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Once you get in Copenhagen, always keep in mind that as with many other popular European destinations, there are tourist traps. For a good drink, most travel guides recommend Nyhavn, a colourful 17^th century waterfront area. Be forewarned however: there’s a premium to be paid for all that charm.

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The steep price of a pint or glass of akvavit is well worth it for some and, truth be told, the ambiance is sublime. Furthermore, hotels in Nyhavn rank up there with some of the very best in Copenhagen.

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In terms of specific watering holes, check out the Absolut Icebar Copenhagen, an awesome bar decorated with 40 tonnes of fresh ice from Northern Sweden. The temperature is constantly kept at -5 degrees Celsius here but you can always book a room at the Clarion Collection Hotel nearby and warm up. Still in the sae general area, grab a Carlsberg or Tuborg or order a cocktail at Bar D’Angleterre in the swanky Hotel D’Angleterre.

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For a multi-cultural vibe, head to Nørrebro, A district with a high concentration of Middle Eastern immigrants. Amid the wafts of shwarma and shisha, Sankt Hans Torv has a flourishing nightlife. Situated in the northern part of Nørrebro, this square and connecting streets are packed with boisterous bars and clubs. Venues like Pussy Galore’s Flying Circus and Sebastopol are two of Copenhagen’s most famous and both are located in Sankt Hans Torv. Each spring they move their tables, chairs and parasol heaters out onto the square, to create a lively and and animated atmosphere. Beverage-wise, Nørrebro Bryghus is always a good choice.

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Just outside Copenhagen’s centre is Vesterbro, one of the most attractive areas in the capital. In this neighbourhood, the main highlight is Istedgade, a 1 km-long street that passes through a former red light district and ends in the modern part of Vesterbro. Hip cafés, bars and trendy stores animate the sidewalks of Istedgade, all the way.

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Vesterbro also includes Copenhagen’s newest hotspot, Kødbyen – literally translated as “Meat City”. This is actually the area with the largest concentration of butcher shops in Denmark. It has recently undergone a massive regeneration, transforming itself from a simple meat-processing quarter to one of the coolest office zones and nightlife spots in Copenhagen. Cutting-edge venues like Karriere, Warehouse 9 and Jolene Bar are just a few notable options.

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If you’re into trendy and posh venues, you’ll have plenty of options in Athens to choose from. The Kolonaki district, near Lykavittos Hill, is the home of the in-town rich, an area with plenty of embassies, fashion boutiques, upscale cafés, bars and restaurants. Kolonaki is within walking distance from Syntagma Square, the main plaza of the city. While you’re strolling in the most chic part of the city, do not miss restaurants like Azul or Frame. Others like Caprice, Central, Mommy or Rock ‘n’ Roll are open in winter only. Moreover, some of these hip spots serve dinner only, so plan wisely. Take a virtual tour of the main street here, to get a sense of the neighbourhood. For posh hotels in Athens, Kolonaki is a good bet.

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Other luxury districts include Kifissia, in the northern part of the city, and Glyfada, in the southern part of Athens. Kifissia is somewhat similar to Kolonaki; wide boulevards, opulent villas, trendy bars, restaurants and many luxury shops dot the landscape. The area is accessible on Metro line 1, Kifissia station. A must-try restaurant is Pandeli, which has won many accolades in the city over the years.

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Glyfada, the “Beverly Hills of Greece” is well known for upmarket cafés, famous fashion boutiques and cosmopolitan clubs. If you enjoy sexy seaside nightlife, Glyfada is the place to be. Posh haunts like Akrotiri Boutique, Hall of Mao and Shisha Summer are some of the brand name clubs on continental Greece.

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If the supper club scene is not your cup of Nescafé, worry not. Good, affordable grub is everywhere in Athens. Aside from ubiquitous gyro stands, you can choose from a slew of inexpensive restaurants. The vicinity of Monastiraki square features plenty of good taverns, with some al fresco areas to nibble and people-watch. Thanasis is a popular restaurant in Monastiraki, with a focus on local cuisine. For the best and cheapest meze in the centre, head down to Oraia Ellas. Other affordable tables include Mandras, Savvas, Iridano and Papandreou.

