Going 'Down Under'
Discussion
Hi guys & gals
I've just inherited a big problem regarding a 'down under' trip - hopefully you can make some suggestions to make it more enjoyable and worth the effort of travelling that far.
Unfortunately for us the wife’s sister's daughter has decided to marry an Australian, We've been invited - wedding is in Adelaide - Dec ‘22, My wife is really obliged to go to the wedding
On this I have no option, so our initial thought's are we need to be in Adelaide/Australia for as short a time as poss, unless there's something worthwhile doing there to stay longer?
On the other hand, both my wife & I would love to visit New Zealand, [both keen wildlife OA enthusiasts] travelling distance/different seasons from UK has always prevented this, so our thought's are either go to NZ B4 or after the wedding, to make the long trip worthwhile
What are my options - best flights to get etc.etc, maybe round the world air ticket? maybe drive across USA [route66] on the return leg home [yes please we’d both like to do that]?? Time is not a problem we're both retired so a coupla month's away would be OK. Because of the travel distance we'd like a reasonable seat on the plane to Aus, [direct flight would be preferable – if poss?] do normal seats to Aus have more arm/legroom than say an Easy Jet or the normal package/charter flights? what’s the best options/airlines to choose. We’re not billionaires so cost is a relevant factor, any visitor visa's etc required?
Also some suggestions for places to visit or [NOT visit] in NZ, which is best – N or S Islands or both?
This wedding is a big surprise so we've done no research whatsoever just been dropped in at the deep end - help!!
TA
Mal
I've just inherited a big problem regarding a 'down under' trip - hopefully you can make some suggestions to make it more enjoyable and worth the effort of travelling that far.
Unfortunately for us the wife’s sister's daughter has decided to marry an Australian, We've been invited - wedding is in Adelaide - Dec ‘22, My wife is really obliged to go to the wedding
On this I have no option, so our initial thought's are we need to be in Adelaide/Australia for as short a time as poss, unless there's something worthwhile doing there to stay longer?On the other hand, both my wife & I would love to visit New Zealand, [both keen wildlife OA enthusiasts] travelling distance/different seasons from UK has always prevented this, so our thought's are either go to NZ B4 or after the wedding, to make the long trip worthwhile
What are my options - best flights to get etc.etc, maybe round the world air ticket? maybe drive across USA [route66] on the return leg home [yes please we’d both like to do that]?? Time is not a problem we're both retired so a coupla month's away would be OK. Because of the travel distance we'd like a reasonable seat on the plane to Aus, [direct flight would be preferable – if poss?] do normal seats to Aus have more arm/legroom than say an Easy Jet or the normal package/charter flights? what’s the best options/airlines to choose. We’re not billionaires so cost is a relevant factor, any visitor visa's etc required?
Also some suggestions for places to visit or [NOT visit] in NZ, which is best – N or S Islands or both?
This wedding is a big surprise so we've done no research whatsoever just been dropped in at the deep end - help!!
TA
Mal
Say you can't afford it sadly.
People are embarrassed (which is stupid) about money, however sounds like you'd rather not spend it.
Say so, I suspect they'll go away if you make out your broke and they can pay for your tickets if they want to.
"Wonderful, no I'm not embarrassed at all by you paying."
"Yes please, charity is great"
"Whip round, great idea, thanks"
Otherwise, other people will be along soon, my mate emigrated about 10 years ago, looks wonderful, you'll love it, once you've gotten over the cost!
People are embarrassed (which is stupid) about money, however sounds like you'd rather not spend it.
Say so, I suspect they'll go away if you make out your broke and they can pay for your tickets if they want to.
"Wonderful, no I'm not embarrassed at all by you paying."
"Yes please, charity is great"
"Whip round, great idea, thanks"
Otherwise, other people will be along soon, my mate emigrated about 10 years ago, looks wonderful, you'll love it, once you've gotten over the cost!
I'm from NZ and have been told by many backpackers over the years, to visit Aussie first, then the North Is of NZ, then the South Island as you're saving the best for last. (I am from there but It's much more interesting than the NI) Also, spend 1/3 of your time in the NI, 2/3 in the south island if you are going to both, I have been told. In South Aus, if you have the time, Wilpena Pound and the Flinders Ranges are amazing, well worth a look. Otherwise, as Aussie is so huge, sticking to the area around Adelaide would get you a bit of beach time, wineries etc without spending days and days in a car.
In NZ, the top of the South Island is gorgeous, (Wineries, whale watching, sunshine etc) then south of the Canterbury plains, from Geraldine through to Tekapo, Omarama, Queenstown, Wanaka, Central Otago is all stunning and will a dawdle through. Bear in mind it will be around xmas there so it will be hot and probably accommodation/rental cars etc will be busy/expensive. The west coast is interestingly wild, it does rain a lot though.
