South Island Day Treks in Winter?

Can anyone recommend any day treks around Fiordland or Mt Cook in July/Aug? I've done Torres del Paine, Everest Base Camp, Gokyo etc but the girlfriend is a novice so will need something not too challenging that's likely to still be accessible in winter. I know most of the big famous trails will be closed at that time of year.

Thanks for any suggestions

Accommodation in Port Hedland (WA)

I know commercial accommodation in Port Hedland is grossly overpriced and even campsites can cost around $40 per night, but does anyone know of private homestays in the area (short term, single rooms) these days ?

When I was living there in the 70's and there was virtually no commercial accommodation, I had a government house at the time and regularly let out one of my spare rooms to people travelling through.

Noosa-Townsville April 2014

Hi!

I just signed up and I'd like to have some input from fellow travellers around OZ's eastcoast.

I ll visit Australia in April 2014.
Planned to drive up north from Noosa to Townsville.
Are there places in that route which really are "must see's"?

After Noosa I ll stay in Hervey bay,Rockhampton ( just a sleep over because of the distance or is there something I really should see in that area?) Mackay ( same story as Rockhampton ) Airlie beach and Townsville.
I am travelling/driving alone and because of being a dutch citizen not used to drive those long distances.

Thanks for your input!

South Island itinerary -- questions and feedback appreciated

Hello,

My wife and I have put together the following rough itinerary for a week on the South Island in early September 2013. We are from Washington, DC, USA, and will have spent six days in Sydney prior to going to NZ.

I have a few specific questions below, but I would also appreciate general reactions/feedback for the trip. The most important factor is that my wife will be 5.5 months pregnant at the time, so we will need to be mindful of (1) limits on physical activity, and (2) the need for bathroom breaks when traveling. (We are comfortable with the flights, having discussed it with her doctor.) We love natural beauty and hiking, great food, and wine (even if she can’t drink much/any of it). This is our “babymoon,” so budget is unlimited, within reason. We’d love to have more time in NZ, but unfortunately this is all our schedule allows.

August 31: Morning flight... more »

Eeek New Traveller....

Hi..., today i just got 6 weeks leave agreed with work for February 2014 - so now comes the exciting and nervous part of planning my trip and booking my flights.

I want to spend the majority of my time in East Austraila travelling up the East Coast (Starting in Sydney and finishing in Cairns). I will be travelling alone (im a 31 year old female), but am really up for meeting people and just going with the flow. I have a rough idea of what i would like to do whilst i'm out there.

Or if anyone will be going out there at the same times ....

Does anyone have any tips on where the best place to start.

Also as i want to try and book my main flights soon, so i need to think about a possible route home to London, and was thinking of having a more chilled last week, possibly in either Bali, Fiji or Cook Islands... it will be near end of March by this point, not sure if anyone h... more »

beaconstone

hi there, was just wondering if anyone has been to beaconstone, new zealand. if so, what are your thoughts on this place? does it meet the eco-tourism needs for all visitors? thankyou!

Wellington to Okahune - suggestions?

Hi,

We have a short 4 nights to enjoy the North Island after a conference, starting and ending in Wellington. The plan is to spend the middle 2 nights at Okahune to squeeze a day of skiing in. The drive from Wellington to Okahune is about 4 hours, I gather.

Can anyone give any suggestions of places to visit between Wellington and Okahune? (We're a couple, aged 40 but enjoy a combination of relaxing and adventure).

For example,

• most scenic route
• nice spots for keen photographers (outlooks, waterfalls, buildings, landscapes, etc)
• interesting little towns to visit
• impressive National Parks

10 days in NZ with 10 months old baby and in the winter.

Hello, I am heading to New Zealand with my wife and our 10-month-old baby. We intend to stay 10 days there. I guess most of the adventurous trails/sports won't be possible of course, but besides the obvious less risky stays in Auckland, Wellington, etc, which sights and activities do you think are actually also suitable ? - but remember, we are in June...and I have to carry my 10-month baby :) Thanks a lot for the suggestions!