Travel Forum / Destinations / Australia and NZ / August 2003

There was some bad publicity in the UK press about a year ago
concerning some Oz hotel booking agencies who 'contirmed' bookings and
took the money but when the punter turned up at the hotel there was no
reservation for them.  Was there a problem in NZ and more importantly

I am trying to locate a web site that provides me with information regarding
permits, for freshwater fishing in NZ (believe me I have searched)
I understand that there are differences between North and South Isalnd, and
some areas (such as Lake Taupo) require a special permit.

My wife and I will be in Australia for a six month's stay beginning in early
February. Beyond a three month's stay airfares appear to become astronomical.
Does anyone have a strategy for finding a reasonable fare for such a long stay?

My wife and myself are visiting OZ in October for 7 weeks and we were just
wondering if we could claim any tax back when we leave the country for
things we have bought whilst there. Any ideas?
TIA

?Any ideas for a 1 bedroom for 9 days starting September 12th for
$100aud or less per night?
Thanks in advance
Doug Clark

 Last year we had some 'problems'/conflicting advice on tyre pressures
on unsealed roads. So I would like some information/feedback from the
group, so we will be better prepared this year.
 We will again be driving a 4WD Toyota Landcruiser ('Troupie')

I just returned from a trip to Sydney.  I was there previously in '99 as
well.  It seemed to me that the opera house has either changed color
slightly, going from white to a biege color and or it is no longer
illuminated at night as brightly as before.  I could not tell a difference

Hi everyone,
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Hi Group
Can someone tell me what part of the South Island of NZ that Lord Of The
Rings was filmed,we will be over there in October and would love to drive
through that area.

http://www.planetomni.com/RENT_CTRY.shtml  john

 On our next trip, we plan to visit Dalhousie Springs and Chambers
Pillar. We will be coming from Oodnadatta and currently have planned:
- Oodnadatta via Hamilton, Eringa and either Abminga or Ilbunga to
 Dalhousie Springs.

is it possible to reach NZealand from Tasmania by flight avoiding a stop in
Sydney ?
thanks for your advice
sylvie

We want to do it quick,(have stupid flights into Oz and "deadline" in Bowen)
but still stay alive; how many hours should we expect the drive to take? I
can't quite recall the state of the roads as it's been 4 years since we last
drove there... any upgrading since then?

I'm only going to have a week to spend in each country and would like
some tips as to what I "MUST SEE." Obviously, there are things I will
have to forgo with such a quick trip.
I already know that I want to walk the Sydney Harbor Bridge. I also

I'm planning trip to the east coast over christmas and would
appreciate any tips/advice. Our preference is for beaches and
countrside rather than city tours. Budget is reasonable, but we would
like to blow out on a couple of big trips (helicopter trip maybe?) and