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[Charlotte]

We are active seniors interested in traveling to Australia and New Zealand from Ohio. We have biked Europe but are interested in doing a more educational trip. When is the best time to go and for how long? Can you recommend any particular trip. We do not want all seniors.

[whereshegoes]

Hi Charlotte!

The summer time in Oz and NZ is Nov-Feb....so if you want warm, go then. Saying this, it is also the busiest time. I met alot of "seasoned" travelers young and old so be sure that there is all types in these lands. I am not sure of group tours as I did my own "tour" by using the pubic bus system. This is a great cheap and flexible way to travel. Grab a guidebook and educate away! You can choose any amount of time...I think a month in each country would be sufficient but more is always better. Let me know if there is more I can help with.

Hope this helps a bit!
Carmella

[Carol]

Hi I live in Auckland and feel the best months here in NZ are March/April if you want warm clear days and cool nights.

[stevejames]

Can you recommend any particular trip. We do not want all seniors.

Personally I would highly recommend independent travel. New Zealand especially is perfect for hiring a car or camper van and touring the two islands. Roads are good quality, generally empty and the scenery throughout is simply stunning. I found it incredibly liberating to have my own transport and be able to stop as and when I wanted, rather than be dictated by a scheduled tour.

Australia is also easy to travel independently around, although a few more precautions need to be taken. The place is HUGE and tourists regularly underestimate the distances and times involved. Particularly when you are driving through scorching deserts with absolutely nothing for miles around, you need to think about carrying extra fuel, water, food and so on. Also, it is not recommended to drive at night, as the kangaroos come out then and if you hit a big one at speed you can easily write off your car, so plan your journey so that you arrive before dusk. Having said all that, I managed to get around without any problems (well, there was one near miss of a kangaroo in daylight!), so if I can do it, anyone can!

Train travel is also something to consider for Australia. I travelled on The Ghan, a north-south route slicing through the Red Centre. Lots of fun! There are other routes linking Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne, and the whole east coast is well served by trains. If you decide to take the Ghan or Overland train routes, make sure you get a Youth Hostel Association membership first, as it entitles you to a whopping 50% reduction off the ticket price!.

Here's a good page about train travel in Australia. Wish you all the best in your planning and have a great time!

[whereshegoes]

Wow! Excellent Advice! Thanks for this uberinformative post Steve!

[Barrett]

Oi! Our moderators are heavy on the NZ and Oz experience aye!

I would just add to Steve's comments that only independent travel will allow you the freedom to engage in one of the most celebrate NZ pasttimes, tramping (aka hiking). One cannot really say they have 'travelled' or 'known' NZ unless you learn the country with the soles of your boots. Marlborough Sounds of the S. island and the Taururua region on the N. Island. And the hut system is the best on the planet, meaning you don't have to lug a tent or ground mat if your don't want to, a lot of the huts even have stoves. Remember to buy a pass from the Dept. of Conservation (DOC) booths before you go though.