Adelaide

Just four and a half hours' flying time from Auckland, South Australia's capital is a city that celebrates the art of living well. Every wine lover has heard of the Barossa and Clare Valleys, but not many realise that there are 270 cellar doors across South Australia and that Adelaide was recently named a Great Wine Region of the World. Many wineries complement their vintages with delicious local produce, and most are highly accessible from Adelaide city.

'The 20-minute city' is the kind of place where you never have to think too hard about your next excursion. There's so much to do, and everywhere is easy to get to.

Feel like a trip to the beach? Jump on a tram to Glenelg, and 20 minutes later you'll be walking barefoot in the sand. Stroll along the jetty, rummage through the shops and be tempted by one of the sidewalk cafés along Jetty Road.

Or perhaps you have an appetite for culture. Wander down North Terrace, checking out the State's Art Gallery, SA Museum (home to Australia's largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts) and the beautiful Botanic Gardens. All are free for visitors.

If you'd like to give your tastebuds a workout, make sure you visit Adelaide Central Market. Open Tuesday to Saturday in the early mornings, it's 'the pantry of the city.' Grab a coffee and a bite at one of the nine cafés and restaurants, then stock up on deli products and freshly baked patisserie goodies for later.

There are free trams and buses around the city centre, and plenty of places you'll want to check out. Rundle Mall is a magnet for shopaholics, and there are more than 700 restaurants in the 'eat streets' centred on Gouger Street, Rundle Street and Hutt Street. And don't overlook the attractions just outside the city centre.

For a leisurely trip, head to the quaint German village of Hahndorf in the nearby Adelaide Hills. Lined with jacaranda trees, the main street's historic buildings are filled with art and craft galleries, cellar doors, antique shops, German bakeries, chocolate shops, cafés, and the legendary Udder Delights cheese cellar.

Adelaide is also the perfect jumping off point for a Murray River cruise, a road trip to the stunning Flinders Ranges, or a day trip to the pristine wilderness of Kangaroo Island where you can walk amongst koalas and kangaroos.