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Although some of the most popular attractions require admission fees, many NYC staples are free. Rockefeller Center and the Chrysler Building are two such skyline gems where it costs nary a penny to step inside. Other free points of interest in Manhattan include Central Park, Grand Central Terminal, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the New York Public Library.

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New York City, it goes without saying, is also home to dozens of prestigious cultural institutions and museums, many of the affordable variety. With that in mind, check out The Museum at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology), the George Gustav Heye Center branch of the National Museum of the American Indian and the Sony Wonder Technology Lab in the Philip Johnson-designed Sony Tower.

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art suggests an adult admission fee of $20, but each visitor can pay what they can afford. Not a bad deal for one of the best art museums on the planet. If you’re in a hurry, ask for a free one-hour highlights tour. Led by volunteers, the rapid-fire circuit throught the Met provides a stellar intro to the permanent collection.

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On Tuesdays, from noon to 2:00 p.m., admission is free at the Staten Island Museum. On Wednesday you can visit Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden (also in the Bronx) gratis. Thursdays, you can pay what you wish from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at MAD (Museum of Arts and Design). A voluntary contribution will get you into the International Center for Photography on Fridays between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Saturdays from 5:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. you can pay what you wish to explore the Guggenheim.

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Enjoy boat cruises? You should try the Staten Island Ferry. The free ride across across Upper New York Bay between Manhattan and Staten Island is the best deal in the city. Keep that digital camera on hand for magnificent photo ops of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. The ferry operates 24/7/365 – which, in and of itself, is pretty remarkable.

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If you’re on a budget and in search of good, cheap accommodations, be resourceful and think seasonal. Search for hotels in New York City from January to March or from July to August if you want to get the best bargains. Also, think outside of the Manhattan box. With more than 2.5 million people, Brooklyn is the most populous borough in NYC and a veritable city unto itself. With tons of attractions, eclectic neighbourhoods, excellent parks and the coolest restaurant and music scenes in the city, Brooklyn is always a solid option. Ditto for Queens. The point, as always with New York City, is to keep an open mind and remember that there’s abundant life outside of Times Square and Midtown Manhattan. Additionally, remember that Christmas and autumn are, on the whole, the busiest tourist seasons in the Big Apple.

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Myeong-dong is the main shopping district in Seoul. Since the capital of South Korea is such a big city, save time by choosing wisely where to stay. There are plenty of conveniently located hotels in Seoul to choose from.

Many department stores and top boutiques in Myeong-dong feature clerks proficient in both English and Japanese. The commercial zone is Korea’s trendiest and most expensive shopping area, so you’d better prepare to max out your credit cards. Migliore, Shinsegae and Lotte Department stores are just a few of the upscale malls on hand. The area is served by an eponymous subway station on line 4.

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If Myeong-dong proves too expensive or too crowded, you can make your way to nearby Namdaemun market. Located next to Namdaemun Gate (Great South Gate), this traditional market has been around since 1414 and is one of the largest retail markets in the city. With over 5,400 stores and more than half a million visitors each day, Namdaemun is a major hive of activity. Exclusive items and materials that cannot be found anywhere else are traded here, so the market is definitely worth a visit. Namdaemun is close to Hoehyeon station, on subway line 4.

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One of the most acclaimed shopping venues in Seoul is COEX mall, located near Samseong Station on subway line 2. The largest underground mall in Asia spans over 85,000 square metres of shops and restaurants, with famous local brands and international labels. Apart from two food courts, a cinema multiplex and kimchi museum, COEX also has an impressive aquarium.

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A shopping spree around Seoul can continue with Itaewon, another must-see area of the city. Famous for its tailors, leather and shoe stores, you can also find a number of high-quality jewellery shops and some of the finest art galleries in Korea. The area has more than 1,000 shops to choose from, over 1.4 km², from the U.S. Army Base to Hannam-dong.  Although many of the vendors speak English and Japanese, a Korean interpreter and haggling skills are recommended if you want the best bargains. Itaweon is reachable from the station of the same name, located on subway line 6.

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For the best deals in electronics, head to Yongsan Electronics Market, on subway line 1 at the Yongsan Station. This huge area contains 20 buildings with more than 5,000 stores. The local products are up to 20% cheaper here than in other outlets, while international brands can be bought at prices 50% cheaper than in any other place in Seoul. While the area has many “traditional” operating stores, with fixed prices and warranties, there are some venues that allow and encourage bargaining, so an interpreter would be recommended here as well.

