Expert: Frank Denison - 9/2/2007

Question
We are planning a trip within a year through Australia and New Zealand.  We have three boys age 14-17-20. Looking for outdoor fun and excitement up to 1-2 months, any suggestion!

Answer
G'day Mr Evans,

I am not sure of your exact movements in Australia, so I will suggest places on the east coast. If you are going elsewhere, you can contact me again. Starting at Cairns, a trip to the reef to snorkel and some boom netting on the way. Brisbane is close to the Australia Zoo, and that is a must. Also a swim with the dolphins is only an hour's boat trip away from Brisbane.

Sydney you can explore Sydney Harbour and see the wonderful city by crusing around the harbour. Darling harbour has a science centre which is fun for all ages.

In Melbourne, take in a game of Aussie rules, and watch this hard, fast, physical type of football. A 2 hour trip from Melbourne to Healsville will find a zoo, where you can see injured animals cared for and operated on.

In New Zealand. the place for action is Queenstown. Jet boating, bungee jumping, absailing, para gliding are some of the many things available. It is a fantastic place. I am not sure of your budget, but if you can afford a "helihike" ($200 per person) you will be stunned by the beauty of Fox Glacier. YOu are landed on a glacier, 7 km long with a guide. For 3 hours you trek over ice and caves, millions of years old. It is one of the most amazing things I have done in my life.

Contact me again if you require more info.

Regards,
Frank