Australia & New Zealand travel advice needed

A good friend of mine is planning a month-long excursion to visit Australia and New Zealand. He was originally thinking of the month of October, but is now soliciting advice.

So...

He wants to see gardens and foliage in full bloom. When would be the optimum time of year for that? He is retired & single, so he is free to travel at any time.

Also, he enjoys nature, history, music, theater, architecture, and art. Are there some places that he should make sure to visit? Please feel free to mention some of the "hidden gems"...spots that tourists might miss, but locals love.

Any advice or suggestions from those of you who live in Australia & NZ or those who have traveled there would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks!

~Mary Ellen

Is he into Lord of the Rings?

The Botanical Gardens are about 10 minutes from where I live, and are beautiful any time of year (Manukau City, Auckland, New Zealand). They are also about 35 minutes from where international flights land at the Auckland airport.

Apart from that, south Auckland is a hole , I don't think there is anything much to look at in my area.

Where in Australia will he be visiting?....which state..Adelaide,Victoria,Sydney etc?

October would be a nice time to visit...Sept is the start of spring here...

If he is planning to go to Melbourne these two websites are quite good in terms of the best places to visit for gardens, art, musicetc.

http://www.visitvictoria.com

http://www.visitmelbourne.com

Well if he likes animals he could go to Steve Irwin's zoo. I don't know exactly where it is in Austrailia though. I don't know of any other places since I haven't been there myself.

The Waipoua Kauri Forest on North Island in New Zealand was one of my favorite places:

http://www.newzealand.com/travel/sights-activities/scenic-highlights/parks-reserves/scenic-highlight-details.cfm/businessid/63640.html

cheryl wrote:

Where in Australia will he be visiting?....which state..Adelaide,Victoria,Sydney etc?

October would be a nice time to visit...Sept is the start of spring here...

Click to expand...

He's not made any definitive plans. And having an entire month to travel opens him up to seeing a lot more places. So, I thought I'd try to find out from those who live there where he should go. Thanks to all who have responded so far.

I dont really know much in Aussie but in NZ I know of plenty.

Rotorua-It smells disgusting (you getused to it)but a great place for tourist's theres lots of culture like maori hakas and you can learn to weave and that sorta thing its a geo thermal pad so theres steam and bubbling mud and stuff. I havent made it sound very good but it is lol. http://www.rotoruanz.com/attractions/geothermal_wonders.php

Wellington- Te Papa is a must its this huge museum with lots of maori displays and art very cultural http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/Tepapa/English/Im not sure when the huge squids on display but its HUGE one of the biggest theyve ever found I think.

The ferry ride to Picton (in the south Island) Very scenic you often get dolphins with you its awesome.http://www.interislander.co.nz/?gclid=CNa-38q-35QCFSIragodL0dASA

Picton-Nothing its a hole but leaving picton and about 10min out of picton is a turn off to a place called Rarangi you carry down this road and theres a lovely stone beach. NOT ADVISED TO go swimming he will freeze. theres a place called Monkey bay just along which has a look out to the Nth Island which on a clear day you can see. Theres also a nice STEEP walk to whites bay great scenery lots of birds tui, bellbirds etc. You'll need a car to get here, buses dont go here.

Blenheim- 30 min from picton NZs wine capital vineyards for africa also buses and trains to take to other destinations.

Kaikoura-Whale watching and the crayfish caravan (little greasy blue and white caravan) does a meancrayfish, not always open the owner likes his pot quite alot.

Abel Tasman National park. BEAUTIFUL stunning this place is a must! golden sand lovely walks, nature. The huts to stay in are quite pricey though 40ish bucks a night.

Punakaiki- You NEED mozzie repellent but the pancake rocks and blowholes are priceless.http://www.punakaiki.co.nz/

Fiordland- Just gorgeous look at the website to see.http://www.fiordland.org.nz/

Hope this helps and that your friend enjoys himself.:biggrin2:

Oh and the iconic paua house. google it

Phoebe