First Time Planner
 

Hi there,

I am considering planning a trip to Australia/New Zealand. It'd be in the month of June for sure for about 2 weeks. I've never planned a vacation outside of the United States before so I'm not sure where to begin or what to even look for. I'm not too terribly picky regarding what to do. I love it all when I visit someplace new, I love history, hiking, being outdoors, trying new things and adventures. I'd like to have the option of relaxing on the beach somewhere but it's not a must. If anyone could give me some tips that'd be awesome!

Thank you!
Shanna

With only two weeks, pick one country.

Australia is similar in size to the US. It's also very difficult to see both islands of NZ in two weeks.

June is winter, so not the best time for relaxing on the beach.

Perhaps start by reading some travel books. Zero in what interests you most, and then go from there.

This forum is a brilliant resource, but at this point your question is too broad to give much advice.

Echoing Melnq8's advice - 2 weeks is not enough to even touch the surface of two countries.

Unless you're looking for cold weather adventures, I would stick with Australia.

Have a look at Australia.com to get an idea of what's available where & start to focus on those places that pique your interest.

A typical first timer's 2 week Itinerary in our winter is Sydney, Uluru, Great Barrier Reef ( Cairns). The weather is good, it gives a variety of big city, outback & GBR, rainforest & tablelands. This is not the only viable Itinersry by any means - just a popular one.

If you fly into one port & out of another, it will maximise your time on the ground.

Remember you need a Visa. Apply for it online before you buy your ticket.

June is a good time for visiting North Queensland (Cairns, Port Douglas, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, Atherton Tablelands, Great Barrier Reef) and for Darwin (Kakadu NP, Litchfield NP).

Awesome!! Thanks for all the information everyone!

Agree with Diamantina - go to Australia. You'll have a great time in the tropical North Queensland. We went there in late May and it was beautiful.
June is winter in New Zealand. The best time for NZ is December, January and February.