Australia & New Zealand... what, where, how?
Discussion
The family (son & daughter) are likely to be in Australia or New Zealand at Christmas.
We (wife & I) are discussing how we can both have a holiday and meet up with the offspring while we're down there.
My thinking is that we travel to NZ via a stop over (one or two nights - worth it?) in Singapore - then across to Australia and eventually fly back from wherever we end up.
Restrictions: Due to work I can only travel after 13 Dec and need to be back at work on 12 Jan, so return journey needs to be on 9 Jan.
I have no knowledge of the area, or where to go. Initial discussions with the family have kicked off with the inevitable Barrier Reef snorkelling/diving tour (yes - BSAC, not PADI) and include some time in Sydney and a tour of the wine region. That's obviously all Aus and doesn't include NZ, so looking for suggestions there.
I have so many questions - am I right in going to NZ first, should it ba last or in the middle? Daughter wants to fly to Australia and then make a trip to NZ while there.
Do we fly into Brisbane and start at the top, going south or alternatively in Adelaide and go north? We've pretty much discounted the west as it would just add too much travel time for not actually seeing very much.
Not bothered about spending NYE in Sydney - would prefer a few days somewhere with good food and a relaxed atmosphere.
So, please fling thoughts, suggestions, recommendations - feel free to shoot me down if I've suggested rubbish.
We (wife & I) are discussing how we can both have a holiday and meet up with the offspring while we're down there.
My thinking is that we travel to NZ via a stop over (one or two nights - worth it?) in Singapore - then across to Australia and eventually fly back from wherever we end up.
Restrictions: Due to work I can only travel after 13 Dec and need to be back at work on 12 Jan, so return journey needs to be on 9 Jan.
I have no knowledge of the area, or where to go. Initial discussions with the family have kicked off with the inevitable Barrier Reef snorkelling/diving tour (yes - BSAC, not PADI) and include some time in Sydney and a tour of the wine region. That's obviously all Aus and doesn't include NZ, so looking for suggestions there.
I have so many questions - am I right in going to NZ first, should it ba last or in the middle? Daughter wants to fly to Australia and then make a trip to NZ while there.
Do we fly into Brisbane and start at the top, going south or alternatively in Adelaide and go north? We've pretty much discounted the west as it would just add too much travel time for not actually seeing very much.
Not bothered about spending NYE in Sydney - would prefer a few days somewhere with good food and a relaxed atmosphere.
So, please fling thoughts, suggestions, recommendations - feel free to shoot me down if I've suggested rubbish.
Take a look here for some ideas https://www.intrepidtravel.com/. The do a lot of stuff in Oz and NZ that may fit your timeline. No affiliation other than as a happy customer.
You can either 1) book a core flight to NZ return and book add-on flights with low cost carriers for the visit to Australia or 2)book a RTW ticket which would cover the bulk of your destinations.
I have done both, and costing will vary depending on your preferred route and number of stop etc,.. It seems you have a broad plan, but just need someone to piece it altogether for you. I think it will be worth giving Trailfinders a call who can give you ideas and costing of the common RTW routes.
Alternatively, have a read up on the One world RTW ticket (which Trailfinders can book for you) and if you know your route, book up the RTW ticket yourself.
https://www.oneworld.com/round-the-world
Good luck, I took 6 months sabbatical during my 30s and booked a RTW ticket to see the world. It was undoubtedly, the best time of my life ( birth of my girls came a close second
)
Edit: Australia is a bloody big place, and internal flights is fairly cheap so unless you want to drive, I would fly from say Sydney to Cairns (a s
thole btw,) and drive the short distance to Port Douglas for your Great Barrier trips and visit to the Daintree forest. Internal flights can be part of a RTW ticket too, so back to the original question, where do you want to visit! 
I have done both, and costing will vary depending on your preferred route and number of stop etc,.. It seems you have a broad plan, but just need someone to piece it altogether for you. I think it will be worth giving Trailfinders a call who can give you ideas and costing of the common RTW routes.
