Australia + New Zealand 2017
Oct 1st, 2016, 01:35 PM
#1
Australia + New Zealand 2017
We're just beginning to envision a trip to Australia & New Zealand next year ... we haven't even started researching the guidebooks yet (we will shortly).
We're in our early 70's, very active, like outdoors and hiking as well as general sightseeing. We haven't yet envisioned the duration of the trip, but likely to be more or less around a month in length.
Question:
1. If given a choice, what months would you recommend?
2. Any thoughts about flying non-stop from the US/Canada west coast, or breaking it up with a 1 day stop somewhere each way?
3. Any thoughts about things to see/do that might not be in the major guidebooks?
We're in our early 70's, very active, like outdoors and hiking as well as general sightseeing. We haven't yet envisioned the duration of the trip, but likely to be more or less around a month in length.
Question:
1. If given a choice, what months would you recommend?
2. Any thoughts about flying non-stop from the US/Canada west coast, or breaking it up with a 1 day stop somewhere each way?
3. Any thoughts about things to see/do that might not be in the major guidebooks?
Oct 1st, 2016, 02:03 PM
#2
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Los Angeles to Sydney is about 15 hours of flying. From past experience, having a one day stop is useless - we need two nights at least to make a decent stopover. May as well grit your teeth and go for the non-stop flight.
Australia is a huge country - when the weather is great in one part, it is often horrible in another part. If you want to do the outback (Northern Territory, Far North Queensland) then our winter months are best. If you want to wander around the south of the country, then March or November would be my choice. If you want to see Western Australia's spectacular wildflowers, then September/October is the best.
If you only have a month, then concentrate on Australia and leave New Zealand for another trip.
Australia is a huge country - when the weather is great in one part, it is often horrible in another part. If you want to do the outback (Northern Territory, Far North Queensland) then our winter months are best. If you want to wander around the south of the country, then March or November would be my choice. If you want to see Western Australia's spectacular wildflowers, then September/October is the best.
If you only have a month, then concentrate on Australia and leave New Zealand for another trip.
Oct 1st, 2016, 03:46 PM
#3
I personally prefer NZ and Australia (actually everywhere now that I think about it) in the shoulder seasons.
If you're looking for warm weather, Dec-March in NZ is generally the warmest time. It will be warmer on the North Island than the South, regardless of time of year. The further south you go on the SI, the colder it can be, etc.
Having said that, our preferred time to visit is Late March (after Easter) through May and Sept-Nov. The weather can be iffy, but we like cool weather - we've visited several times in the dead of winter, but I realize that's an acquired taste.
For Australia, my preferred months are April-Oct. I absolutely would not visit between Dec-March, personally. I also loved winter in Australia. Of course, the weather can vary vastly from one side of the country to the other.
I flew from Western Australia to the US once or twice a year for seven years. We'd fly from Perth to Singapore (about five hours), then get a day room at Changi Airport in Singapore for our inevitably long layover between Perth and our flight to Korea or Japan, where we'd connect to a flight to LAX or SFO and beyond.
We also flew from Perth to Auckland a few times - an overnight flight - so we'd get a day room in Auckland, have a nice lunch, a rest and a shower, and then catch yet another overnight flight to LAX or SFO and beyond.
No matter what we did, it was exhausting.
But, Perth is a long way from the rest of Australia - I'm guessing you won't make it that far west.
In which case I see no benefit of breaking up a 12-15 hour flight to the east coast of Australia. Not a lot of places to break it up for one thing, and why prolong the agony?
As for things to do and see in NZ, Western Australia and South Australia that you might not find in guidebooks, you might want to look for some of my trip reports posted here on this forum.
Regardless of what you decide to do, you're in for a treat. You're going to Australia and/or NZ!
If you're looking for warm weather, Dec-March in NZ is generally the warmest time. It will be warmer on the North Island than the South, regardless of time of year. The further south you go on the SI, the colder it can be, etc.
Having said that, our preferred time to visit is Late March (after Easter) through May and Sept-Nov. The weather can be iffy, but we like cool weather - we've visited several times in the dead of winter, but I realize that's an acquired taste.
For Australia, my preferred months are April-Oct. I absolutely would not visit between Dec-March, personally. I also loved winter in Australia. Of course, the weather can vary vastly from one side of the country to the other.
I flew from Western Australia to the US once or twice a year for seven years. We'd fly from Perth to Singapore (about five hours), then get a day room at Changi Airport in Singapore for our inevitably long layover between Perth and our flight to Korea or Japan, where we'd connect to a flight to LAX or SFO and beyond.
