Fjordland National Park

[Bodogbodog]

So many great ideas from all of you. thank you so much.

 

ML - I really cant add much to the very comprehensive advice you've already received - if you have a week I'd suggest a side trip to Canberra - there's some good things like the War Memorial and Parliament House down there

 

I'm not sure about staying out at Manly - certainly a visit on the ferry is a must do but I think you'd be better basing yourself in the city otherwise you are just adding travel time to the majority of your tours

 

Very handy little thread this one as I have friends visiting Sydney over the new year holidays and I'll be using these posts to help with suggestions for their time here

[NoWhiners]

ML - I really cant add much to the very comprehensive advice you've already received - if you have a week I'd suggest a side trip to Canberra - there's some good things like the War Memorial and Parliament House down there

 

I'm not sure about staying out at Manly - certainly a visit on the ferry is a must do but I think you'd be better basing yourself in the city otherwise you are just adding travel time to the majority of your tours

 

Very handy little thread this one as I have friends visiting Sydney over the new year holidays and I'll be using these posts to help with suggestions for their time here

 

Hi Bodog

 

Yes, Canberra is on the list but I'm not sure we'll be able to squeeze it it! On another thread, someone posted a pix of Australia super-imposed over the US. I knew Australia was huge but this really made the point. (It was done in response to someone who wanted to know what to do for 5 days in Sydney and then talked about going to a bunch of far away cities!).

 

Where we stay may be less of an issue if the friends we are travelling with can get us a place thru their timeshare. If not, I like having options to consider, and maybe Manly is less full of tourists? But we do want to maximize fun/visiting time, so being in the city might be best. It's nice to have choices!

 

Isn't Manly where there is a famous bar/restaurant for fish and chips? I would love to hear what you locals suggest for "the best fish and chips"!

 

Totally agree about how well this thread turned out--I never expected so much good info so fast :)

 

I am going to start copying these messages into a document so I will have them all in 1 place. So keep additional thoughts coming. I will keep checking back here for more ideas.

 

ML

Edited February 24, 2016 by NoWhiners

[NoWhiners]

I just thought of another VERY important question, but not related to Fiordland NP (how's my spelling ;)?. Can we buy wine anywhere in Sydney or just in wine/liquor stores? In the US we can buy in many grocery stores.Is there an equivalne to tradre Joe's in Sydney? I love Austalian wines, especially merlots (hubby likes cabs)--any recommendations of local wines we wouldn't see in the US? What about NZ wines?

 

Given the crazy pricing of wine on the ships, we will walk on with 6 bottles when we board and restock on port stops!

 

My priorities must be clear by now :D

 

thx

ML

Edited February 24, 2016 by NoWhiners

[Bodogbodog]

I just thought of another VERY important question, but not related to Fiordland NP (how's my spelling ;)?. Can we buy wine anywhere in Sydney or just in wine/liquor stores?....any recommendations of local wines we wouldn't see in the US? What about NZ wines?

 

ML - in NSW (the State that Sydney is in) liquor stores are separate from supermarkets - although they may be right outside one - and hotels will have bottle shops - plus there are chains such as Dan Murphys or Vintage Cellars where you can stock up on good quality wines

 

So far as specific wines - that's a hard one as there are thousands of vineyards and brands in Australia and New Zealand - my thoughts - for Reds try a South Australian Coonawarra or a NSW Hunter Valley Shiraz and one whites for Sauvignon Blancs there is only one answer and that's Marlborough in New Zealand (heard of Cloudy Bay?) (I'm biased on Marlborough as that's where I come from originally) and a Hawkes Bay Chardonnay

 

Hey this is Australia - liquor outlets are everywhere - you wont be short of a chance to buy a drink

 

We don't have Trader Joes but plenty of supermarkets and we have Aldi which I think might be a "cousin" of Trader Joes

 

Spelling is 10/10 - we'll have you turning Australian in next to no time :D

Edited February 24, 2016 by Bodogbodog

[mr walker]

OK, Sydney born & bred here :)

 

With 5 days in Sydney:

• a day around Circular Quay/Rocks area, including Opera House visit
  
• a day on the harbour with a ferry ride over to Manly &/or a Captain Cook cruise - lunch or afternoon tea
  
• a drive down the south coast at least down to Kiama, or even to Nowra & perhaps come back inland route
  
• a train ride to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains & explore around there
  
• a visit to Bondi Beach and the other Eastern suburbs beaches with perhaps lunch at Watsons Bay & a ferry back to Darling Harbour
  