Alternatively, have a read up on the One world RTW ticket (which Trailfinders can book for you) and if you know your route, book up the RTW ticket yourself.
https://www.oneworld.com/round-the-world
Good luck, I took 6 months sabbatical during my 30s and booked a RTW ticket to see the world. It was undoubtedly, the best time of my life ( birth of my girls came a close second
)Edit: Australia is a bloody big place, and internal flights is fairly cheap so unless you want to drive, I would fly from say Sydney to Cairns (a s
thole btw,) and drive the short distance to Port Douglas for your Great Barrier trips and visit to the Daintree forest. Internal flights can be part of a RTW ticket too, so back to the original question, where do you want to visit! Edited by chip* on Thursday 20th February 14:35
Thanks and yes, talking to Trailfinders is on the list of things to do - we did a fabulous 3 week American west coast trip which they organised.
Audley travel is another website I've found and my daughter is throwing suggestions into the pot - she's been before.
Where do we want to visit? - that's driven by the 'what's there to see' question. We're not massively driven by cultural things so museums and galleries aren't really our 'thing'. Enjoy good food and just exploring places.
I quite like road trips - but my wife doesn't do distances, so a compromise with a fun car over a couple of hours would be good - maybe even driving round the wine area in a cab for a day?
Audley travel is another website I've found and my daughter is throwing suggestions into the pot - she's been before.
chip* said:
.....I would fly from say Sydney to Cairns (a sthole btw,) and drive the short distance to Port Douglas for your Great Barrier trips and visit to the Daintree forest. Internal flights can be part of a RTW ticket too, so back to the original question, where do you want to visit!
Great info on the RTW ticket - and these are the sorts of comments that will feed our planning. If Cairns really isn't worth bothering with then we'll skip it.thole btw,) and drive the short distance to Port Douglas for your Great Barrier trips and visit to the Daintree forest. Internal flights can be part of a RTW ticket too, so back to the original question, where do you want to visit! Where do we want to visit? - that's driven by the 'what's there to see' question. We're not massively driven by cultural things so museums and galleries aren't really our 'thing'. Enjoy good food and just exploring places.
I quite like road trips - but my wife doesn't do distances, so a compromise with a fun car over a couple of hours would be good - maybe even driving round the wine area in a cab for a day?
Ranger 6 said:
Where do we want to visit? - that's driven by the 'what's there to see' question. We're not massively driven by cultural things so museums and galleries aren't really our 'thing'. Enjoy good food and just exploring places.
I quite like road trips - but my wife doesn't do distances, so a compromise with a fun car over a couple of hours would be good - maybe even driving round the wine area in a cab for a day?
Australia and NZ are the perfect playground for outdoor / adrenalin junkies if that's your thing.I quite like road trips - but my wife doesn't do distances, so a compromise with a fun car over a couple of hours would be good - maybe even driving round the wine area in a cab for a day?
We did the Great Ocean Road drive which would meet your driving part, but there are so many other great outdoor activities to list.
Just look up the tourist website for ideas and what to do etc.. and this should help with your route planning.
Great barrier reef is a must. Lady Elliot island.
Most Oz cities have something to offer , Sydney I loved, cairns and Queensland is amazing. Good coast is nice but can be a little souless.
Melbourne, Brisbane all good.
The outback is worth a trip as it's so nothing like anything else.
Perth is nice but it's a very long way from the east side.
Nz. Lived there 6 years. Forget Auckland. Go Wellington then South Island, Napier lovely, Christchurch is ok
Most Oz cities have something to offer , Sydney I loved, cairns and Queensland is amazing. Good coast is nice but can be a little souless.
Melbourne, Brisbane all good.
The outback is worth a trip as it's so nothing like anything else.
Perth is nice but it's a very long way from the east side.
