Christchurch, the Garden City, and the Canterbury region are the perfect destination for daredevils. From northern Kaikoura to Waimate in the south, Canterbury is an adventure sports paradise. Hangliding, helibiking, bungee jumping, snowboarding, jetboating, rafting and skydiving get the adrenaline going. Golfing, flightseeing, swimming with dolphins and soaking in thermal pools are more laid-back temptations. Christchurch, a city of parks and gardens, is the country’s third largest urban area.

In the Maori language, Kaikoura means "meal of crayfish," a nod to the New Zealand township's seafood-rich origins. Remnants of those early days can be found at Fyffe House, the oldest surviving building, and Kaikoura Museum. Today, the South Island settlement provides an ideal base camp for observing the abundant offshore wildlife (sperm whales, dusky dolphins, orcas and fur seals) and dining on fresh local catch. Numerous galleries showcase the knitting, pottery and jewelry of area artisans.

Coastal paths wind lazily around Nusa Lembongan, inviting travellers to explore the island on foot. Mangrove forests, seaweed farms, and tranquil beaches like Jungut Batu and Dream Beach are prime ways to experience Nusa Lembongan’s natural beauty. The clear blue waters are perfect for surfing and drift diving. Walk the suspension bridge over to neighbouring island Nusa Ceningan and take in a spectacular sunset from Ceningan Ridge for maximum romance.

Bogor is near enough to Jakarta to be a suburb but is also the third largest city in Indonesia and was once capital of the Sunda Kingdom. The city is at a slightly higher elevation than Jakarta and so offers a respite from the high temperatures and humidity of the city. With a world renowned botanical garden and a presidential palace (including massive herds of tiny deer), Bogor offers enough attractions to be worthy of a side trip of several days.  Bogor is renowned for having a wide variety of cuisine and also offers golf courses, tennis and other recreational activities.

Surpassed only by Manila in size, the Philippines’ second city combines colonial architecture and mountainous surrounds with a burgeoning cultural and culinary scene. As the gateway to both Bohol and Cebu Island, Cebu City impresses with chic rooftop bars and intriguing museums.