Australia vs. New Zealand - Which should I visit?

(424 Reviews)
99% Recommended

Pam MacIntyre

Maple Grove, MN

Australia & New Zealand Specialist

New Zealand

In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...

New Zealand

I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.

The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!

Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!

Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!

Australia

Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.

While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.

And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.

Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.

Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.

Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!

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Australia and New Zealand are home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. These destinations are at the top of many travelers' bucket lists and are known for their adventurous getaways. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience both of these majestic places, and while they share some similarities, they are quite different from one another. In my professional opinion, if you get the chance, you should visit both Australia and New Zealand—you won’t regret it!

In broad terms, Australia is a red, dusty desert with coasts lined with greenery and beautiful beaches. There are tropical areas, but for the most part, Australia is relatively dry. New Zealand, on the other hand, is much greener, more mountainous, and defined by the fjords that stretch across the nation.

Australia is going to be warmer than New Zealand. I visited Australia in June (which is their winter), and as someone who was born and raised in Minnesota, I found it to be similar to our fall. During this time, Vivid Sydney takes place from the end of May until mid-June—and it’s INCREDIBLE! If you’re traveling during this period, make sure you don’t miss it. Vivid Sydney is an annual celebration of lights, with the highlight being the spectacular lighting of the Sydney Opera House sails.

Australia is nearly the size of the United States and much larger than New Zealand. In New Zealand, it’s much easier to visit several regions due to the country’s smaller size. With Australia, depending on the length of your trip, you might only get to experience a small portion, making it worth a return visit.

In Kaikoura, New Zealand, I went on a boat hoping to spot a sperm whale—and we were lucky enough to see one! I was so excited that I almost dropped my phone into the ocean! In Australia, I had the chance to fulfill a childhood dream of hand-feeding kangaroos. Not just one, but four at once! I could have sat there all day feeding them.

Why Australia?

If you’re looking for warm climates, iconic landmarks, vibrant cities, fascinating wildlife, and plenty of opportunities to surf, scuba dive, or soak up the sun, Australia is the place to go.

Why New Zealand?

If you prefer milder weather, a more affordable trip, breathtaking landscapes, and the chance to immerse yourself in the great outdoors year-round, New Zealand should be your destination.

It’s tough for me to choose one over the other, as both places hold special memories for me. I hope these insights help you decide which destination to visit first. Both have so much to offer, and I can’t wait to return to experience even more of the beauty these countries hold. There’s a reason these countries are at the top of so many bucket lists!