Nz. Lived there 6 years. Forget Auckland. Go Wellington then South Island, Napier lovely, Christchurch is ok
Few thoughts for you…
That time of year is tip-top-tippety-top peak season - midsummer, school hols, Christmas, New Year. Everywhere will be busy and priced accordingly. It’s also getting hot.
Australia is big and some people forget the scale of the place when planning a trip. Sydney-Cairns is about 2500km or a 3-hr flight, for example.
As a suggestion, I’d fly into Cairns - one of the Asian carriers such as Singapore prob have a direct flight - and scoot up to Port Douglas for a couple of days to get the jet lag sorted. Also can get to GBR and has lots of accommodation choice and a few restaurants. Daintree River just up the road for a croc tour too.
Heading south, could fly into Proserpine and sail the Whitsundays for a couple of days or stay on Hamilton Island.
Or fly to Brisbane - not so fussed about - nice enough city. Or fly to Coolangatta for Gold Coast - some love it, but it’s just a very long beach with lots of development.
Or fly to Maroochydore for Sunshine Coast - just north of Brissie. Noosa is a nice little town if a bit pricey. Also Australia Zoo (Steve Irwin’s place) is around that area if that’s your thing.
Byron Bay is nice for a break, and I do like the place, but peak season can be an overpriced pain in the arse.
Otherwise head towards Hunter Valley (fly to Newcastle) for wine in NSW, or fly to Adelaide for Barossa Valley and Clare Valley, Melbourne for Mornington, or wherever for wine you like.
Sydney has lots and you probably want to figure out how long you’ve got before getting an itinerary together.
As for NZ, Queenstown is my fave place, and there are other PHers who live there to help!
Fly out from Auckland back the UK.
That time of year is tip-top-tippety-top peak season - midsummer, school hols, Christmas, New Year. Everywhere will be busy and priced accordingly. It’s also getting hot.
Australia is big and some people forget the scale of the place when planning a trip. Sydney-Cairns is about 2500km or a 3-hr flight, for example.
As a suggestion, I’d fly into Cairns - one of the Asian carriers such as Singapore prob have a direct flight - and scoot up to Port Douglas for a couple of days to get the jet lag sorted. Also can get to GBR and has lots of accommodation choice and a few restaurants. Daintree River just up the road for a croc tour too.
Heading south, could fly into Proserpine and sail the Whitsundays for a couple of days or stay on Hamilton Island.
Or fly to Brisbane - not so fussed about - nice enough city. Or fly to Coolangatta for Gold Coast - some love it, but it’s just a very long beach with lots of development.
Or fly to Maroochydore for Sunshine Coast - just north of Brissie. Noosa is a nice little town if a bit pricey. Also Australia Zoo (Steve Irwin’s place) is around that area if that’s your thing.
Byron Bay is nice for a break, and I do like the place, but peak season can be an overpriced pain in the arse.
Otherwise head towards Hunter Valley (fly to Newcastle) for wine in NSW, or fly to Adelaide for Barossa Valley and Clare Valley, Melbourne for Mornington, or wherever for wine you like.
Sydney has lots and you probably want to figure out how long you’ve got before getting an itinerary together.
As for NZ, Queenstown is my fave place, and there are other PHers who live there to help!
Fly out from Auckland back the UK.
Been to Oz a fair few times and have family down there.
I also have younger ones that you.
Watching the NYE fireworks for me was an amazing experience, not just the fireworks but the whole day (Opera Bar was epic)... one day, I'd hope to recreate and share that with my kids when they are old enough.
If you can share than evening together :-)
I also have younger ones that you.
Watching the NYE fireworks for me was an amazing experience, not just the fireworks but the whole day (Opera Bar was epic)... one day, I'd hope to recreate and share that with my kids when they are old enough.
If you can share than evening together :-)
As PB said:
Peak time - you might find accommodation is already an issue. Anywhere with a beach will be very busy because of school holidays.
If you do get accommodation it will be expensive.
