we are contemplating trip to australia and new zealand - ideally for us is sometime between late jan and march. is that a good time to go?

Yes, school holidays will be over and it's summer! Always a fantastic time in Aust & NZ. How long are you planning to stay?

probably 2 weeks - we'll see - this is at its infancy stages in planning! thanks

If at all possible, come just before the end of January, and try to be in Sydney on January 26, which is Australia Day. It's a fun time to be in this city!

Australia and New Zealand can be wonderful any time of year, it depends where you want to go and what you want to see, climate and events are very different throughout the year. January to March can be extremely hot and humid in some areas. Avoiding school holidays is a good idea and Australia day is great in Sydney and in other cities as well - don't miss it.

If you really want to see both countries, you'll need more than two weeks. You could easily spend more time than that in either place. You might consider spending your time in just one country.

If you like, you can see pictures and a brief trip report on our 10 days on the North Island of New Zealand at http://community.webshots.com/user/ElendilPickle

Lee Ann

Dear WG, if you only have two weeks I strongly suggest that you choose one country and see that and promise yourself that you'll come back to the other one. We went to Australia in 2004 for over 3 weeks and are coming back for more this Oct. for 5 more. And spending most of it in Queensland at that. There is so much to see and do in each country, don't bog yourself down in airports trying to see too much. The beauty of the places is in the exploring and experiencing, not just checking something off on an itinerary. Australia alone is as large as the continental US and NZ is as large as Oregon with few of the superhighways that get you from place to place. Enjoy your planning (although it is painful when you have to axe something that you really want to see!)
Sally in Seattle, perfect today with sun, a breeze, and 72 degrees F.

thank you - wish we could plan longer trip, tho it is part business and we are mercy of travel partners as well. be that as it may - i appreciate your help. we will strongly consider the australia day date as reason to travel there in late jan! thanks