Request for travel advice: NSW Australia and New Zealand, South Island

[GreyHairedWombat]

My daughter has just moved to Sydney with her company so plan to visit and incorporate a one month holiday in February/March 2026. Currently plan touring around NSW down to Melbourne and a 10 day tour by car on the south island of New Zealand. Whilst we will stay with our daughter in Sydney plan to use B&B's whilst touring. Looking tips and suggestions on must see places and how to find /book accommodation.

Yes I know some would say this is not enough time but this all we can manage. I have spoken with a friend who has run mobile home touring holidays in New Zealand and has advised we could see some nice places in NZ whilst not all in 10 days staying in B&B's which we would need to book in advance

Anyway, any pointers would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[DevonAl]

We have friends in Sydney and have visited several times, one trip we flew to Melbourne for the world Superbikes at Philip Island which is south of Melbourne, we drove a bit of the Great Ocean road from Melbourne and then drove back up to Sydney via the coast over 8/9 days, Eden, Batemans bay, Huskisson /Jervis bay and Kiama are some of the place we stopped at on the way up.
We have also been to NZ for three weeks and toured both Islands which was ok as we knew we would struggle but it was all the time we could get off work at the time, but as you can imagine we only scratched the surface, if you get the weather the South Island is stunning, there is a sort of tourist loop to cover most of the highlights, you just have to prioritise and accept you can’t do everything, we did a glacier Helihike on the Franz Joseph Glacier, boat trip on Milford sound and a Dolphin swim in Akaroa which were the main things for us and anything else was a bonus.

Al.

 

[GreyHairedWombat]

We have friends in Sydney and have visited several times, one trip we flew to Melbourne for the world Superbikes at Philip Island which is south of Melbourne, we drove a bit of the Great Ocean road from Melbourne and then drove back up to Sydney via the coast over 8/9 days, Eden, Batemans bay, Huskisson /Jervis bay and Kiama are some of the place we stopped at on the way up.
We have also been to NZ for three weeks and toured both Islands which was ok as we knew we would struggle but it was all the time we could get off work at the time, but as you can imagine we only scratched the surface, if you get the weather the South Island is stunning, there is a sort of tourist loop to cover most of the highlights, you just have to prioritise and accept you can’t do everything, we did a glacier Helihike on the Franz Joseph Glacier, boat trip on Milford sound and a Dolphin swim in Akaroa which were the main things for us and anything else was a bonus.

Al.

Thank you Al. This was very helpful

 

[KJB]

My daughter has just moved to Sydney with her company so plan to visit and incorporate a one month holiday in February/March 2026. Currently plan touring around NSW down to Melbourne and a 10 day tour by car on the south island of New Zealand. Whilst we will stay with our daughter in Sydney plan to use B&B's whilst touring. Looking tips and suggestions on must see places and how to find /book accommodation.

Yes I know some would say this is not enough time but this all we can manage. I have spoken with a friend who has run mobile home touring holidays in New Zealand and has advised we could see some nice places in NZ whilst not all in 10 days staying in B&B's which we would need to book in advance

Anyway, any pointers would be appreciated. Thanks

Hi just back from a month in NZ, 2 weeks north, 2 weeks south. I presume she is
flying into Christchurch, we did Arthur’s Pass from there, B&Bs in Hokitika, then to Frans Joseph if she can afford definitely recommend the Helicopter rides to the Glazier etc.
Drive Hass pass to Lake Tekapo magical. Definitely go to Te Anua and sample Milford Sound cruise, try booking with Lux Tours they pick up from Hotels and the Journey is more of Guided Tour and really good. From there we went to Queenstown primarily to do the Vintage Steam Boat trip to Walter Peaks Farm, super trip again if she can afford the Lunch it is superb.
We started in the north if the island so not sure if she would want the trek up there bit we spent time in Kaikōura did the whale watch cruise etc but the gem of the north is from Picton ( ferry terminal) water taxi to Marlborough sounds area we stayed at Furneaux Lodge which is truly fabulous.
All of the mentioned items you can google search but if you need more if happy to have a PM
Good luck.
PS some tips, eSIM try Horafly but make sure she pays for the call function, costs of living is our opinion less than uk if you shop around some of the supermarkets are really good ( New World can recommend) probably know this but if using a credit card etc ensure one with no charges it mounts up.

