Best Time to Travel to New Zealand or Australia? Seems like this was discussed or covered on the UHH sometime in the past, but I cannot seem to find anything via search. When is the...

lorvey Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

Seems like this was discussed or covered on the UHH sometime in the past, but I cannot seem to find anything via search. When is the best time of the year for photo ops to travel to New Zealand or to Australia? My interest would be landscape, nature and wildlife photos.

infocus Loc: Australia

lorvey wrote:

Seems like this was discussed or covered on the UHH sometime in the past, but I cannot seem to find anything via search. When is the best time of the year for photo ops to travel to New Zealand or to Australia? My interest would be landscape, nature and wildlife photos.

Where abouts in Australia are you thinking of going? Up north close to the tropics late June, july or early August (our Winter - in summer the humidity will kill you)
Down south sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide - Mid March to late April - autumn (fall) nice sky, plesant temp. enjoy your trip.

FilmFanatic Loc: Waikato, New Zealand

Do you want to do autumn colour? NZ's South Island in April is absolutely stunning, winter down there is supposed to be amazing if you want winter scenery

Nikonover Loc: Neerim Sth, Australia

NZ october is magic, Sth island

Tradscot Loc: Cairns, Australia

lorvey wrote:

Seems like this was discussed or covered on the UHH sometime in the past, but I cannot seem to find anything via search. When is the best time of the year for photo ops to travel to New Zealand or to Australia? My interest would be landscape, nature and wildlife photos.

Workhorse raised this thread nov1,2012 uglyhedgehog.com/t-74281-1.html
Had a lot of info on Australia, not so much on NZ.

Rolenz Loc: Tripping around Oz

Orginally came from N.I of N.Z. so try the east coast of the coromandel peninsular. East of Auckland. The coast line has a beach to suit every choice. The bush has no "bities" of any sort, but be aware of old gold mine shafts. There is an abundance of islands and photo opportunities at every corner.
If possible visit one of the islands in the gulf. The water is crystal clear at 60 to 80 feet deep. Time is when you are there, make the most of what the locals can assist with. Most of the time they are friendly. Summer time can get very busy up there tho, every one wants to go to the beach. Good luck with your choices. Just about to head off around Oz myself.

lorvey Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

infocus wrote:

quote=lorvey Seems like this was discussed or cov... (show quote)

Infocus,
Thanks for responding. We don't really have an area of Australia in mind. We probably would sign up for a trip through Collette or Gate1. They offer several trips at different times of the year, so we have been trying to decide when to go. We will probably go in your spring or fall. Thanks again.

lorvey Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

FilmFanatic,
We were leaning toward a NZ spring vacation, but based on your response and others, we will also consider going in the fall. Thanks for responding.

FilmFanatic wrote:

Do you want to do autumn colour? NZ's South Island in April is absolutely stunning, winter down there is supposed to be amazing if you want winter scenery

lorvey Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

Tradscot wrote:

lorvey wrote:

Seems like this was discussed or covered on the UHH sometime in the past, but I cannot seem to find anything via search. When is the best time of the year for photo ops to travel to New Zealand or to Australia? My interest would be landscape, nature and wildlife photos.

Workhorse raised this thread nov1,2012 uglyhedgehog.com/t-74281-1.html
Had a lot of info on Australia, not so much on NZ.

Thanks for the thread, Tradscot. I will check it out.

lorvey Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

Rolenz,
Thanks for your reply. I will take your suggestions into consideration when we decide to go.

Rolenz wrote:

Orginally came from N.I of N.Z. so try the east co... (show quote)

drkeene Loc: Florida Gulf Coast

We went in February a few years back and traveled extensively by rental car in both north and south islands. The kids were back in school, and campgrounds (holiday parks), motels, beaches, and museums were generally uncrowded. Prices (we were told) are also lower as autumn sets in. We spent four weeks there, and should have scheduled six. Only problem we had is that wife refuses to drive on left side of road, so could not share the driving...

LindaChaplin Loc: South Dakota

My husband and I were there in March last year and it was terrific. That was the beginning of their "fall" season and prices, although high, were a little more reasonable than other times. The scenery was beautiful. We took long sleeves and jackets, but didn't need them some days. I can't say enough great things about New Zealand...great place, super-friendly people.

peterhassell

There is a risk of rain in NZ any time of the year, but April/May is usually pretty settled and not too cool. Spring (ie Sept, Oct, and Nov) is usually much wetter, and unsettled. Its a long way to come, so spend as long as you can. There are many wonderful places in Aus, but distances are huge. If you want wildlife, in my view the best place to go is Kakadu in June.

ronsmith Loc: Morrinsville. New Zealand

lorvey wrote:

Seems like this was discussed or covered on the UHH sometime in the past, but I cannot seem to find anything via search. When is the best time of the year for photo ops to travel to New Zealand or to Australia? My interest would be landscape, nature and wildlife photos.

Autumn time is by far the best, colours are fantastic in both islands of NZ
Weather is a lot more pleasant, not too hot.
I've done a lot of photography in both countries and you won't be disappointed in either. If you are in one (country) it's not too far across the "ditch" to the other, flights are quite cheap as well
I live in the Waikato (NI) and would be happy to help in any way
Happy planning and regards

drkeene Loc: Florida Gulf Coast

Just a quick thought: If you go in February of next year, you should know that there is a wonderful celebration of art deco in Napier, in the Hawkes Bay area of NI, on the east coast. We stumbled upon it by accident, and just managed to get the last cottage at the downtown Holiday Park (campground). The decorations, costumes, music, dances and events are spectacular - very much worth the attention of a photographer. It runs from Friday to Sunday evening - I think the second or third weekend of February. The entire city participates and dresses in period costume. The high point is a parade of antique vehicles (of which the Kiwis are very solicitous and proud). Very well and done. The history of this event dates back to a tragic earthquake in the late 1930s (?) in which Napier was almost completely destroyed. The city fathers decided to take the art deco architecture of several cities of California as inspiration for rebuilding the community and did so.