Australia vs New Zealand: Which Is Better Travel Destination?

Trying to pick between Australia vs New Zealand for your next vacation? Both places are awesome but in different ways. I’ve been in your shoes, and let me tell you, it’s not an easy choice so I’m here to help you figure out which one is just right for you.

Australia’s all about big cities, gorgeous beaches, and unique wildlife. New Zealand, on the other hand, is a nature lover’s dream with its jaw-dropping landscapes and outdoor adventures. Let’s look at both countries and see which one fits your dream trip better!

Which Country Looks the Prettiest?

Winner: New Zealand

When it comes to beautiful views, both Australia and New Zealand are amazing. But if I had to pick a winner, I’d say New Zealand takes the prize. Here’s why:

New Zealand is like nature’s highlight reel. It’s crazy how much beautiful stuff they’ve packed into a country smaller than Japan! From snowy mountains to pretty beaches, you can see it all without traveling too far.

In New Zealand, you can visit Milford Sound, a place with huge cliffs and waterfalls that’ll make your eyes pop. Then there’s Tongariro National Park, where you’ll feel like you’re on another planet with its volcanoes and green lakes.

Australia has some incredible sights too:

The Great Barrier Reef is like a huge underwater city of colorful fish and coral. It’s so big you can see it from space! Then there’s Uluru, a massive red rock in the middle of the desert that seems to change color as the sun moves.

But here’s the thing: Australia is huge. It can take hours of flying to get from one cool place to another. In New Zealand, you can ski in the morning and lie on a beach in the afternoon.

Let’s compare the two:

What to Compare	Australia	New Zealand
Size	Very big (7.7 million km²)	Much smaller (268,021 km²)
Landscapes	Deserts, rainforests, beaches, reefs	Mountains, fjords, beaches, glaciers
Famous natural spot	Great Barrier Reef	Milford Sound
Cool rock	Uluru (Ayers Rock)	Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki
Oldest rainforest	Daintree Rainforest	Waipoua Forest
Highest mountain	Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 m)	Aoraki/Mount Cook (3,724 m)
Famous beach	Bondi Beach	Ninety Mile Beach

So, while Australia has some amazing natural wonders, I think New Zealand wins this round. It’s like nature turned up the beauty to the max, and you can see so much of it without traveling super far. But if you love wide-open spaces, Australia might be more your style.

Do You Like Big Cities or Small Towns?

City life: Australia

Small town charm: New Zealand

If you love city life, Australia’s the way to go. Australian cities are world-famous and full of exciting stuff to do. Let me tell you more:

Sydney is the star of the show with its famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge. I still remember the first time I saw the sun setting behind the Opera House – it was so pretty! The city’s got yummy food, beautiful Australian beaches like Bondi, and lots of fun things to do.

Melbourne is like the cool, artsy cousin. People say it’s one of the best cities in the world to live in. The coffee here is amazing – you’ll find some of the tastiest drinks in little cafes hidden in alleyways. Melbourne is also known for its cool street art, food from all over the world, and love of sports.

New Zealand’s cities are nice too, but in a different way. Auckland has a beautiful harbor and a tall Sky Tower you can see from everywhere. Wellington, the capital, is small but full of character, with great food and lots of museums.

But let’s be honest, they can’t really compete with the big Australian cities when it comes to size and things to do.

Here’s a closer look at how the cities stack up:

City Stuff	Australia	New Zealand
Biggest city	Sydney (5.3 million people)	Auckland (1.6 million people)
Second biggest	Melbourne (5 million people)	Christchurch (400,000 people)
Capital city	Canberra (450,000 people)	Wellington (215,000 people)
City feeling	Busy and exciting	Relaxed and laid-back
Famous landmark	Sydney Opera House	Auckland Sky Tower
Getting around	Lots of buses and trains in big cities	Good in Auckland, not as much elsewhere
Mix of cultures	Lots of people from all over	Growing mix of different cultures
Nightlife	Super fun, especially in Sydney and Melbourne	Good in big cities, but quieter

I walked through Melbourne’s little streets, finding hidden bars and cool art on the walls. It felt like there was always something new to see. In Auckland, while it’s pretty, I felt like I’d seen most of the city center in just a couple of days.

But here’s the flip side: if you like smaller towns where you can quickly get to nature, New Zealand might be better for you. Even in Auckland, you’re just a short drive from beautiful beaches and forests.

Where Can You See the Coolest Animals?

Winner: Australia

If you want to see unique animals, Australia is the clear winner here. Sorry, New Zealand, but you just can’t beat kangaroos and koalas!

Australia is like a real-life zoo with animals you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Here’s what you might see:

• Kangaroos: These bouncy guys are all over the place! I once saw a whole field of them at sunset, and it was so cool. You can even find them on some beaches!
• Koalas: These famous Australian animals are not bears, even though some people call them “koala bears”. These sleepy guys love to eat eucalyptus leaves and spend most of their time in trees.
• Platypus: One of the weirdest and coolest animals you’ll ever see. It looks like it’s made from different animal parts – a duck’s bill, a beaver’s tail, and otter’s feet. They’re hard to find, but seeing one in the wild is super special.

New Zealand has some neat animals too, but they’re mostly birds. The kiwi is New Zealand’s national bird.

These funny-looking birds can’t fly and come out at night. They’re hard to spot in the wild, but there are places where you can see them up close.

