Just an observation as a New zealander living in Australia and loving both countries that the soul of both countries is found outside the cities.It worries me to see people worrying about which is the best hotel in Sydney or Auckland.It isnt important.If you do come so far to visit us please try to see some of the real OZ and NZ.

What would you list as the "don't miss" areas in Oz or NZ?

Anne, I mean places like Mildura,Broken Hill,and Port Augusta in Australia and places like Tauranga,Gisborne or Masterton in New Zealand.Probably you havent heard about them but they are all interesting in thrir own way.

Graeme, <BR> <BR>Thanks for mentioning those places. I agree that we miss so much by not getting "outside" the cities, although those are interesting to see, too. <BR> <BR>Where would you go if you could only go to: Broken Hill <BR> <BR> Lightning Ridge <BR> <BR> Coober Pedy <BR> <BR>I suppose you can tell I'm on an opal quest, but that aside (I have enough jewelry anyways gt )which would you rec.? <BR> <BR>Thanks <BR> <BR>Elsa

We heartily agree, having walked the Milford Track through Fjordland National Park, S. Island. Bay of Islands, the giant Kauri forest, the road down to Wanganui, Lake Taupo, the glaciers of the S. Island, Wanaka, Lake Wakatipu, Te Anau, the list goes on and on. We spent a month in NZ and barely scratched the surface. OZ? Never been there. NZ is quite enough, thank you. We hope to return.

Hi Graeme, <BR> <BR>I could not agree more with your comments, however a lot of the blame actually lays with the locations not promoting themselves. <BR> <BR>I have had discussions with tourism organisations in the past highlighting their need to be more pro-active in showing their attractions off in the media only to be told they don't have the money to do so. My view is you have to spend money to make money. <BR> <BR>For my pick of the lesser known destinations I would say Dubbo, for the Western Plains Zoo and Dubbo's myriad of other attractions. Then Bundaberg in Qld, which is definitely under rated and has two of the most pristine coral quay islands of its coast let alone the Bundaberg Rum Distillery which runs its own tours. How about Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay in S.A., the later was the set for Gallipoli the movie. <BR>How about Ballarat in VIC for its link with its gold mining past or Port Macquarie in NSW which has spectacular scenery or even Kingaroy in Qld famous for its peanuts. What about Tamworth in NSW and it's annual Country Music Festival week. The list is endless really. <BR> <BR>Anyway thats my two cents.

Would you believe that just as I posted the last message I remembered another two places which are close enough to be the same place. They are Kangaroo Valley and Mount Cambewarra, the Mount Cambewarra lookout is absolutely spectacular and is a must for any visitor to the south coast region of NSW. Kangaroo Valley is just beautiful with its quaint village atmosphere. <BR> <BR>That's it for now.

yes there are lots of places that you could visit, hire a car, take to the back rds.try kawhia and aotea harbour, on the wild west coast out from hamilton. go north try pahi,or tinopai,or the kai-iwi lakes,opononi,omapere,. head to the top and spirits bay, see the sand dunes at te paki stream. <BR>take the coast rd from clevedon through kaiawa to thames, the rd to waikaremoana,are just a few of them, just look at a map and gone off the normal route, its magic.lorrie

Im an Aussie and Ive travelled a fair bit of New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. I have also travelled around the beautiful South Island of New Zealand. Each place has it's own special beauties... depends on just how much time you have to spend and what states in Australia you intend to visit... Do plenty of reading beforehand, search the internet for places you think might interest you.... <BR>I agree with Graeme, the soul of both our countries is to be found outside the cities. To me, a city is a city is a city, but it's the landscapes, seascapes, the soaring snow covered mountains, the gurgling rivers and streams and the wide open plains that make up our countries. Our peoples love visitors and are open and friendly to all. <BR>I urge everyone abroad to come visit us, I guarantee you'll be hooked, and your first visit won't be your last!. <BR>