Tauranga, New Zealand

Once through the protecting ring of suburbs, it's apparent that rampant development hasn't spoilt central TAURANGA, which occupies a narrow peninsula with several city parks and gardens backing a lively waterfront area. The flat city centre is concentrated between Tauranga Harbour and Waikareao Estuary. It's a dense kernel of shops, restaurants and bars where you'll find just about everything you need, but little of abiding interest other than boat trips onto the bay and its islands and the art gallery. You can easily spend half a day checking out exhibitions, strolling along the waterfront or mooching about minor sights.