It could / will be hot…properly hot. Melb can hit 40 in Dec / Jan and Queensland will be cooler at maybe 30…but with over 90% humidity.
Or, it could be 20 and raining in Melbourne
Peak time - you might find accommodation is already an issue. Anywhere with a beach will be very busy because of school holidays.
If you do get accommodation it will be expensive.
It could / will be hot…properly hot. Melb can hit 40 in Dec / Jan and Queensland will be cooler at maybe 30…but with over 90% humidity.
Or, it could be 20 and raining in Melbourne
Ranger 6 said:
rider73 said:
....Nz. Lived there 6 years. Forget Auckland. Go Wellington then South Island, Napier lovely, Christchurch is ok
TBH if you are only in oz/nz 3 weeks (getting there and back is 4-5 days) I wouldn't try to do both. Personally I'd got to the south island of NZ and hire a camper. It will be expensive but it will give you more freedom than a car and motels, although that's not a bad option. It will be a busy time though as the country will be on holiday.
Otherwise I'd spend a 4-5 days in Sydney, staying near a beach if possible, then head north to somewhere like Byron Bay for a few days, then Noosa/Cairns whatever. Distances in Oz are enormous and there's often not a lot to see between coastal cities. You can spend a lot of time in a car on a freeway if you try to see everything.
Otherwise I'd spend a 4-5 days in Sydney, staying near a beach if possible, then head north to somewhere like Byron Bay for a few days, then Noosa/Cairns whatever. Distances in Oz are enormous and there's often not a lot to see between coastal cities. You can spend a lot of time in a car on a freeway if you try to see everything.
Dug out my old memory bank, and sharing some ideas + feedback of the activities. I should add, I am more outdoorsy / active type, so my (adult) holiday revolves around new experience which I couldn't do back home.
Sydney: Opera House, Manley, Bridge walk, Botantical Garden, Blue Mountains. Sydney felt more a box ticking exercise for me. Blue Mountain was gorgeous, but I wasn't that excited with the rest. The best part was the Aussie hospitality from my Aussie work colleagues whom I spoke on the phone for many years, but never met until my visit!
Port Douglas: GBR snorkelling trips - fab!, Cape/Tribulation/Daintree jeep/walk safari - loved it!, Hartley Croc farm - not one for animal shows, but this place is worth a visit. Probably my fav place but I guess the town has expanded since my last visit.
Melbourne: lots of funky bars and great eateries just like any City. Too samey as I have this on my doorstep!. Only visited to see friends, and not a place I would holiday in. I did attend some famous race day / Melbourne Cup? (equivalent to the chavvy Ladies Day in the UK) which was ok.
Brisbane: Australia Zoo - as zoo goes, it's one of the better one, worth a visit. Moreton island - Not a fan of beachy type holiday (seen some amazing beaches across the world, and they all look the same to me ), but lots of outdoor activities or a great place to chill / rest. Sounds wrong at first, but we really enjoyed feeding the wild dolphins!
Moving on to NZ.
Lake Taupo / Rotorua- Huka Falls, Crater of the Moon - worth a trips to see the amazing landscape (but skip it if you've been to Iceland )
Waitomo Cave: Abseiling and caving- brilliant fun. I would do it again!
Christchurch: White water rafting (Rangitata Raft) - absolutely amazing landscape but proper scary/fun
Didn't see Christchurch town much, except a night stay to catch our outward flight home. Received my first and only speeding ticket in Christchurch too
Wanaka: rock climbing -not a climber, but it was seriously fun and you learn on some huge rock face/cliffs (huge to me!)!
Te Anau /Milford Sound: boat trip to MS, trekking on the Fiordland - Amazing scenery, both a must-do.
Queenstown - kayak, tour, jets ride - all great fun. Lots of great eateries too (my first experience of green lipped mussels which are stunning) and several local winery. Not a fan of city./ big towns,but Queenstown is a rare exception for me.
