stpetereb

We are Floridians. We have a limited time to travel and a limited window of travel time. Please advise us on what to expect at that time of the year.

Saltuarius

A great time of year to travel in north Queensland, past the peak season but before it heats up. Either month.

LizzyF

Either month for Australia ( beautiful spring weather depending where you are going though) but October for NZ where it can be still cold and snowing in the south island ( depending on where you are going)

RalphR

Agree with the others Sept/Oct is a great time for the north of Australia - that would include Queensland, the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia. It will be getting very hot in the extreme north by the time end October arrives, however. It should be very pleasant in the south of the country as well, though not beach time yet (typically that starts in Nov in Sydney, for example).

The south island of NZ lies somewhat further south and so will be cooler or cold. That being said, NZ is beautiful at any time of year so I wouldnt necessarily let the cooler temperatures in Sept/Oct dissuade you.

Melnq8

Hi stpetereb -

I've visited the SI of NZ in September (and August) a few times. It can be chilly and/or cold that time of year, especially for someone accustomed to warmer temps.

However, it's my favorite time of year to visit NZ (I love cool weather). Some of my best trips were taken in the NZ winter/spring.

The north of the SI gets the most sun, and weather up that way will be warmer than on the south of the SI. The NI will be the warmest.

Weather aside, I'd never discourage anyone from visiting NZ at any time of year - it's a beautiful country.

If you do decide on NZ, be prepared for rain and plan to dress in layers.

angelnot1

I live in Sydney and have travelled in New zealand

I agree with others that if you want to go north in Australia (Queensland etc) it is a good time-warm without the extreme heat and humidity. Other parts of Australia are pleasant too possibly more chilly in Tasmania but still beautiful.

New Zealand is beautiful at any time of the year although my favourite time is around February particularly in South island

Tough choice ehh??

angelnot1

Forgot to say that you may be interested in my trip report from NZ - click my name and look for Our familys trip to South island february 2007

Whichever destination you choose - enjoy! As a friend of mine said to me once "No snowflake ever falls in the wrong spot"

speckles

In the south of Australia, September can be hit and miss with rain. The weather will be just starting to warm a little. October would be preferable, but if you are going to NZ as well, it would probably be better to see Australia earlier due to the warmer climate.

Please note, it will also be school holidays in Australia around late Sept - early Oct, so book as soon can when you've worked out your itinery.

stpetereb

Thank you all so much for the advice. We will now be able to start planning our vacation.

Jeff_Australia

I live in Brisbane and September is one of the best months of the year weather wise, beautiful warm sunny days but not hot and cool mornings. October is a just a little warmer. Can't go wrong with either month really.