Long haul seats are generally roomier than easijet. When I have been back the last few years I have generally travelled directly, no layovers, usually through Asia into Christchurch
In NZ, the top of the South Island is gorgeous, (Wineries, whale watching, sunshine etc) then south of the Canterbury plains, from Geraldine through to Tekapo, Omarama, Queenstown, Wanaka, Central Otago is all stunning and will a dawdle through. Bear in mind it will be around xmas there so it will be hot and probably accommodation/rental cars etc will be busy/expensive. The west coast is interestingly wild, it does rain a lot though.
Long haul seats are generally roomier than easijet. When I have been back the last few years I have generally travelled directly, no layovers, usually through Asia into Christchurch
Edited by some bloke on Tuesday 7th June 14:22
Baddmono said:
do normal seats to Aus have more arm/legroom than say an Easy Jet or the normal package/charter flights? what’s the best options/airlines to choose.
Not so you would really notice, and spending nearly 24 hours in economy with a 2 hour break to change planes isn't the most pleasant of experiences. Over the years I have flown Qatar, Singapore, Malaysian, Royal Brunei and Quantas and to be honest they are all of a muchness. If you can fly in a Airbus A380 then do, but I wouldn't pay much more for the privilege. I would stick to the carriers you have heard of and make your choice based on the price/flight times/flight duration.I ended up always flying Royal Brunei eventually, purely because at the time they were the cheapest by several hundred pounds and their flight times and durations were amongst the best. However, I don't believe they have restarted flights to Australia yet and they are a dry airline which may be a problem if you like a drink. Also Royal Brunei international airport is quite optimistically named as I have been to bigger airports in Scotland. There is literally nothing there, so if you are hoping to get some food you are probably going to be out of luck. But as I said, at the time it was hundreds of pounds cheaper.
I would avoid China Southern Airlines, but that is just from what I have heard and I have no personal experience.
Also you want to only stop once, some of the flights make two stops and this is obviously a much longer flight. I had this in the past when someone else made the booking without realising and I think it was about 28 hours in total.
I would personally do a search on Cheap Flights as this searches all carriers to give you an idea of prices and what's available. I would then narrow it down to flights with one stop, that are less than 24 hours each way, are the carriers you have heard of and have acceptable departure times. I would then check the prices directly on that carrier, also note that you will have to pay extra for your seats for each leg. So for two of you, you are going to end up paying for 8 seat bookings.
If you book directly through cheap flights just bare in mind that it may be slightly cheaper but you are going through a third party so if anything goes wrong you may have issues. I am also not sure if you can actually book seats as you are not dealing with the airline direct. I am happy to be proved wrong on that point though.
If you want more legroom you can pay extra for the seats by the emergency exit, in my opinion this is well worth it as you can fully stretch out as you have nothing in front of you.
Just to warn you, flights are getting on for double what they cost pre Covid.
Just to add, in my opinion there is nothing of any interest to do in Adelaide so plan to stay as short a time as possible.
Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 7th June 14:30
Spent a fair chunk of time in NZ and pretty much all of it is lovely, never far from beaches and somewhere a bit wild...
But the south island is much sparser populated and has some real gems, such as the Observeratory on Mt St John in Wanaka, and church at Lake Tekapo is stunning as is a lot of the lakes and mountains around there.
North Island has the tongariro crossing, I've never done this but it's by all accounts a wonderful hike.
If you want to go, do it - there's stuff for everyone so it really depends on how far off the beaten track you'd want to go
But the south island is much sparser populated and has some real gems, such as the Observeratory on Mt St John in Wanaka, and church at Lake Tekapo is stunning as is a lot of the lakes and mountains around there.
North Island has the tongariro crossing, I've never done this but it's by all accounts a wonderful hike.
If you want to go, do it - there's stuff for everyone so it really depends on how far off the beaten track you'd want to go
One thing to note is that in December Australia will be very hot. Especially at the end of December (Christmas heat waves are not uncommon).
Singapore would be my pick of the airlines, especially if you're flying economy. I'd avoid QANTAS like the plauge... Especially if you're flying economy.
Singapore would be my pick of the airlines, especially if you're flying economy. I'd avoid QANTAS like the plauge... Especially if you're flying economy.
captain_cynic said:
One thing to note is that in December Australia will be very hot. Especially at the end of December (Christmas heat waves are not uncommon).
Singapore would be my pick of the airlines, especially if you're flying economy. I'd avoid QANTAS like the plauge... Especially if you're flying economy.
We booked economy to Australia with Singapore airlines. A few weeks before flights, we had an email off them asking if we wanted to bid for premium economy. Ended up costing us around £150 extra, each return.Singapore would be my pick of the airlines, especially if you're flying economy. I'd avoid QANTAS like the plauge... Especially if you're flying economy.
some bloke said:
, Wilpena Pound and the Flinders Ranges are amazing, well worth a look. Otherwise, as Aussie is so huge, sticking to the area around Adelaide would get you a bit of beach time, wineries etc without spending days and days in a car.
