Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Help me decide

I am trying to plan my Aus and NZ trip. I currently have three days in SYD (Fri, sat and Mon). THe plans are to spend sat at Blue mountains, see SYD on sun and may be Canbera on Sun. I am still thinking if I should abandon Canbera and go to BNE to see aus zoo.

I then go to Queenstown where I have 3 days. One day is at Milford, another at Mt. Cook and third for outdoor activities. I then fly to AKL and then to the states.

I am wondering if it is worth cutting out MON and spending a day at AKL and seeing Rotorua's hot springs. Or if I should keep 4 days at ZQN and subsitute outdoor activities for a two day trip to FOx glacier,greymouth and CHC. Is lake Matheson that good? Also is there a similar lake on the way from ZQN to Cook?

Basically I am wondering how you would rank the following:

1. Blue mountains
2. Australia zoo ( I am an animal lover, but I have spent time in Africa and so the only reason I want to go here is to see Steve's zoo and see the crocs being fed)
3. Canberra
4. Outdoor activities (I thought ZQN was the outdoor capital of the world but I don't see any unique activities here).
5. Fox glacier (since I am going to Mt Cook, I am wondering if the scenery is similar - I hear that at Cook one can take boat tours to the Tasman glacier. I also saw a youtube clip of the Greymouth CHC train - it didn't seem very appealing)
6. Roturua.

Has anyone taken these boat rides:

http://cadabra.com/New-Zealand-Holiday-Glacier-Explorer-Boat-Trip-Aoraki-Mt-Cook-Canterbury-New-Zealand-Ser7742.aspx

http://www.fourcorners.co.nz/new-zealand/product/?product=glacier-sea-kayaking

I am trying to plan my Aus and NZ trip. I currently have three days in SYD (Fri, sat and Mon). THe plans are to spend sat at Blue mountains, see SYD on sun and may be Canbera on Sun. I am still thinking if I should abandon Canbera and go to BNE to see aus zoo.

I then go to Queenstown where I have 3 days. One day is at Milford, another at Mt. Cook and third for outdoor activities. I then fly to AKL and then to the states.

I am wondering if it is worth cutting out MON and spending a day at AKL and seeing Rotorua's hot springs. Or if I should keep 4 days at ZQN and subsitute outdoor activities for a two day trip to FOx glacier,greymouth and CHC. Is lake Matheson that good? Also is there a similar lake on the way from ZQN to Cook?

Basically I am wondering how you would rank the following:

1. Blue mountains
2. Australia zoo ( I am an animal lover, but I have spent time in Africa and so the only reason I want to go here is to see Steve's zoo and see the crocs being fed)
3. Canberra
4. Outdoor activities (I thought ZQN was the outdoor capital of the world but I don't see any unique activities here).
5. Fox glacier (since I am going to Mt Cook, I am wondering if the scenery is similar - I hear that at Cook one can take boat tours to the Tasman glacier. I also saw a youtube clip of the Greymouth CHC train - it didn't seem very appealing)
6. Roturua.

Not sure how you're getting around, but a few observations:

ZQN - Milford Sound is ~7 to 8 hours roundtrip by car (but about 35 minutes each way by light plane - spectacular views on the way as well, though not inexpensive). This means you can get there and back and do a cruise, in not much more than half a day.

AKL-ROT is a 6 hours+ round trip by car. Rotorua certainly worth a look, for the thermal activity (and associated sulphur smell :eek:)

Never been to Lake Matheson (it is tiny, looking on google maps, not that this necessarily detracts from its worth) - Mt Cook sits at the 'top' of Lake Pukaki - it is actually quite a majestic sight viewed from the 'bottom' of the lake. This is basically on the way to Mt Cook from ZQN, need to go a km or two past the turnoff to Mt Cook.

The flight 'around' Mt Cook from Mt Cook Airport, optionally including glacier landing, in a fixed wing aircraft, is right up there with the best I have taken. Again, not easy on the wallet but well worth doing.

SYD-CBR by car is ~7 hours roundtrip.

I wouldn't go out of my way to go to Oz zoo (I haven't been there so this is uninformed opinion)...I would find much more interesting things to do in CBR.

I haven't caught the CHC-Greymouth train but know plenty who have - according to them the train itself is a bit cruddy, but the trip is pretty good for scenery.

