Sydney, Australia and South Island, New Zealand
What better way to ring in 2018 than by watching the fireworks over the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
And then after a few days of touring around Sydney heading to the South Island of New Zealand!
And so we planned a trip from December 26, 2017 through January 16, 2018!
Theresa decided her sabbatical would be in Perth and include NYE in Sydney beforehand; Rodney had long had New Zealand on his bucket list; and Karen jumped in on the idea of the whole trip to do all that. So the planning began!
United frequent flyer miles made the flights exceptionally reasonable and easy, especially after the change of planes occurred at SFO instead of in Beijing. We all met in Denver and flew together to San Francisco where we had a long layover. But again, thanks to United, we had an enjoyable time using our free lounge passes. Then our 16 hour flight began to Sydney, and as we crossed the International Dateline we “lost” December 28th.
United frequent flyer miles made the flights exceptionally reasonable and easy, especially after the change of planes occurred at SFO instead of in Beijing. We all met in Denver and flew together to San Francisco where we had a long layover. But again, thanks to United, we had an enjoyable time using our free lounge passes. Then our 16 hour flight began to Sydney, and as we crossed the International Dateline we “lost” December 28th.
Dec 29, 2017
After making our way through customs and dropping off our luggage at our hotel, we headed out to investigate Sydney. A Hop-On Hop-Off bus is the best way to get acquainted with a new city. We ate lunch at Ribs & Burgers and then continued our tour of the city.
After making our way through customs and dropping off our luggage at our hotel, we headed out to investigate Sydney. A Hop-On Hop-Off bus is the best way to get acquainted with a new city. We ate lunch at Ribs & Burgers and then continued our tour of the city.
That evening we set off on an Air BnB Experience, a nighttime photography workshop with Alfonso. Lots of great views of the city and bridge, and ending with a nightcap at the Lord Nelson Brewery with the workshop group.
Dec 30, 2019
We started the day with another Air BnB Experience: “Sail the Harbor with Gushiv and Rob”. More great iconic views of Sydney, from the water this time.
We started the day with another Air BnB Experience: “Sail the Harbor with Gushiv and Rob”. More great iconic views of Sydney, from the water this time.
After lunch at the Observer Hotel, we wandered around including a visit to the Apple Store, and then took time-lapse videos of George Street and its festive Christmas decor. Dinner was at the Crescent Cafe and then we settled in to Steve’s Air BnB for another restful evening.
Dec 31, 2017
New Year’s Eve began with lunch at the Treetop Cafe in Waterloo area, then an Uber to the Botanic Gardens where we spent the rest of the afternoon and night.
We had researched where to view the fireworks but found most possibilities for reserving a spot were booked. Finally ended up paying a pretty penny for “Midnight at the Oasis”, and boy was it worth it! Reserved seats, a three-course dinner and live music as well as spectacular views of the Opera House, Harbor, and Bridge!
New Year’s Eve began with lunch at the Treetop Cafe in Waterloo area, then an Uber to the Botanic Gardens where we spent the rest of the afternoon and night.
We had researched where to view the fireworks but found most possibilities for reserving a spot were booked. Finally ended up paying a pretty penny for “Midnight at the Oasis”, and boy was it worth it! Reserved seats, a three-course dinner and live music as well as spectacular views of the Opera House, Harbor, and Bridge!
Jan 1, 2018
The new year started with a visit to the Sydney Zoo, a walk around the Opera House, and taking a ferry to Luna Park. Then a night time walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The new year started with a visit to the Sydney Zoo, a walk around the Opera House, and taking a ferry to Luna Park. Then a night time walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
- Sydney
- New Zealand-1
- New Zealand 2
- Sydney
- New Zealand-1
- New Zealand 2
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