First Time in Australia and NZ looking for an advice

Hello everyone. I truly apreciate the help and advice.

I read many threads, cruisecritic, tripadvisor, frommers etc. I made some notes..

Now I am looking for an inside tip for 2 or 3 most do... dont miss in this places..

Maybe your favorite restaurant or a bar or a place please feel free to post it... all the help is truly apreciated.

-Auckland

-Bay of Islands

-Tauranga

-Wellington

-Akaroa Harbour

-Dunedin

-Milford Sound

-Hobart

-Sydney

-Melbourne.

:):):)

It would be helpful to know how long you are spending in each place. While cruising it is probably only one day in each but where do you start and finish and how long are you in those places also.:)

Hi,

I see that this is your first time down under, I wish you well on your great cruise, we have many great places to see and do in Australia and New Zealand.

In Sydney you can't beat Darling Harbor, there are many restaurants by the water front close to where you will be birthed, there is Torronga Zoo which is also close by, the Sydney Opera House is next to Circular Quey which is most probably where you will be berthed if your ship is rather large as she won't fit under the bridge, Darling Harbour is just around the corner from Circular Quey, you can catch the train from Circular Quey into Darling Harbour.

In Melbourne there are many places to go and see, you can just catch the tram at Station Pier which will take you directly into Melbourne Central or catch one of the many bus tours. You can just sit by the river at one of the many cafes or restaurants along the Yarra River or go to the 'Ossie Rules' football if you are here before September, you can catch a bus down to Ship Wreck Coast, catch a bus to the Dandenong Ranges or Mornington Peninsula.

In Hobart you will most probably be docked at Port Arthur Penal Colony, that is always a great place to visit with all our Convict History, they have been doing a lot of restoration work down there with great gardens and convict dwellings to visit, there is also a great Information Centre there now.

When visiting New Zealand, if you love great scenery and great people, this is the place to visit.

In Dunedan which was apparently first inhabited by Scottish people, hence the name, you can visit Lanarch Castle, the gardens there are brilliant with an inkling of 'Alice in Wonderland' in her gardens.

In Tauranga, you can visit Rotar Rua Thermal Springs (usually an 8 hour roundtrip) or if you are a Hobbit fan, you can now visit the Hobbit Film Site which is about a 5 hour trip in all. They also have great fish and chips there which is near where your ship will dock, just a 5 minute walk into town.

One thing I have found about the shopping in New Zealand, they cater for the not so stick firgure look, they have great shops for the 'more normal looking woman' with some great styles, maybe be a bit more pricey than normal but they at least have great styles and colours for all shapes and ages.

I think there may be a rotating restaurant in the Tower overlooking the Harbour in Auckland, also they have a great Nautical Museum close to where you will be docked, Auckland also looks great at night when you leave there.

We have found that usually when in New Zealand the Princess cruise ships usually invite a New Zealand travelling group on board to show some of their cultural way of life and their history.

One thing that I can say about New Zealand is that their people have a great respect for their past ancestory and a great love of their country.

I hope you have a great time down under, thank you for heading our way.

We in Victoria are a very Multicultural State.

Best Wishes:):)

I agree Port Arthur historical site is a must when in Hobart, we also enjoyed the town of Richmond not far from Hobart.

For Sydney, the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb is a must do for many tourists & it's right next to the ship if you dock at Circular Quay.

The old town area called The Rocks is also nice & close to the Quay as well.

The Opera House tour is apparently quite highly regarded as well & a walk along the harbour foreshore through the botanical gardens is always pleasant.

I agree Taronga Zoo is good & you catch the ferry across to it so you get a short harbour cruise in the process.:)

If you have more than a day in Sydney then a day trip out to the Blue Mountains is also nice.

-Milford Sound

You dont get off the ship in Milford Sound, Fiordland.

Fiordland (Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds) is scenic cruising, which means you just cruise thought these sounds, they are NOT to be missed :D

Here are some of my photos from the area: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1266249

Sydney - Ferry to Manly. Go late afternoon and see the harbour in daylight, have dinner in Manly, plenty of good restaurants to suit all budgets, then catch the ferry back to Circular Quay and enjoy the city lights.

