It is an engineering marvel, the world's steepest steam-operated railway. This is Tasmania's West Coast Wilderness Railway, and it is 28 tonnes of special. Today, passengers are moved by the same locomotives that began the run from Queenstown back in 1896. They take a comfortable 16-kilometre run through the wildlands, uphill through spectacular landscapes and down to a place called Dubbill Barrill, with stops for a little gold panning and sightseeing. These locos were originally built to move copper ore for the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company, delivering the mine's deep riches out of a massive, landlocked deposit at Queenstown to the port of Strahan, and from there, to the world. And every passenger is greeted by one of the line's original workhorses, a 28-tonne steam locomotive that's ready to roll — and guaranteed to raise a smile.

For fans of "The Lord Of the Rings" trilogy or "The Hobbit" movies, Matamata village is an essential must-visit. Here, you can experience Hobbiton first-hand and feel like one of Tolkien's characters for a moment. The village is an estimated 2 1/2-hour car ride from Auckland, but the journey is worth every minute and you can take breaks on your way there, to simply marvel at NZ's beautiful and diverse landscape.

If you happen to be in Dana Point for the Christmas holidays, don't miss out on this unique parade in which boaters decorate their boats for the holidays. The parade beckons boaters from all over Orange County, who decorate their vessels and aspire for awards like Judges Choice, Best Theme, Best Use of Lights, Best Animation, Most Colorful, Most Original, Best Sailboat, Best Powerboat, and the Perpetual Trophy for the Yacht Club with the Most Entries.