We also flew from Perth to Auckland a few times - an overnight flight - so we'd get a day room in Auckland, have a nice lunch, a rest and a shower, and then catch yet another overnight flight to LAX or SFO and beyond.
No matter what we did, it was exhausting.
But, Perth is a long way from the rest of Australia - I'm guessing you won't make it that far west.
In which case I see no benefit of breaking up a 12-15 hour flight to the east coast of Australia. Not a lot of places to break it up for one thing, and why prolong the agony?
As for things to do and see in NZ, Western Australia and South Australia that you might not find in guidebooks, you might want to look for some of my trip reports posted here on this forum.
Regardless of what you decide to do, you're in for a treat. You're going to Australia and/or NZ!
Oct 1st, 2016, 05:30 PM
#4
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1. March, Oct-Nov (but depends on region - read up online about Darwin and Cairns, their best seasons)
2) It's really not that big a deal. I've done it dozens of times since 1981, mostly between SYD and LAX, occasionally YVR or SFO, once DFW.
I honestly can say that I arrive in Sydney without jet lag, first thing in the morning (that's when they all arrive) and lasting through the day into the night just fine.
The trick: A mindset first of all - get rid of that "oh it will be terrible" nonsense that everybody will tell you.
Second: Sleep sleep sleep. Everybody can if they want to. You have about 12 hours out of the 14-and-a-half of the entire trip where the cabin is quiet and you can accumulate a lot of sleep in small increments. Avoid watching tv, those flickering images stay on your optic nerve and brain for a long time. Eat some, drink some (nothing wrong with a glass of wine), read until you get drowsy, then find a position you can hold for ten or twenty minutes, shift your body when you must, after a while you'll do this rearranging without even waking up fully.
If you think eyeshades might help, use them at home, long before the trip, or they'll be so new and irritating that they'll achieve the opposite. Ditto with those blow-up ring cushions - get used to yours on your favorite easy chair, until you don't notice it any more. Then you'll be fine on the plane.
Now if you add up those napping periods over twelve hours, even with the unavoidable moments where you sort of wake up, or have to get up, in total you come out with the equivalent of a decent night's sleep.
And if it doesn't quite work like this the first time (it takes practice, I admit), the excitement of the arrival and the new place will carry you through.
3) Where are you headed? There are gems everywhere, and many books to consult, so - what have you already planned that we may be able to flesh out?
To get a good understanding of Australia, read "The Fatal Shore" by Robert Hughes. Not a travel guide, a historical backgrounder that will captivate you.
2) It's really not that big a deal. I've done it dozens of times since 1981, mostly between SYD and LAX, occasionally YVR or SFO, once DFW.
I honestly can say that I arrive in Sydney without jet lag, first thing in the morning (that's when they all arrive) and lasting through the day into the night just fine.
The trick: A mindset first of all - get rid of that "oh it will be terrible" nonsense that everybody will tell you.
Second: Sleep sleep sleep. Everybody can if they want to. You have about 12 hours out of the 14-and-a-half of the entire trip where the cabin is quiet and you can accumulate a lot of sleep in small increments. Avoid watching tv, those flickering images stay on your optic nerve and brain for a long time. Eat some, drink some (nothing wrong with a glass of wine), read until you get drowsy, then find a position you can hold for ten or twenty minutes, shift your body when you must, after a while you'll do this rearranging without even waking up fully.
If you think eyeshades might help, use them at home, long before the trip, or they'll be so new and irritating that they'll achieve the opposite. Ditto with those blow-up ring cushions - get used to yours on your favorite easy chair, until you don't notice it any more. Then you'll be fine on the plane.
Now if you add up those napping periods over twelve hours, even with the unavoidable moments where you sort of wake up, or have to get up, in total you come out with the equivalent of a decent night's sleep.
And if it doesn't quite work like this the first time (it takes practice, I admit), the excitement of the arrival and the new place will carry you through.
3) Where are you headed? There are gems everywhere, and many books to consult, so - what have you already planned that we may be able to flesh out?
To get a good understanding of Australia, read "The Fatal Shore" by Robert Hughes. Not a travel guide, a historical backgrounder that will captivate you.
Oct 1st, 2016, 10:20 PM
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1. Agree far too hot in Australia Dec to March. However this is a good time for NZ but for the peak months of Jan and Feb it's getting late to make bookings as it gets madly busy in some places.
April/May would be nice and go to NZ first as it gets colder here earlier.
2. Stopovers just make it more tiring IMO. We did the 14 hour Houston to Auckland in May and it really wasn't that bad. Good chance to catch up on some movies!
