San Francisco to Auckland, New Zealand

When John Fremont sailed into San Francisco in 1846, he found no famous bridge, but a golden light reflecting off the high cliffs that flank the bay’s only entrance. He named it Golden Gate and its glowing welcome still creates a striking first impression today.

Combine the languid allure of the tropics, big city sophistication and the spirit of Aloha, and you’ve discovered Oahu. Known as “The Gathering Place”, this Pacific crossroads is a tapestry of cultural diversity from Polynesian sensuality and Oriental mystique to American pragmatism. And it all blends together in one of the most harmonious gatherings in the world.

Discover Papeete, a bustling place by South Pacific standards. With its white sands and aquamarine lagoons, this Polynesian Eden holds much the same allure today that it had in the past. Visit the museum of one of Tahiti’s most famous expatriates, painter Paul Gauguin.

Many believe this stunning island to be the inspiration for James Michener’s mythical island of Bali Hai – and it’s to see why. Picture-postcard lagoons are framed by white sand beaches and six verdant mountains that loom over the island. Located just nine miles across the Sea of the Moon from Tahiti, this lush paradise is French Polynesia’s best-kept secret.

North of Auckland, along the narrow Northland peninsula, lies a shady ‘cathedral’ of some of the world’s largest trees. These hulking specimens stand up to 170 feet tall, and are over 1,200 years old.
The captivating Bay of Islands shelters 150 islands and enchanting wetlands of birdlife, fish, seals, dolphins, and even whales. No wonder it’s one of New Zealand’s favourite destinations.

In a nation where stunning scenery is taken for granted, this water wonderland sparkles like a freshly polished jewel. Over 48 extinct volcanoes cloaked in wild mountainous scenery encircle the “City of Sails”. An undulating succession of bays and inlets stretch along its endless shores. Even the downtown area with its expansive, farm-like parks exudes a sense of spacious beauty.