langrobe

My fiance and I are going to New Zealand and Australia for our honeymoon. Unfortunately, I'm a teacher and cannot get away from work until June. So, we will not be able to be in NZ during the nice weather. We are very much outdoors people. Is it still worth it to go to NZ during the month of June? Will the weather still be nice to do sea kayaking, hiking, camping, etc? We plan to take a few days and visit the great barrier reef. Will the weather be nice in Australia at that time? We're very adventurous people and are hoping that the weather will still be nice to enjoy the activities. Please help!

vbca

June, July & August are fabulous in Queensland. That's why all the kiwis fly over the ditch at that time (and you thought that kiwis were flightless)
Can't say the same for NZ, although the winter tends to be our dryest period. You can hope for clear frosty days, with temps in the low 10's. Could be ice on some roads, mostly at higher altitudes (alpine passes), but expect it anywhere if the temp is below about 5 degrees. Temps are not usually below freezing during the day, but can drop a few degrees below over night.
Some of the more popular tracks will be closed (Milford Track), but most will be open. DOC huts will be open, but posssibly unmanned, and there will be no gas for cooking, so take your own gas cookers.
You should ask at the DOC headquarters before attempting any high altitude tracks in the winter, and also take expert advice as to clothing, sleeping bags etc. The weather can change in an instant, and hypothermia is a very real danger.
With a bit of care and advance planning the winter is a great time for tramping in NZ.

langrobe

Our other option is to go during the Christmas break (end of Dec. to early Jan.) I've heard that it is WAY too crowded at that time. What do you think?
Should we shorten our time in NZ and lengthen our time in Australia? We really like to hike and camp. Is the scenery in Australia just as good as NZ?

longhorn55

You don't mention how many weeks you will have for your honeymoon. If it is 2 weeks or less, I would definitely skip NZ on this trip and concentrate on Australia. The weather in far north Queensland is great at that time of year and you can hike, camp, snorkel and/or dive on the GBR, etc. Also, if you go to the Top End of the Northern Territory (Darwin area), the weather there is fabulous in June--hot, sunny and dry. Lots of outdoor activities there too.
Definitely do not plan to go to Australia/NZ over the Christmas holidays--it is absolutely too crowded.

wally34949

Airfare during Christmas will be double--maybe triple. LAX to Auckland will be around $2,300.

langrobe

It looks like we're going to stick with the plan of going at the beginning of June. We have 3 weeks for the entire trip. We'd still like to experience NZ a little. So we're probably going to stay in the Nelson area for a few days and then hop a flight over to AUS. Thanks for the help. We'll probably only be in NZ for a few days and then want to get to warmer weather.