Australia, New Zealand and maybe Tahiti

[kxl]

I'm in the early stages of planning a trip for a March-April timeframe.

First leg - Los Angeles to Sydney

We will be meeting with some of my wife's friends from school. That's the primary purpose of this trip. We'll be spending a few days in and around Sydney.

Second leg - Sydney to New Zealand (north or south?)

Air Tahiti Nui has a special deal right now: LAX to Sydney to Auckland to Tahiti to Los Angeles for less than $1300. If I do this, I will stay in the North Island and probably just hit Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington and a few other stops. The Northern Explorer train ride would be definitely be on my itinerary.

If I had my druthers, I would probably fly from Sydney to Christchurch, and see the South Island. The Tranz Alpine train ride would be nice. Too bad the Coastal Pacific is still down (after last November's earthquake). Airfare would be more expensive, and we would probably skip Tahiti.

So what would you do? Take the Air Tahiti Nui deal and explore the North Island, or book my own flights, visit the South Island and skip Tahiti? Just want to get your thoughts (especially the Aussies and Kiwis), and/or if you've booked that Air Tahiti Nui deal in the past.

Btw, I'd love to meet up with the Aussies and Kiwis on RFF.

Thanks.

 

[michaelwj]

My first thought is that the North Island is great, the South is excellent. It is a long way to come to get so close and just miss out.
My second thought is that you can't see and do everything, and I normally enjoy holidays more when I do less. I've never been to Tahiti, but it sounds very relaxing!

 

[kxl]

My first thought is that the North Island is great, the South is excellent. It is a long way to come to get so close and just miss out.
My second thought is that you can't see and do everything, and I normally enjoy holidays more when I do less. I've never been to Tahiti, but it sounds very relaxing!

My thoughts exactly - North Island offers the geothermal locations and Maori culture (although probably touristy), while the South offers Alpine views (yes, Lord of the Rings locales) -- basically what one who's never been would probably envision when New Zealand is mentioned.

I'd like to do it all AND see Tahiti AND save money, but... reality.🙁

 

[pyeh]

Keith, I can't offer any advice on what's best in New Zealand (I've only been once and it was a long time ago and I only saw one place near Tataka, where my friend's family lived. It was lovely though) nor the merits of Tahiti, but would love it if you found time to meet up with us Sydney RFF folk. March-April is a very good time to visit Sydney, especially March. April weather can be erratic with rain.

 

[kxl]

Keith, I can't offer any advice on what's best in New Zealand (I've only been once and it was a long time ago and I only saw one place near Tataka, where my friend's family lived. It was lovely though) nor the merits of Tahiti, but would love it if you found time to meet up with us Sydney RFF folk. March-April is a very good time to visit Sydney, especially March. April weather can be erratic with rain.

Yes, as we get closer, I will definitely send out an invitation to those in and around Sydney. I'd love to meet all of you and shoot or talk gear or whatever. Although I do suppose if there's an RFF meet up, I'd be required to bring my RF body and lenses rather than DSLR gear? 😉

 

[pyeh]

Keith, you can bring anything you like to our RFF meetups! At the last one, Quejai and Caleb brought their prototype scanner to show and tell. They did also bring cameras though! Mostly we just gasbag, or I do anyway, and then we take a walk.

 

[gavinlg]

I moved to NZ from Australia about 10 months ago, currently living in Wellington at the bottom of the north island. If you are big on nature and mountains, I would say definitely that the south island should be your priority - it's kind of the 'real' new Zealand in terms of scenery. The North island is more like any other country (though still quite beautiful).

 

[kxl]

I moved to NZ from Australia about 10 months ago, currently living in Wellington at the bottom of the north island. If you are big on nature and mountains, I would say definitely that the south island should be your priority - it's kind of the 'real' new Zealand in terms of scenery. The North island is more like any other country (though still quite beautiful).

Thanks! That's what I thought. We really like nature and mountains and as first time visitors, would really like to see the alpine scenery. Maybe I'll ask Air Tahiti Nui if they would allow a Sydney to Christchurch option instead of Auckland, even if I have to pay a little bit more.

 

[gavinlg]

Thanks! That's what I thought. We really like nature and mountains and as first time visitors, would really like to see the alpine scenery. Maybe I'll ask Air Tahiti Nui if they would allow a Sydney to Christchurch option instead of Auckland, even if I have to pay a little bit more.

Alternatively, come to wellington and then it's just a short-ish ferry ride over to the south island. Domestic flights via air NZ are very cheap too..

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

An awful long way to come not to take a bit of a look around Australia? Of course it usually boils down to time. It's been many years indeed since I vistited New Zealand (longer than I'd care to admit) but my memories of it were also that the North Island was lovely indeed, but the South Island was magnificent. I feel compelled to put in a good word for Tasmania. There was a time one could get from Hobart to Christchurch fairly easily but I don't believe any direct flights to New Zealand are happening any more, although, it has been mooted again in recent times. So you may have to consider Tassie in a future visit.

Enjoy your trip. Maybe it will whet your appetite to return for a longer look.
Cheers
Brett

 

[kxl]

Alternatively, come to wellington and then it's just a short-ish ferry ride over to the south island. Domestic flights via air NZ are very cheap too..

If I end up flying to into Auckland, then I'd certainly want to take the Northern Explorer from Auckland to Wellington and stay for a couple of days. Then take the ferry, and take the Coastal Pacific train to Christchurch. Unfortunately, that line is still closed. I haven't looked into flight options.

An awful long way to come not to take a bit of a look around Australia? Of course it usually boils down to time. It's been many years indeed since I vistited New Zealand (longer than I'd care to admit) but my memories of it were also that the North Island was lovely indeed, but the South Island was magnificent. I feel compelled to put in a good word for Tasmania. There was a time one could get from Hobart to Christchurch fairly easily but I don't believe any direct flights to New Zealand are happening any more, although, it has been mooted again in recent times. So you may have to consider Tassie in a future visit.

Thanks Brett - I am somewhat constrained for time. I have a total of about 17 days to see both countries, and will be spending time with my wife's friends and family for a few days in Sydney. If I can get away, I may visit my cousin in Cairns for a couple of days.

I would definitely like to see Tasmania among other places in Australia, but will have to save that for another trip.