I think ZQN promotes itself more as the 'adventure' capital rather than the 'outdoor' capital. Things like bungee (terrifying but pleased I did it), zorbing (never tried it), jetboating (never get me in one of those), the sadly defunct 'fly-by-wire' (heaps of fun), and the like. Friends did do a day trip which involved rafting, 4WDing and tramping.

And on a tight timeframe it's probably important to do what you can, but don't go for too much - may just rush you too much to enjoy.

Hope you have a great trip, whatever you end up doing.

PS. Fox Glacier is ok, but I didn't make it right onto it, just to the general public access point. And haven't been into Blue Mountains though they look to be worthwhile.

PSS. Anything involving flying/Mt Cook/Milford Sound in the cooler months may be very weather-dependent

I would be flying there in May beginning.

Not sure how you're getting around, but a few observations:

ZQN - Milford Sound is ~7 to 8 hours roundtrip by car (but about 35 minutes each way by light plane - spectacular views on the way as well, though not inexpensive). This means you can get there and back and do a cruise, in not much more than half a day.

Right, but need to allow several days in ZQN to be sure of getting a flight. It rains a lot in Milford Sound (several metres a year) and there are no flights when cloud is low.

Never been to Lake Matheson (it is tiny, looking on google maps, not that this necessarily detracts from its worth) - Mt Cook sits at the 'top' of Lake Pukaki - it is actually quite a majestic sight viewed from the 'bottom' of the lake. This is basically on the way to Mt Cook from ZQN, need to go a km or two past the turnoff to Mt Cook.

Lake Matheson on the Westland side has the classic picture postcard view of Mt Cook with the Alps rising above the rainforest. It is also near the lagoon where Kotuku (white heron) are, worth a look too.

The view from the Pukaki side is rather different - barren tussocklands, foothills, and Mt Cook doesn't stick out so prominently from that angle.

PSS. Anything involving flying/Mt Cook/Milford Sound in the cooler months may be very weather-dependent

Mt Cook/Tasman Glacier isn't cancelled as much as Milford Sound, because most of the bad weather is blocked by the alps.

Never been to Lake Matheson (it is tiny, looking on google maps, not that this necessarily detracts from its worth) - Mt Cook sits at the 'top' of Lake Pukaki - it is actually quite a majestic sight viewed from the 'bottom' of the lake. This is basically on the way to Mt Cook from ZQN, need to go a km or two past the turnoff to Mt Cook.

The view across Lake Matheson looking back towards Mount Cook and Mount Tasman is, I think I can truthfully say, the most wonderful view that I have ever seen. Indeed, there were about thirty people on the viewing platform with me and all were standing there without saying a word, without moving even. It is somewhere that I would love to go back to.

The plans are to spend sat at Blue mountains, see SYD on sun and may be Canberra on Sun. I am still thinking if I should abandon Canberra and go to BNE to see aus zoo.
Although Canberra is not to everyone's taste (a fully planned city whose sole purpose, just about, is to be a capital), there is more to see there per se than there is in Brisbane.

Driving takes about 3–3.5 hours for the 180-mile (290km) journey, so 7-odd hours' driving in a day is a lot if you're going to have a sensible amount of time to see anything much in Canberra. If you have time the Highland Way via Bowral, Moss Vale, Bundanoon and Tallong takes you through some lovely Australian countryside.

You could fly, of course. Flying time is about 35–40 minutes. You could fly on from Canberra to your next destination.

The view across Lake Matheson looking back towards Mount Cook and Mount Tasman is, I think I can truthfully say, the most wonderful view that I have ever seen. Indeed, there were about thirty people on the viewing platform with me and all were standing there without saying a word, without moving even. It is somewhere that I would love to go back to.

Lake Matheson on the Westland side has the classic picture postcard view of Mt Cook with the Alps rising above the rainforest. It is also near the lagoon where Kotuku (white heron) are, worth a look too.

Thanks - had no idea the Lake Matheson reference was to do with Mt Cook views. Is on the 'to do' list for another time.

Give ACT a miss.

Give ACT a miss.

Definitely concur. Just go to Taronga.

3 days in Sydney and you want to do a sidetrip? I'm in Sydney half a dozen times a year and wouldn't do a side trip from 3 days.

Give ACT a miss.

What's ACT?

Definitely concur. Just go to Taronga.

