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New Zeland/Australia Tips
Posted on 4/14/16 at 2:35 pm
Posted on 4/14/16 at 2:35 pm
So I might be going to Australia this summer and definitely going to New Zealand to study abroad in Auckland next year. Anyone have any tips on what to do and where to go while in both places?
8
Posted on 4/14/16 at 2:45 pm to dawgfan24348
quote:I wish I would have done something like this when I had the chance
definitely going to New Zealand to study abroad in Auckland next year
Posted on 4/14/16 at 3:05 pm to dawgfan24348
Yeh get out of Auckland. I recently spent 2-1/2 weeks on the North Island and after 9 days of peaceful, laid-back adventure I went to Auckland and discovered an extremely busy metropolis that possesses 1/3 of the population of the entire country. Needless to say, it was too busy for me and I couldn't wait to GTFO. I highly recommend spending some time in Tongariro National Park and doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. I'm going to make it down to the South Island in 2018 and see what all it has to offer. Also the Coromandel Peninsula is close to Aucks and would make for a nice weekend getaway from the city. It's an absolutely beautiful country with great people so enjoy the shite out of your time there.
Posted on 4/14/16 at 3:16 pm to dawgfan24348
Someone asked about this on the money board, but I'll copy most of what I wrote over there.
I studied abroad in Brisbane so basically the equivalent of north carolina for australia.
Uluru is definitely worth it. I did a 3 day hiking/camping trip that started in Alice Springs, went to Kata Kjuta, Kings Canyon, Kings Creek, then Uluru. There were nasty thunderstorms at night while I was there (it hardly ever rains in the middle of the country) and I remember seeing Uluru with waterfalls off the sides, great memories. Once the storms cleared you could see the southern cross along with thousands of other stars at night, once in a lifetime opportunity. This is the company I went with (The Rock Tour). I flew into Alice Springs and at the end of the tour flew out of the Uluru airport, but there's an option to go back to Alice Springs if you want.
As far as Cairns, I went there for the equivalent spring break in october or november. You could do some bungee jumping or skydiving up there, pretty crazy experience. I did a snorkeling tour of the barrier reef that was great, people were scuba diving off the same boat so there's definitely options of doing either.
Sydney you've got all the beaches like Coogee and Bondi that should be nice in november. The blue mountains aren't that far away and are gorgeous, plenty of wineries up that way as well. I'd suggest going on some of the tours so you get a feel for the city before diving into local stuff, company I went with was Activity Tours Australia and they were fine/reasonably priced.
New Zealand: I went to Auckland, thought it was alright. Plenty of sailing if you're into that. Took a bus tour from there to Hobbiton and the mountain location where they filmed the lord of the rings (forget what its called). Place was in the middle of nowhere but the hostel was great, if you time it right there's skiing on the other side of the mountain. Plenty of hiking around there as well. I only heard good things about the south island from people I lived with, would've loved to visit christchurch.
ETA: Forgot to add went to Rotorua and Lake Taupo for the hot springs, felt great relaxing out in the open looking at a huge lake.
I studied abroad in Brisbane so basically the equivalent of north carolina for australia.
Uluru is definitely worth it. I did a 3 day hiking/camping trip that started in Alice Springs, went to Kata Kjuta, Kings Canyon, Kings Creek, then Uluru. There were nasty thunderstorms at night while I was there (it hardly ever rains in the middle of the country) and I remember seeing Uluru with waterfalls off the sides, great memories. Once the storms cleared you could see the southern cross along with thousands of other stars at night, once in a lifetime opportunity. This is the company I went with (The Rock Tour). I flew into Alice Springs and at the end of the tour flew out of the Uluru airport, but there's an option to go back to Alice Springs if you want.
As far as Cairns, I went there for the equivalent spring break in october or november. You could do some bungee jumping or skydiving up there, pretty crazy experience. I did a snorkeling tour of the barrier reef that was great, people were scuba diving off the same boat so there's definitely options of doing either.
Sydney you've got all the beaches like Coogee and Bondi that should be nice in november. The blue mountains aren't that far away and are gorgeous, plenty of wineries up that way as well. I'd suggest going on some of the tours so you get a feel for the city before diving into local stuff, company I went with was Activity Tours Australia and they were fine/reasonably priced.
New Zealand: I went to Auckland, thought it was alright. Plenty of sailing if you're into that. Took a bus tour from there to Hobbiton and the mountain location where they filmed the lord of the rings (forget what its called). Place was in the middle of nowhere but the hostel was great, if you time it right there's skiing on the other side of the mountain. Plenty of hiking around there as well. I only heard good things about the south island from people I lived with, would've loved to visit christchurch.
ETA: Forgot to add went to Rotorua and Lake Taupo for the hot springs, felt great relaxing out in the open looking at a huge lake.
