Australia/New Zealand

[AndrewMZ3]

Looking at going to Australia and New Zealand in April. Started to do some research into which areas to visit, which sights to see, etc and was hoping for some feedback from other people who have been. What did you find most memorable. What would you recommend we go see, etc.

Thanks!

[ExtraSlow]

Not sure how long you have to be down there, but you may not have time to see both.
I spent three months in NZ "back in the day" and I loved it. One thing that kept catching me what how long it takes to drive everywhere. All the highways go right through the towns, so don't count on going 100 km/h average. You'll be much slower than that.

I loved the south island of NZ, which is where I spent most of my time. North island is a cool sub-tropical vibe too.

My main advice is to spend as little time in Auckland as possible. It's a fine city, but nothing special.

[Dumbass17]

I haven't been to NZ (yet) but if you are the active/adventurous kind, NZ is home to some awesome bungee jumping, swinging, ziplines, skydiving and the like.

I spent 3 years in Australia. How long are you going for, that can help me help you...

[davidI]

I've traveled both Australia and New Zealand extensively. There are so many great places to see it's tough to make suggestions without more information on what you're interested in seeing or doing.

It's sort of like asking "I'm going to Canada, what would you recommend?"

I've put up a load of blog posts on both Australia and New Zealand if you want to get an idea for what type of activities are available.

http://baldpacker.com/travel-blog/co...tralia-oceania
http://baldpacker.com/travel-blog/co...an/new-zealand

[sl888]

x2 how much time do you have?
We spent 5 months in Australia and NZ. The gf and I lived out of a station wagon/campervan and we had an amazing time.

[Feruk]

Whitsundays and Fraser Island were my favorites in Australia. The first is a sailing trip on the Great Barrier Reef, the second is a camping trip on a very unique island. They usually offer a package deal. Something like this (although I don't remember if I did this one):

http://www.dropbearadventures.com.au...r-whitsundays/

Also worth seeing: Byron Bay, Noosa.

Not really worth visiting: Most major cities in Australia. Too similar to Canada IMO.

[Dumbass17]

Originally posted by Feruk
.... Not really worth visiting: Most major cities in Australia. Too similar to Canada IMO.

This is true. I did the east coast from Sydney to Cairns and I felt like a day or two in Sydney was enough... But I'm also not a city person.

You also have the option of using OzBus. I think it's called. Allows you to do the entire East coast and pick your stops. Great way to meet people on the bus and even share hostel rooms etc and see alot of places.

[AndrewMZ3]

Thanks everyone for the responses. Unfortunately, we only have 3-4 weeks for this trip so won't be able to see all too much. The wife really likes animals, so probably looking at going to some of the zoos and similar things. We're looking at this turtle hatching thing on Elliot Island. Probably do the glow worm dark water rafting.

[ExtraSlow]

I did the glow worm caves. Was pretty cool.

[in*10*se]

do ozexperience. perfect way to back pack. Lots of young people, great people to meet, great stops and will help you plan your entire trip.
Hostel it at wakeup in downtown sydney. get your bearings and go.
start in sydney and work your way up.
highlights: whitsundays, fraser island, byron bay, great barrier reef. Go to prodive if you want to get your dive cert.

[sl888]

AU
Animals:
Cape Otway National Park for koalas
Whale watching in Warrnambool
Penguin parade in Phillip Island
Camping at Wilsons Promontory National Park
Camping with wallabies at Granite Gorge
We camped with cassowaries but I forgot the name of the beach. Definitely in Queensland. Keep your distance!
We stayed 2 nights on Lady Elliot Island. Unfortunately it wasn't during the turtle hatching season. We didn't see any manta rays either.

Sailing in Whitsundays is a must. Great Ocean Road/12 Apostles. I know you don't have a lot of time but you gotta go to Uluru and Kata Tjuta. A lot of people skip this place but it is a must. Kicking myself for skipping Fraser Island and Kakadu National Park.

NZ:
Animals:
Ohau waterfall for seal pups
Royal Albatross Centre near Dunedin
Kea in Arthur's Pass
Swim with dolphins in Kaikoura
We did the Black Labyrinth tour for the glow worms

Milford Sound
Night tour at Mt John Observatory in Lake Tekapo
Sailing at the Bay of Islands

Oh yeah COFFEE!!

[Ben]

Lived there...for a fair amount.

Let me know what you need to know.

Most importantly, how LONG are you going for?


Do NOT try and do too much.

[nzwasp]

I was born and lived in NZ until I was 27 so shoot me any questions if you want to know anything.

[Dumbass17]

glow worms are horribly boring and a waste of time. you cant see anything. just a bunch of tiny little specks on a cave wall.... do not waste your time or money on this

[ExtraSlow]

Weird, I enjoyed the glow worm caves.

[statick]

Lots of great advice here. If you haven't ever tried scuba, you definitely should when sailing around the Whitsundays - further away from shore, you'll get lots of uncrowded and active sites.

Also, while Fraser Island is pretty awesome, if you want a similar experience but would like to stay away from the crowds of tourists, Moreton Island would be a good use of time.

In any event, enjoy the trip and share your experiences upon your return!

[maxout]

Instead of starting a new thread, thought I can revive this one.

I booked my flight for Sydney AU and arriving on Feb 1 2016. Starting to plan my trip and organize everything. Few questions who been or lived there. I will be there for 14 days and know that I can see everything.

1. what community is a good place to stay at. I see that the CBD can get costly. did any of you use air B & B?

2. Any advice on renting a car. Thinking of renting and driving up the coast for a few days.

3. Any must see places or do?


any information would be appreciated.

TIA

[Dumbass17]

Originally posted by maxout
Instead of starting a new thread, thought I can revive this one.

I booked my flight for Sydney AU and arriving on Feb 1 2016. Starting to plan my trip and organize everything. Few questions who been or lived there. I will be there for 14 days and know that I can see everything.

1. what community is a good place to stay at. I see that the CBD can get costly. did any of you use air B & B?

2. Any advice on renting a car. Thinking of renting and driving up the coast for a few days.

3. Any must see places or do?


any information would be appreciated.

TIA

You mean you can't see every thing, right? 14 days is not enough, obviously but are you planning on just Sydney? Need some more info.

[maxout]

Originally posted by Dumbass17

You mean you can't see every thing, right? 14 days is not enough, obviously but are you planning on just Sydney? Need some more info.

Yes sorry typo. I won't be able to see everything in 14 days. I will mostly stay in Sydney but will try to make a trip to Melbourne also.

Thanks