3 days in Sydney and you want to do a sidetrip? I'm in Sydney half a dozen times a year and wouldn't do a side trip from 3 days.

What is there to see really in SYD? I am not a beach person, not interested in dolphin cruises, the whale cruises would not start by April end, not into operas. I just plan to climb SYD tower, walk around the opera house, take a cruise. Any other suggestions?

What's ACT?

Australian Capital Territory....where Canberra is.

What is there to see really in SYD? I am not a beach person, not interested in dolphin cruises, the whale cruises would not start by April end, not into operas. I just plan to climb SYD tower, walk around the opera house, take a cruise. Any other suggestions?

How about you say what you do like? There is plenty in Sydney to do.

I am trying to plan my Aus and NZ trip. I currently have three days in SYD (Fri, sat and Mon). THe plans are to spend sat at Blue mountains, see SYD on sun and may be Canbera on Sun. I am still thinking if I should abandon Canbera and go to BNE to see aus zoo.

I then go to Queenstown where I have 3 days. One day is at Milford, another at Mt. Cook and third for outdoor activities. I then fly to AKL and then to the states.

I am wondering if it is worth cutting out MON and spending a day at AKL and seeing Rotorua's hot springs. Or if I should keep 4 days at ZQN and subsitute outdoor activities for a two day trip to FOx glacier,greymouth and CHC. Is lake Matheson that good? Also is there a similar lake on the way from ZQN to Cook?

Basically I am wondering how you would rank the following:

1. Blue mountains
2. Australia zoo ( I am an animal lover, but I have spent time in Africa and so the only reason I want to go here is to see Steve's zoo and see the crocs being fed)
3. Canberra
4. Outdoor activities (I thought ZQN was the outdoor capital of the world but I don't see any unique activities here).
5. Fox glacier (since I am going to Mt Cook, I am wondering if the scenery is similar - I hear that at Cook one can take boat tours to the Tasman glacier. I also saw a youtube clip of the Greymouth CHC train - it didn't seem very appealing)
6. Roturua.

Spend the three days in Sydney! One day is simply not enough. There is plenty to see there, even if you don't go to the Blue Mountains. Don't even consider going to BNE to see Australia Zoo. You don't have enough time for that. Beside, Sydney is one of the world's great cities.

Spend the three days in Sydney! One day is simply not enough. There is plenty to see there, even if you don't go to the Blue Mountains. Don't even consider going to BNE to see Australia Zoo. You don't have enough time for that. Beside, Sydney is one of the world's great cities.

any suggestions? I have done some searches and nothing seems interesting as mentioned in my above post.

also not in interested in wine tours.

does anyone have an opinion on this:

http://www.viator.com/tours/Queenstown/Triple-Challenge-Jet-Boat-Ride-Helicopter-and-White-Water-Rafting/d407-3342TCC

isn;t the boat ride and the rafting on the same river? if I do this would it be worth it to do a tour of the skippers canyon by 4WD?

What is there to see really in SYD? I am not a beach person, not interested in dolphin cruises, the whale cruises would not start by April end, not into operas. I just plan to climb SYD tower, walk around the opera house, take a cruise. Any other suggestions?
It's hard to answer your question without knowing a bit more about what you are interested in.

You might consider Taronga Zoo in Sydney. It's a short (25-minute) ferry trip from Circular Quay on the Taronga Zoo ferry. Either get the bus up the hill (or better) take the cable car and walk down through the zoo: that means that you're not having to walk uphill all day and also that you have the harbour views in front of you.

Are you interested in art? The State Art Gallery has some collections worth seeing. There are also some interesting museums, including the Australian Museum in College Street, the Powerhouse, the Museum of Sydney.

It's worth wandering around the Rocks, an historic area of Sydney to the west of Circular Quay, with lots of interesting buildings, shops, art centres, pubs, restaurants.

Are you thinking of climbing the bridge (BridgeWalk)? But when you say "climb Sydney tower" I presume you mean go up in the lift (elevator)!

There's lots going on at the Opera House in addition to opera: symphony concerts, chamber recitals, plays. There are also recitals and chamber music at the Sydney Recital Centre.

Do you like seafood? You could combine another harbour day with a trip to Doyles. Even if not, there are lots of good and interesting places to eat.

