oz/nz

[jd_here]

Am starting to plan a trip to Oz/NZ next January, duration 6-8 weeks.

Would much appreciate advice/ideas on all aspects of the holiday including getting there, internal travel, hotels, tours etc.

TIA. JD

[tickledtrout]

I am going to Oz in December and after hunting on the internet for weeks I rang Trailfinders and booked flights from Manchester to Melbourne for slightly cheaper than I would have done booking direct with emirates.
We have only booked the flights so far but they could do everything for us if we wanted them to. Our next choice is whether to go in a hotel or hire a mobile home.
How long are you planning to go for?

[jno]

that's peak period for going down under, and therefore the most expensive time to fly. If you can delay it until early in the new year it will probably be a little bit cheaper. Trailfinders is as good as anyone at finding cheap flights, as tickledtrout says.

Both countries have lots of motels for casual travellers to stay in, though remember you'll be in the school holidays so they'll be busy. They often have kitchenettes in the rooms so you can make your own meals. Campervans are a good way of getting round too. Backpacking is popular in both countries and there are plenty of hostels to cater for it. There are also expensive hotels and restaurants if you want to splash out; but mainly in big cities. Food and fuel are a bit cheaper than in the UK.

[jd_here]

Thank you both for your replies, seems like Trailfinders is a good place to start.

We're going for 6-8 weeks and, as it will be mine and my wife's retirement gift to oneanother, I rather fancy ********** will be out!!

We also hope to go via Japan and return via Hawaii and the USA

JD

[jno]

in that case you'll be flying aginst the sun the whole way. Flights seem to be easier, and jetlag less, if you go with the sun - ie, fly west. But this is probably not a big worry for you.

[blueboris]

in aussie defo try snd get to a place called frazer island its fantastic, you hire a car for a few days and camp on the beach its amazing