We are not that close to Australia (3 hr flight) so you could fly into Sydney, explore around there then over to Queenstown in the South Island and finally flying home from Auckland.
3. Off the beaten track 'gems' are often hard to get to and maybe not worth the effort for the tourist in terms of 'sightseeing value' when you can see other scenery that is just as lovely. I'm thinking of remote Wharariki Beach on the far west side of Golden Bay (top of the South Island)which is a place I love but would take 2 days to get there. Piha or Muriwai (1 hour out of Auckland would give you a similiar beach experience and be a lot closer and easier.
If you love the beach try and get to either Abel Tasman National Park or the Coromandel peninsula.
If you are into wine, then a day trip to the wineries on Waiheke Island is highly recommended.
April/May would be nice and go to NZ first as it gets colder here earlier.
2. Stopovers just make it more tiring IMO. We did the 14 hour Houston to Auckland in May and it really wasn't that bad. Good chance to catch up on some movies!
We are not that close to Australia (3 hr flight) so you could fly into Sydney, explore around there then over to Queenstown in the South Island and finally flying home from Auckland.
3. Off the beaten track 'gems' are often hard to get to and maybe not worth the effort for the tourist in terms of 'sightseeing value' when you can see other scenery that is just as lovely. I'm thinking of remote Wharariki Beach on the far west side of Golden Bay (top of the South Island)which is a place I love but would take 2 days to get there. Piha or Muriwai (1 hour out of Auckland would give you a similiar beach experience and be a lot closer and easier.
If you love the beach try and get to either Abel Tasman National Park or the Coromandel peninsula.
If you are into wine, then a day trip to the wineries on Waiheke Island is highly recommended.
Oct 2nd, 2016, 01:04 AM
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I'd choose May or June and go to the top end. It's great weather, mid 20's, sunny and dry, spend a day or two in Darwin then self drive Kakadu for a few days. You could fly to Broome and hire a car for a return to Darwin, seeing the magnificent Kimberley region along the way. This is not the standard tourist circuit, it's the glorious outback, stunning scenery, waterfalls, gorges and walks. Both Darwin and Broome were bombed in WW2, so have interesting war time histories, and some lovely colonial buildings remain. Fly to Cairns for Port Douglas and the GBR, the Daintree and Kuranda. Wildlife experiences are everywhere in the top end.
Fly to Sydney for the city experience, and to take in the iconic sights like the Opera House, the harbour and the beaches.
Go to New Zealand next time
Fly to Sydney for the city experience, and to take in the iconic sights like the Opera House, the harbour and the beaches.
Go to New Zealand next time
Oct 2nd, 2016, 02:11 AM
#7
<<I honestly can say that I arrive in Sydney without jet lag, first thing in the morning (that's when they all arrive) and lasting through the day into the night just fine.
The trick: A mindset first of all - get rid of that "oh it will be terrible" nonsense that everybody will tell you.
Second: Sleep sleep sleep. Everybody can if they want to.>>
Good for you, Michaelhuabeli. I love it when people who find something easy take a superior attitude to those who don't.
I can tell you that I suffer very badly from jet lag and find sleeping on planes almost impossible, whatever I try. And if you are not used to long flights, you don't know which you are going to be, so it's as well to plan for the worst and hope for the best.
When we flew from the UK to Brisbane a couple of years ago, we had a 3 night layover in HK on the way out, and had no problems with jet lag whereas on the way back we only had 3 hours at HK and it took me a week to recover. Fortunately it was at the end of the trip and I didn't need to work that week, but it was lucky that it wasn't at the beginning of the trip as it would seriously have interfered with what we wanted to do. So if you've got the time, I would suggest working in some time for a stop-over en route.
so far as when to go is concerned, you've had plenty of good advice up thread.it really depends on your interests and how adventurous you feel - i love sartoric's ideas for the Top end and if/when we go to Oz again, I'll be thinking hard about that.
The trick: A mindset first of all - get rid of that "oh it will be terrible" nonsense that everybody will tell you.
Second: Sleep sleep sleep. Everybody can if they want to.>>
Good for you, Michaelhuabeli. I love it when people who find something easy take a superior attitude to those who don't.
I can tell you that I suffer very badly from jet lag and find sleeping on planes almost impossible, whatever I try. And if you are not used to long flights, you don't know which you are going to be, so it's as well to plan for the worst and hope for the best.