This post was edited on 4/14/16 at 4:02 pm
Posted on 4/14/16 at 4:10 pm to dawgfan24348
Honeymooned in NZ for 2.5 weeks back in 2014, but I would move there tomorrow if given the opportunity. Some major highlights:
South Island:
Marlborough- great wine country. Did a wine blending class at Wither Hills Vineyard that I highly recommend.
Havelock- blink and you'll miss it, but this town is the green mussel capital of the world. Their mussels are the size of Louisiana oysters and they are the most delicious things I've ever tasted. Get a platter at The Mussel Pot.
Abel Tasman National Park- husband and I did a guided 2 day, 1 night kayak trip (about 16 miles of coastline over 2 days). Camped on the beach. One of the most amazing experiences I've had in my life. Company we went with is called The Sea Kayak Company. We actually stayed in Nelson at a placed called The Bug Backpackers and took a shuttle out to Abel Tasman.
Nelson has a local brewery in town called Sprig & Fern.
Christchurch- kind of depressing. There's a lot of ruble from the major earthquake that hit in 2011, and lots of graffiti. Wouldn't spend much more than a day there.
North Island:
Auckland- if you're studying there you'll learn the lay of the land quickly. It's a cool town, but so different than the rest of the country!
Waitomo Glowworm Caves- do it
Hike in Tongariro National Park
Martinborough is the north island's wine region. Not as big as Marlborough, but still nice. There's a company called Olivo that grows olive trees and they have tastings of their olive oils. Fun experience!
Wellington- I freaking love Welly. It's like a mini San-Fran. Cuba Street is where you'll find the bars, but my favorite was this little hidden gem called the Hawthorne. Take the Wellington cable car up to the top, and make your way back into the city via the botanical gardens. tour parliament. For a nice meal eat at Logan Brown Restaurant.
Side note: NZ ketchup is the titty sprinkles. Watties is their version of Heinz and once you try it you'll never be able to stomach over processed American ketchup ever again.
South Island:
Marlborough- great wine country. Did a wine blending class at Wither Hills Vineyard that I highly recommend.
Havelock- blink and you'll miss it, but this town is the green mussel capital of the world. Their mussels are the size of Louisiana oysters and they are the most delicious things I've ever tasted. Get a platter at The Mussel Pot.
Abel Tasman National Park- husband and I did a guided 2 day, 1 night kayak trip (about 16 miles of coastline over 2 days). Camped on the beach. One of the most amazing experiences I've had in my life. Company we went with is called The Sea Kayak Company. We actually stayed in Nelson at a placed called The Bug Backpackers and took a shuttle out to Abel Tasman.
Nelson has a local brewery in town called Sprig & Fern.
Christchurch- kind of depressing. There's a lot of ruble from the major earthquake that hit in 2011, and lots of graffiti. Wouldn't spend much more than a day there.
North Island:
Auckland- if you're studying there you'll learn the lay of the land quickly. It's a cool town, but so different than the rest of the country!
Waitomo Glowworm Caves- do it
Hike in Tongariro National Park
Martinborough is the north island's wine region. Not as big as Marlborough, but still nice. There's a company called Olivo that grows olive trees and they have tastings of their olive oils. Fun experience!
Wellington- I freaking love Welly. It's like a mini San-Fran. Cuba Street is where you'll find the bars, but my favorite was this little hidden gem called the Hawthorne. Take the Wellington cable car up to the top, and make your way back into the city via the botanical gardens. tour parliament. For a nice meal eat at Logan Brown Restaurant.
Side note: NZ ketchup is the titty sprinkles. Watties is their version of Heinz and once you try it you'll never be able to stomach over processed American ketchup ever again.
Posted on 4/14/16 at 4:34 pm to foreverLSU
This board has already become one of my favorites!
Posted on 4/14/16 at 5:03 pm to LSUShock
It's been really awesome already 
Thanks everyone
Thanks everyone
Posted on 4/14/16 at 6:48 pm to dawgfan24348
There were $225 flights to New Zealand advertised this week.
Posted on 4/14/16 at 6:49 pm to ForeverLSU02
quote:
I wish I would have done something like this when I had the chance
I was dumb like you
Posted on 4/14/16 at 7:12 pm to pjab
What site, I got a vacation week I need to take
Posted on 4/14/16 at 7:19 pm to dawgfan24348
Pointsguy.com had the ad. There was also a followup article about what to do while there.
Posted on 4/14/16 at 8:07 pm to dawgfan24348
Australia:
Make your way to the Sydney suburb of Manly. Take the ferry into Sydney Harbour, the view of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House are breathtaking from the water.
I didn't do much in Sydney, other than the Harbour and a NRL match in Manly. Can't help much there.
Melbourne: Tour the Melbourne Cricket Ground; Old Melbourne Gaol (jail); The Melbourne Shops for your cheap souvenirs; Eat at Clay Pots--you can choose your freshly caught seafood from the bed of ice upon which it sits;
Blue Mountains are spectacular.