 

Lots to see & do, and there would also be the option to journey north to Newcastle & the Hunter Valley (they have wine!!! :D)

 

I'm sure you will enjoy our city

Edited February 24, 2016 by mr walker

[whimsy7]

the day that we sailed around the Fiordland was the highlight of our 12 night NZ cruise!

we were blessed with a beautiful sunny day for our visit.

we even saw a pod of dolphins in the area.

if you are interested in being on deck for your viewing (and most of us would), be aware that it can be quite cool/cold on the deck.

we brought our scarves and jackets for this occasion (even though we were there in February....summer)

[GUT2407]

When we were there, beautiful, but cold.

 

Must be spectacular when the waterfalls are in full flow.

[mr walker]

the day that we sailed around the Fiordland was the highlight of our 12 night NZ cruise!if you are interested in being on deck for your viewing (and most of us would), be aware that it can be quite cool/cold on the deck.

we brought our scarves and jackets for this occasion (even though we were there in February....summer)

 

Agree with this - we were there on 25th Jan '13 and it was very cool on deck at sunrise as we sailed into Milford- the Irish coffees were a big seller on the heli-pad :D

[ozscot01]

I'm going to chime in with a suggestion that you actually take a guided tour of the Opera House. The history of the build, and the visits to various nooks etc was fascinating. I'm not normally one for guided tours but this one was worth it. Perhaps even try to get tickets to a performance while there. There's a certain cache to saying "oh, I saw that performance at the Sydney Opera House!"[emoji12]

Edited February 24, 2016 by ozscot01

[NoWhiners]

ML - in NSW (the State that Sydney is in) liquor stores are separate from supermarkets - although they may be right outside one - and hotels will have bottle shops - plus there are chains such as Dan Murphys or Vintage Cellars where you can stock up on good quality wines

 

So far as specific wines - that's a hard one as there are thousands of vineyards and brands in Australia and New Zealand - my thoughts - for Reds try a South Australian Coonawarra or a NSW Hunter Valley Shiraz and one whites for Sauvignon Blancs there is only one answer and that's Marlborough in New Zealand (heard of Cloudy Bay?) (I'm biased on Marlborough as that's where I come from originally) and a Hawkes Bay Chardonnay

 

Hey this is Australia - liquor outlets are everywhere - you wont be short of a chance to buy a drink

 

We don't have Trader Joes but plenty of supermarkets and we have Aldi which I think might be a "cousin" of Trader Joes

 

Spelling is 10/10 - we'll have you turning Australian in next to no time :D

 

g'day mate

 

Good oil. We'll keep an eye out for bottle shops and Aldi. It will be a bonzer (ripper?) trip, I reckon. My shout for anyone who wants to meet up with us.

 

Have now used all my Australian, maybe I can learn more before we go! (Did anyone understand what I said?)

 

thx

ML

Edited February 24, 2016 by NoWhiners

[NoWhiners]

OK, Sydney born & bred here :)

 

With 5 days in Sydney:

• a day around Circular Quay/Rocks area, including Opera House visit
  
• a day on the harbour with a ferry ride over to Manly &/or a Captain Cook cruise - lunch or afternoon tea
  
• a drive down the south coast at least down to Kiama, or even to Nowra & perhaps come back inland route
  
• a train ride to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains & explore around there
  
• a visit to Bondi Beach and the other Eastern suburbs beaches with perhaps lunch at Watsons Bay & a ferry back to Darling Harbour
  

 

Lots to see & do, and there would also be the option to journey north to Newcastle & the Hunter Valley (they have wine!!! :D)

 

I'm sure you will enjoy our city

 

We will enjoy your city, no worries! I added the bolding because none of us are brave enough to drive the wrong side of the car, the wrong side of the road, the wrong way around roundabouts (let the games begin on who does it wrong--the US or Australia:D). Maybe we could hire a car/driver?

 

They have wine--we're there!

 

good onya

ML

 

PS: Ok, now I have exhausted all my Australian

Edited February 24, 2016 by NoWhiners

[NoWhiners]

When we were there, beautiful, but cold.

 

Agree with this - we were there on 25th Jan '13 and it was very cool on deck at sunrise as we sailed into Milford- the Irish coffees were a big seller on the heli-pad :D

 

Oh no--I assumed it would be warm in summer! We will be there in late March/April. I guess we'll bring some warm layers. Thanks for the heads up (whimsy7 too, but I couldn't figure out how to do 3 quotes).