When we flew from the UK to Brisbane a couple of years ago, we had a 3 night layover in HK on the way out, and had no problems with jet lag whereas on the way back we only had 3 hours at HK and it took me a week to recover. Fortunately it was at the end of the trip and I didn't need to work that week, but it was lucky that it wasn't at the beginning of the trip as it would seriously have interfered with what we wanted to do. So if you've got the time, I would suggest working in some time for a stop-over en route.
so far as when to go is concerned, you've had plenty of good advice up thread.it really depends on your interests and how adventurous you feel - i love sartoric's ideas for the Top end and if/when we go to Oz again, I'll be thinking hard about that.
Oct 2nd, 2016, 02:15 AM
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My top choice for New Zealand would be late March to mid-April. Because the weather tends to be more "settled", because the summer crowds of December to February have peaked out, and because you start to see autumm colors. Granted, these autumn leaves are of largely introduced plants, but it's gorgeous. Here in Dunedin (on the East Coast of the south of the South Island), the strong summer winds start to die down. On the minus side, the days will get shorter, with daylight saving ending on Sunday, April 2, 2017 (clocks go back one hour; 3.00am becomes 2.00am). See:
http://www.newzealand.com/int/featur...n-new-zealand/
Be aware school holidays (includes Easter and Easter Tuesday and Anzac Day) are from Friday, April 14 to Sunday April 30.
Sunrise/sunset times New Zealand:
http://rasnz.org.nz/in-the-sky/sun-rise-and-set
Note NZ's weather is unpredictable with unseasonable weather occurring whenever. See these links about flooding in summer 2016:
http://floodlist.com/australia/new-z...-nelson-tasman
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/7557...liday-hotspots
Conversely, you can have warm days in winter, which can be a gorgeous time to visit the South Island. Thought it's generally colder, the skies are often clear and bright, with little rain and wind. This is the best time for viewing the night skies over the South Island. Though between this great, sunny, clearer, cooler weather, you'll get a snowstorm that'll make driving around challenging. However, as there are fewer tourists in winter, you can get by without having to book ahead (except for the most popular locations, i.e. Mt. Cook Village, ski resorts), unlike peak summer season, when you should book ahead. So if you don't have to book ahead, you'll have some flexibility in your schedule and you can stay put if there's a big dump of snow or danger of icy roads. The North Island tends to get more rain in winter. Hiking, or tramping as it's called here, is more limited in winter. Winter through early winter is also rubgy season, so if you don't like crowds, you might want to avoid these cities on these dates (scroll down the page):
http://www.allblacks.com/Pages/3934?layout=Fixtures
Apart from the ski areas, you should enjoy lower accommodation rates in winter and lower airfares (check Air New Zealand for sale fares, which are usually available year-round save for peak summer).
Spring is a lovely time to visit if you enjoy colorful blossoms (though many of these will begin to bloom in winter, so, year-round, you're never deprived of color). But it's a time of transition, the weather can be rainy, foggy, a little windy. Not winter anymore, but not quite summer. Early spring is avalanche season for Milford Road. Chinese Golden Week runs from October 1 through October 7, so it can be more crowded at this time, and NZ school holidays fall from Saturday, September 30 through Sunday, October 15, 2017. Labour Day will be on October 23.
Love Australia, though I'm far from an expert. When I still lived in California, I traveled there 10 times times, and then another couple of trips to Melbourne and surrounds after moving to NZ. I've visited as far north as the Top End (Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Kakadu, Litchfield) to as far south as Tasmania; from as far west as West Australia (Exmouth, Broome, Perth, Margaret River, Albany) to as far east as Lord Howe Island, and other areas (Sydney and surrounds, Melbourne and surrounds, Adelaide and surrounds, Canberra, Alice Springs, Uluru, Brisbane to Noosa, Cairns to Cape Tribulation). As a tourist, my favorite visits have fallen in May and October.
I fly between San Francisco and Auckland about 4 times a year, always, sadly, in regular economy coach on Air New Zealand and it's exhausting. A couple of times, I've broken up the journey with a stop in Hawaii. Keep in mind, I wanted or needed to visit Kauai or the Big Island anyhow. I can't believe how much better I felt on arrival in Auckland, after cutting the trip that much shorter. The flight from Honolulu to Auckland is 8:35 hours, the flight from SF to Auckland is 12 to 13 hours (the direct flight from Vancouver to Auckland is about the same, maybe a few minutes more). Only a few hours, but it makes a great difference to me. Maybe it's not so bad if you sit in Premium Economy or Business Class or if you take an Ambien and quickly fall asleep. But I can't rest at all on a plane, can't get comfortable. I wear support hose and walk around to keep blood clots from forming, watch movies to pass the time.
http://www.newzealand.com/int/featur...n-new-zealand/
Be aware school holidays (includes Easter and Easter Tuesday and Anzac Day) are from Friday, April 14 to Sunday April 30.