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After a long day strolling the busy streets of the city, you might feel the need for ultimate relaxation. Fortunately, there are about 20 hamams (Turkis baths) in Istanbul, where you can unwind. Be aware that some hotels in Istanbul offer hamams, but if you really want to spoil yourself like a local, choose between Cagaloglu and Cemberlitas. Both of them are open until midnight and offer different service packages. Cagalolglu was one of the last Turkish baths built during the Ottoman Empire. The arches and columns of this hamam are made of marble and small star-like windows pierce the ceiling of the hot room.

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While most tourists agree that Istanbul is a pleasure to explore on foot, a boat ride is a pretty stellar way to enjoy the city as well. There are daily cruises on the Bosphorus that usually depart from the Eminonu docks (on the Golden Horn, between Galata Bridge and Sirkeci Station). A tour to the Black Sea takes about two hours (depending on the speed of the boat you’re on) and at the final stop you usually get a couple of hours before turning back. Romantics should also take into consideration the night cruises offered by some companies at Eminonu.

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Smoking nargile (hookah), while having a delightful Turkish coffee is also a must, while in Istanbul. Once the centre of the Turkish socio-political life, it is now a habit that locals enjoy from time to time. Yeniceriler Caddesi (near the Grand Bazaar) is a great place where you can enjoy some of the city’s finest nargile. You might find it useful to know that there are some rules for nargile smoking: if you are a tobacco smoker, never light up your cigarette on the hookah’s coals and never put the nargile on the table or on a chair (it should always rest on the floor). Finally, if you’re sharing the nargile never pass the agizlik to the next person; rather, put it down and let the next person pick it up.

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If you’re in Istanbul and still want to see a mosque that doesn’t bustle with quite so many tourists as the Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque, make your way to Sultan Suleymaniye Camii, in the Beyazit district. Completed almost half a millennium ago, in 1558, the mosque dominates the city’s Third Hill. Another popular but, admittedly, not as densely crowded attraction is Galata Tower, which offers a breathtaking view of the Old City and the Bosphorus. All in all, a great place to enjoy a lovely sunset in Istanbul.

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Airfare can be the most expensive part of a trip so make sure you book your ticket in advance. If you are coming from another European city, you might get a great price with Ryanair, whose main hub is in Dublin. Otherwise, do not be afraid of connecting flights – book a ticket on a route served by a large number of airlines, hence lower prices, and connect to Dublin via a low cost airline.

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Hotels in Dublin are numerous, varying from budget to luxury. Budget hotels (2-3 stars) will not pamper you with exquisite meals, but offer a great price for basic facilities. To save on your accommodation costs, make sure you book your room in advance so that you can enjoy the best rate possible.

The Dublin Pass is a great way to get around Dublin’s major attractions for free. Prices start at €19 for children and €35 for adults for a full day, and include a handful of free admissions, discounts on restaurants and bars and one free airport transfer. Among the attractions with free admission, do not miss the National Gallery of Ireland, Christ Church Cathedral or the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

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In Dublin, happy-hour is just around the corner. On weekdays, selected pubs offer special prices on pints and cocktails. The Dicey Rileys, one of the biggest beer gardens in Dublin, offers discounts of €2 per drink on Tuesday and €2.5 on Wednesday, while Solas lures clients with a complimentary BBQ on Fridays after 5:00 p.m. and €3 per pint before 10pm. Other happy-hour bars include Pygmalion, Bull & Castle and The Turks Head.

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If you want to burn off some extra calories or simply relax in a green environment, The Iveagh Garden is a perfect place to do so, with its beautiful gardens and maze. The Phoenix Park, one of Europe’s biggest and most impressive parks at 707 hectares, is a great free attraction that can be explored on foot or bicycle. With Dublinbikes, Dublin’s bike rental scheme, you can rent a bike at one of 40 stations around town (the first half hour is free).

Áras an Uachtaráin, the official residence of the President of Ireland, offers free tours on Saturdays. Leinster House, where the Irish Parliament operates, is another free attraction that offers free guided tours.

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There are a handful of magnificent churches around Ireland that welcome locals and tourists alike, but the most popular include the Carmelite Church Whitefriar Street and St Audoen’s Church; the only medieval parish church that remains standing in Dublin. St. Audoen offers visitors a free tour of the guild chapel of St. Anne and access to 17^th century memorials dedicated to the Sparke and Duff families.