 

ML

Edited February 24, 2016 by NoWhiners

[Kiwi_cruiser]

NoWhiners Here http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=25898856 are some photo I took when I was in Fiordland back in 2008.

[Suzbluz]

Sydney will be warm but around NZ it will be cooling down. Depends what kind of climate you are used to but a warm layer is probably wise. NZ is a fair bit south of Sydney so is colder.

 

The bottle shops are attached to the kinds of hotels also known here as pubs, not what you would normally call a hotel (eg Hyatt). I second the vote for Marlborough whites. I am not a fan of chardonnay but love their sauvignon blancs. My fave (reasonably priced) red is Torbrek's woodcutter's shiraz. For a white I recommend Pike's Riesling. It is a dry style Riesling and my go to for a nice wine.

 

I could tell you a couple of tales of being in the US and my other half driving in Vegas. He may or may not have forgotten which way to turn a couple of times so have seen my share of oncoming traffic, it does give you a fright but you soon get used to it (the driving not the fear).

 

I love your use of our lingo, you will fit in just fine mate! Be careful though offering to shout Aussies, that could cost you an arm and a leg!

[NoWhiners]

NoWhiners Here http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=25898856 are some photo I took when I was in Fiordland back in 2008.

 

Kiwi

 

OMG, these are great! I know it will sound weird, but I sort of prefer the gloomy, foggy (not too much) pix over the sunny days. Sort of a Lord of the Rings Mount Doom thing. I am a big LOTR fan and read the books about every 5 years or so. Very excited to go where they filmed the movies, although not the full LOTR tour.

 

Thanks for these, mate!

ML

[NoWhiners]

Sydney will be warm but around NZ it will be cooling down. Depends what kind of climate you are used to but a warm layer is probably wise. NZ is a fair bit south of Sydney so is colder.

 

The bottle shops are attached to the kinds of hotels also known here as pubs, not what you would normally call a hotel (eg Hyatt). I second the vote for Marlborough whites. I am not a fan of chardonnay but love their sauvignon blancs. My fave (reasonably priced) red is Torbrek's woodcutter's shiraz. For a white I recommend Pike's Riesling. It is a dry style Riesling and my go to for a nice wine.

 

I could tell you a couple of tales of being in the US and my other half driving in Vegas. He may or may not have forgotten which way to turn a couple of times so have seen my share of oncoming traffic, it does give you a fright but you soon get used to it (the driving not the fear).

 

I love your use of our lingo, you will fit in just fine mate! Be careful though offering to shout Aussies, that could cost you an arm and a leg!

 

Suzbluz

 

We live in the desert SW of the US (New Mexico). We get an actual winter (not like those wimps in Phoenix who start burning furniture when the temp drops below 70 F (21 C)! So, we are fine with hot or cold but good to know. I was thinking shorts all the time but maybe not ;)

 

We are looking forward to trying some nice pubs but i have to ask: In the US, bars/pubs associated with hotels are avoided due to waaay high prices. Is it like that in Sydney? Love the wine suggestions, DH loves dry Riesling's. I am hoping we can find a nice pub/bar/neighborhood hangout during our trip. It looks like we will be staying at the Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific, corner of Wentworth Ave and Goulburn St. Any good pubs/bars/etc nearby (you may not have this info, no worries!)?

 

I totally get your other half 'forgetting' some turns and such. If we drive, my plan is to follow other cars and keep my fingers crossed :)

 

Happy to buy a round for all of you kind folks who help us dopey Americans out!!

 

ML

Edited February 25, 2016 by NoWhiners

[NoWhiners]

I'm going to chime in with a suggestion that you actually take a guided tour of the Opera House. The history of the build, and the visits to various nooks etc was fascinating. I'm not normally one for guided tours but this one was worth it. Perhaps even try to get tickets to a performance while there. There's a certain cache to saying "oh, I saw that performance at the Sydney Opera House!"[emoji12]

 

Sorry, I meant to reply to this sooner. I am good with a tour/show at the Sydney Opera House. DH, on the other hand, would need to be dragged by a herd of roos to do this!! I'll try but I don't have much hope.

