So Im travelling to Sydney for work but am going to take advantage of the paid-for flights to take vacation time in the area too. I have 5 days on the area, then I have to be in Sydney for a work week, and then another 11 days in the area. Im flying into and out of Sydney as well. I would love to visit New Zealand. I plan to explore Sydney the day I arrive (intermixed with sleeping) and after work for the days Im working.

My original thought was to spend the first 5 days in the Port Douglas area – probably take a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and maybe visit the Daintree rainforest. I would then spend 11 days in New Zealand on the South island.

However, I also like the idea of swapping the two visits, and spending 5 days on South Island and 11 days doing a trip from Port Douglas/Cannes down to Sydney, stopping and visiting Fraser Island, sailing the Whitsundays islands, and visiting Byron Bay, depending on what I think ibhave time for.

Im also open to other ideas. Ill be backpacking, solo, plan to stay in hostels, probably bussing instead of driving myself around New Zealand, and love natural beauty. Im definitely prioritizing be in and around nature vs. being in the city. I would definitely go bungee jumping, rafting, and hiking in NZ, time permitting. Id also be down to take surfing lessons and just chill around the beach. How do you all think I should split my time?

Thanks!