rasybanks

When is the best time to visit Tasmania? I am planning to visit New Zealand and Tasmania in February / March and would like to know the best time for New Zealand as a the moment I can be flexible. Thanks

prue

We were in Tasmania from March 16 to 28 this year and the weather was ideal - reasonably cool and sunny but not cold - and the only wet weather was when we were at Cradle Mountain.
I am not sure about New Zealand but imagine it would be much the same.

olivetta

Southern Australia is magnificent in Autumn!!! That is March, April especially and the beginning of May before it gets too cold. But our Australian "cold" is mild by overseas standards anyway. Tassie is small enough to drive from top to bottom and see the scenery in a few days but to do it properly you need much more time. Add extra time to go to Port Arthur down south (from Hobart)and the west and north-west wilderness areas. Australia's scenery is quite different from that of NZ so you will find a significant contrast. There can always be rain but there isn't enough of that and it is becoming drier and drier. We would love more!!!

olivetta

In the higher mountain areas of Tasmania's west, Cradle Mountain etc snow falls in winter, but normally no snow until late June. However, if hiking in those areas you need to be prepared for freak snowfalls which may occur.

rasybanks

Thanks to Olivetta and Prue for their helpful info. I am now aiming to see NZ in February and ten move to Tasmania for touring in March. Have also thought about fling to Perth and seeing some of WA as we have seen The great Barrier Reef, Ayer's Rock, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney on previous vacations.
Once again many thanks