 

thx

ML

[silverwillow]

Which ship did you choose? :)

[NoWhiners]

Which ship did you choose? :)

 

Well, it's not absolutely final, but right now it looks like Solstice/Radiance. They both go in and out of Sydney next March/April. I am disappointed we didn't do Emerald/Solstice but I am going with the majority opinion. I don't think there is a 'bad' choice but I think it would have been more efficient to fly to Auckland, spend a few days touring that area, take a cruise around NZ, ending in Sydney, then another cruise around Australia. That would have given us a week in Sydney between cruises. Not to mention then non-stop to Auckland from Houston on New Zealand Air. But alas, it was not to be.

 

ML

Edited February 26, 2016 by NoWhiners

[avalon007]

You won't go wrong with those 2 lovely ships - they are my 2 favourite ships that sail out of Sydney. :)

[NoWhiners]

You won't go wrong with those 2 lovely ships - they are my 2 favourite ships that sail out of Sydney. :)

 

avalon

 

You're back--great to hear from you again! Nice to know that those are good choices. I am still a bit concerned about the RCI experience, but I have comforted myself by remembering we have an aft balcony (9658), which I never thought we would ever get!

 

thanks for the good thoughts

ML

[avalon007]

avalon

 

You're back--great to hear from you again! Nice to know that those are good choices. I am still a bit concerned about the RCI experience, but I have comforted myself by remembering we have an aft balcony (9658), which I never thought we would ever get!

 

thanks for the good thoughts

ML

 

We love RCI - especially Radiance - very elegant ship with the feel of a bygone era in some ways - beautiful mahogany Colonial Club - think British Raj era, also the casino is one of the nicest I've seen on a ship, not as glitzy as some - it features art nouvea style leadlighting & bronze statues of the period. Then you have what Radiance is best known for - her masses of glass walls & glass elevators that allow you to experience sea views far more than on many ships.

 

RCI in Australia has an average age demographic of 30 to 60, definitely younger in most cases than Princess or HAL but definitely not the younger 20 something's you get on Carnival or P&O more often.

 

What are your concerns about RCI - happy to offer any advice. :)

 

Celebrity Solstice is also very stylish but in a more contemporary way, she has a sort of modern twist on the classics décor in many ways. A larger ship but never felt too big & the speciality restaurants onboard are excellent - especially Murano if you love classical French cuisine & the ice cream in the buffet is excellent as well - cinnamon & ginger where my daily treat!

[meggs11]

We are doing NZ on Radiance in March 2017 for 14 nights! Can't wait :)

[NoWhiners]

We love RCI - especially Radiance - very elegant ship with the feel of a bygone era in some ways - beautiful mahogany Colonial Club - think British Raj era, also the casino is one of the nicest I've seen on a ship, not as glitzy as some - it features art nouvea style leadlighting & bronze statues of the period. Then you have what Radiance is best known for - her masses of glass walls & glass elevators that allow you to experience sea views far more than on many ships.

 

RCI in Australia has an average age demographic of 30 to 60, definitely younger in most cases than Princess or HAL but definitely not the younger 20 something's you get on Carnival or P&O more often.

 

What are your concerns about RCI - happy to offer any advice. :)

 

Celebrity Solstice is also very stylish but in a more contemporary way, she has a sort of modern twist on the classics décor in many ways. A larger ship but never felt too big & the speciality restaurants onboard are excellent - especially Murano if you love classical French cuisine & the ice cream in the buffet is excellent as well - cinnamon & ginger where my daily treat!

 

Thanks for the info, Radiance sounds lovely and i am looking forward to trying something new, plus Australia/NZ, what could be bad!

 

I think it's mostly that we have only cruised with HAL, and we really like them. We aren't party animals and prefer to stay to ourselves, so shore excursions, sit by the pool or on balcony on sea days, usually in bed by 11. We like the room service on HAL, the larger cabins (or so I have heard) compared to other lines, the tub with shower (and we are prepared for tiny showers on Radiance and X!), no noisy pool deck with big screens, and the size of their ships. We are taking a Princess cruise at the end of March to try them out, and then these 2 will give us a taste of RCI and X. I think it's X that limits what you can get for room service breakfast, which we both find a bit annoying. These are all minor things that won't ruin the cruise and just require some adjustment on our part. I am looking forward to much better buffet hours on Radiance and X--HAL opens the buffet at 11:30 and shuts down at 2 or so (I think). Yeah, you can always get burgers, room service, and such, but sometimes a little variety is nice. Not that we ever go hungry!

 

Thanks

ML

[NoWhiners]

We are doing NZ on Radiance in March 2017 for 14 nights! Can't wait :)

 

Ours will be 13 nights, departing Sydney March 28, so probably not the same cruise as yours?

 

But we can't wait too!

 

ML