Do try to go to the Blue Mountains, the scenery is spectacular. It's a day trip, easily done by train and HoHo bus. The trains leave from Central Station and take about 2 hours to get to Katoomba.

Tauranga - do a tour to Rotorua. Search the ports call forum for recommendations.

Dunedin - Taieri Gorge scenic railway is a must. It takes you a fair way inland so you see quite different scenery than the coastal zones. http://www.taieri.co.nz/

Bay of Islands - a visit to the Waitangi Treaty House is a must. Possibly a boat trip to the Hole in the Rock, otherwise get the shuttle to Paihia and the ferry across to Russell and have lunch at the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel.

I live in olinda in the dandenong ranges about an hour out of Melbourne and it's one of the most beautiful places I've been in my life. I feel lucky every day to live here (well when I am not freezing that is...!) best experienced in a car not a bus, the drive from belgrave to Monbulk is beautiful, also Sherbrooke road. Lots of gardens and national park walks

Knowing a bit more about you would help but

Sydney

Taronga Zoo

Ferry trip to Manly [not because I think Manly is special but the trip sure is]

Bondi

Darling Harbour

The Rocks area [especially if history is your thing]

Operea house

Bridge climb

Hobart

Post Arthur

Port Arthur and

Port Arthur

If you're there on a Saturday Salamanca Markets

Constitution Dock

Wildlife Park

Richmond

A trip down to Sandy Bay and the Casino, if that floats your boat.

Melbourne

Federation Square

South Bank

A walk along the waterfront from Station Pier [where you dock] is always pleasant

The city loop tram gives you a good look at the town.

Akaroa is the port for Christchurch in New Zealand. Depending how long you have, a trip into Christchurch is worthwhile. It is a very pretty but winding road. In Christchurch, The Antarctic Centre is worth a visit, as are the Botanic Gardens.

In Dunedin I can highly recommend a trip with Elm Wildlife Tours. Depending on season you may get to see Albatross, fur seals and penguins. We loved this trip.

In Sydney, The Opera House Tour is far more interesting than you might expect. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I also enjoy walking the harbour area; set off from Circular Quay, walk past the Opera House and keep following the path around the water. You'll pass the Botanic Gardens and enjoy great views. Maybe even head into the Gardens themselves.

Auckland is a breeze to do on your own for a day. The Hop On Hop Off bus leaves from the end of the wharf. You can get off at any stop ,look around then catch the next one , or simply ride the circuit. The bus will bring you back to Ferry Buildings which is also beside your ship . From there you can take the 12 minute ferry ride across to Devonport. At the end of the Devonport Wharf there will be shuttles or local tours you can take that will take you up Mt Victoria for a great view of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf.

Back on the ferry to the City and if enough time wander up to Sky City or along the Viaduct and theres your days sightseeing taken care of.:)

If you only have a short stay in Sydney I would also recommend the River Cat ride up to Parramatta. This trip, as well as the Manly trip, will show you just how extensive and beautiful Sydney harbour is.

Hello...

all of You are very helpfull...I am taking notes :)

we are only going to be 2 days in: Sydney, Auckland and Melbourne.

For the rest is only one day.

Thank you very much your help and advice is truly appreciated.:)

Hello...

 

all of You are very helpfull...I am taking notes :)

 

we are only going to be 2 days in: Sydney, Auckland and Melbourne.

For the rest is only one day.

 

Thank you very much your help and advice is truly appreciated.:)

Please tell us a bit more about your likes, dislikes and interests, that will help.

From Sydney itself you can also do some lovely day trips to the Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains and even Canberra but with only 2 days there is more than enough to fill your time in the CBD area.

Hello...

 

all of You are very helpfull...I am taking notes :)

 

we are only going to be 2 days in: Sydney, Auckland and Melbourne.

For the rest is only one day.

 

Thank you very much your help and advice is truly appreciated.:)

Please tell us a bit more about your likes, dislikes and interests, that will help.

