New Zealand? Or stay in OZ?

I'm going to be in Australia (specifically Canberra) in mid-November for
work. I've arranged my schedule so that I can take off nearly a week
(Sunday until Friday PM) to sightsee.

Based on questions I've asked here in the past and on people I've talked
with, I'm seriously considering going to Te Anau on New Zealand's South
Island. I'd get into Christchurch on Sunday evening, stay there overnight,
and then drive down to the Te Anau area first thing Monday morning. I'd
then have Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and part of Thursday in the area
(since I'd be flying out Friday morning, I'd have to head back to
Christchurch on Thursday). I'd be flying from Sydney.

Is this enough time? What will the weather be like? Should I use Te Anau
as a base or should I pick another South Island town instead (any
suggestions?)?

As an alternative, I'd go somewhere in Australia. I was there once before
and had a great time. I was in Sydney (downtown area), Melbourne (city,
Dandenongs, & Goldfield region), and Adelaide (city and all around). Any
other suggestions? I'm flying out from Sydney back to the US Friday night,
so I must be back by then.

Thanks!

Sarah
(if you reply by e-mail, please remove the nospams)

Sarah wrote:

 > Based on questions I've asked here in the past and on people I've talked
 > with, I'm seriously considering going to Te Anau on New Zealand's South
 > Island. I'd get into Christchurch on Sunday evening, stay there overnight,
 > and then drive down to the Te Anau area first thing Monday morning. I'd
 > then have Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and part of Thursday in the area
 > (since I'd be flying out Friday morning, I'd have to head back to
 > Christchurch on Thursday). I'd be flying from Sydney.
 >
 > Is this enough time? What will the weather be like? Should I use Te Anau
 > as a base or should I pick another South Island town instead (any
 > suggestions?)?

Having a few days in Te Anau would be nice - there will always be things
you could do if only you had more time, but I don't think you'd feel
that having three days there would be a complete waste. Dunedin on
Freedomair might be slightly quicker, if the flight times fit your time
slot. Of course, the big factor is the time to get to Te Anau and back
from Sydney: you'll be "on the road" almost as you're at your
destination. Plus, there is no guarantee that the weather will be
stable - it may well be, but you never know. Queenstown is another
obvious choice - there are direct flights from Sydney either started or
about to start.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->