Husbnd and I plan to join our 21 daughter after her Australia study abroad ending June 30, '18--very soon.
Thought that we go thru Brisbane to N Zealand.
Southend looks fantastic but I'm concerned about weather
any advise ? What are must sees?
thanks
BH

If you're worried about the weather in NZ, stick to Australia. Because after a fairly mild autumn, winter has well and truly arrived in NZ's "Southend" (I'm guessing you mean the South Island). See:
https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queens...e-and-more-way
https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/more-w...r-wintry-blast

There will be more than enough to see and do in Australia. And this is the best time of year to visit the north of the country (Tropical North Queensland and the Top End/Northern Territory) as cyclone "season" has ended (though cyclones can form at any time of year).

Quite chilly up here in Rarangi Diamantina, must be freezing down your way! I like cold, but man, it was almost too much out on the mail boat today (of course we sat outside!)

Melnq8, sounds like you're still having fun despite the chill. It is cold down here, but it's been also intermittently sunny and not too windy. I went out in shorts yesterday, and later went by the beach near my home and there were at least 40 surfers in the water at about 5 p.m. But when the sun goes down, it feels nearly glacial. Tonight, I went into our spare room to fetch a bottle of white wine to chill for tomorrow night's dinner and it already felt like an ice block. No need for refrigeration.

Thank you for your responses; albeit, you are freezing me to death!
I m back to planning board, perhaps something in US since we are in NC and prefer a week-.CA or Midwest.

Ah yes, that lack of insulation and heat - never have understood why a country that gets cold doesn't have central heating (?). Wondered the same about air con when we were roasting in Australia.

Why not try a campervan, you are not tied to a fixed itinerary.

Since our time is limited, I have a new destination in mind.
We are on the east coast in the US. I plan to look into NE coast.

Thanks for everyones input. BH