Fox Glacier: Glacier walk (which is no longer permitted as the glacier has melted, but you can do a heli drop instead!). There's a tiny airfield which does tandem skydive so you see the entire glacier as you descend. JFDI if its's still available!
Hamner Springs: great place to chill in thermal baths, or take an exhilarating quad bike tour through the forest terrain and rivers!
I barely touched the surface, but if I was to visit Australia or NZ again, I would allocate more time on South Island as it's a truly wonderful place for a holiday (wouldn't want to live there though!).
Sydney: Opera House, Manley, Bridge walk, Botantical Garden, Blue Mountains. Sydney felt more a box ticking exercise for me. Blue Mountain was gorgeous, but I wasn't that excited with the rest. The best part was the Aussie hospitality from my Aussie work colleagues whom I spoke on the phone for many years, but never met until my visit!
Port Douglas: GBR snorkelling trips - fab!, Cape/Tribulation/Daintree jeep/walk safari - loved it!, Hartley Croc farm - not one for animal shows, but this place is worth a visit. Probably my fav place but I guess the town has expanded since my last visit.
Melbourne: lots of funky bars and great eateries just like any City. Too samey as I have this on my doorstep!. Only visited to see friends, and not a place I would holiday in. I did attend some famous race day / Melbourne Cup? (equivalent to the chavvy Ladies Day in the UK) which was ok.
Brisbane: Australia Zoo - as zoo goes, it's one of the better one, worth a visit. Moreton island - Not a fan of beachy type holiday (seen some amazing beaches across the world, and they all look the same to me
), but lots of outdoor activities or a great place to chill / rest. Sounds wrong at first, but we really enjoyed feeding the wild dolphins!Moving on to NZ.
Lake Taupo / Rotorua- Huka Falls, Crater of the Moon - worth a trips to see the amazing landscape (but skip it if you've been to Iceland
)Waitomo Cave: Abseiling and caving- brilliant fun. I would do it again!
Christchurch: White water rafting (Rangitata Raft) - absolutely amazing landscape but proper scary/fun
Didn't see Christchurch town much, except a night stay to catch our outward flight home. Received my first and only speeding ticket in Christchurch too
Wanaka: rock climbing -not a climber, but it was seriously fun and you learn on some huge rock face/cliffs (huge to me!)!
Te Anau /Milford Sound: boat trip to MS, trekking on the Fiordland - Amazing scenery, both a must-do.
Queenstown - kayak, tour, jets ride - all great fun. Lots of great eateries too (my first experience of green lipped mussels which are stunning) and several local winery. Not a fan of city./ big towns,but Queenstown is a rare exception for me.
Fox Glacier: Glacier walk (which is no longer permitted as the glacier has melted, but you can do a heli drop instead!). There's a tiny airfield which does tandem skydive so you see the entire glacier as you descend. JFDI if its's still available!
Hamner Springs: great place to chill in thermal baths, or take an exhilarating quad bike tour through the forest terrain and rivers!
I barely touched the surface, but if I was to visit Australia or NZ again, I would allocate more time on South Island as it's a truly wonderful place for a holiday (wouldn't want to live there though!).
Edited by chip* on Friday 21st February 10:19
What a lovely problem to have OP.
I have spent time in both OZ & NZ and with your available timescale I would not try to do too much. Travelling will eat up a lot of your holiday and maybe it would be better to base yourself in either NZ or OZ and see more of that country. I guess OZ would be the obvious choice after reading your OP.
I would much prefer NZ for a 3 or 4 week holiday. I'd get to experience the people & country more due to the smaller distances. If I were to choose OZ I'd probably visit 2 or 3 areas - Outback + Great Barrier Reef + Sydney - rather than trying to squeeze more in.
Whatever you choose to do I hope you and your wife have a great time.
I have spent time in both OZ & NZ and with your available timescale I would not try to do too much. Travelling will eat up a lot of your holiday and maybe it would be better to base yourself in either NZ or OZ and see more of that country. I guess OZ would be the obvious choice after reading your OP.