Sunrise/sunset times New Zealand:
http://rasnz.org.nz/in-the-sky/sun-rise-and-set
Note NZ's weather is unpredictable with unseasonable weather occurring whenever. See these links about flooding in summer 2016:
http://floodlist.com/australia/new-z...-nelson-tasman
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/7557...liday-hotspots
Conversely, you can have warm days in winter, which can be a gorgeous time to visit the South Island. Thought it's generally colder, the skies are often clear and bright, with little rain and wind. This is the best time for viewing the night skies over the South Island. Though between this great, sunny, clearer, cooler weather, you'll get a snowstorm that'll make driving around challenging. However, as there are fewer tourists in winter, you can get by without having to book ahead (except for the most popular locations, i.e. Mt. Cook Village, ski resorts), unlike peak summer season, when you should book ahead. So if you don't have to book ahead, you'll have some flexibility in your schedule and you can stay put if there's a big dump of snow or danger of icy roads. The North Island tends to get more rain in winter. Hiking, or tramping as it's called here, is more limited in winter. Winter through early winter is also rubgy season, so if you don't like crowds, you might want to avoid these cities on these dates (scroll down the page):
http://www.allblacks.com/Pages/3934?layout=Fixtures
Apart from the ski areas, you should enjoy lower accommodation rates in winter and lower airfares (check Air New Zealand for sale fares, which are usually available year-round save for peak summer).
Spring is a lovely time to visit if you enjoy colorful blossoms (though many of these will begin to bloom in winter, so, year-round, you're never deprived of color). But it's a time of transition, the weather can be rainy, foggy, a little windy. Not winter anymore, but not quite summer. Early spring is avalanche season for Milford Road. Chinese Golden Week runs from October 1 through October 7, so it can be more crowded at this time, and NZ school holidays fall from Saturday, September 30 through Sunday, October 15, 2017. Labour Day will be on October 23.
Love Australia, though I'm far from an expert. When I still lived in California, I traveled there 10 times times, and then another couple of trips to Melbourne and surrounds after moving to NZ. I've visited as far north as the Top End (Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Kakadu, Litchfield) to as far south as Tasmania; from as far west as West Australia (Exmouth, Broome, Perth, Margaret River, Albany) to as far east as Lord Howe Island, and other areas (Sydney and surrounds, Melbourne and surrounds, Adelaide and surrounds, Canberra, Alice Springs, Uluru, Brisbane to Noosa, Cairns to Cape Tribulation). As a tourist, my favorite visits have fallen in May and October.
I fly between San Francisco and Auckland about 4 times a year, always, sadly, in regular economy coach on Air New Zealand and it's exhausting. A couple of times, I've broken up the journey with a stop in Hawaii. Keep in mind, I wanted or needed to visit Kauai or the Big Island anyhow. I can't believe how much better I felt on arrival in Auckland, after cutting the trip that much shorter. The flight from Honolulu to Auckland is 8:35 hours, the flight from SF to Auckland is 12 to 13 hours (the direct flight from Vancouver to Auckland is about the same, maybe a few minutes more). Only a few hours, but it makes a great difference to me. Maybe it's not so bad if you sit in Premium Economy or Business Class or if you take an Ambien and quickly fall asleep. But I can't rest at all on a plane, can't get comfortable. I wear support hose and walk around to keep blood clots from forming, watch movies to pass the time.
Oct 2nd, 2016, 02:59 PM
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Auckland has some 'gems' that perhaps people pass by because they are just here to arrive or depart.
Waiheke Island is a 'gem' IMO and only half an hour ferry ride from Auckland. There is something about the soil that gives it a Mediterrean climate over there and the food and wine are spectacular.
Tiritiri Matangi is a wildlife sanctuary island in the Hauraki Gulf and ferry trips leave from downtown Auckland.
Kawau Island has unique vegetation and wallabies introduced by Sir George Grey. His classic wooden villa 'Mansion House is still there as a museum. Ferries leave from Sandspit (about 1 hours drive north so you would need a car).
Waiheke Island is a 'gem' IMO and only half an hour ferry ride from Auckland. There is something about the soil that gives it a Mediterrean climate over there and the food and wine are spectacular.
Tiritiri Matangi is a wildlife sanctuary island in the Hauraki Gulf and ferry trips leave from downtown Auckland.
