Traveling...NZ or OZ??

[marziechar]

Hey, my lil family and I have a month to travel before I don't have time to travel for YEARS (I'm in grad school). We'd love to see NZ and OZ at some point in our lives. We have June, or July to do it, though, so which would you choose?

In other words, is it WAY TOO COLD to enjoy NZ at that time of the year?

And, I know it's not the best time to swim in the sea in OZ during that season, but do you think the beach and nat'nl parks will still be lovely?

Hey, and, what's your vote on city/cities, too??

[Murihiku]

I'm a weirdo, a NZer who has never been to Australia. I really want to say NZ of course, but during those months? Hmm . . .

We're going to Norfolk Island in July--check that out perhaps!

[Murihiku]

Oh, and you might be starting a Kiwi-Aussie war here!

[*Jade*]

Originally Posted by Murihiku

Oh, and you might be starting a Kiwi-Aussie war here!

Totally

Plus it totally depends where you go. Melbourne at that time is MUCH colder than Auckland, but less rainy (Melbourne would be jacket and scarf weather, Auckland being just a jumper, maybe a coat). But then if you go up the Gold Coast, it would be much warmer.

[marziechar]

wow....that Norfolk Island looks amazing!

Sorry about the war....I really want to visit both, promise.... I just want to know where 1st, for three weeks in the winter.... and adding the fact that I may not be able to travel for awhile. I was thinking that NZ is going to change much more in the next 5 or so years, so maybe it's be nice to see it beforehand. I'm so excited about either!

[AislinCarys]

What change are you expecting to happen in New Zealand in the next few years? I've been here 7 years, and while some things have changed (like they took away the night train Wellington-Auckland, banned beating children, public transport prices have doubled, they finally built a throughfare through Welllington after arguing for what 20, 30 years or more and there is a new building regulation) I can't really see how much of that would affect you as a tourist.

I arrived in July, fell in love with the country and stayed (I didn't meet DH for another 15 months!). NZ can be beautiful in winter. And less tourists and kids on holiday than in February!

Personally I like traveling around NZ in August and September. Flowers etc, can be quite nice.

[Inanna_Mama]

We were in the Northern Territory (Darwin is awesome!) and Northern Queensland (Daintree Rainforest) in June and it was LOVELY! Swimming was great, nights cool, days both bright and cloudy with some rain, but overall, a great stay. Have a lovely trip where ever you go.

[nznavo]

What AislinCarys said about the change. What are you expecting to happen? It will change in the ways that the US will change. It sounds like you think NZ is some undiscovered wee paradise that will be overrun by tourists who'll wreck the 'authentic' NZ. Forgive me if I am wrong but I hear so many people spout that kind of rhetoric about various Asian destinations.

I'm from NZ and would probably go with Australia. We don't live in NZ but I often take the kids back for a quick trip mid-year and the weather can be completely dismal in June/July.

[aussiemum]

North Queensland & the Northern Territory (Australia) are just spectacular in June-July. It can be kinda cold at night, though. You might want to pack a jumper.

[marziechar]

thanks for your help! oz it is....

I have more questions, but I'm in the middle of finals, so I'll be back to pick your brains!

[zoebird]

i would go to OZ, even though i'm going to NZ this time of year. i love NZ, and i haven't been to OZ, but weather-wise, you can do quite well. My friend spent the whole winter in sydney (taht is june-aug) and LOVED it. she did a lot of touring and had a great "summer."

so, i would do that if i were vacationing.