 

[littleade]

As above, you won't see much of the south island in 10 days, we were there for 5 weeks and still didn't see it all so I'd suggest you do your research, find out what you really want to see without doing too many miles then go from there. If you're landing in Christchurch maybe head down to Wanaka via lake Tekapo then up to Haast and take a chopper ride to Mount Cook from Fanz Josef, up towards greymouth then back across Arthers pass, but watch out for the sand flies on the west coast as they're right bastards and factor in more time to get anywhere. Watch out for the Chinese drivers who forget to drive on the left, especially after crossing one of the many single track bridges. And take a camera, the views are stunning, but they can get a bit same old same old. We did the 1st 19 days in a camper van south of Christchurch then another 2 weeks up north along the east coast to see the Whales and seal colonies at Kiakoura, up to Able tansman via then back via Hanmer Springs. The north bit we hired a car and did air b&bs.

 

[theoneandonly]

if you are renting a vehicle , i used

Campervan Hire Australia - Affordable Camper Rental

Travellers Autobarn offers campervan hire & cheap camper rental options for all budgets including free campsites. Book Today

www.travellers-autobarn.com.au

cheap and they had no mileage restrictions ,
i had an unbranded estate car , rather than a camper , went to Brisbane and back in 5 days 3000kms , they didn't bat an eyelid.
really close to the airport
PLUS
they had a couple of roll-over wrecks ,in the yard , just to remind you they are not race cars .
you are NOT allowed to go off road in a road vehicle ( they will look for the red dust )
car came kitted for camping , tent , cooker , plates , etc , but no coolbox. it will still be hot , you will need one.

note , this info is 5 years old.

 

[LeNoir UK]

I lived in Manly for a couple of years and here are a few good things to do:
1. When in Sydney visit Manly! Take the ferry from circular quay (30 mins and operates like a bus - you will get the best view of the harbour bridge and opera house) spend the day in Manly, visit the Q-Station, snorkel at shelly beach and have a beer(s) in the Four Pines - if you like Guinness their Nitro beer is awesome along with the chicken wings! If you like seafood, they do a great seafood platter at the Skiff Club (you can go in free if a Brit - show your driving licence / passport) keep the prawn heads and throw them in the water off of the deck at the back and you will be surprised at what fish turn up!).
2. Drive up to Katoomba in the blue mountains (90 mins from Sydney) and visit the basin / bush and Wentworth falls - taking your hiking shoes and you will get a real appreciation of the Aussie bush. Word of warning for the drive - Aussie traffic cops are brutal - do not speed and be aware of RBT (Radom breath tests).
3. Palm beach is worth a visit and hike up to the headland (it's where they film home and away), plenty of good restaurants around there and in Avalon).
4. For New Zealand - as others have said Milford Sound on the southern island is amazing, take the ferry cruise and if you can, fly in from Queenstown and you will get to see the glaciers. I would spend a few nights in Queenstown and definitely go to the Botswana Butchery restaurant.
5. If you are spending time in Aukland, it's worth spending a day out at Waiheke island, catch the ferry and wonder around, plenty of vin yards and restaurants.
Enjoy!

 

[Andy63]

I lived in Manly for a couple of years and here are a few good things to do:
1. When in Sydney visit Manly! Take the ferry from circular quay (30 mins and operates like a bus - you will get the best view of the harbour bridge and opera house) spend the day in Manly, visit the Q-Station, snorkel at shelly beach and have a beer(s) in the Four Pines - if you like Guinness their Nitro beer is awesome along with the chicken wings! If you like seafood, they do a great seafood platter at the Skiff Club (you can go in free if a Brit - show your driving licence / passport) keep the prawn heads and throw them in the water off of the deck at the back and you will be surprised at what fish turn up!).
2. Drive up to Katoomba in the blue mountains (90 mins from Sydney) and visit the basin / bush and Wentworth falls - taking your hiking shoes and you will get a real appreciation of the Aussie bush. Word of warning for the drive - Aussie traffic cops are brutal - do not speed and be aware of RBT (Radom breath tests).
3. Palm beach is worth a visit and hike up to the headland (it's where they film home and away), plenty of good restaurants around there and in Avalon).
4. For New Zealand - as others have said Milford Sound on the southern island is amazing, take the ferry cruise and if you can, fly in from Queenstown and you will get to see the glaciers. I would spend a few nights in Queenstown and definitely go to the Botswana Butchery restaurant.
5. If you are spending time in Aukland, it's worth spending a day out at Waiheke island, catch the ferry and wonder around, plenty of vin yards and restaurants.
Enjoy!

Do exactly this ^^^
I stayed in Manly for around 3 months and loved it. What i would say (as mentioned above) the return ferry from Manly, make sure it's the slow ferry and get outside at the front You'll get some fantastic photos of the Opera house and the bridge when you arrive back at circular Quay. The scenery never gets boring. They used to do a weekly travel pass for ferries, trains and buses, if they still do it's worth having.

