Rough Itinerary - feedback?
 

This is for next June/July

FIJI - 4 days at Navini - chosen because of it's easy transfer from Nadi and it's small size. Sounds like a wonderful place to relax, snorkel, and get over jet lag!

NEW ZEALAND - 10 days
Probably spend all 10 days on the South Island, flying into Queenstown. Rent a car, drive to Milford sound, Dunedin, Christchurch. Fly out of Christchurch.

AUSTRALIA - 10 days
3 days Sydney - bridgeclimb, zoo, harbor, opera house, all the usuals
7 days Cairns area - might do a 3 day liveaboard or a multi-day tour to the tablelands, rainforest, or Cape Trib.

Since I'm flying from the east coast US, on the way out I'm spending a day in L.A. with a friend, and on the way back I'll get down to San Diego for 3-4 days with family, recovering from jet lag.

Your itinerary sounds fantastic.
Fiji is a lovely place to visit, and so is the south island of NZ, and with only 10 days in Oz, you have the right idea, 3 days in Sydney, then up to Cairns.
Of course, you know that June/July is our winter out here. Cairns will be nice at that time of the year, temps around 26 degrees. New Zealand will be much cooler of course, and so will Sydney.

Hi There

Great Itinery. Your choice of Navini is a good one in my opinion a fantastic little island with very friendly staff and a great reef to snorkel over just off the beach. Been there twice and itching to get back there again.

With you New Zealand leg, as has been noted already, you will be here in the middle of winter. That part of the world looks stunning with the snow in the mountains and the frosts on the ground. Beware though that you do not tie yourself to too tight an itinery as you may be disappointed if the weather conspires to thwart your plans.

The road to Milford Sound often gets closed in winter due to avalanche threat or too much snow. I suggest you remain flexible for it may be closed one day and open the next. Check with your hotel and the NZAA (Automobile Association) before heading out.

Dunedin is a great city (Lived there for fives years). Get out onto the peninsula to see the wildlife. A walk on the beaches even in winter is worth it for seal spotting and the crashing waves if there is a sea running. The city itself has various attractions from the local boutique brewery and the chocolate factory, through to places such as Olveston house which provides a history as to how life was in the city 100 years ago. Check the visitor centre in the Octagon in the city centre for advice on Dunedin's attractions and also to book any tours.

Christchurch and surrounds are certainly a good place to spend some time. Familiarise yourself with the layout of the central city by riding the tram. Takes about 20 minutes and passes or goes through such areas as New Regent street (Shopping/eating) Arts centre, and the Square.

Have fun.

Steve

Thank you for the info!

I orginally was going to pass on NZ due to the winter timing, but it seems silly to pass up a place I've wanted to go for a long time simply because it would be chilly. I'm used to having a real winter so maybe it won't even be too bad. The biggest chanllenge will be packing for both heat and cold.

I want to keep my NZ itinerary loose and be able to follow the weather. I could book the first 2 night in Queenstown and then see how it goes. It's been a while since I've done that kind of make-it-as-you're-going travel so I'm looking forward to that actually!

pb_and_j

Lilybank B&B is a lovely place to base oneself for going in and out of Cairns. The nearby Garden Room Restaurant imho is one of the best down under.

Pat Woolford, a frequent correspondant on this site, knows most of everything about N. Queensland owns Lilybank w/ her husband Mike and 4 poodles.
AndrewDavid