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Top off your budget tour of Dublin with a picturesque walk on Howth Coastal Path, located at the northern side of Dublin Bay. Offering superb panoramic views of Dublin and the Mountains of Mourne, the Howth Coastal Path is the perfect ending to an event-filled day. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, head to the Ireland’s Eye located in the area for an amazing bird sanctuary, housing species such as razorbills, gulls and fulmars. At the end of the tour, walk to Howth village to catch your breath and have dinner at a cosy restaurant.

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Most of the major clubs in Lisbon can be found between downtown and Belém, a neighborhood packed with interesting monuments, near the river on Avenida 24 de Julho. If you do not want to waste a fortune on cabs, make sure you book a central hotel in Lisbon. Do as the locals and start with dinner and drinks at a pub or restaurant and make your way to the clubs at about 2 a.m. For an authentic experience, check out one of these 10 famous nightclubs in Lisbon.

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1. Kapital

Set on the Tagus River, Kapital is one of the hottest and most popular clubs in Lisbon, but also one of the most expensive. Open since the ’90s, the club is the playground for the city’s elite and you just might end up dancing next to a local celebrity. Kapital has six bars on three floors, with different types of music on each. On weekends, the queue to get in can be very long and the club hard to get in to if you are not a regular.

2. Belém Bar Café

This sophisticated hotspot set on Lisbon’s riverside is a combination bar, café and restaurant that transforms into a disco after midnight. Kitchen is open until 2 a.m., after which disco balls pop up and a resident DJ hosts a variety of themed parties all night long. Admission is anywhere between €10 and €20. Numerous social events that attract Lisbon’s posh crowd are organized here by actors, models and various other celebs. In summer, the BBC takes advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor dance floors and bars on the balcony over Tagus river.

3. Buddha

Set in a maritime terminal that dates back to the 1940s, Buddha is a casual club with an oriental ambience. Buddha’s lounge features chill out music and beanbags; you can let time pass you by here.

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4. Incognito

Unlike many other clubs in Lisbon, Incognito is a club that does not want to be found easily (hence the name). The club has no name on the door and you must ring a bell to get in. This is one of the city’s oldest clubs and still plays music that was popular two decades ago. Incognito is divided into two spaces: a main dance floor and a quieter bar upstairs, from where you can watch the crowd below.

5. Kremlin

Once dubbed Europe’s best house music club, Kremlin is a must-see on the map of night-time attractions in Lisbon. The club lures an eclectic mix of people throughout the week. From Thursday to Saturday, you will hear hip hop, house and jungle, while on Tuesdays and Wednesdays a cool mix of pop and rock blast through the speakers.

6. Lux

Located right by the harbour, Lux is one of the most fashionable clubs in the city. Partly owned by actor John Malkovich, Lux has welcomed such stars as Prince and Cameron Diaz over the years. Lux is located in a former warehouse and its labyrinth of rooms are decorated with colourful, retro furniture. Once inside, you can dance to some modern beats downstairs, relax to an alternative soundtrack upstairs or watch the luminous city on the rooftop terrace. As with other popular clubs, expect a long queue at the entrance.

7. The Loft

Once the most fashionable club in Lisbon, The Loft is presently a hip location that mostly attracts young Portuguese. The music, mostly house and electronica, is played by a local DJ. The lounge is decorated in luminous colours, beanbags and low tables, a perfect setting to sip a cocktail before you head out on the dance floor.

8. Paradise Garage

Paradise Garage is a different experience than most of the clubs on this list. Set in a former warehouse, the venue hosts a large number of live concerts during weekdays from both local and international artists. On weekends, garage music is played for the clubbers that stay here until the wee hours of the morning.

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9. Frágil

Frágil was the first club to open in Lisbon in 1983 and still attracts large crowds on a regular basis. You need to ring the bell for admission, but once you are in, you will find the club packed with a mixed crowd dancing to electronic beats. If you want to hear something different than the same club mixes, head to Frágil, where you are bound to find some great alternative hits.

