Great info in this forum. I have won a vacation anywhere in the world, and am planning to go to Australia / New Zealand (from NY area) for 21-23 days in April/May. Right now, I'd like to go to Sydney, Melbourne, GBR - about 2 weeks, and rest in NZ (Christchurch, Queenstown, and maybe Auckland). Right now I'm going alone, but a friend may come along if they can. Any suggestions on the best way to do this? Thanks!

We are planning a 21 day trip to Aust./NZ right now. It seems like 5 days for Sydney, 3 at the GBR + 1 at the rainforest. There is so much more to see in NZ that we have to limit our time to the South Island. We do not do alot of Museums. Figure out what you like to do and then it will be easier to decide, it was for us. Europe planning was a lot easier than this!!! Good luck and have fun.

Mike, I used Austravel's office in Chicago (I think they also have an office in NY)to book my accomodations and flights. I had a really good idea where I wanted to go before I called them. Your trip is similar to the one we took-GBR, Sydney, Melbourne, Kangaroo Island (a really cool place to visit if you want to see wildlife in the wild)and the South Island of NZ. <BR> <BR>The Australian Tourism office has a good web site to get you started(www.aussie.net.au).

<BR>Try looking at oztravel.com.au <BR>This was a great site for me when I was planning our trip.

Thanks so far to all for your advice. I now have a preliminary plan so far: <BR> <BR>Sydney - 5 days <BR>Melbourne - 3 days <BR>GBR area - 4 days <BR>New Zealand - S. Island: 5-6 days <BR>New Zealand - N. Island: 2-3 days <BR> <BR>Of course in Sydney and Melbourne I'd like to explore outside the main city by driving. What's the best way to rent a car without having to deal with the problems of left side driving in a major city. It didn't look so easy on JAG.

Mike. I just got back from a 3 month Australia/New Zealand trip. <BR> <BR>First off, New Zealand is not a resting place, it's a place for adventure (rafting, bungy, skydiving, biking, glacier walks, hiking etc.) There is something adventerous to do in every town. If you only have 2-3 days for the North Island then I'd forget it and just stick to the South Island. Unless you are into sailing. The only thing going on in Auckland is the America's Cup sailing race. You can do the same things on the North and South Islands and the south is more scenic. Fly into Christchurch, spend the afternoon there and head to Queenstown. I also wouldn't miss Franz Josef or Milford Sound. If your going alone, you may want to check out the Kiwi Experience Bus (www.kiwiexperience.com). It's a bus for backpackers and stops in all the great places. <BR> <BR>As for Australia, I'd spend more time around the GBR and less time in Sydney. It depends on what you like. Sydney is a great city, but just that a city. If you like to dive, try a 3 or 4 day dive trip where you live on the boat. Also in the GBR area is the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. A must see if you are in the area. It's very easy to book a dive trip or a Daintree trip once you get to Australia, there are tons tour offices. <BR> <BR>Melbourne is a nice city for a day or two, but don't miss the Great Ocean Road. If you have the time, spend a night or two at one of the stops along the Great Ocean Road. <BR> <BR>The best source of info for travelers to Australia or New Zealand is TNT Magazine (www.tntmag.com.au) <BR> <BR>Have fun!!! <BR>

I just got a preliminary plan from my travel agent. US-Cairns(5 days at Righa Colonial Club Resort), Melbourne (4 days at Hotel Ibis), 5 days Sydney (Sydney Vista Hotel). Then on to New Zealand for 7 days. I was thinking about 1 less day in Melbourne, and extending N. Zealand to 10 days. Does anyone have any info on these hotels.