The Jenolan Caves are also amazing. You can stay in a hotel that reminds you of the Overlook Hotel from "The Shining" (see image below)
Get in a car and drive (or ride..they drive on the opposite side--it's scary). The scenery is beautiful. You will see more kangaroos and wallabies than you can shake a stick at. It is nothing to see a mob of 100 roos on the side of the road at dusk, just chilling out.
Hunter Valley (north of Sydney) There is a winery every few miles. Beautiful wines. Beautiful beers.
I'm jealous. I want to go again so badly.
Jenolan Caves House
Make your way to the Sydney suburb of Manly. Take the ferry into Sydney Harbour, the view of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House are breathtaking from the water.
I didn't do much in Sydney, other than the Harbour and a NRL match in Manly. Can't help much there.
Melbourne: Tour the Melbourne Cricket Ground; Old Melbourne Gaol (jail); The Melbourne Shops for your cheap souvenirs; Eat at Clay Pots--you can choose your freshly caught seafood from the bed of ice upon which it sits;
Blue Mountains are spectacular.
The Jenolan Caves are also amazing. You can stay in a hotel that reminds you of the Overlook Hotel from "The Shining" (see image below)
Get in a car and drive (or ride..they drive on the opposite side--it's scary). The scenery is beautiful. You will see more kangaroos and wallabies than you can shake a stick at. It is nothing to see a mob of 100 roos on the side of the road at dusk, just chilling out.
Hunter Valley (north of Sydney) There is a winery every few miles. Beautiful wines. Beautiful beers.
I'm jealous. I want to go again so badly.
Jenolan Caves House
Posted on 4/14/16 at 8:30 pm to LuckySo-n-So
Going in May with the wife and kids (4 & 5).
4 days in Sydney 8 in Melbourne 4 in Auckland.
4 days in Sydney 8 in Melbourne 4 in Auckland.
Posted on 4/14/16 at 8:38 pm to SippyCup
Was actually just looking around since my friend has a friend in Melbourne and can get me a free ticket back to Atlanta, I'm thinking of going to Auckland for a few days then Melbourne for a week all for under $1200 in July
Posted on 4/14/16 at 9:29 pm to dawgfan24348
quote:
Was actually just looking around since my friend has a friend in Melbourne and can get me a free ticket back to Atlanta, I'm thinking of going to Auckland for a few days then Melbourne for a week all for under $1200 in July
Friend work for Delta or Virgin Australia? Take them up on it. New Zealand is amazing. I did not spend much time in Oz, just Brisbane, but it seemed like a cool city with good stuff to do around it.
New Zealand is just beautiful though. Try to get down to Dunedin or Queenstown. If I could do it again I would have spend twice as much time on the south island.
Keep in mind the seasons are reversed and that Christchurch is about the same latitude as Boston, just inverted. The winds can be pretty strong too.
Posted on 4/14/16 at 9:40 pm to SM6
Friends dad works for Delta, friend will be in Melbourne for a couple weeks so I'm going to try and hit up New Zeland for a few days before catching a flight to Melbourne for like $150 then spend a week there. And yeah I know all about the reversed seasons. I
This post was edited on 4/14/16 at 9:41 pm
Posted on 4/14/16 at 9:47 pm to dawgfan24348
I'm envious! Make sure its a confirmed ticket and not employee/pass holder standby-space available. If so you will clear after all revenue pax. (Probably not an issue on the trans-Pacific leg, but could be a problem once you get to LA since domestic flights are going out so full).
This post was edited on 4/14/16 at 9:48 pm
Posted on 4/15/16 at 4:20 pm to BACONisMEATcandy
quote:
I wish I would have done something like this when I had the chance
Youth is wasted on the young.
Posted on 4/16/16 at 12:05 pm to dawgfan24348
I was literally about to start this same thread, but I'm glad somebody else did. Thanks.
Posted on 4/16/16 at 12:41 pm to dawgfan24348
My wife's family is originally from Australia, so we spent a couple of months there a while back. We pretty much stayed in North Queensland the entire time (we generally try to hit a single region hard when we travel instead of trying to see/do too much). The Daintree Rainforest is fantastic and beautiful. The tablelands are really cool as well. Diving the Great Barrier Reef is cool. As someone else said, Cairns is kind of an "adventure sport' jumping off point, so you can get into all kinds of coolness from there.
Our favorite thing we did by far was hiking the Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island. They only allow 40 people on the trail at a time, and it takes 4 days to do it. It was pretty freaking amazing, though all her Australian relative were convinced that we were going to die because they think "yanks" are dumbasses when it comes to surviving in the "bush."
Our favorite thing we did by far was hiking the Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island. They only allow 40 people on the trail at a time, and it takes 4 days to do it. It was pretty freaking amazing, though all her Australian relative were convinced that we were going to die because they think "yanks" are dumbasses when it comes to surviving in the "bush."
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