enjoy swimming, surfing, sailing, fishing or just playing and the beaches and parks are all free.

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Australian Holidays Experiences

When you ask people where their dream holiday destination is, one of the most popular answers will always be Australia. This amazing country on the other side of the globe has never diminished in appeal to the UK tourist, and is still the number one destination that Brits say they would like to emirate to. Thanks to the exceptional transport links between the UK and Australia, this dream holiday destination is now very much a reality.

The Australia experience is something we should all take part in if we get the chance. This glorious country has modern cities, ancient Aborigine monuments and wild rugged countryside. As with planning long haul trips, the hardest part can be deciding what you specifically want to see and trying to plan around these so you get as much as you can out of your trip down under.

Almost all of the main tour operators will be able to offer you package holidays to Australia for you. This will include all your flights, transfers, accommodation etc. This is by far the easiest way to book your Australia holidays but those with wunderlust and a sense of adventure often choose to do it completely different to squeeze as much into their trip as possible.

Backpacking is still the number one way to see Australia and thousands of students taking their gap year flock to the country every year to experience the great Australian lifestyle before getting down to their serious studies. The top tourist attraction for decades has been Sydney. With its iconic opera house and that famous view of the harbour that we have seen so many times on television, experiencing this in real life in mind blowing.

The biggest rock monolith in the world is situated near Alice Springs and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Ayers Rock rises from the desert like a rock of fire in the late afternoon soon. We have all seen the stunning images of the rock in its scarlet glory, and often forget that this place is sacred to the ancient Aborigine race who have inhabited Australia for generations, long before it became a penal colony.

A trip to Australia truly is a life changing experience, and one that everyone should try and accomplish in their lifetime. There, quite simply, isn’t another country in the world quite like Australia and to be part of it, even for a short time, will have an effect on you that lasts a lifetime.

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The House has since 2007 enjoyed World Heritage Site status. The expansive and lavish structure can be recognized as easily as the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty or other well known monuments around the world. The Opera House is the paradigm symbol of Oz.

The house is located on Bennelong Point and its peak towers over the shoreline of the majority of Sydney’s skyline along the shore. The Danish architect Jorn Utzon designed the iconic structure and it looks like a ship at full sail. The Opera House was a difficult building to construct by Utzon but he met it head on.

In 1956 the Government held a competition for the design of the structure with hopes of attracting the best architects in the world. Two structures had to be designed, one for the opera and one for symphony concerts. Utzon won because of the nature of his outrageous design and had the honor of designing the Opera House.

The construction took years to build, with the top shells framework taking 8 years alone to finish. It took three years just to tile the shells properly. The design was not only visionary and unique but the construction had to exceed that in order for it to be built.

Everything seemed to be going wrong for the House where the construction was concerned.  There were cost overruns, pressure from the Government and a change in opinion from the public. Utzon retired and left the building to other architects that included Ted Farmer who completed the glass and interiors walls of the building.

The structure was officially opened in 1973 by Queen Elizabeth II and was completely refurbished in 1999.  The look remains the same even though it is in constant change. It has over 6225 square meters and 1000 rooms.

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In our live WebTV show Simon Reeve will be on hand to talk all about his Western Australia adventures including camping in stunning national parks with rivers and gorges.

Joining Simon is Susan D’Arcy who will be on hand to offer tips on how to experience the luxury side of Western Australia. From unwinding in beachside spas, to hunting out truffles and sampling a glass or two of Margaret River’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay overlooking the lush vines.

Watch Adventurer Simon Reeve and Susan D’Arcy share the endless travel adventures of Western Australia.

For more information visit www.westernaustralia.com

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The city’s most famous landmark is the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which is one of the most iconic symbol of the city. Sydney also has a reputation as a city that likes to party, with some of the most lively nightlife to be found in the whole of Australia.

