Whangarei, New Zealand

Despite its prime gateway location to Whangarei Heads' sweeping beaches and world-class diving around the Poor Knights Islands, Northland's capital, WHANGAREI (pronounced Fahn-ga-RAY), remains refreshingly down to earth, with a laid-back local vibe and a complete absence of tourism overkill. The main focal point for visitors is the riverside Town Basin, where sleek yachts moor outside a small redeveloped settler-style shopping and restaurant complex. Elsewhere there's a smattering of museums and rewarding walks, particularly the scenic track to Whangarei Falls.