12 days in Sydney and New Zealand
 

I'd love any suggestions for a 12 day visit to Sydney and New Zealand in Dec/Jan. I was thinking we'd spend 5 days in Sydney and then 7 on New Zealand. Is that the right amount of time?

For Sydney -- what's the best place to stay? What are the key things to see / do?

On NZ -- I hear it's is hard to get around. Is it better to book a tour or go it on our own? Any suggestions on tour companies, cities, sights, hotlels, etc?

I'm looking at moderately priced itineraries. I'll spend for something worth doing but want to be mindful of budget overall.

Hi lw2117,

This is a common thread among my clients - trying to fit both Australia and New Zealand in one trip with too little time.

Keep in mind that Australia is the size of the US, and while NZ looks smaller, and IS, (and not hard to travel around, btw)there are lots of twisty roads, logging trucks, 2 lane roads, etc. that takes you alot longer than you'd think from Point A to B.

Do not try to do both countries in 12 days. (and if you've not factored in the travel time, it's really TEN days). Decide on on or the other, enjoy your time, relax and don't try to cram in everything into a short timeframe. Trust me, you'll be back!

Hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie & Kiwi Specialist

Hi,

I'm going about the same time, with the same amount of days, lets keep in touch.

wlzmatilida: If you had a choice New Zealand or Australia. It is a long flight and I want the biggest bang for the buck.

Your input is appreciated.
Cat

Melodie -- I appreciate your insights but this is the combo I want to do. I've been to Australia before and Sydney was my favorite and the only part I feel worth repeating with my husband who hasn't been before. I am factoring in travel time so we actually have 12.5 days to spend. I was hoping to use this board to get tips on whether to go to the north island or south in NZ? What cities to go to? How long to stay? What sights to see? Etc. Any thoughts along those lines would be appreciated.

Cat -- let's definitely keep in touch.

With 7 days in NZ, you can have a satisfying time, provided you do not try to see too much. You have to choose either NI or SI, not both.

Whether you should go to NI or SI depends on your interest. NI is more cultural, SI is more active. What are your interests? Will you drive? It is not hard to get around NZ. ((#))

I am looking at Tauk and Brendon tours, also travelocity has a luxury tour.
Cat

I was facing your some questions of planning our trip. We ended up with 5 days in Sydney and 9 nights on the South Island NZ. We actually wanted 8 nights NZ but since we are using FF miles, we ended up with different days and dates. We aren't going until Oct 23. I will include our choices to at least give you a starting point to begin your research.

We selected the Sydney Four Seasons because it commands a great location as they are offering a good deal (stay 3 nights get one night free). The rates are set up by view. We selected the full harbour view (the highest rate) and we will end up at $313 per night--including all taxes. If you opt for a city view, it's much less. The rooms are small and the hotel up not to standards of Four Seasons, but then the price is so reasonable.

With 9 nights we are able to do a complete driving circle, flying into Christchurch from Sydney and driving 5 hours to Dunedin.
Christchurch to Dunedin (2 nights at Motel on York), Dunedin to Te Anau- Radsfords Lakeview Motel (1 night)Glow Worm Caves
overnight Milford Sound--www.realjourneys.co.nz
Te Anau to Queenstown (3 nights), Browns Boutique Hotel
Queestown to Lake Tekapo (1 night),--Lake Tekapo Grandview
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch (stopping through Akaora for the afternoon-- 2 nights)--The Worcester B&B (big splurge!)

I also considered going up the west coast to stop at one of the glaciers but decided that involved too much driving on our limited time. Flying is certainly a good option but then the sightseeing along the way is what the trip is all about.

We are renting through Hertz because they offer such a good selection and we get a 10% discount booking through United. Gas is about $4 per gallon.

Thanks for the tips! Looking forward to the trip.