The locals, Sydneysiders, have a distinct understanding of their identity and have a deep and abiding love of the town, not to mention their local sports teams. Sydney is also a very artistic city and that includes more than just the famous Opera House. Each year it holds the Sculpture by the Sea competition, where artists showcase their latest works against the glorious backdrop of the famous Bondi Beach.

Another must-see sight, far north of Sydney, that is especially suited to beach-lovers is the Queensland resort of Surfers Paradise. Situated on the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise is precisely what the name suggests, a place where surfing enthusiasts meet to ride the fantastic waves that adorn the shores. Based around this, a whole culture has thrived and a resort has been born that not only offers great surfing but the nightlife, shopping amenities, bars, clubs, restaurants and everything else a person could possibly need to enjoy themselves on the waves. For a glimpse of the stereotypical ‘surfer’ way of life Down Under, Surfers Paradise is the place to visit!

Just north of the Gold Coast lies another attraction that has become famous around the world; Australia Zoo became famous thanks to the antics of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter on television. As a result, the zoo has become something of a tribute to the Aussie star and one of the most popular attractions in Queensland.

No journey to Australia would be complete without referencing the original native inhabitants of the country and there is no better place to celebrate and understand their culture than at the magnificent Ayers Rock, or Uluru. Now situated in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors can experience how aboriginal culture came to view the rock and the important role it played in their traditions and customs.

With cities like Melbourne, Darwin, Perth and Canberra still to explore, not to mention thousands of miles of beaches and wilderness, Australia is a place that captures your heart as well as your imagination.

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The first to live here faced horrendous weather like the colony of convicts that lived in complete solitude on Sarah Island. Tasmania is known for its harsh weather and rugged ways. Those that survived Sarah Island resorted to cannibalism and mutiny. Then came the miners and woodsman, the wild west enticed them to come and they did. Those from the west coast, even today, are considered to be a bit rough and to the point.

. Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Claire in all its 168,000 hectare splendor is a must see when visiting here. Stretching from the Great Western Tiers to Derwent Bridge and on to Lyelll Highway this area has moss covered gorges, endless mountain tops, crystalline lakes, tarns and moorlands. Included in the areas is Mt. Ossa at 1,617 mts, and Tasmania highest peak and St Clair Lake the deepest natural freshwater lake in Austrailia (167m).

You can day hike at both Cradle Valley and Cynthia Bay but Overland Track located between them is a bushwackers delight. Tasmania is an outdoorsman’s dream; tackle and river rafting on the Franklin River, multiday hikes, sandboarding, helicopter flights, sailing or just enjoying the reflections while on a Gordon River cruise, cruising through the rain forest in a refurbished train or relaxing or driving it yourself in a four by four.

There is an abundance of wildlife but they all take second stage to the evasive Tasmanian Tiger or Thylacinus cynocephalusm or thylacine. This doglike, nocturnal, striped hunter, was once found throughout Tasmanian. One version says that the Tiger was killed to extinction in the 19^th and early part of the 20^th centuries, but scientists do not agree. The last tiger in captivity dies in 1936.

There have been sightings but nothing conclusive since then. Another belief is the tiger continues to live deep in the wilderness.

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There are several parks in Newcastle, most of which have outstanding views. But none of them is any more splendid than King Edward Park, which is lined with tall pines and picnic areas and overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

When you are ready to do some sightseeing Fort Scratchley is an historic site and was the location of a Japanese submarine shelling in 1942 and is a fascinating place to visit. It also provides a great vantage point for enjoying the views of Stockton Beach and the harbour.

Most families also enjoy a visit to the Shortland Wetlands Centre as this is an area of regenerated wetlands which connect to Hexham Swamp. Within the Wetlands are walking trails, a bike trail, picnic facilities and a visitors’ centre.

One other magnificent spot to visit is Blackbutt Reserve in suburban Newcastle. This bush land area is full of native creatures, wildlife exhibits, picnic areas and bushwalking trails.

There are a few interesting museums and art galleries you might want to consider visiting. The Newcastle Region Art Gallery is one of Australia’s biggest regional art collections, and includes Aboriginal art, Australian works of art, Asian art, as well as works fro artists across the globe.

