When is the best time to?

Since they're located in the southern hemisphere, Australia and New Zealand experience winter during our summer. Thus, the low season begins mid-April with fall, and lasts through the winter to the end of August. During this time, temperatures are a bit cooler, and slightly more precipitation falls. Of course, it gets much colder in the mountainous regions, but you'll want to avoid those areas because the influx of skiers means higher prices.

In cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland, average winter temperatures range from the high 40s to the mid 50s. The weather is still warm enough to enjoy most of the cultural and natural attractions Australia and New Zealand have to offer, and fewer tourists means lower prices and less crowding. Your biggest money saver by far on an off-peak trip to this region is airfare—prices can be reduced by more than 50 percent. Here's a comparison of round-trip fares on three major airlines between Los Angeles and Melbourne for travel July through August, and January through February 2004:

Airline July/August price January/February rate

Qantas $986 $1,970

United $990 $1,974

American $999 $1,982

These prices include taxes and were taken from the airline's websites and Orbitz. As winter 2004 approaches, these fares may drop in price. For flights to Australia and New Zealand in winter 2003, the SmarterTravel.com Fare Index tracked lower prices than those listed now for 2004. But, the summer fares represent a savings.

Check with airlines that fly to Australia and New Zealand for even lower fare specials, and for discounted vacation packages. We found low-price air and hotel packages to Australia and New Zealand from United Vacations, Air New Zealand, and Qantas, including a seven-night Sydney vacation from $1,099. If you only want airfare, we have a roundup of current sale fares.

Aside from airfare, you'll generally find lower hotel and tour rates in the low season, except near ski areas. Try searching HolidayPoint.com for hotel deals in Australia or New Zealand.

i was a reservation agent for years, simply put. rates fluxuate based on demand, so you may pick a date in the future BUT if others follow suit for similar reasons as yours, demand goes up as does rate... so call a flight agent and ask them to LEVEL with you about best time of year based on previous statistics. next check with this hotel chain as a guide for hotel rates here: http://www.marriott.com.au/Channels/globalSites/de... to see what times might work best for hotel rates as well.

at excatly 4:20 (am or pm) on the twentieth of April.

september

october because they are just getting over winter and noone is traveling

February 30th. OR Never.

fall

I guess fall

definitly september or october.