looking to travel thru New Zealand and Australia in from July 10 - 23rd. What should we expect weather wise any suggestions on what cities to hit during that time. Open to adventure and relaxation

With only two weeks for your trip, I'd suggest you pick one country. You don't really have time to see both.

Lee Ann

Its winter in the southern states and can get cold from sydney down to melbourne but it is not snow country.
North Queensland on the other hand is mild almost tropical at that time of year so if you are going to spread yourself around you will need to take layers plus some wet weather protection as its sure to be wet somewhere.
My advice as a native of this big wide land that has so much to see is that you will come back for more and more so dont stretch yourself to far at first .Try to start in Sydney and end up in cairns ,move from cold to warm and if you can afford the flight to central aust drop by the big rock and experience the outback for few days.
Sydney is the best Aust city for adventure,beaches,nightlife ,its harbour ,spectacular scenery,history and friendly people ,so take your time ,there is lots to see and do.

The Gold Coast is a tourist mecca but a big disapointment .if you are going there the sothern part around coolangatta is much nicer and take a day trip down to Byron Bay via the coast and kigscliff to see and experience our laid back coast.
in summary for a see all the majors
3 days sydney
3 days coolangatta/byron bay
3 days alice springs/ayers rock region
4 days cairns/green island/palm cove/port douglas/the daintree
or for a slower pace
4 in sydney
4 in byron etc
5 in cairns etc
and see the centre next time
good luck and enjoy

I was interested in touristblob's response & wondered if they would comment on where our family of 4 should stay our last 5 days in Australia. We will be flying into Brisbane from Sydney. Noosa Head area, Surfer's Paradise Marriot and Sheraton Mirage have all been suggested. Kids are 17 and 20, we all love the beach but nothing too touristy. Also want to see and do as much in that area as possible but relax a bit too!
Thanks!

keswickian
noosa is much nicer than surfers paradise and just as close to brisbane .
the Sheraton in noosa is a good general choice but you will fiond its probably smarter to get a 2 bedroom apartment on hastings street for the same price and possibly get better views.
make sure you stay downtown at the beach [ its only one short street] as thats where all the shops and fabulous restraunts are.
try accomnoosa.com.au as they have the best accom options.
noosa is very unique ,its got beautiful beaches ,river ,surf. a national park at its door with rainforests, beaches and fabulous walking trails and all of this within easy walking distance of a small sophisticated coastal town.
you can either catch a bus or hire a car from the airport the later giving you freedom to explore the hinterland as well
if you need any more specific details let me know as my kids are similar ages and have enjoyed noosa many times.