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www.adventureworld.net.au. Nestled in the deep forest valley of the Darling Range is Araluen Botanic Park. Featuring both exotic and7native species the park is a great place to relax or enjoy one of many delightful bush walks. The Araluen Train, complete with recorded commentary, is a popular attraction during the peak spring flowering season. Captain Cook Cruises offers excellent cruising on Perth’s magnificent Swan River and is a great way
to see Perth and Freemantle. Try the famous wine cruise to Sandalford Estate, followed by wine tasting and a delicious gourmet lunch (www.captaincookcruises.com.au). Fremantle Prison is one of Western Australia’s major World Heritage Listed tourist attractions. Built by convicts in the 1850s it was used as a jail for almost 140 years. With solitary cells and gallows the prison is now a place of history, mystery and fun. Choose from a prison
day
Children $40; adventure or a spooky torchlight tour Adults $26 Children; $16 www.fremantleprison.com.au).
tour (Adults $20 Children $11; tunnels tour Adults $60
BAY OF ISLANDS, New Zealand
A t8hree hour drive north of Auckland, the Bay of Islands encompasses 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula. Enjoy sailing, cruising, fishing or just swim alongside the dolphins. Uncover the history of the picturesque settlement of kerikeri with a kerikeri Half Day Tour (Adults $60 Children; $30 Ph+64 9402 7422). Explore the Bay of Islands with a Fullers Great Sights Bay of Islands dolphin watching cruise to the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’. Tours depart daily (Adults $102 Children; $51 Ph+64 9583 5790). Experience
an unforgettable journey through the natural beauty of the Hokianga with Hokianga & Tane Mahuta Day Tour. Learn local stories and legends and get an authentic insight into early
Ma
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand
Situated on the Canterbury Plains on the east coast of New Ze9aland’s South Island, Christchurch is a garden city with great cycling paths and magnificent botanic gardens. Take
in the city sights by joining a guided bike tour, Christchurch Bike & Walking Tours (Prices start from $50pp for 2 hour tour includes bike, helmet and vest; www.chchbiketours.co.nz).
For the ultimate overview of the city, Garden City (20 minutes flight costs $199pp) will take you to lofty heights. See how much the city has changed since the 2010/2011 earthquakes. Helicopters (www.helicopters.net.nz) punting on the Avon River is an iconic attraction not to be missed. Departs from the historic Antigua Boat Shed landing. Sweep past the weeping willows, woodlands and the leafy banks. 30-minute tour costs
$25
ori history (Adults $115 Children $57.50; Ph+64 9402 7422). Visit the Russell Museum and see the story of the development of Russell / kororareka from a small Maori fishing village to a major port. See the one-fifth scale model of Captain Cook’s Endeavour. Open every day 10am-4pm.
pp (www.welcomeaboard.co.nz/punting). If you’re a history buff, take a fascinating journey through New Zealand’s military aviation history at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Open every day and entry is free (www.airforcemuseum.co.nz).
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EXPERIENCE NZ: (counter clockwise from above)
The infinitely photogenic Bay of islands is a bucket list must for any savvy traveller. Christchurch is a garden city with a decidedly English feel that can deliver a holiday ranging from genteel to adventure packed. Queenstown offers all of the thrill seeking activities anyone could desire but it’s her natural beauty that will make your head spin.
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18 AUGUST 2015