Go Card

Beat the ticket queue and buy a rechargeable touch card, which you can use to 'touch on' and 'touch off' when travelling. Rather than buying tickets separately, the fare is deducted from your card each time. Faster and better value for money if taking the bus or train.

Hire a scooter

Hiring a scooter is one of the most popular ways to travel around the Gold Coast and can be hired on an hourly, daily or weekly basis in Surfers Paradise. Extremely cheap on petrol, scooters will only cost around AUD$3 to run per day. Great for soaking up the Queensland sun, feel the wind in your hair as you explore the best sights in the region.

Schoolies Week

If there is ever a good time to avoid the Gold Coast it's during Schoolies Week. From mid-November through to the first week of December, thousands of school leavers come together for the ultimate school's out party. Accommodation is usually booked out and Surfers Paradise is packed with teens. Fun if you're under twenty, but if relaxation is what you're after move further up the coast.

Clothing

Generally it is a good idea to pack lightweight clothing for the Gold Coast climate. If you plan on bushwalking don't forget hiking boots – in this instance, thongs may not seem so handy! To fight off the fierce sun, stock up on sun cream, a wide brimmed hat and sunnies. Summer nights may also see a few storms so take an umbrella just in case.

FLIGHTS FROM NEW ZEALAND

From Auckland: Freedom Air flies once a day direct. Flights take approximately three to four hours.
From Hamilton: Fly with Virgin Australia and Freedom Air direct in over three hours.
From Dunedin: Direct flights take just over three hours.
From Palmerston North: Flights take just over three hours.
From Christchurch: Direct flights take around three hours.

Public Bus

From the domestic arrivals terminal at Coolangatta, a number of buses will take you to and around the centre. Catch the 702 to Surfers Paradise and the 761 or 768 to various other destinations. With regular services, this is an inexpensive way to travel at just over $4, compared with booking a shuttle transfer.

Helicopter transfer

Beat the traffic jams and heavy lifting of luggage by catching a helicopter instead! Helitours offer airport transfers from Brisbane to the Gold Coast for up to six passengers for the ultimate luxury transfer. At AUD$980 for three people and $1720 for six, it may be the shortest and most expensive flight you catch!

Hot air ballooning

For breathtaking views of the sun rising over the Gold Coast Hinterland, a hot air balloon ride is an exhilarating experience. Nothing beats the sense of calm as you float silently over the majestic landscape. With a champagne breakfast at O'Reilly's Grand Homestead and Vineyard, this is one of the best experiences on the Gold Coast for AUD $250.

Whale watching

For an intimate encounter with a humpback whale, the Gold Coast boasts a 100% daily sightings record. The Whales in Paradise tour offers daily trips from Surfers Paradise, down the Nerang River to 'The Humpback Whale Highway'. With sightings of bottlenose dolphins, giant loggerhead turtles and killer whales as a bonus, make sure you bring your camera.

Lolas, Broadbeach, 101 Old Burleigh Road

Chic style and alfresco dining without the unpleasant crowds, Lolas is a family-run restaurant pairing modern Australian cuisine with a laidback atmosphere. Great salads for keeping the beach bod in shape, however, even better are the homemade desserts (sigh). Stop by for a chilled out lunch on your way back from the beach.

Songbirds, Tamborine Mountain Rd, North Tamborine

Set in a luxurious rainforest resort over 54 acres, for a secluded dining experience and dishes created with artistic flair, Songbirds is the perfect escape. Away from the bustle of Surfers Paradise and shopping arcades, this is well worth the drive to the Hinterland if you fancy a change of scenery. Dine alfresco with the kookaburras and parrots.

Platinum, 19 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Large enough to hold around 1,500 clubbers, Platinum offers house music and interstate and international guest DJs. Party into the morning all the way till 5am. If you want to avoid long queues, make sure you get there before 10pm. Head here on a Saturday if you're looking for a big night out.

Fisherman's Wharf Tavern, 60-70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Sundays at 'Fisho's' is the second biggest night of the weekend, when it gets packed from as early as 6pm. With a great view of the Marina Mirage, enjoy a cold beer during the day or night with live music every Friday and Saturday. A great spot for chilling out, an afternoon can easily run into the night.

DAY 2: Take a boat cruise

With waterways over 10 times longer than those in Venice (and without the whiff), whether you are looking for romance in a gondola, tall ship sailing or a chance to feed the dolphins, the Gold Coast offers a range of trips to suit every mood. Spend a day on a square-rigger tall ship with morning and afternoon tea plus Aussie BBQ on a private island for $129.

DAY 4: Explore the city

If you fancy a day of shopping and relaxation, head to Carrara Market on the weekend to find a bargain among the 500 stalls. Alternatively travel to any of the Gold Coast's shopping malls, some of the biggest in the Southern hemisphere. Finish the day at Sky Point Observation Deck for an unrivalled panoramic view of the city with sights from the surf to hinterland and beyond. Some 230 metres above ground, this is the perfect way to end your trip on a high.