Want diversity? Get out and explore Australia and New Zealand, pronto. The pristine beaches, rugged terrain, and bustling coastal cities in this part of the world are the living embodiment of variety. Sprawling deserts, enormous forests, snow-capped mountains and coral reefs teeming with aquatic life show off nature at its very best, and the busy, multicultural cities are packed with interesting folks with stories to share. Prepare to have the limits of your imagination expanded tenfold.
There’s way more to see and do in Australia and New Zealand than we could possibly cover in a few paragraphs. Here’s just a few of the you-really-had-to-be-there experiences from our trips in this part of the world.
If you haven’t checked out the Franz Josef Glacier yet, you’d better get a move on. This massive geological phenomenon is in full retreat, and scientists figure it’ll shuffle backwards by as much as 5km (3 mi) and shed almost 40 percent of its mass in less than 100 years. (Are we overreacting? Maybe a little, but it’s still well worth a visit.)
This quiet little country town on the eastern shore of New South Wales is as pastoral as it comes in Australia. With just two pubs, you’ll definitely get the opportunity to mingle with the locals who are fortunate enough to live here full-time, and we’ll get you out onto the waters to explore the gorgeous scenery by canoe.
A magnet for surfers, hippies and other refugees from the strait-laced grown-up world, Byron Bay is the perfect place to lose yourself. Here, the hills slide into the crashing surf like green giants slipping into a hot tub, and the general vibe is suitably laidback.