Flinders ranges are lovely and should be far enough from Adelaide you won't run into hordes of tourists. But as someone else mentioned in December you risk running into some serious heat.Edited by some bloke on Tuesday 7th June 14:22
Kangaroo Island south of Adelaide is also stunning for natural beauty and wildlife.
The Adelaide hills are very pretty too but can get busy but worth a day driving around.
mart 63 said:
captain_cynic said:
One thing to note is that in December Australia will be very hot. Especially at the end of December (Christmas heat waves are not uncommon).
Singapore would be my pick of the airlines, especially if you're flying economy. I'd avoid QANTAS like the plauge... Especially if you're flying economy.
We booked economy to Australia with Singapore airlines. A few weeks before flights, we had an email off them asking if we wanted to bid for premium economy. Ended up costing us around £150 extra, each return.Singapore would be my pick of the airlines, especially if you're flying economy. I'd avoid QANTAS like the plauge... Especially if you're flying economy.
A few thoughts, some of which will echo previous comments...
Timing - December in Adelaide is likely to be hot and getting hotter. Its also peak tourist season, esp once the schools break up about a week before Christmas. Booking flights and accommodation now probably isn't a bad idea, for both Aus and NZ.
Flights - an idea might be to book just the main international return through either your travel agent or direct, heading for either Sydney or Melbourne. Then book local flights separately, Qantas and Virgin Australia will get you to Adelaide and also across to NZ. I've also used Air NZ in the past and like them too.
I'm a fan of flying Singapore - efficient, clean, helpful and Changi is one of the better places to stop for a couple of hours. I'll be doing this in a few weeks, so hopefully still going as it used too! My Mum used to like flying Cathay through HK, whilst my in-laws like going through Dubai - though FKW, the place is a glitzy s
thole of an airport. IMO, of course...
Another flight to consider is the direct Qantas flight from LHR - QF10/QF9. It goes to Perth in one, 17hr, hop. A few friends have done this and said its well worth it. From Perth to Adelaide is only a couple of hours across the Nullabor.
To break it up a bit, you could fly in/out MEL then drive Great Ocean Road to Adelaide - its about 800km with some great scenery.
I'd agree with others that there's not a great deal to do in Adelaide - its a big country town with some nice wineries and beaches, and the surrounding Hills area is maybe worth a drive through. But otherwise, get the wedding done and fly out.
Others have given good advice for NZ, and one of my favourite places is Queenstown. SI NZ is really a fantastic place all over - maybe hire a camper van?
Timing - December in Adelaide is likely to be hot and getting hotter. Its also peak tourist season, esp once the schools break up about a week before Christmas. Booking flights and accommodation now probably isn't a bad idea, for both Aus and NZ.
Flights - an idea might be to book just the main international return through either your travel agent or direct, heading for either Sydney or Melbourne. Then book local flights separately, Qantas and Virgin Australia will get you to Adelaide and also across to NZ. I've also used Air NZ in the past and like them too.
I'm a fan of flying Singapore - efficient, clean, helpful and Changi is one of the better places to stop for a couple of hours. I'll be doing this in a few weeks, so hopefully still going as it used too! My Mum used to like flying Cathay through HK, whilst my in-laws like going through Dubai - though FKW, the place is a glitzy s
thole of an airport. IMO, of course...Another flight to consider is the direct Qantas flight from LHR - QF10/QF9. It goes to Perth in one, 17hr, hop. A few friends have done this and said its well worth it. From Perth to Adelaide is only a couple of hours across the Nullabor.
To break it up a bit, you could fly in/out MEL then drive Great Ocean Road to Adelaide - its about 800km with some great scenery.
I'd agree with others that there's not a great deal to do in Adelaide - its a big country town with some nice wineries and beaches, and the surrounding Hills area is maybe worth a drive through. But otherwise, get the wedding done and fly out.
Others have given good advice for NZ, and one of my favourite places is Queenstown. SI NZ is really a fantastic place all over - maybe hire a camper van?
Another vote here for the great Ocean road drive between Adelaide and melbs. If not in a rush, which is best not to be, you can do a few hours driving each day with plenty of things to see and do along the way. Lots of nice little towns to stay in.
I normally avoid driving when on holiday but that particular segment of my travels was very good.
If you're into the driving you could fly Melbs to Brisbane and then drive down the east coast, departing home via Sydney. Plenty to see and do in Australia so don't dismiss it in favour of NZ if you have to be in Aus anyway.
I normally avoid driving when on holiday but that particular segment of my travels was very good.
If you're into the driving you could fly Melbs to Brisbane and then drive down the east coast, departing home via Sydney. Plenty to see and do in Australia so don't dismiss it in favour of NZ if you have to be in Aus anyway.
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