Newcastles 1400 shops range from huge department stores to small, simple shops.
The main place that residents and visitors go to satisfy their shopping urge is the city centre. In addition, there are other shopping areas: the Heritage Precinct, the Mall Precinct, and the West Precinct. Also, in the Tower Precinct are places where you can buy wedding outfits and designer jewellery.

One of the most important shopping destinations in Newcastle is The Mall. It hosts an array of dining, shopping and entertainment venues. There are literally hundreds of fast food outlets, specialty shops, coffee shops, bookstores, fashion stores, and more.

As for dining in Newcastle, some of the best-loved places to go are the dozens of cafes. There are numerous such cafes along Beaumont in Hamilton and along Darby in Cooks Hill. To give you an idea of what you can find at these cafes, at Three Monkees, you can get coffee by the bowl; truly unique and tasty coffee can be bought at Suspension. And if you enjoy good cakes and pastries, these are what Euro Patisserie is especially known for. Some other places you might want to investigate include Goldbergs on Cooks Hill (It offers generous helpings and it’s found in a good spot for people watching); Long Beach Café; and Swell Café.

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Australia is now advertising a wide array of weird jobs in an effort to lure those that are bored with their lives in the UK to head Down Under for a different type of working holiday.

While the rest of the world was dealing with the recession, Australia was focused on looking after their island and had time to create some very unusual job vacancies.

Titled the ‘Best job in the world’ promotion, Australia is tempting holiday planners to take a break from the grind and consider a life in a more peaceful environment getting back to basics.  Among the offers are jobs shark tagging, beer tasting, and koala catching.

The South Australian Government is hoping that the exotic nature of the jobs will lure some young Britons to head to its shores.

The idea is to tempt people with the idea of taking a walk on the wild side which has to be more exciting than spending hours tied to a keyboard or a smartphone in anticipation of the next email.

Another job on offer is penguin home remodeler, and such jobs are supposed to show that there is life outside of long hours and high taxes that will help people find a greater balance in their lives.

Agent General for Australia in the UK Bill Muirhead stated that this is not about competing for one job, but showing Britons that South Australia has plenty of exciting offers for those who wish to take advantage of them.

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If you or your family are cricket fans, later this year England will take on Australia Down Under in what is predicted to be a hotly contested Ashes series. And with the five tests spread between November and January, travelling supporters have plenty of time to combine the cricket with time on sun-kissed beaches or spotting Australia’s famous wildlife.

Whilst you may think you know Australia, there is actually a diamond waiting on the west coast to delight all members of your brood. Western Australia is a veritable feast of stunning landscape and whatever your budget you are sure to find something to suit your holiday style. Whether it is swimming with the world’s biggest fish, the whale shark, at Ningaloo Reef, sampling some of the fine food and wine in Margaret River, camping in the Kimberley outback, one of the world’s last wildernesses or watching the Ashes at Perth’s famous cricket ground, the WACA, you’ll wonder why you never went there before.

A man who has visited Western Australia many times is cricketing legend David Gower.  He toured the state as a young cricketer before scoring his first century in Australia at the WACA, Perth’s riverside ground. And he’ll be back in December for the Ashes as well as some marine adventures along WA’s pristine coast.

So what is it that he sees in Australia’s largest and most extraordinary state? How incredible is a trip Down Under to watch the Ashes?  And most importantly what is there on offer for your less sport mad friends and family?

Log on to this live webTV show with David and adventure travel journalist Richard Madden to find out why a visit to Western Australia this year will set your pulse racing both on and off the playing field.

For more information visit www.westernaustralia.com

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On Hamilton Island, which has plenty of beaches to offer, you can also now learn meditation and yoga at classes in one of the most stunning tropical locations on the island, so that when you return back home you are able to practice Hatha yoga on your own, so that you can tap into the physical and mental well being that it brings all year long.