From Sydney itself you can also do some lovely day trips to the Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains and even Canberra but with only 2 days there is more than enough to fill your time in the CBD area.

yOU ASKED ABOUT RESTAURANTS, THREE I try to take O/S visitors to in Sydney

Doyle's Seafood at Watsons Bay a ferry ride from Circular Quay and pretty good Seafood

The Revolving Restaurant at Centerpoint tower, food only O)K but a revolving restaurant at the top of that was [may still be] the tallest building in Sydney, so some really great views.

And a Pie at one of the Harry's Cafe de Wheels Woolloomooloo being my fav

Some great choices around Constitution Dock in Hobart

yOU ASKED ABOUT RESTAURANTS, THREE I try to take O/S visitors to in Sydney

 

Doyle's Seafood at Watsons Bay a ferry ride from Circular Quay and pretty good Seafood

 

Have to disagree with you on Doyles. One of the worst rip-off seafood restaurants in Sydney IMHO. Ferry to Manly and seafood at Garfish is much nicer, certainly better quality food. Garfish is across the road from the Manly Wharf Hotel. There is also a Garfish at Kirribilli, across the road from the steps down from the bridge and Milsons Point station. It's a lovely walk across the bridge on a fine evening.

Have to disagree with you on Doyles. One of the worst rip-off seafood restaurants in Sydney IMHO. Ferry to Manly and seafood at Garfish is much nicer, certainly better quality food. Garfish is across the road from the Manly Wharf Hotel. There is also a Garfish at Kirribilli, across the road from the steps down from the bridge and Milsons Point station. It's a lovely walk across the bridge on a fine evening.

I haven't been to Doyle's for a few years but it used to be great. I like Doyles at the Pub, as well not as expensive, or did last time I was there.

And yes Garfish is good.

Hi to all you guys who have responded to Joseph's request for places to go whilst he is on his first visit down under.

It is really great reading all your replies, thank you for all your suggestions. It is amazing that there are so many places to go and see in both countries.

I have lived in Australia for many years now after emigrating from England as a child. I know that there are so many places I still haven't seen in this beautiful country or ours. We tend to take our country for granted even though we know it is a great place to live.

I hope Joseph will enjoy his first visit to our beautiful land of 'Ozz' and New Zealand.:):)

Hi to all you guys who have responded to Joseph's request for places to go whilst he is on his first visit down under.

 

It is really great reading all your replies, thank you for all your suggestions. It is amazing that there are so many places to go and see in both countries.

I have lived in Australia for many years now after emigrating from England as a child. I know that there are so many places I still haven't seen in this beautiful country or ours. We tend to take our country for granted even though we know it is a great place to live.

I hope Joseph will enjoy his first visit to our beautiful land of 'Ozz' and New Zealand.:):)

Have to agree we can take t for granted.

And if you live in Hobart (as I assume you do) you live in what is in my opinion the most beautiful part of our country.

I haven't been to Doyle's for a few years but it used to be great. I like Doyles at the Pub, as well not as expensive, or did last time I was there.

 

And yes Garfish is good.

Last time I went to Doyles at the pub, maybe five years ago, the fish was dreadful, and really expensive for pub food.

Last time I went to Doyles at the pub, maybe five years ago, the fish was dreadful, and really expensive for pub food.

That is sad to hear.

That is sad to hear.

Yes, I think they lost the plot a while back, maybe got too complacent with a relatively captive customer base - there isn't a lot else at Watson's Bay apart from Doyles. Quality went down, prices went up.

Of course, it could have changed again since then but I'm unlikely to risk it. Although, now I've got my $2.50 Opal day excursions, a ferry trip to Watson's Bay might be nice on a sunny day.

You have to love the Gold Opal Card, we give ours a workout. Why drive from the Central Coast to Dapto to visit SWMBO's Brother when we can do it relaxed for $2.50 each, each way.:D

You have to love the Gold Opal Card, we give ours a workout. Why drive from the Central Coast to Dapto to visit SWMBO's Brother when we can do it relaxed for $2.50 each, each way.:D

Rather than go off topic here, can we chat about this on the other forum? :)

Hello everyone..

we are going to celebrate our honeymoon in Australia- NZ, I am 35 years old my wife 31, like the extreme sports, sightseeing, love to eat as a local and looking forwards to experience Australia and NZ.

I will come back with reviews of course and truly appreciate your advice. :)