Sorry about all the posts guys, but I have yet another one. When I'm going through OZ and NZ, which are the best routes to take???

This is my idea so far:

Sydney, blue mountains, port stephans, port macquarie, coffs harbour, byron bay, nimbin, surfers paradise, brisbane, straddie, hervey bay, whitsunday islands, great barrier reef, cairns

and in NZ, either auckland, bay of islands, back to auckland, thames, coromandel, hot water beach, tairua, whangamata, bay of plenty, katikati, tauranga

or Auckland, bay of islands, auckland, waritome caves, ratorua, tongarriro national park, wellington, kaikoura, arthurs pass, otago pennunsula, milford sound, queenstown, aoraki, christchurch

How does this sound? Any places I should skip? add? not worth going to? I would really appreciate feedback. thanks

I'm not doing either of these buses, but I first looked at the Oz Experience and Kiwi Experience itineraries and routes for ideas on what to do... Then you can go ahead and do it all on your own at your own pace, instead of shelling out the big $$$.

Also, I'm going for a MUCH shorter time, so here's what I've got in mind so far.

Oz: Sydney, Hunter Valley, surf camp, Brisbane, Noosa, Cairns, Point Tribulation, back down to Brisbane (it's my hub, sort of), Moreton Island, Byron Bay, maybe Nimbin. I was looking at taking a diving course on Straddie, but I found a package where I can dive on the Reef from Cairns, and also do some rafting, hiking, etc.

NZ: Auckland, Rotorua, Waitomo - I only have a week, so I can't really see all that much, and by the time I get there, I may be pretty worn out and just end up kicking it in Auckland or finding some thermal spa to just melt in until it's time to go home. Despite the cost, I think I want to jump off the Skytower, other than that, I'm interested in just getting out and hiking, maybe checking out some caves, which are supposed to be amazing, and, of course, check out some Maori culture.

I'm still uncertain and haven't booked anything solidly other than some accommodations in Sydney and Noosa (as I'll be there for a wedding). It seems there's so much to see and do, that it might just be best to play it by ear instead of planning everything out ahead. All I know is it'll be one hell of an adventure, with the added bonus that along the way, I'll be meeting up with friends I haven't seen in years. Getting VERY excited. :mf_w00t2:

Nimin :lol: ahhhh priceless

sounds all good to me..

why does everyone avoid melbourne?

Actually, I'd love to hit up Melbourne but I think I'll save that for my next trip down under. I was told once I go there, I won't wanna leave. Then again, I wind up feeling that way about every place.

But Scabby - since you have 6 months, I'd definitely throw Victoria in the mix. I hear Melbourne's way cooler than Sydney. (Waiting for some Sydneysider to come slap me now...)

Omisan can you please tell me more about these packages?
Cheers :)

Gah - I was just about to book the big ol' adventure and they removed the diving option - now it's snorkeling. Still, it looks like a pretty killer deal for AU$600

http://yha.com.au/traveldeals/details.cfm?ProductID=41

If it were me, for such a short time in NZ i would do the coromandel- hotwater beach, cathedral cove and billions of tiny beaches where you feel like nobody else has ever been before. bliss. If you are in the mount (Maunganui, it's by Tauranga) stay at mount Backpackers, it's a gem! yay! wish I could go to Coromandel right now (damn you! :friends: )