Nancy Vaughn

We are planning to spend next Christmas in Australia/New Zealand. We want to spend a few days in Sydney and then the rest of the time at a beach in Australia or New Zealand. We have two adult children (28 and 25) who will be joining us. We plan on a 10 day trip. I would like suggestions on where we should go for the beach part of the trip. We are in the moderate price range and at the beach, we are just interested in relaxing.

LizF

There are many many types of beaches in and around Sydney if you don't want to go far but I would try for somewhere like Port Stevens or further north to Port Macquarie - I don't know the beaches too well to the south of Sydney. New Zealand is not a place I would go to to have a beach holiday - I would look to NZ for other activities other than that.

Daisy

Nancy,<BR><BR>If you are having a 25 & 28 year old join you, I'd be inclined to have your "beach" segment in Sydney. I think your children would really enjoy all that Sydney has to offer, if you haven't been before. <BR><BR>The following is purely a personal opinion, but I've stayed in both Port Macquarie and Port Stevens and while rents would almost certainly be cheaper than Sydney beaches, I can't see them as fascinating meccas for young adults from overseas!

David

Nancy,<BR>From an Australian living in New Zealand let me say....make sure you have your beach holiday in Australia!!!<BR>New Zealand beaches are only average compared to those on the East Coast of Australia.<BR><BR>If relaxation is what you are after then Northern New South Wales...anywhere around Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour is fine. If you think the 28 & 25 year old will want a bit of night time entertainment then both those places have limited bars, clubs, nightclubs etc.<BR><BR>If you want access to good beaches (they are really good) and the city environs then immediately north and south of Sydney may be your best bet. North is the Central Coast and Newcastle. Cost much less, but that area in itself has all the benefits of a major city. Many people live there.<BR><BR>Similarly, Wollongong on the South coast offers the same. Now many people will poo poo these destinations because of the heavy industry in both cities but that industry is only in some area's. The beaches are supurb and the nightlife offers plenty of alternatives.<BR><BR>David

N. Vaughn

Thanks for the replies. Any thoughts about going to Sydney for a few days and then to the South Pacific Islands such as the Cook Islands.

John

Greeting from The Pillars in Taupo in the middle of the north island.There is plenty to see and do from fishing and playing golf to hiking,horse riding,white waterrafting,bungy,skidive.Heaps of shopping,restaurants and bars.We have a 5 star homestay set in 3 acres of gardens with pond,gazebo,inground swimming pool and tennis court and in a peacefull rural area but a short drive to the centre of Taupo township.Would love to help with accommodation.We are in Frommers New Zealand Guide and can be seen at www.pillarshomestay.co.nz Regards John and Ruth

Trish

SO NOW THIS IS A PLACE FOR NEW ZEALANDERS TO DO THEIR FREE ADVERTISING - IS IT?<BR><BR>Regarding the question by the original writer about going to the Cook Islands. As this is going to be at Christmas time and therefore the school holiday time AND the rainy season in the Pacific you may want to rethink that idea. You could be in for days/weeks of rain on any of the island areas ( of which there are many) and it is not the best time to go to those places both from the rain, cyclone season but for stingers as well.