10. Lollipop

Lollipop can be found in the LX Factory, a renovated textile factory that now hosts offices, studios, art galleries, as well as restaurants, café and shops. The small Lollipop is a vibrant scene that fills up on weekends with crowds trying to escape the posh atmosphere from other clubs. If you want a relaxed setting, head on down to Lollipop.

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The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is one of four in Australia that falls under both natural and cultural UNESCO criteria – Kakadu National Park, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the Willandra Lakes Region are the others. Archaeological evidence on the island infers human occupation as far back as 35,000 years ago, though by the early 20^th century, the indigenous population was wiped out as a result of disease, conflict and relocation.

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There are a number of fine gateways to the Tasmanian Wilderness UNESCO World Heritate Area proper, from Geeveston to Derwent Bridge, Launceston to Devonport. Hotels in Hobart however, the lively capital city of Tasmania, offer the most variety and decent enough proximity to the island’s national parks.

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The Tasmanian Wilderness spans nine national parks and conservation areas. These include: Central Plateau Conservation and Protected Areas, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Devils Gullet State Reserve, Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Hartz Mountains National Park, Mole Creek Karst National Park, South East Mutton Bird Islet, Southwest National Park and Walls of Jerusalem National Park.

If you love to trek, Hartz Mountains National Park is a must. The park is a short 84 km drive southwest of Hobart and unfurls spectacular wildlife like padmelons, bushtail possums, echidnas and platypi. For the ultimate challenge, make your way to Hartz peak (1255 m) and enjoy a brilliant view of South West Tasmania. Adequate protective gear is necessary for long treks and while there are no campgrounds available, visitors can set up tent at least 500 m from any road.

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At over 600,000 hectares, Southwest National Park is the largest swath of the Tasmanian Wilderness. While both Gordon River and Scotts Peak roads offer brief glimpses of the national park for drivers, the most memorable way to enjoy Southwest is to get in and explore. Wild rivers, green centenary rainforests, wide plains and rugged mountain ranges – they can all be seen here. The Port Davey Track and South Coast Track are popular routes for intrepid tourists and take 4-5 and 6-8 days, respectively, to complete. The South Coast is a scenic wonder and unfolds pristine coastal pockets between Melaleuca and Cockle Creek. This is a remote and wild track however and not suitable for those without experience or proper equipment. For a list of suitable gear, consult the national parks of Tasmania website.

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If you plan to go north from Hartz Mountains National Park, make sure to see Cradle Mountain. Ancient forests, alpine heartlands and icy cascades form some of the main features of the most popular area in the Tasmanian Wilderness. Unlike other national parks on the island, picnic shelters and electronic grills are available here, near the Visitor Centre. The latter provides a wealth of excellent information for adventurous tourists who want to make the most of the Tasmania experience and embark on the awesome Overland Track. The Waldheim Chalet and Waldheim Cabins offer comfortable shelter but do book up fast in high season.

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Endemic fauna plays a major role in Tasmania’s singular charm. The Tasmanian Devil, of course, is the inimitable icon of the island. Sadly, the distinctive carnivorous marsupial is in the throes of an epic battle for survival against a formidable foe: devil facial tumour disease. As a result, future generations may not have a chance to witness this incredible animal in the wild. Other special creatures to look out for in Tasmania include the Native-hen, Wedge-tailed Eagle, quolls, bandicoots and wallabies.

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Museum of Science and Industry

Set in Hyde Park, the Museum of Science and Industry is one of the most popular museums in the United States and the dominant science museum in the Western Hemisphere. The MSI hosts various exhibits related to the human body, transportation, space exploration and the environment. Among the over 2,000 exhibits on hand in 75 major halls, visitors can see a German U-505 submarine, Zephyr train and British Spitfire. Other random exhibits range from the world’s largest pinball machine to a reconstruction of a 1933 Illinois coal mine. Another fascinating feature of the museum is Science Storms, which recreates extreme natural phenomena such as tornadoes and avalanches. Temporary exhibits include Jim Henson’s Fantastic World, a tribute to the creator of the Muppets and Hubble, an IMAX feature showing the impact the Hubble telescope has had on astronomy. Check out superb rates on Chicago hotels in the area.

