Weekend in Melbourne or Auckland?
 

I have client meetings in Melbourne and have decided to stay the weekend. Should I spend the time in Melbourne or Auckland, where I have a layover? Any ideas for places to see, considering I will only have 2 days and will be on my own? Thanks!

There's great shopping in Melbourne. Depends what you like. There are tours to Phillip Island to see the Fairy Penquins, the Grampians to see wild Kangaroos, the Melbourne Zoo, Go to Essendon Airport and take a flight around Port Phillip Bay in a small plane, get a tram ride to Port Melbourne or St Kilda to the foreshore and shops, get a bus tour to the Mornington Peninsula or Yarra Glen for the wineries....

My vote's for Melbourne: tell us what your interests are and you'll have lots of interesting suggestions in no time at all :) When is your trip?

http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/

My trip is the first week in June. I love to take photos and enjoy most outdoor activities. (I often travel solo for work and am comfortable exploring on my own). If possible, I'd prefer not to rent a car.

RosieR and Bokhara, thanks for your assistance.

Definitely Melbourne. A great exhibition of Australian Impressionists is on at the NGV Fed. Sq. at the moment with the Guggenheim Exhibition at NGV International starting next month. As mentioned the shopping is fantastic and the Botanic Gardens is always worth a visit. Brunettis just off Lygon St. Carlton has the best coffee and cakes, not to mention Max Brenner or Koko Black for hot chocolate. A day in the Danedenongs (45 mins. from the city) is always enjoyable. So there is lots to do.

Monday 11th June is a public holiday in Victoria (Queen' Birthday); shops etc., will be open and there will probably be something on in Federation Square or around the Arts Centre/Southbank. I love St Kilda (Acland Street) on Sunday mornings - coffee, cakes .. and a market along the footpath beyond it towards the city.

Also good for shopping/snacking/sipping are Armadale & Brighton.
GOOD PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: The Bathing Boxes along the beach at Brighton. You need to go onto the beach to see them, and they're well worth the trip (only 10 mins or so from St. Kilda). I've snagged a couple of great shots with the City & Williamstown skyline providing an interesting counterpoint.

Federation Square /Spencer street Station are a nice mix,too.

You will have a ball! Melbourne is a fantastic place. (And I'm a Sydney resident).

And if you're into games with balls, I'm sure you will find a game of AFL ("Aussie Rules") football on somewhere. It's the Victorians' religion (LOL). ;)