Bensyd, I thought I had answered the question. I dont think Melbourne's offerings are enough to justify an 8 day trip unless the traveller has plenty of time on his hands or there is an event such as the Australian Open taking place.

I think I have been quite consistent in saying that Australia & Melbourne would be decent places to live. I have lived in Australia though not Melbourne. I have also seen a high percentage of the inhabited areas & a good chunk of the outside world. I think I am in a fairly privileged position to compare places.

I wont deny that I would encourage travellers to head to the South Island of New Zealand rather than Australia if they were deliberating between the 2.

Maybe I am a Kiwi.......