Kawau Island has unique vegetation and wallabies introduced by Sir George Grey. His classic wooden villa 'Mansion House is still there as a museum. Ferries leave from Sandspit (about 1 hours drive north so you would need a car).
Oct 2nd, 2016, 08:53 PM
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Annhig, sorry to hear about your tribulations, coming from the UK. I used to fly SYD-FRA-SYD and that was no picnic in the old days, about 24 hours with about four touchdowns before the nonstop planes came in. That was too long, even for those of us who can bring themselves to sleep.
Yes, if you are one of those rare people who can't sleep on planes no matter what, then it's not pleasant. But, far from wishing to appear "superior", I'd like to encourage somebody who only has 14-plus hours from the US West Coast to think positive, in terms of "it's possible", and tell them how it's possible, rather than loading them down with gloom and doom before they even undertake the trip. That's what the right mindset is all about.
Yes, if you are one of those rare people who can't sleep on planes no matter what, then it's not pleasant. But, far from wishing to appear "superior", I'd like to encourage somebody who only has 14-plus hours from the US West Coast to think positive, in terms of "it's possible", and tell them how it's possible, rather than loading them down with gloom and doom before they even undertake the trip. That's what the right mindset is all about.
Oct 3rd, 2016, 01:50 AM
#12
<<But, far from wishing to appear "superior", I'd like to encourage somebody who only has 14-plus hours from the US West Coast to think positive, in terms of "it's possible", and tell them how it's possible, rather than loading them down with gloom and doom before they even undertake the trip. That's what the right mindset is all about.>>
Michel - I see from diamantina's post that she doesn't have the right mind-set either. It's not doom and gloom that will weigh them down but their own bodies' reactions to the travel and time changes. One might as well tell people that they don't need to feel sick so long as they have the right attitude to illness.
As this is a special trip for the OPs, IMO it would sensible to take precautions against the beginning of the trip being ruined by jet lag. as they have the time [a month or more] a couple of nights somewhere en route would be feasible and could be a nice intro into the trip, as was our stay in HK.
Michel - I see from diamantina's post that she doesn't have the right mind-set either. It's not doom and gloom that will weigh them down but their own bodies' reactions to the travel and time changes. One might as well tell people that they don't need to feel sick so long as they have the right attitude to illness.
As this is a special trip for the OPs, IMO it would sensible to take precautions against the beginning of the trip being ruined by jet lag. as they have the time [a month or more] a couple of nights somewhere en route would be feasible and could be a nice intro into the trip, as was our stay in HK.
Oct 3rd, 2016, 01:52 AM
#13
I agree, having the right mindset for a long flight is so important. We just got back from a 14 hour flight from Los Angeles and have flown a lot. My mindset is I deliberately don't think about how much longer we have to go, or how long we have been in the air. It makes a big difference to me, I'm not thinking, oh my god, we've only been sitting here 6 hours, how depressing. Instead I think I'm going to be here for a while, I keep busy or try to sleep and try not to think about it. It IS uncomfortable but if you want to travel it's unavoidable. My best suggestion is to drink lots of water on the flight.
Kay
Kay
Oct 3rd, 2016, 06:46 AM
#14
It makes a big difference to me, I'm not thinking, oh my god, we've only been sitting here 6 hours, how depressing.>>
KayF - well, I'm pleased for you too, that you can manage this, but I can only repeat that this is not a mental thing it is a physical reaction to the time change on arrival. [I'm not talking about discomfort on the flight, though that can be quite grim if you can't sleep, but jet lag which is what happens after you arrive].
In fact I've done several 11 hour flights where I've managed quite well afterwards but over that, I've had it. I've also done a 7 hour transatlantic flight which wiped me out. My state of mind each time was exactly the same, but my body wasn't listening. And believe me I drink plenty of water, I keep walking around etc.
KayF - well, I'm pleased for you too, that you can manage this, but I can only repeat that this is not a mental thing it is a physical reaction to the time change on arrival. [I'm not talking about discomfort on the flight, though that can be quite grim if you can't sleep, but jet lag which is what happens after you arrive].
In fact I've done several 11 hour flights where I've managed quite well afterwards but over that, I've had it. I've also done a 7 hour transatlantic flight which wiped me out. My state of mind each time was exactly the same, but my body wasn't listening. And believe me I drink plenty of water, I keep walking around etc.
Oct 3rd, 2016, 02:22 PM
#15
annhig, I agree with you, it wipes me out too. Walking around after a 14 hour flight with no sleep, I feel like I'm going to fall flat on my face. I suppose there are a few different aspects to it all - surviving the long flight squashed like a pretzel and getting through the next day when your body craves sleep. We try and stay up as much as possible to adjust to the time difference but are usually in bed super early.