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The Art Institute of Chicago

Located in Grant Park and guarded by two bronze lions, the Art Institute of Chicago was opened in 1879 under the name of Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. This foremost masterpiece is one of the most photographed attractions in the city and houses a vast permanent collection that takes hours to fully explore. The museum features one of the most impressive collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, with prominent works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and Matisse. Other works on display include lavish European decorative arts and exhibits showcasing over 5,000 years of Asian art. Since May 2009, the museum’s Modern Wing by starchitect Renzo Piano has injected new life into the venerable institution and unfurls a fine collection of contemporary art. In between tableaux-gazes, you can unwind and grab lunch at the museum’s restaurant or peruse through art-centric items in the gift shop.

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The Shedd Aquarium

The historic Shedd Aquarium was, for a time, the world’s most immense. More than 2 million annual visitors pass through the massive facility, which contains over 25,000 fish. The Caribbean Reef, Oceanarium and Wild Reef comprise the most notable exhibits, with all the sharks, stingrays, Beluga whales and eels you could ever want under one roof. The aquarium is part of Museum Campus Chicago, together with the extraordinary Field Museum of Natural History and Adler Planetarium.

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Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum

The senior-most planetarium still in existence on the planet offers a lot more than the average astronomy museum. The Adler has a wide variety of exhibitions, from Planet Explorers to the Galaxy Wall, CyberSpace to the IBEX Show. A U.S. National Historic Landmark, the planetarium won Ernest A. Grunsfeld, Jr. a gold medal from the American Institute of Architects in 1931. The indelible magnum opus is a linchpin of the man-made Northerly Island.

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The Chicago History Museum

A thorough tour of Chicago invariably involves a trip to the Chicago History Museum. A peerless collection of eclectic objects tells the remarkable saga of the city in vivid fashion, from textiles to railroad cars, decorative to industrial arts. A phenomenal research library is a veritable treasure trove of Chicago lore. After a visit, be sure to tour the the Old Town Triangle neighborhood of Lincoln Park.

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1. Ninety Mile Beach

Located on the west coast of the North Island, Ninety Mile Beach is a long strip from Ahipara Bay, past Motupia Island and Scott Point. Renowned for golden sand and prized for a wide range of recreational pursuits, Ninety Mile Beach is a popular destination for surfers and has some of the best waves in the country.

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2. Takapuna Beach

This popular beach in North Shore City is a great place to enjoy some sun and have a meal with by the water. On clear days, lucky visitors can admire views of the volcanic island Rangitoto of the Hauraki Gulf islands. With more than 60 restaurants and bars, as well as 400 shops, the coastal suburb of Takapuna is a lively destination. The area is set to expand and become a centre for water sports with the construction of the National Ocean Water Sports Centre.

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3. Mount Maunganui’s Ocean Beach

Dubbed New Zealand’s “Surf City”, Mount Maunganui is a popular seaside resort throughout the year. With numerous gourmet restaurants and luxurious Mount Maunganui hotels, this small town is a perfect gateway to the Bay of Plenty.

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4. Kaiteriteri Beach

Within brilliant Abel Tasman National Park, Kaiteriteri Beach is a popular summer destination, with some of the best sand and water conditions in New Zealand. The crystals of quartz and mica found in the sand make the beach literally glitter under your eyes.

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5. Cooper’s Beach

Just an hour’s drive from the Bay of Islands, Cooper’s Beach is a relatively secluded coastal expanse shaded by pohutukawa trees. The beach is adjacent to Mangonui, an old fishing village with numerous old buildings that have been transformed into cafés, restaurants and small shops. Superb Mangonui accommodations are available for those who want to relax and explore the village and area at a leisurely pace. If you’re lucky, you might find an ancient petrified coconut from the Miocene Age near the shore.

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6. Hot Water Beach

Located on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, Hot Water Beach is a world-renowned geothermal destination in the Waikato region. The name of the beach comes from underground hot springs that rise up through the sand at high and low tides. Visitors often dig up holes to unearth the curative waters, which can reach temperatures of 64°C.

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7. Cactus Bay Beach

Waiheke Island is a North Island gem in the Hauraki Gulf. A 40 minute ferry ride from the city of Auckland, the island is home to a brilliant beach accessible only by boat. Many consider Cactus Bay Beach to be the most idyllic coastal spot in New Zealand, with nearby Garden Cove a wildly popular picnic area. Other first-rate Waiheke Island jewels include Oneroa Beach, Little Oneroa Beach, Palm Beach, Little Palm Beach and Surfdale Beach.

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