Thank you all for your advise.
Ok - if I take my family of 4 (there was a type-o in the first message) - including 2 kids ages 8 & 10 to either Austrailia OR NZ, which is the better place to go in Dec. and which is the better place to go in Aug.? Upon some early research I think we would prefer the tropical area of Carins. I hear you all that for just 2 weeks, we should pick just 1 country. I just think this will be the only time I'll get over there... so I had wanted to see both. Which is more unique? We are from NJ - USA. I am scared that prices will be sooo high in Dec. that it will preclude me from going. And will the crowds be huge? Is the Carins area (sp?) nice? Any recommendations on where to stay?

Cairns may be ok for Aug. Crowds won't be a problem. But it will be cool: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/20...4.200608.shtml

N.Z. in Dec. would be much better than N.Z. in Aug. Early Dec. would be better than late.

If you go in late Dec., the car rates jump in price starting about Dec. 14. I don't think prices will jump *so* much you can't go. But you want to plan your reservations early and carefully. Crowds in N.Z.--we didn't see that. Even around Christmas. Our campground filled up, but it still didn't feel crowded. There's only 4 million residents in the whole country. I can't think of one crowd we saw.

I think N.Z. was more unique in landscape. But that's just my opinion. The wildlife in Australia was easier to see/find which made that country unique.(I think N.Z. had very different animals from anywhere else, but I didn't get to see them.)

We have been to both countries in July and August, with one trip involving our two daughters (ages 11 and 14 at the time). I believe your best bet is to stick to Far North Queensland and to travel in August rather than December. Be aware that June -- August is the prime tourist season in the area of Cairns. Since you are from the USA, you'll want temperatures in Fahrenheit. Expect highs of 75 - 80 degrees, and evening lows of about 55 - 60 degrees. If you travel to Kuranda, take a sweatshirt, since temperatures there can be somewhat cooler.
In two weeks it would be realistic to stay not only in Cairns, but in Port Douglas also. Your kids would love a trip to the GB Reef (probably out of Port Douglas) and may enjoy an excursion to Cape Tribulation as well. About 4 hours drive south of Cairns is Townsville. As a family we very much enjoyed a day trip to Magnetic Island just off the coast from Townsville -- you might consider booking overnight accommodation there. Townsville also has the Reef HQ museum.
There are many bookable excursions from Cairns. Port Douglas, and Palm Cove. All the data you need will be available from your hotel desk.
As for places to stay, we would recommend the Port Douglas Retreat -- very central and reasonably priced.
Good luck in your travel planning.
One other thing to note: Consider the Aussie Air Pass as a way of getting to see more of Australia in a short period of time.

If you like water related activities Cairns is the place, December will be hectic school holidays and lots of tourists, if you dont mind that then head out to the reefs beautiful diving and snorkling and great weather!

Hey Jersey Girl! (from a former Philly girl!)

Ok, no, you can't do two countries, not enough time.

Going at Christmas holidays? Unless you have deep pockets, that would be a no also. That's high high season and the flights will be expensive (and as others have mentioned, also a very busy time in Australia).

Hopefully, you can be flexible with your dates.

I think with your children, Australia would be the better choice, just for the unique animals, which all the kids love.

Hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist