Viator Travel Blog

Milford Sound – a spectacular fiord reached after a scenic drive through World Heritage-listed National Parkland – is one of New Zealand’s icons. But what can you expect to see on the way there and when you’re cruising around the fiord? We sent our man to find out…

Are you ready for action? If that’s a YES! then Queenstown, on New Zealand’s South Island, is the place to be. Sure there are sedate options, for those who want to shy away from this holiday town’s scariest activities. But really, Queenstown is all about the rush: Queenstown is justifiably regarded as New Zealand’s – if not the world’s – adrenaline capital.

Rotorua sure packs a lot in. The Sulphur City on New Zealand‘s North Island is the place to head to for bizarre adrenalin rushes, introductions to farm life, geothermal activity and Maori cultural shows – as David Whitley discovers. Here are some of David’s top things to do on your next visit to Rotorua.

****Editor’s Note: We have a winner! Congratulations to Sheila for her winning entry: “I’m jockeying for position in Viator’s competition!” It was tough selecting just one winner, since so many of you had wonderfully creative entries. Thanks again to everybody who entered.**** To celebrate the launch of the new ‘A Day at the Races Trip from London’, Viator is giving away a pair of tickets to one of the UK’s hottest sporting events – the Epsom Derby! The derby is on Saturday, June 5, 2010. Enter now for your chance to win 2 free VIP tickets!

Auckland is New Zealand‘s largest city, but it doesn’t have the best of reputations as far as tourism is concerned. It’s often seen as an arrival point on the North Island, to be got out of as soon as possible on the way to bigger and better things. In some respects, this reputation is fair. But look in the right places, and the city can be beautiful – and there are plenty of worthwhile things to do and see in Auckland. You just need to know where to look.

For most visitors to Fiji, Nadi is both their arrival point and major hub for activities and excursions. While there is little to see in Nadi itself, many of Fiji’s highlights are easily accessible from there. Here’s our pick for things to do in Nadi and beyond.

****EDITOR’S NOTE: The contest is now closed and winners have been announced!**** Melbourne is famous for food and is no slouch when it comes to quality restaurants. Yet there’s more than one way to enjoy the culinary delights of Melbourne – how about aboard a luxury cruise ship floating down the peaceful Yarra River? Savor city-skyline views along with a gourmet menu featuring local ingredients and global flavors.

That’s what we’re offering here: 2 free tickets on a Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise so you can experience this elegant treat for the taste buds absolutely free!

For many visitors to Australia, Darwin is little more than the departure point for other more exotic adventures east, west or south, but Darwin is an intriguing city in itself. Weathering cyclones (occasionally), hungry crocodiles (generally), and air raids (during WWII), Darwin is a city that takes these events and the often-horrendous humidity in its stride. So, set aside a couple of days to get over that jet-lag, and take in the museums, markets, multiculturalism and, of course, the odd refreshing ale, in the steamy capital of the Northern Territory.

I’m a proud Kiwi (even if I live in Sydney) and every time I head home to New Zealand I spend my time very enjoyably visiting friends and family. Which is great, but means I always go to the same parts of NZ. So this time I was visiting friends in Lake Hawea, outside Queenstown, and decided I would do some sightseeing.

This is the kind of Sydney evening that you want to mention casually to your Northern Hemisphere friends. “Shoveling snow, did you say? Hey, did I mention what a great time we had at the Bondi Open-Air Cinema the other night?”