New Zealand

We’ve saved the best for last! Or, at very least, the biggest. Few people on planet Earth haven’t heard of New Zealand: little brother to Australia, a land equal parts old world-Polynesia and new age Western. Though English is a native language and the island has long been part of the British Commonwealth, much of the exceedingly rich cultural heritage of the Polynesian Maori people persists and is, in fact, a huge draw for many. Wellington is the capital and Auckland is the biggest city, though many will tell you that few come to NZ for its urban centers.

Why go? Other draws to this enormous island include the fact that it provided the backdrop for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Stopping by modern day Hobbiton is a great way to take in NZ natural wonder and cultural importance. Not a film buff? Well then, you’d be equally happy dipping in Lake Tekapo (or staying at a B&B in town), staring into local fjord Milford Sound, or wading through the Waitomo Caves to take a gander at the millions of glow worms who call them home.