 

[Greg Masters]

If you want to cuddle a koala - book in advance!

The Sydney Bridge climb is well worth doing - https://www.bridgeclimb.com/ - you also must book in advance.

Nearby, we enjoyed a sun-downer at the Glenmore Hotel - https://www.theglenmore.com.au/ - great rooftop bar - but it gets busy. Book a table!

Spend some time exploring The Rocks.

Out of town (if you have a car) head for the Blue Mountains. The viewpoints for the Three Sisters are always rammed, but get off the tourist trail and head to the Glow Worm Tunnel - you'll need decent footware and a torch. https://lithgow-tourism.com/glowworm.htm When you are in the middle of the tunnel (it's curved, so you can't see either end) TURN OFF your torches and wait until your eyes get used to the darkness and you'll see the tunnel walls light up with glow worms. It was my favourite experience during my last trip.

Take a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. Walk straight when you get off the ferry and head to Manly Beach. Walk to the right to Shelly Beach.

Avoid Bondi Beach (unless you are 15 and like shit-holes).

 

[EKIMYRF]

I spent 12 months commuting to work on the Manly Ferry on at Neutral Bay off at Circular Quay fantastic views of the harbour

I lived 6 months in NZ and 25 years in Aus all the above recommendations are spot on

 

[GreyHairedWombat]

I spent 12 months commuting to work on the Manly Ferry on at Neutral Bay off at Circular Quay fantastic views of the harbour

I lived 6 months in NZ and 25 years in Aus all the above recommendations are spot on

All the comments and advice are absolutely amazing. Thank you

 

[SBD]

take plenty of water.

 

[SBD]

we rented a Toyota camper up north of Brisbane for a couple of weeks, it was fab fun, Fraser island, Noosa, the Reef. ace.

 

[Mr Derek]

Le Noir is absolutely correct with his Australia bit. Not been to New Zealand for decades so can't comment.

Great Ocean Road is good, but overrated. Occasional spectacular views, such as 12 Apostles, but mostly it's just a road.

Melbourne is a lovely city. Use the trams to get around. Plenty going on there. I'd move back there if the lovely Mrs Derek would, but she wants to stay in England. We went to Phillip Island and sat trackside for an hour watching a track day. Penguin Parade each evening, if that floats your boat.

It's quite difficult to have a bad time there, unless you are an England cricketer.

 

[Boxed-in]

The penguins at Phillip Island are worth seeing, BUT as soon as the sun goes down it’s very cold.
(Lesson learned) which of course we did not consider.

 

[Steve398]

Watch your speed… It cost me 60 bucks for 2.5mph over the posted limit!

 

[INBOC]

Watch your speed… It cost me 60 bucks for 2.5mph over the posted limit!

This, Daughter lives over there and last visit for us included Australia and New Zealand, 1 km over is a fine no ifs or buts, bank holidays and some times the days either side are “Double de merit days” as the locals call them so twice the fine. 40 KMH over the limit in NZ is a take vehicle away from you NOW deal. Also NZ had some very open lovely roads at only 80 kmh. I paid a fine in NZ as at time of visit a UK licence escaped points transfer.
I’m not trying to put you off as the roads and the scenery in both countries are truly stunning and worth the long flights and you will have a fantastic experience especially NZ

 

[Wapping]

A wombat should know Australia

 

[robbo]

I live in Napier, New Zealand (import from Yorkshire) . You need longer than 2 weeks to see NZ, I would suggest spending all the time in the South Island if you can, it's less populated with great road and great places to see. The drawback is a lot of tourists. If you are going to the North Island, I would go around the East Cape (Gisbourne way) and also the West Cape (New Plymouth) - good roads in-between.
If you get a camper van, look at Top10 holiday parks if you want facilities , if not there are plenty of freedom camping spots but your vehicle needs to be certified. Any questions PM me & I'll be glad to help.

 

[GreyHairedWombat]

I live in Napier, New Zealand (import from Yorkshire) . You need longer than 2 weeks to see NZ, I would suggest spending all the time in the South Island if you can, it's less populated with great road and great places to see. The drawback is a lot of tourists. If you are going to the North Island, I would go around the East Cape (Gisbourne way) and also the West Cape (New Plymouth) - good roads in-between.
If you get a camper van, look at Top10 holiday parks if you want facilities , if not there are plenty of freedom camping spots but your vehicle needs to be certified. Any questions PM me & I'll be glad to help.

Thank you. Much appreciatedI will message you later.