Kay
Kay
Oct 3rd, 2016, 06:11 PM
#16
Thank you for sharing thoughts ..,. they gave us a great starting point. And we'll definitely read
Now comes the interesting and fun part while we research the trip and begin to conceptualize and painfully winnow (or consider 1 longer, or 2 separate trips?)
Right now we have little idea ... we do know that we want to visit a good Kiwi friend who lives on Waihete Island near Auckland NZ, and we probably want to get to Tasmania to see where some of my ancestors lived after one was transported from England in 1835 for stealing 5 turkeys.
We'll probably want so see some of the outback in OZ, so will research that.
We've done some 10-11 hour flights from Seattle to China and Europe (one 16 hour series of 3 flights, 21 hour incl. layovers) without problems so aren't overly concerned about a 14-15 hour flight, but ... it looks like at the minimum we'll have at least one change of planes from Seattle, so Hawaii (or Vancouver) might be a better place (less hassle and time-consuming) for that than SFO or LAX
Now comes the interesting and fun part while we research the trip and begin to conceptualize and painfully winnow (or consider 1 longer, or 2 separate trips?)
Right now we have little idea ... we do know that we want to visit a good Kiwi friend who lives on Waihete Island near Auckland NZ, and we probably want to get to Tasmania to see where some of my ancestors lived after one was transported from England in 1835 for stealing 5 turkeys.
We'll probably want so see some of the outback in OZ, so will research that.
We've done some 10-11 hour flights from Seattle to China and Europe (one 16 hour series of 3 flights, 21 hour incl. layovers) without problems so aren't overly concerned about a 14-15 hour flight, but ... it looks like at the minimum we'll have at least one change of planes from Seattle, so Hawaii (or Vancouver) might be a better place (less hassle and time-consuming) for that than SFO or LAX
Oct 3rd, 2016, 06:21 PM
#17
PS
I'm one of those who sleeps a lot on long flights and walks a lot (and helps stewardesses - on one flight on Hainan Air, back in the snack area I spilled a lot of nuts, so I promptly began cleaning them up. One of the stewardesses was horrified at me doing that, and insisted she'd clean them up. A good compromises was reached ... we both helped.)
I'm one of those who sleeps a lot on long flights and walks a lot (and helps stewardesses - on one flight on Hainan Air, back in the snack area I spilled a lot of nuts, so I promptly began cleaning them up. One of the stewardesses was horrified at me doing that, and insisted she'd clean them up. A good compromises was reached ... we both helped.)
Oct 3rd, 2016, 06:58 PM
#18
Tasmania has a lot to see in a relatively small island. You could fly into the north - Devonport or Launceston and take your time driving south to Hobart and fly out of there, or do a circle trip instead and fly out of the same airport. There is also the Spirit of Tasmania, a ferry with day and night sailings where you can book a cabin or get an airline style seat. The ferry takes a lot longer than the flight and there is nothing to see but open seas but it's something a bit different. It can get booked out in peak seasons.
Ideas to look at in Tassie - Hobart (Salamanca market, MONA, Battery Point, Mt Wellington, Port Arthur which has a modern day tragic history as well as historic), Bicheno, St Helens, Binnalong Bay, Cataract Gorge, Richmond, Cradle Mountain.
It can get cold and wet in Tasmania, I'd suggest visiting in summer but be aware the main school holidays for the year are in Dec/Jan so accommodation and flights/ferry get booked up.
Kay
Ideas to look at in Tassie - Hobart (Salamanca market, MONA, Battery Point, Mt Wellington, Port Arthur which has a modern day tragic history as well as historic), Bicheno, St Helens, Binnalong Bay, Cataract Gorge, Richmond, Cradle Mountain.
It can get cold and wet in Tasmania, I'd suggest visiting in summer but be aware the main school holidays for the year are in Dec/Jan so accommodation and flights/ferry get booked up.
Kay
Oct 3rd, 2016, 11:25 PM
#19
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I'd say make the trip longer. It' a long way down here to Downunder!
From my own experience I had a working holiday in London and visited relatives in Ireland when I was about 25 (now I am double that)and have never managed to get back sadly. Hope I do - have to see Paris in my lifetime.
Waiheke is a gem and only half an hour from Auckland's CBD. Lucky friend that lives there.
Fly into Auckland from the US - few days in Waiheke. Then Rotorua and fly to Queenstown.
