We will be going to Australia ( briefly) before New Zealand next February. After a few days in Sydney, we'll go to Tasmania and stay in Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge ( It was suggested by a friend) for 2 nights. Then we'd like to move to another area, if that makes sense, for another two nights before we head to New Zealand. We love animals and hiking, which is what we'll do the first two days. Wondering if there's another spot folks would recommend we do that won't be an long drive and might get us closer to one of the airports, but still offer a good base.
thanks in advance for any suggestions. FYI we are a couple in good physical shape in our early 70s.

It's been ages since we were in TAS, but we treated it much like we did our driving trips to the SI of NZ. We mappped out distances between areas and planned a circuit of the island. With only four nights, you'll be very limited though.

Are you arriving into Hobart or Launceston? Cradle Mountain is a four hour drive from Hobart, and just over two from Launceston.

Are you then departing from Hobart or Launceston?

Also, two nights only gives you one full day, so perhaps just extend your stay at the lodge to four nights? There's plenty to keep you busy in the area for three full days.

Definitely agree with Mel: why not stay at the lodge?

But if you are flying out of Hobart then I'll mention after hiking the Overland Track at Cradle Mountain we enjoyed a few days we had at Freycinet NP for coastal scenery. We flew into Launceston and departed Hobart so it was basically on the way. Everything screamed for more time though.

There are some lavender farms in the north east, near Launceston. They're really popular with visitors but not sure of the growing season. Cataract Gorge is close to Launceston and there are waterfalls in the area. You could drive along the coast near the small town of Penguin. There's a beach, sea views, shops and cafes as well as a giant penguin for a fun photo.

Thanks so uch for those ideas. We are flying into Launceston and haven't decided whether we're flying out of there as well or out of Hobart. And the reason we're not continuing our stay at Peppers Cradle is due to the expense. I am sure we will wish we had more time, but we're really anxious to begin the NZ part of the trip as well. So I'll check flights to NZ from both airports and then take one of your suggestions. So much appreciated fellow travelers!

Turns out the only non-stop flights from Tasmania to Auckland NZ are from Hobart, so that makes it clear! I'll check out Freycinet NP

Freycinet Lodge is in the park is ideal, but it's probably as pricey as Peppers, especially in February, which is high season. Next closest area is Coles Bay, but accommodation is limited, so if you don't find reasonably priced accommodation there, look in Bicheno, which has more services and a small penguin colony. In Freycinet NP don't miss the walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout. You can also walk down to the beach itself, if you have enough time. This is most photographed view in Tasmania.

I just checked, the drive from Cradle Mountain NP to Freycinet NP takes about 4 hours. The drive to from Bicheno to Hobart would take about 2.5 hours. What time does your flight leave Hobart? If it leaves in the morning, you should spend the previous night in Hobart.

The NZ customs declaration form will ask if you are bringing in any Items that have been used for outdoor activities, including any footwear, tents, camping, hunting, hiking, golf or sports equipment. Also, it will ask, "In the past 30 days (while outside New Zealand), have you visited any wilderness areas, had contact with animals (except domestic cats and dogs) or visited properties that farm or process animals or plants?" To which, you will answer yes. So please make sure you clean your hiking footwear thoroughly before coming to NZ, otherwise, you may be held up at NZ Immigration and Customs, while they check and clean your boots and any other equipment you might have used such as trekking poles. Try to remove any soil or seeds that mght be caught in the treads of your footwear, if any. We have very strict biosecurity rules. If you bring food, declare it or toss it. Absolutely no honey is allowed into New Zealand. I mention this because you might be tempted to buy Tasmanian Leatherwood Honey.

We stayed in Deloraine on way to Cradle to see the platypus in the Meander River in the evening. We got decent sightings. Not a base for many other activities.

Great wombats and echidna in Cradle.

we planned two nights at Mount Field to see the tall trees and do more hiking but wildfire that year ended those plans.

After your stay at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, you might want to consider heading to Freycinet National Park. It's about a 2.5-hour drive from Cradle Mountain, offering stunning hikes, beautiful beaches, and plenty of wildlife. It's a perfect spot to enjoy nature before catching a flight from Hobart, which is a bit over two hours away. Enjoy your adventure!