Oceania (Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific) - Lord Howe Island: worth it?

I booked an award ticket to LDH for two days next March and realized that lodging was going to be quite a bit-around 3x what I normally spend on vacation hotels per night. And going to LDH makes trip insurance much more of a necessity.

I intend to go to Thailand and Hawaii (Kauai) in the next five years. If I didn't go to LDH, I would probably spend more time in the South Island of NZ.

Right now, I have about 4 days in Australia-really just LDH flanked by day trips to SYD- and then 8 days in NZ.

I know it's popular with Australians and it's gotten rave reviews. How does it compare to other island destinations?

It doesn't compare -- hence the rave reviews. Starting with the strict control of the number of tourists allowed onto the island -- how many tourist destinations do that? It is hard to get to but well worth the effort. For what it is, definitely better than 99% of the world. Just don't expect it to be like Thailand or even Hawaii, then you'll be sorely disappointed. I suppose Easter Island is a good comparison. Now there are plenty of non-islands that are equally idyllic, but you generally can't fly to them on awards.

I know it's popular with Australians ...

No its not. Most Australians have never heard about it.

For what its worth, for me this is one of the best places in Australia.

Personally, I should say that it is worth it. It is not glitzy or loud – as above don't expect it to be like Thailand or Hawaii, or even less Ibiza – but it is very beautiful, unspoilt, uncrowded, restful, welcoming. It depends what you want really, but if I had a chance to fly there on air-miles I would grab it.

We live on Kauai, and every time we go to LHI we are saddened by how spoiled Hawaii is compared to LHI...the traffic, the hotel/tourist density, the poor (generally) beaches, the invasion of non-native species and decimation of habitat, etc.....
Lord Howe is our candidate for the BEST PLACE on the planet.

To see if you will like it, check out the LHI web site: it gives a very good overview of what the island is like; it may not be for everyone.

You will want longer than two days if you go...5-7 days is better.

That makes me feel better! I'll bit the bullet and go then!