But as I say, what are you interested in doing?

any suggestions? I have done some searches and nothing seems interesting as mentioned in my above post.

UA Fan,
In addition to visiting Taronga Zoo via ferry from Circular Quay, and taking another ferry ride to Manley and back, explore The Rocks http://www.therocks.com/ and definitely visit the Sydney Opera House.

There are many more ideas here http://www.sydney100.com/ and here http://www.countrylink.info/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/8743/Sydney.pdf.

For additional information, http://www.fodors.com/community/australia-the-pacific/ is a great resource! Use the "Search the forums" box to narrow your focus.

And yes, the Blue Mountains makes a great day trip.

also not in interested in wine tours.

does anyone have an opinion on this:

http://www.viator.com/tours/Queenstown/Triple-Challenge-Jet-Boat-Ride-Helicopter-and-White-Water-Rafting/d407-3342TCC

isn;t the boat ride and the rafting on the same river? if I do this would it be worth it to do a tour of the skippers canyon by 4WD?

Yes - they operate on different stretches of the river (ditto for canyoning).

As part of Kiwi Mainland Do (in 2007) we did a 1/2 day 4wd tour of Skippers Canyon. It was quite good. On previous trips I've taken a 1/2 day tour up behind Arrowtown (Macetown IIRC) - there is less traffic with that one.

Has anyone been to both Jungfraujoch (Interlaken, Switzerland) and on the Mt. Cook ski plane? I went to Jungraujoch (highest point in Europe) and felt it amazing. I am wondering how to compare the two to see if it is worth taking the USD 170 flight. The flight just stops on the ice for 10 minutes as opposed to a whole day on Jung.

I would also appreciate some info on Rotorua. I was wondering if it would be possible to do a day trip from AKL. I am thinking of taking an I/C bus and then seeing some of the geysers/hot springs.

Can someone recomend a particular place in ROT where I can see thermal activity that is close to the city?

Once I reach ROT can I get cabs to the thermal areas, if so how much would it be?

Has anyone been to both Jungfraujoch (Interlaken, Switzerland) and on the Mt. Cook ski plane? I went to Jungraujoch (highest point in Europe) and felt it amazing. I am wondering how to compare the two to see if it is worth taking the USD 170 flight. The flight just stops on the ice for 10 minutes as opposed to a whole day on Jung.

I've taken the train up to Jungfraujoch and also stayed in Mt Cook (but didn't fly onto the glacier). I've been on flights to and around Mt Cook.

Scenery at Mt Cook is much more diverse - not only mountains but across the plains and even see the west coast not far away (incl glaciers through the rainforest at Fox and Franz Josef). Landing on Tasman glacier is supposed to be quite special. If you want to spend longer on the glacier then you could hire a guide and hike.

Are you thinking of climbing the bridge (BridgeWalk)? But when you say "climb Sydney tower" I presume you mean go up in the lift (elevator)!

?

I don't plan on the bridge walk. there is some sort of sydney tower walk that I am planning to do.

http://www.viator.com/tours/Sydney/Sydney-Skywalk-at-Sydney-Tower/d357-3333SKYWALK

I would also appreciate some info on Rotorua. I was wondering if it would be possible to do a day trip from AKL. I am thinking of taking an I/C bus and then seeing some of the geysers/hot springs.

Can someone recomend a particular place in ROT where I can see thermal activity that is close to the city?

Once I reach ROT can I get cabs to the thermal areas, if so how much would it be?

I don't know if the bus schedules will support in a single day bus AKL-ROT, sightseeing, bus back.

The whole city is in the middle of geothermal field. Kurau Park has lots of mud pools and steam vents. Whakarewarewa has geysirs as well as mud pools, steam, etc, and is just on the edge of the city.

I don't plan on the bridge walk. there is some sort of sydney tower walk that I am planning to do.

http://www.viator.com/tours/Sydney/Sydney-Skywalk-at-Sydney-Tower/d357-3333SKYWALK

The one at Auckland is supposed to be better. I haven't done this but I did the climb to the crows nest on sky tower - fun! (As well as both Sydney and Auckland bridge climbs.)

I don't plan on the bridge walk. there is some sort of sydney tower walk that I am planning to do.

http://www.viator.com/tours/Sydney/Sydney-Skywalk-at-Sydney-Tower/d357-3333SKYWALK

Having done both, I would say do Bridge Climb it's much better than climbing Centrepoint. The views from the Bridge are 1000 times better.

