Melbourne, Sydney, Tazmania, Wellington

Hey kereru,

Ok, I didn't dismiss all hostels, I wrote that I "prefer not to" stay in one. If you have some great recommendations, of course, I'm willing to check them out; that's why I'm here. So, thanks for the info.

-Quagga
on the defensive

If you really want to spend a couple of days in Tasmania, and make sure they're two full days, then fly in and out of Hobart. A day looking around town, Mt Wellington, Battery Point and the next day at Port Arthur with a side trip to Richmond if you have time. Forget about going to any other part of the state as it will be too rushed.

Coo-el on the 2 day Tasmanian trip. That's very helpful.

Spend 4 days in either tasmania or sydney.

Here is some NZ help!!10 days in NZ - do North OR South Island. Your choices depend on what you like to do. You could fly to Auckland - explore Devonnport, Northhead, Piha (needs a car) then head South - avoid Hamilton - go to Waitomo - do the Glow Worm Caves, Ruakuri and if you like adventure - Blakc WaterRafting overnight at KiwiPaka (great Youth Hostel but has sparate rooms if you prefer), down to Taranaki for outdoor spectakular - cross the Island to the Hawkes Bay - wineries; gannets; art deco - pesonally I like Havelock North over Napier and they are only 20 minutes form each other. Heaps of accomodation options. Then drive North via Taupo (stop at De Bretts Hot Pools - now known as Taupo Spa I think) - you can do the toursit trap of Rotorua on your wayif you like (it IS worth it...if you go - do the Tamaki Tours Village experience) thenbackto Auckland and fly out. Optional side trip - the Coromander peninsular - isolated beauty; artists, pottery and a mad train builder (Barry Brickell at Coromandel township itself)

I'd agree with 'onetreefan' about choosing one island to explore, you'd be able to do this in a more relaxed manner - if you did both islands you'd be on the move all the time just looking out a window for the entire time you were here...

Makes sense to me. Thanks, onetreefan!!!!