Jet Star fly to Melbourne from Queenstown so that gets you over to Oz. Melbourne - Tasmania - Sydney - back to the US.
From my own experience I had a working holiday in London and visited relatives in Ireland when I was about 25 (now I am double that)and have never managed to get back sadly. Hope I do - have to see Paris in my lifetime.
Waiheke is a gem and only half an hour from Auckland's CBD. Lucky friend that lives there.
Fly into Auckland from the US - few days in Waiheke. Then Rotorua and fly to Queenstown.
Jet Star fly to Melbourne from Queenstown so that gets you over to Oz. Melbourne - Tasmania - Sydney - back to the US.
Feb 4th, 2017, 07:23 PM
#20
Thanks for all of your helpful comments to date.
My DW, who is a voracious reader, has just finished reading "Fatal Shore". Now it's my turn (though I don't read books much and it's loonngg).
We're just beginning to hone in on things.
We'll likely spend about 5 weeks more or less, most likely sometime in the period Sept, Oct. Nov.this year.
We haven't yet figured out exactly what we want to do & see. We love nature and the outdoors, but also want to experience a few city things.
We've spent most of our slightly over 70 years playing in and loving the mountains of BC Canada, WA, & OR both winter and summer, so we'll probably concentrate of things that are much different than that.
I thrive in most any weather, but DW wilts when it's hot and humid, so that will dictate the flow of our itinerary.
We're not hosteling backpacker sorts anymore (unfortunately), but on the slightly budget side of moderate expense ... we look for comfort but not luxury.
The things that seem to pique our interest are (perhaps in the following order???):
Sydney, where most flights seem to go.
Uluru & Alice Springs area to see Ayers Rock, a bit of the outback, etc (Is this a good place to learn more about the aboriginal culture?).
Port Douglas & Cairns area to see the GB Reef and the Daintree/Rainforest area
Tasmania (one of my ancestors had been transported to Port Arthur for stealing 7 turkeys, but there must be more to the story; that seems a harsh penal colony for that sort of offense)
South Island NZ / Queenstown / Fjords area (maybe or maybe not ... it's so much like home ... but very tempting ... it's the sort of country we love ... maybe get to some place to see penguins???)
Auckland NZ to visit a friend who lives on Waiheke Island and to see some of the nearby North Island and Maori cultural sights.
It seems like an awful lot of flying (renting cars at some places, using public transport where feasible), hurried 4 - 5 day visits but still missing a lot. But at our age there are so many things we still want to see and do and relatively little time, so it's questionable that we'd get back.
We'll have more detailed and specific questions as our planning progresses and picks up speed, but any thoughts on the overall intent, *rough first cut* of an itinerary, and timing?
My DW, who is a voracious reader, has just finished reading "Fatal Shore". Now it's my turn (though I don't read books much and it's loonngg).
We're just beginning to hone in on things.
We'll likely spend about 5 weeks more or less, most likely sometime in the period Sept, Oct. Nov.this year.
We haven't yet figured out exactly what we want to do & see. We love nature and the outdoors, but also want to experience a few city things.
We've spent most of our slightly over 70 years playing in and loving the mountains of BC Canada, WA, & OR both winter and summer, so we'll probably concentrate of things that are much different than that.
I thrive in most any weather, but DW wilts when it's hot and humid, so that will dictate the flow of our itinerary.
We're not hosteling backpacker sorts anymore (unfortunately), but on the slightly budget side of moderate expense ... we look for comfort but not luxury.
The things that seem to pique our interest are (perhaps in the following order???):
Sydney, where most flights seem to go.
Uluru & Alice Springs area to see Ayers Rock, a bit of the outback, etc (Is this a good place to learn more about the aboriginal culture?).
Port Douglas & Cairns area to see the GB Reef and the Daintree/Rainforest area
Tasmania (one of my ancestors had been transported to Port Arthur for stealing 7 turkeys, but there must be more to the story; that seems a harsh penal colony for that sort of offense)
South Island NZ / Queenstown / Fjords area (maybe or maybe not ... it's so much like home ... but very tempting ... it's the sort of country we love ... maybe get to some place to see penguins???)
Auckland NZ to visit a friend who lives on Waiheke Island and to see some of the nearby North Island and Maori cultural sights.
It seems like an awful lot of flying (renting cars at some places, using public transport where feasible), hurried 4 - 5 day visits but still missing a lot. But at our age there are so many things we still want to see and do and relatively little time, so it's questionable that we'd get back.
We'll have more detailed and specific questions as our planning progresses and picks up speed, but any thoughts on the overall intent, *rough first cut* of an itinerary, and timing?
