Things to Do in Australia And The Pacific

Located at the top end of New Zealand's North Island, Auckland is the country's largest and most cosmopolitan city. Sitting on an isthmus surrounded by volcanic hills, it offers a truly unique atmosphere. Often named one of the most livable cities in the world, you may find it hard to leave!

How to Get to Auckland

Your cruise ship will dock at Princes Wharf, which is in the center of downtown Auckland. As soon as you step off the ship, you'll be surrounded by shops and cafes and the city's main shopping district is just a 10-minute walk away.

One Day in Auckland

Start your day by visiting the observation deck at Auckland's Sky Tower, which reaches over 1,000 feet into the sky. Enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of the surrounding area and step onto one of the glass floor panels for a view down to street level. If you're feeling adventurous, you can bungee jump off the Sky Deck, dropping more than 600 feet.

After you catch your breath, head to the Auckland Museum, which features interesting exhibits about local history and geography and New Zealand's original inhabitants, the Maori people. The Auckland War Memorial Museum, the National Maritime Museum and the Museum for Transport and Technology are also worth a visit for those hoping to learn more about New Zealand.

If you want to experience some of the local charm of Auckland, spend some time exploring the elegant Parnell neighborhood with its arty boutiques, lively cafes and the Parnell Rose Gardens. Or, visit the funky, quirky Ponsonby neighborhood, featuring a mix of historic villa, trendy nightclubs and designer boutiques. You might also head further afield to the small, 19th century village of Devonport located across the bay from Auckland.

For a more active day in Auckland, try walking to the top of volcanic Mt Eden, hiking through the lava fields on Rangitoto Island or taking the ferry to Waiheke Island, where you can enjoy beaches, water sports or even wine tasting.

Seeing as they guarded Queensland’s coast for over 100 years, it only make sense that Townsville’s military be given a proper museum. Here at the Army Museum of North Queensland, visitors will learn of Japanese attack and fear of Russian invasion, and also hear of Australia’s involvement in Korea and Vietnam. Collections include cannons, guns, and artillery that stood at Kissing Point Fort—some of which has only been discovered during recent, exceptionally low tides. Take a walk through re-created tunnels that were used in World War I, and hear the tales of North Queensland soldiers who fought, and died, in battle. With interactive displays, visitors of all ages can tour the museum and be entertained for hours, and a network of walking paths up Kissing Point Fort lies just outside the museum. For visitors with an interest in history, the museum offers gripping, first-hand accounts of Queensland’s soldiers and battles, and since Townsville is closer to Papua New Guinea than it is to Melbourne or Sydney, it geographically has somewhat fended for itself over all these years. Since the museum is only open a few hours, be sure to arrive early and allow ample time to tour this fascinating spot.

A fabulous UNESCO World Heritage site measuring 434 square miles (700 square kilometers), Aoraki Mount Cook National Park stretches from Westland to Fiordland on New Zealand's South Island. A mecca for climbers, hikers, skiers, and lovers of natural beauty, the park's attractions include the Tasman Glacier and the warm and welcoming Heritage, New Zealand’s most famous hotel.

The Art Gallery of Western Australia is a world class museum located right in the heart of Perth.

The gallery was founded in July 1895. Since its inception, the gallery has aimed to enrich Western Australia with great collections of art, bringing the art of the world to the state. In partnership with the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the gallery is presenting six exhibitions of work drawn from MoMA’s extensive collection between 2012 and 2015.

Despite celebrating art from around the world, the gallery places a large emphasis on the arts of Australia and the Indian Ocean Rim. Programs, exhibitions and events are influenced heavily by art both local and close international proximity. This includes the permanent State Art Collection, showcasing Indigenous art and Western Australian art and design.

The Art Gallery of Western Australia hosts a wide range of exhibitions, which have included celebrations of Egyptian art, entries to the Tom Malone Prize, and contemporary photography of New York. Year 12 Perspectives is a recurring exhibition of art by some of the most talented graduating high school artists in the state that highlights the role the arts play in the development of self.

The outstanding Aquarium of Western Australia surrounds you with all the fishy creatures of the Southern Ocean. Innovative underwater tunnels and walkways get you up-close and personal with the turtles, fish, sharks and rays swimming overhead.

Other attractions include playful seals and reefs of coral, wiggly jellyfish and graceful sea dragons.

If you dare, you can scuba dive with sharks in the Shipwreck Coast feature aquarium.

Arnhem Land, one of Australia’s wildest and most sacred areas, lies at the lush northern tip of the continent. It was declared an Aboriginal Reserve in 1931 and remains a place of strong tradition with a distinctive culture and famous artwork, while also staying largely untouched by European colonization.

Every city needs a large central park, and Auckland Domain provides 185 acres where you can escape the bustle of the city. Set on the slopes of an extinct volcano and protected since the 1840’s, Auckland Domain is not only the largest, but also the oldest park in Auckland.

Located just east of the city center, Auckland Domain has a network of walking trails which weave their way through the forest. Unlike the pace of nearby downtown, peaceful moments abound in the park such as watching ducks land on the pond or relaxing on a bench in the shade. In the spring, cherry groves pepper the forest with a pink and vibrant hue, and during most times of the year you can find teams playing rugby on any of the large open fields.

For all of the open space, however, the largest draw of Auckland Domain is the building atop the hill. Constructed in 1929, the Auckland War Memorial and Museum is a three-story, neo-classical building with displays on everything from the nation’s war history to exhibits on Maori culture. While the museum itself is free of charge (though donations are often suggested), there is an extra fee to watch a performance such as a traditional Maori haka.

While visitors scour inside of the museum and pore over cultural artifacts, you’ll find people outside of the museum enjoying the expansive lawn. Or, further down the hill, wander the greenhouses of the famous Wintergardens for a sea of flowers and color.

Much of the park’s attraction, however, is simply enjoying the open space, and whether it’s eating a picnic while gazing at the skyline or going out for a jog, Auckland Domain is where city residents come to escape to nature.

Sandwiched between the city of Auckland and the westward-facing beaches, the Waitakere Ranges are forested hills which separate the beach from the city. These hills provide a forested escape from the urban bustle of Auckland, and the best place to begin such a journey is at the popular Arataki Visitor Center.

Located 30 minutes west of downtown Auckland, the Arataki Visitor Center is the official gateway to the surrounding Waitakere Ranges. Not only does this informative stop offer views looking east towards Auckland, but there are numerous bushwalks which depart from the center and explore the surrounding forest.  Stare in wonder at towering kauri trees which explode from Earth towards sky, and soak in the simplicity of getting back to nature despite being so close to Auckland.

Inside the center itself, visitors can peruse the informative placards to learn about the region’s history, and various displays also discuss the park’s unique flora and fauna. This is also the stop to get the latest trail info as well as inquire about backcountry camping. From here, it’s only a short drive to the wonders of the park from waterfalls and trails to the fog-lined coast.

The center itself is set conveniently on the side of aptly-named Scenic Drive, and the Arataki Visitor Center is a must-stop destination for anyone exploring Waitakere.