I am going to Australia and then N.Z for a few months from
December to February. I wonder if anyone knows if there is
an airline with a special rate for more than one trip
domestically within Australia? Does anyone have any
suggestions on what to see or where to stay in Sydney, and
Cairns area? Has anyone gone on the Kangaroo Ferry
Connections tour of Kangaroo Island, if so how was it? In
sydney can you tell me if taking the bus pass for 3 days is
best then taking fixed tours?
In N.Z has anyone taken the Kiwi Experience, or Best of NZ
Pass, if so how did you find it, and the places you went.
What sites do you suggest seeing. I am in N.Z for January,
and will be in the South Island staying in Christchurch,
before heading to friends in Whangaparoa. Anyone have
suggestions for day trips from Christchurch?
In terms of backpacks or travel packs, should I get
something with lots of pockets or not?
Any suggestions on travel modes, accommodation or places
you have visited would help me immensely with my trip
planning.
Joanne
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Ok, don't know where you're writing from but I went to NZ
and Oz at about the same time last year.
I booked a BA/Quantas flight through Trailfinders in
London, it was a little more expensive but gave me 2
stopovers on the way out and back AND 2 internal flights in
Oz (have to be arranged before you leave but dates can be
changed). Prices will probably be a fair bit higher cos of
the Y2K stuff.
Also I took Kiwi Exp. and had a fantastic time, it works
for some people. Its a great way to meet people and you get
to see some stuff you wouldn't on the Inter City network.
Ok, don't know where you're writing from but I went to NZ
and Oz at about the same time last year.
I booked a BA/Quantas flight through Trailfinders in
London, it was a little more expensive but gave me 2
stopovers on the way out and back AND 2 internal flights in
Oz (have to be arranged before you leave but dates can be
changed). Prices will probably be a fair bit higher cos of
the Y2K stuff.
Also I took Kiwi Exp. and had a fantastic time, it works
for some people. Its a great way to meet people and you get
to see some stuff you wouldn't on the Inter City network.
I am from Canada, and to get information on airfare in
Canadian prices from the Internet, is next to impossible.
It seems that the more research I do about tours, sites to
visit, accommodation the more flustered I get.
Thanks for your insight and advice.
I just returned from a month in NZ. Although I traveled in
off season I may be able to offer some insight.
I travelled with Magic Bus in the South Island (North
Island via car with a friend). Magic Bus was good, takes
you from hostel to hostel and offers information and a few
stops between major points. You also get discounts with
activities that I am not sure would be offered if you
travelled with someone like Intercity. I met a few people
who used The Best of NZ or Intercity buses and had heard no
complaints. My concern with that form of ticket was hiking
to and from bus stops to hostels and having a more rigid
itinerary. However, you could usually find a hostel near
bus stations so that shouldn't be a problem.
Some people like Kiwi Experience but I also heard a lot of
negative comments about them and many people were trying to
sell their passes. (One bus had flipped over in route
prior to my visit. A lot of people made comments about
that) If you are young (18-25) and like to party this may
be the bus for you. Otherwise, choose something else. I
think Kiwi Exp also goes a few places that Magic doesn't
go. There are small buslines and other options once you
get to NZ, and I think during high season more small
companies startup. One bus line is called something like
"West Coast Express" and goes from Picton to Queenstown for
$99NZ, you would have to find other methods for the rest of
the country. Another option would be "Flying Kiwi" which
works much like a tour but caters to backpackers and goes
to some off beat places.
If you like adventure activities you can take a day trip
from Christchurch to do white water rafting on a river that
is called something like Rangitata. I can't remember the
name but they will know it, class 5 I think. If you travel
with a company like Magic or Kiwi you won't really need to
do many day trips from Christchurch since the buses will
stop at places before and after to see the sights. Also,
if you travel with these buslines and take a fairly
comprehensive route, you will see all the major sites. Be
sure to do some adventure things if you are into it at
all. It can be very expensive to do things, ranges from
$40 - $250NZ per activity so unless you have a huge wallet
you will have to pick and choose which ones to do.
Most hostels in NZ are nice, I only encountered one or two
that were a little unclean. Everything is supplied in the
hostels which I hear is different from Australia where you
need your own utensils and teatowels. As far as pockets on
backpacks, I think that is an individual thing depending on
what you need and how long you will be gone. I only had 2
pockets and a smallish pack. I came back with a bag full
of stuff but it worked out fine.
If you need/want more info send me an email. I'm thinking
about going to AU in Sept or Oct. Have a good trip.