Australia vs. New Zealand - Which should I visit?

(410 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 have some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. These destinations are on the top of many travelers bucket lists and are sought out for an adventurous getaway. I’ve been fortunate to have experienced both of these majestic destinations. There are many similarities between these destinations, but they are quite different from one another. In my professional opinion I will always suggest that if you have the opportunity you should visit both Australia and New Zealand … you will not regret it!

In general terms, Australia is a red dusty desert with coasts that boast greenery and beautiful beaches. There are some tropical areas, however for the most part Australia is relatively dry. New Zealand on the other hand is much greener than Australia. It's more mountainous and is defined by the fjords that cross the nation.

Australia is going to be warmer than New Zealand. I personally went to Australia during June (their winter) and being a born and raised in Minnesota, I found it to be similar to our fall. On top of that, Vivid Sydney kicks off towards the end of May until the middle of June. Vivid is INCREDIBLE and a must see if you’re traveling during this time. Vivid Sydney is an annual celebration of lights with the main event being, lighting up the sails of the Sydney Opera House!

Australia is nearly the size of the United States and is much larger than New Zealand. It’s much easier to visit several areas of New Zealand. As for Australia, depending on length of you may only be able to get to a very small area and need to make a return visit. In Kaikoura, New Zealand we took a boat out in hopes of seeing a sperm whale. We were lucky enough to spot a whale, and I must say I was so excited I almost dropped my phone in the ocean! In Australia, I was able to fulfill my childhood dream of hand feeding kangaroos, and not just 1, but 4 at the same time! I literally could have sat there all day feeding them!

Why Australia? If you want warm climates, a wealth of famous landmarks, buzzing cities, fascinating animals, and plenty of opportunities to surf, scuba-dive, or suntan then head to Australia.

Why New Zealand? If you want a more affordable trip with milder weather, a smaller area to explore, breathtaking landscapes, and the opportunity to indulge your love of the outdoors in summer and winter, New Zealand is the place to be.

Honestly, it’s hard for me to tell you which to choose, however I hope these bits of information will help you make a decision on which to visit because truly they both have special memories for me. I cannot wait to return and experience more beauty both of these places have to offer. All I can say is there are endless reasons that these countries are on the top of many bucket lists.