Hatha yoga dates back to the 15^th century and can help you channel your energy so that you can transform your life into a much more positive force.  Of course, the fact that you get to learn the powerful mediation style on one of the most tranquil and beautiful islands in the world, right off Queensland and near the Great Barrier Reef is simply the icing on the cake.

In fact, it was on Hamilton Island that Ben Southall took the position advertised as ‘the Best Job in the World’ and has never left.  Of course, that is the danger of planning a holiday on this piece of heaven down under; once you arrive you may never want to head home.

At the moment you can get a an eight day package for the mediation retreat from Qantas holidays that includes flights from London, three nights at the Hamilton Island Beach Club, and three nights at the Sydney Swissotel at just £1.975 for two adults.

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There are several things that you need to consider before selecting a cruise deal that’s best for you. The first step before you embark on your journey is to select a cruise line that suits your personality and budget. The general classifications are luxury, premium, contemporary, and speciality. They differ in the amenities and itineraries offered but the services that they provide cater to the interests of almost all ages. Choosing the ship is the next thing that you need to consider. The large ships offer a fast-paced environment filled with facilities for all types of traveller, such as surf-simulators, swimming pools, and restaurants. Smaller ships offer a warm ambience with classical music and fine dining.

A cruise to the Great Barrier Reef will allow you to enjoy the option to snorkel, dive or explore the reefs through an observatory. Remember to bring along a camera to document this exhilarating experience. You must also remember to secure valid travel documentation, such as a passport and visa, depending on the requirements of the itinerary of your travel provider.

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Spring in Australia lasts from September to November. The Daintree Rainforest has the largest range of flora and fauna on earth. You can enjoy the vibrancy of the plants during this season and you can hear the songs of the migratory birds at dawn. Daintree can be reached through Cairns, Cape Tribulation, Cooktown and Port Douglas. There are lodges available in Daintree Village near the river.

You could also spend your holiday at Margaret River. You can explore the underground caves, surf on the beaches or swim with the dolphins in Bunbury. There are also wineries located in the area and you can taste the local wine at the local brewery and boutique breweries. Regional products such as olives, condiments, cheeses and jams are also available to sample.

The most famous attractions in Kangaroo Island include Penneshaw, where little sea penguins can be seen as they journey towards home after foraging for food. You can also cuddle koalas, rub shoulders with a possum or hold a snake at Stokes Bay.

There are several travel providers that offer holiday packages. There are different itineraries and amenities that will suit your personality and budget. You may be able to access cheap flights from various promotions of airline companies. Unless you are an Australian or a New Zealander, then you need to secure an Australian visa in order to enter this beautiful country.

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They are aware that getting a working holiday visa to Australia can sometime be very daunting, and this will hopefully help answer a lot of peoples questions.

Click on the Tourism Australia MySpace where you can find the widget and start asking your questions: http://www.myspace.com/workinoz

Tourism Australia: Aussie Beaches & Coastal

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Known for its beautiful scenic tapestry of sprawling beaches, serine view of the world, and breathtaking forests and mountains, New Zealand has become an exciting destination for tourists all over the world.

New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most exotic birds and wildlife and natural attractions. New Zealand is the perfect vacation for any adventurist, historian, or nature lover, offering bungee jumping, local sporting activities, site-seeing in such historic cities as Queenstown, and whale and bird watching.

The opportunity for relaxation and adventure is around every corner in New Zealand. Exploring New Zealand is made easy and fun by through educational nature based tours that transport you by train, boat, or coach.

If you enjoy stress-relieving vacations packed with picturesque mountain views, the beautiful calmness of natural forests, wine tasting, hiking trails, bird watching, fishing new waters, or just relaxing on clean, almost private beaches, New Zealand has many to choose from.

However, if you are a high energy thrill seeker, you will not be disappointed either. This site will show you how to find the best adventure of your life! Take a bungee jump in the land where bungee jumping was first introduced. There’s also skiing, surfing, mountain climbing, river rafting and lots more.

