We are on a Collette 28-day tour for the full month of January - Australia and New Zealand. I'd appreciate any suggestions on type of clothing to pack: how casual? jeans? shorts? We are a 67-year old couple. Thanks.

Me again! Should have previewed. We are traveling the month of February, not January.

Where in Australia? February is Western Australia's hottest month, it's oppressive, but my guess is that you're not coming here. Regardless...take a sun hat and sunblock. Expect to wear plenty of shorts and swimmers. Aussies are very casual. Smart casual is usually sufficient for even nice restaurants.

NZ is unpredictible year round - you can generally expect warm weather the further north you go, and cooler weather the further south. It can rain any time of year, so a waterproof layer is always a good idea. For NZ, I'd pack a fleece that can be worn under the waterproof layer and independently.

You'll probably need long pants (jeans are fine) more than shorts, but I'd include some of both. Hiking shoes if you plan to hike. Smart casual works for nice restaurants in NZ too.

Easy.

Yeah, let us know where you are going, there's a huge range of temperatures in Australia at that time of year from south (Hobart) to the north (Brisbane, Cairns).

Thank you, Melnq8 and Susan. In Australia we'll go from Tasmania to Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, and Ululu. Both islands in New Zealand. So your suggestions are probaly right on!

Uluru will be incredibly hot in January, take very light weight clothes for there (shorts, hat and fly repellant are essentials). For Cairns and the Barrier Reef I find casual dresses the most comfortable as the humidity gets to me. Shorts for there too. Make sure you bring a high factor sunscreen (you can always get that here.)

In footwear department, I find that standard runners are perfect even for bush walking and even rock climbing. Comfortable sandals would be the other thing to take. I never find thongs/flip flops that useful but that might be something to take for wearing on the beaches.

For Tasmania, you will need a jumper (sweater) and possibly a waterproof top. I was there last week and it was quite cold in some places, the temperature drops quite dramatically at night.

In other words, take a little bit of everything

Don't forget that flynet...a godsend in the Aussie summer.

Thank you all. This is really helpful!

Yep as melnq8 says you will need everything but not gloves etc. Today in Sydney is an extreme example, weve had hot westerly winds all daynand the temperature rose to approx 42 deg Celsius but a Southerly Buster (which is a cool change that comes from the south), is due at about midnight. It's still about 34 deg at the moment and its 9pm. Tomorrow will be about 25 deg and quite cool. Tasmania can be cool at any time of the year.

I understand you are on an organised your, but if you have an opportunity to dine out in Hobart and if you are a little but adventurous, there is a restaurant in Hobart called Garagistes that is fantastic. I can give you details if you are interested.