On Cook Strait sits Wellington, New Zealand's charming windy city. Must-sees here include the waterfront, the lovely beaches, and the Wellington Cable Car that takes riders to botanical gardens. For cultural exposure, visit The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, with its Maori national treasures and art gallery. Wellington Zoo is another key attraction, and features Tahi, a one-legged kiwi, as its mascot.
Zacatecas, built into the slopes of a narrow ravine in north-central Mexico, is a city with a deep mining past and a striking skyline. The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its pink cantera stone buildings, narrow alleys, and impressive baroque facades. The Cathedral Basilica of Zacatecas, completed in 1752, stands as one of the most detailed examples of Mexican baroque architecture, with hundreds of carved figures covering its sandstone exterior.
Paro, Bhutan, is a serene valley town that offers a gateway to the mystical charm of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Nestled amidst verdant hills and bisected by the glistening Paro Chhu river, Paro is home to some of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks and cultural treasures. At the heart of this picturesque valley stands the majestic Paro Dzong, or Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery with a history dating back to the 17th century.
Lyttelton is the largest settlement on Lyttelton Harbour, an inlet on the northwestern side of Banks Peninsula, and provides a frequent landing spot to those who are Christchurch bound.
Nestled in the scenic Borgarfjörður region of Iceland, Reykholt is a quaint village steeped in historical significance and natural beauty. While it is well known as a center of learning and culture during the medieval period, Reykholt is also famed for its stunning landscapes and geothermal activity. The town's nearby hot springs, including the historic Snorralaug, a medieval bathhouse, offer a unique opportunity to soak in waters that have been enjoyed for centuries.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, national park in the Northern Territory, Australia, in the arid center of the continent, southwest of Alice Springs. The area was established as Ayers Rock/Mount Olga National Park in 1958 and renamed Uluru National Park in 1977. In 1985 the land was officially returned to its traditional owners, the region's Aborigines. The Aborigines then leased the area to the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service. In 1987 the park was placed on the World Heritage List, a listing by the World Heritage Convention of the world's unique and precious sites. The park was renamed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in 1993.