We plan on spending about 3 weeks (Nov 11 - Dec 3) in Australia and New Zealand for our honeymoon. We are fairly adventurous and enjoy active vacations. One of our hobbies is geocaching (http://www.geocaching.com).

Below is an itinerary we are considering. We'd love to get your feedback. We are still figuring out what to see in New Zealand. We also have not determined any specific accommodations. We will probably aim for a mix of bed and breakfasts, regular (2-3 star) hotels, and a couple nights in a higher-end resort (4-star). We are also considering some stays with family friends (Sydney) and Global Freeloaders (http://www.globalfreeloaders.com) or Hospitality Club (http://www.hospitalityclub.org). Any feedback on our proposed trip is most welcome and appreciated!

(times in parentheses are estimated flight durations)

Thu-Sat November 11-13
Depart LAX (night)
Flying (19:35)
Landing in Cairns (morning)

Sun-Thu November 14-18
Full days in Cairns area
* Kuranda Skyrail
* Hot Air Balloon?
* Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
* Great Barrier Reef - snorkel and/or scuba
* Island hopping with 2 nights on an island?
* Helicopter over reef?
* Whitsundays?

Fri November 19
Cairns to Sydney (4:00)

Sat-Tue November 20-23
Full days in Sydney area
* Sydney Harbour Bridge
* Opera house
* Harbour cruise?
* Blue Mountains / Canyoning
* Hunter Valley?

Wed November 24
Sydney to Christchurch (2:55)

Thu-Sun November 25-28
Full days on S. Island
Driving and/or TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Queenstown

Mon November 29
Queenstown to Auckland (1:50)

Tues-Thu November 30- December 2
Full days on N. Island

Fri December 3
Fly to LAX (evening) (9:50)
Arrive LAX (morning)

Three weeks for two countries is enormously ambitious. Since you say you enjoy active vacations, I would limit your time in New Zealand to the South Island. Only 3 days is insanity even if you are driving; spend a full week there instead. Kayak in Abel Tasmin, go hiking on a glacier, bungee jump in Queenstown, go on an overnight cruise on Milford Sound.

If you're into adventure and the outdoors don't even buther with the north island. Some mountain hiking (which you can do in the south island) and watersports in Auckland harbour are about the only non urban attractions on offer.

Perhaps swim with the dolphins or go whale watching in Kaikoura too.

And if you're thinking now about your flight out of Auckland check with your carrier. Some will let you fly out of Christchurch for no extra money. I did that with Singapore airlines just last year.

Either way - I'm sure you'll have a honeymoon to remember down in my neck of the woods.

Better get a plug in while I can or I'll be in big trouble at home. My parents run a guest house on the hills out of Nelson. Great base for Abel Tasman National Park, kayaking, walking or just relaxing (we all need to do that now and again!).

Get in touch with them by phone 0064 25 464 588 or email: dhall@snap.net.nz

I've never seen the place since they bought after I went travelling but I'm sure they'll be able to tell you all about it. Enjoy your stay