Having done both, I would say do Bridge Climb it's much better than climbing Centrepoint. The views from the Bridge are 1000 times better.

I actually wanted to do bridge climb but found it a tad pricey. I have at the most one day in AKL and if I go with my plans for ROT I won't have time for the AKL climb.

The Sydney bridge climb is much better than the Auckland one, but the Auckland tower skywalk is much better than the Sydney one.

I actually wanted to do bridge climb but found it a tad pricey. I have at the most one day in AKL and if I go with my plans for ROT I won't have time for the AKL climb.

Bridge Climb might be more expensive but dollar for dollar it's much better value IMO. The thing with Centrepoint is that because of it's location the best views of the harbour/Circular Quay are blocked by other skyscrapers. You do get nice views over the Botanical Gardens and the Eastern and Southern suburbs are pretty much unblocked, but the real money views are from the bridge

Can one see kangaroos in the wild during a trip to Blue Mountains?

Also has anyone used this service for blue mountains?

http://www.cityrail.info/fares/link_tickets.jsp

The train ride to Blue Mountains is nice (apart from the first boring bit through Sydney burbs). I don't recall seeing Kangaroos any of the times I've been to Blue Mountains (as opposed to say Canberra where they are plentiful on the hills).

Is it worth going to Blue mountains especially considering I will be going to Mt. Cook and Milford? How does BM compare with NZ?

I have a relative in SYD who didn't seem very impressed.

Having just returned from SYD and Canberra I can offer the following:

I had excellent advice from TripAdvisor Canberra's forum (thanks Neil OZ)whose advice I have included below:

I flew Virgin Blue into Canberra (and Melbourne) early in the morning from SYD and returned later that night. Flt was cheap (approx 110AUS r/trip) and quick. I heard that driving can be confusing due to street-layout so I passed on renting a car.

Took a cab (15$)from airport to AUS War Memorial - a must see - and then walked to National Capital Exhibition. This was a bit of a hike so I'd suggest a cab if you are pressed for time. Exhibition gives you a good overview of city and it's origins. I then walked across the Commonwealth Ave Bridge to the Parliamentary Triangle

Most of the national institutions are situated in this area whose apex is Parliament House and which is bounded by Commonwealth Avenue, Kings Avenue (both connected by bridges to the northside) and the lakeshore.

This area is easily walkable and encompasses the National Gallery, High Court, National Portrait gallery, National Science and Technology Museum ("Questacon") and National Library - all located between the lakeshore and King Edward Terrace. Then there's Parliament House, Old Parliament House and the National Archives.

The tour at the New Parliament Building was excellent but you also have quite a bit of access to the building on your own.

If you are a fan of urban planning and architectural design I would definetly suggest its a worthwhile jaunt. However keep in mind that most buildings close at 5pm, but I stopped in at the Hyatt on my way down from Parliament for a beer before heading back to airport.I have also heard the Hop On-Hop Off Bus is a good option as well.

As for SYD you have already had lots of suggestions but I will add that the RiverCat Ferry from Circular Quay (Wharf 5) up the Parramatta to Olympic Park was well-worth the 50min trip and gave you an outstanding tour of the waterfront-area, as was the short ferry to/from Milsons Point (Luna Park). You can always walk across the Bridge but the views from the ferry were fine enough for me.

BTW, you can grab the train from Olympic Park and be back into the city in about 15-20 min.

Best way to do the above is to get a DayTripper Pass for 17$ that gives you access to bus/train/ferry routes for 24hrs. You can also pre-book Opera House Tours on-line and I took the last one of the day (5pm) which landed me out on the concourse in time for the sunset !

The pictures of lake Matheson are awesome, I am tempted to consider a day trip from ZQN to Fox Glacier instead of Mt. Cook. I would like to know what folks who have seen fox Glacier/Lake Matheson and Mt. Cook would recomend? Which has better scenery?

Queenstown to Fox Glacier by road is 5 1/2 hours oneway vs Mt Cook village under 4 hours (and better roads). A long way for a day trip if you are returning that night to Queenstown.

Roads in NZ are not motorways or easy driving for the most part. Mostly 1 lane in each direction with lots of corners and hills = tiring driving long distances and certainly not as quick as most visitors expect.