Whether your thrills come from land, sea or sky, you will find it here in New Zealand! On the other hand, if you are looking for peace and quiet and no thrills at all, you can find that here too. No other place in the world offers such great diversity. You can even book guided tours to make sure you see everything you want to see.

When visiting one of New Zealand’s decadent wineries, don’t be surprised if you are socializing not only with the warm and friendly locals but other tourists from all over the globe. Find out much more about the worlds southernmost country by visiting New Zealand Holidays.

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Western Australia has a diverse range of attractions from Shark Bay, King Sound and other beaches, to trekking through deserts and the outback. The state capital is Perth, where it is possible to take advantage of the nightlife and sightseeing. Accommodation for backpackers is mostly traditional hostels although facilities vary. There is a range of hotel/motel accommodation, bed and breakfast or the option of renting a campervan which would combine travel and accommodation. Western Australia is easy to reach by air (international flights at Perth and domestic flights to cities in Western Australia). The easyrider coach is great for backpackers as you can buy jump on jump off tickets valid for six months.

New South Wales is a region not to be avoided. Visitors to Sydney should consider climbing the harbour bridge or going to the opera house. Not to be missed is a trip to world famous Bondi Beach, and the national parks of New South Wales are breathtaking, with beautiful forests and mountains. Much of the accommodation around Sydney is hostel accommodation with the option of some self catering flats, bed and breakfast and hotel/motel stays.

The Northern Territory is less explored but still a popular destination. The capital of the region is Darwin, where many tours begin from. There are options to explore Kakadu National Park, to venture into the outback and also to see the fantastic spectacle of Uluru. Accommodation is mostly hostels and campsites/caravan parks although hotel/motel, lodge and self catering accommodation is available. The region is accessible by air, rail and road from most parts of Australia and is easy to fly to from Asia.

Queensland is a popular region to explore because of features such as its fantastic coastline (home to the Great Barrier Reef), golden beaches and its rainforests and stunning natural scenery further inland. Brisbane and Cairns are the main cities of the region. Queensland has an extensive public transport network so it is easy to travel around the region by air, road, rail, or even boat.

Tasmania is the smallest Australian state, but still has much to offer with stunning rainforests, lakes, mountains and beaches. Tasmania`s cities and towns are also worth exploring, rich in heritage and culture. Transport options in Tasmania include boats, car hire, coach services, buses, planes, cycling and taxis. Hostels, hotels/motels, farm stay, caravan and camping and bed and breakfast accommodation is available on the island.

Backpacking around Australia can be a life-changing experience, opening your eyes to different cultures and landscapes. However it is important to consider local and international safety advice and to ensure that the equipment you travel with is appropriate for example what backpacks will be best for your trip and what you will need to carry. Careful planning (allowing room for flexibility) is key to a successful and enjoyable backpacking experience in Australia.

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Britz is expanding its fleet of campervans, 4WDs, motorbikes and cars with the launch of its sensational new campervan, the Britz Escape, available for travel from 22 September, 2008.

The Britz Escape is the first campervan on the market designed specifically to sleep five people – in two double beds and one single bed – providing the perfect get away for the average family.

Built on the state of the art Mercedes 515, this full automatic vehicle features world class design and outstanding technology with a focus on bringing the family together. The vehicle boasts a front dinette, so passengers are closer to the driver for all the fun of family sing-alongs and car games, while safety is paramount with features to fit two baby or booster seats.

The Britz Escape showcases a range of unique design features, not available in any other Britz vehicle, such as an external storage locker for outdoor camping equipment and a fixed awning.

The single bed located at the back of the Britz Escape ensures more living space and comfort while the vehicle also features every family’s must-have for keeping children happy on the road – a TV and DVD player.

The Britz Escape comes equipped with all the standard Britz mod cons, from a fridge and freezer, microwave, gas stove, shower, toilet, air conditioning and heating, to a fresh water tank, gas bottle, power steering and a radio/CD player.

For more information on Britz visit www.britz.com.

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