I would much prefer NZ for a 3 or 4 week holiday. I'd get to experience the people & country more due to the smaller distances. If I were to choose OZ I'd probably visit 2 or 3 areas - Outback + Great Barrier Reef + Sydney - rather than trying to squeeze more in.
Whatever you choose to do I hope you and your wife have a great time.
PomBstard said:
Few thoughts for you…
That time of year is tip-top-tippety-top peak season - midsummer, school hols, Christmas, New Year. Everywhere will be busy and priced accordingly. It’s also getting hot.
This cannot be overstated. It is the busiest time and large parts of Australia shut down over the Christmas period as well as it being the school holidays (last week of Dec to Feb). Do not leave booking flights and accommodation to the last minute.That time of year is tip-top-tippety-top peak season - midsummer, school hols, Christmas, New Year. Everywhere will be busy and priced accordingly. It’s also getting hot.
Also it won't be getting hot... It will be hot. Think about the hottest British summers day and you'll still have no idea how hot it will be
Also consider milti-city flights. I.E. you fly from London to Sydney and return from Auckland. Most large carriers will do this (in particular Asian based ones like Singapore, Malaysian and Cathay).
I'd recommend Singapore if you're flying economy. It's a 20+ hour flight so it's worth paying for the extra comfort.
As a Kiwi, can confirm some good suggestions above and absolutely agree with spending most of the time in the South Island if you come to NZ (but I may be biased, I live in the lower South). Better scenery, lower population, more wide open spaces etc.
Also fully agree with comments that with your planned timeframe you should choose either NZ or Aus and not try to cram both into a relatively short trip.
Also fully agree with comments that with your planned timeframe you should choose either NZ or Aus and not try to cram both into a relatively short trip.
Edited by GravelBen on Tuesday 25th February 08:22
It’s Ashes cricket then. Worth bearing in mind when you’re looking where to go.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/england/...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/england/...
We've been lucky to have done a similar (c.4 weeks over xmas to Aus / NZ) a couple of times. First trip we did a 2 day stop over in Tokyo before going to NZ. Spent just under 2 weeks there in a motorhome and 'did' both islands. We packed a fair bit in and felt a little rushed at times. Queenstown a highlight and the day trip to the fjords in the south (back via helicopter) was awesome. We then went over to Aus, did cairns / barrier reef; Uluru and Sydney, flying home from Sydney. Enjoyed all three places
Second time we did with our then six year old. Stopped over in Singapore (actually preferred this to Tokyo, which I know many will disagree with!), Again onto NZ, flew to Queenstown for a few nights, had an absolute blast doing rafting, paragliding, jet boats etc. Then flew up to the North island and spent 10 days in a motorhome (Bay of Islands, Taupo, and couple of other stops - all amazing). Then onto cairns (this time we spent 4 nights on a small 'cruise' on the reef - weather was awful so not the best experience. Finished in Sydney.
In reality didn't get to experience much of Aus, although we enjoyed Cairns and Sydney both times and would recommend. Couldn't recommend NZ highly enough and the motorhome / campervan approach worked really well for us both times - as others have mentioned not cheap but worth it.
Hope that gives you some ideas!
Second time we did with our then six year old. Stopped over in Singapore (actually preferred this to Tokyo, which I know many will disagree with!), Again onto NZ, flew to Queenstown for a few nights, had an absolute blast doing rafting, paragliding, jet boats etc. Then flew up to the North island and spent 10 days in a motorhome (Bay of Islands, Taupo, and couple of other stops - all amazing). Then onto cairns (this time we spent 4 nights on a small 'cruise' on the reef - weather was awful so not the best experience. Finished in Sydney.
In reality didn't get to experience much of Aus, although we enjoyed Cairns and Sydney both times and would recommend. Couldn't recommend NZ highly enough and the motorhome / campervan approach worked really well for us both times - as others have mentioned not cheap but worth it.
Hope that gives you some ideas!
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