Let’s compare the animals in both countries:

Animal Stuff	Australia	New Zealand
Special mammals	Lots (kangaroos, koalas, wombats)	Not many (mostly bats)
Bird life	Many kinds (kookaburras, emus, cockatoos)	Lots of unique birds (kiwi, kakapo, tui)
Sea life	Great Barrier Reef, whale sharks	Whales, dolphins, seals
Dangerous animals	Some (sharks, snakes, spiders)	Very few (no snakes)
National animal	Red kangaroo	Kiwi
Animals that lay eggs	Platypus, echidna	None
Birds that can’t fly	Emu	Kiwi, kakapo, takahe

If you love sea animals, both countries have cool things to see. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is amazing for colorful fish and coral. But New Zealand’s great for whale watching, especially in a place called Kaikoura.

Where Can You Have the Most Fun Activities?

Winner: New Zealand

Both Australia and New Zealand are travel destinations with lots to offer in terms of exciting things to do. But if I had to pick a winner, I’d choose New Zealand.

New Zealand is like a giant playground for people who love adventure. Queenstown in New Zealand is even called the “adventure capital of the world”! There’s so much to do, you’ll never get bored.

In Queenstown, you can go bungee jumping (jumping off a tall bridge with a stretchy cord tied to your feet). It’s scary but so much fun! You can also go skydiving, which is like jumping out of a plane and floating down with a parachute.

New Zealand also has amazing places to hike. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the best day hikes in the world.

Australia has some great adventures too:

You can surf on the Gold Coast, which has some of the best waves in the world. Or you can go diving in the Great Barrier Reef to see colorful fish and coral up close. In the Outback, you can go on a 4WD (four-wheel drive) tour.

Let’s compare the adventure activities:

Adventure Stuff	Australia	New Zealand
Famous for	Surfing, scuba diving	Bungee jumping, skydiving
Best hiking	Overland Track (Tasmania)	Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Water sports	Great Barrier Reef, beach surfing	White water rafting, kayaking
Winter sports	Some skiing in the Snowy Mountains	Excellent skiing in Queenstown
Unique experience	Camel rides in the Outback	Zorbing (rolling down a hill in a big ball)
Best place for adventures	Cairns, Queensland	Queenstown, South Island

So, while Australia has some awesome adventures, especially if you love the beach and the ocean, New Zealand wins for me. It’s got so many different kinds of adventures all packed into a smaller area. You can do something new and exciting every day!

Which Place Has the Yummiest Food?

Winner: Australia

When it comes to food, both Australia and New Zealand have some tasty treats. But if I had to choose a winner, I’d say Australia takes the cake (pun intended!).

Australia has food from all over the world. Because people from many different countries have moved to Australia, you can find all sorts of yummy dishes.

In Melbourne, you can eat Italian food for breakfast, Chinese for lunch, and Greek for dinner, all in the same day! Sydney has amazing seafood – nothing beats fresh fish and chips on Bondi Beach.

Australia also has some unique foods of its own:

Vegemite is a salty spread that Aussies love on toast. It’s an acquired taste, but worth trying! Tim Tams are chocolate biscuits that are super delicious. Once you start eating them, it’s hard to stop!

New Zealand has some great food too:

They’re famous for their lamb, which is some of the best in the world. Hangi is a traditional Maori way of cooking food underground. It makes meat and vegetables taste amazing.

Let’s compare the food scenes:

Food Stuff	Australia	New Zealand
Famous dish	Meat pie	Hangi (Maori feast)
Seafood specialty	Barramundi	Green-lipped mussels
Unique snack	Vegemite	Hokey Pokey ice cream
Best coffee city	Melbourne	Wellington
Wine regions	Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley	Marlborough, Central Otago
Famous dessert	Pavlova (but NZ claims it too!)	Pavlova (but Australia claims it too!)
Street food	Sausage sizzle	Meat pie

Both countries make great wine too. Australia’s Barossa Valley is famous for big, bold red wines. New Zealand’s Marlborough region makes some of the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world.

So yeah, I think Australia wins for food because there’s just so much variety. But New Zealand is no slouch in the food department, especially if you love fresh, farm-to-table eating.

Which Country is Easier on Your Wallet?

Winner: New Zealand

When it comes to money, both Australia and New Zealand can be a bit expensive. But if you’re trying to save some cash, New Zealand might be a little easier on your wallet and tend to be slightly cheaper overall.

You can find good, affordable places to stay, especially if you like hostels or camping. Eating out can be reasonable, especially if you go to local spots instead of fancy restaurants. Many of the best things to do, like hiking in New Zealand national parks, are free or don’t cost much.

Australia can be a bit more expensive:

Big cities like Sydney and Melbourne can really eat up your money. Traveling between places can cost a lot because Australia is so big. Some of the big attractions can be pricey.

Let’s break down the costs:

Money Stuff	Australia	New Zealand
Hostel bed (per night)	$25-35	$20-30
Mid-range meal	$15-25	$12-20
Local beer	$5-8	$4-7
Public transport (city)	$3-4 per trip	$2-3 per trip
Domestic flight	$100-300	$50-150
Car rental (per day)	$40-80	$30-70

Remember, these are just rough estimates. Prices can change depending on where you go and when.

While New Zealand is a bit cheaper, don’t let costs stop you from choosing Australia if that’s where you really want to go. With some smart planning, you can have an amazing time in either country without spending too much.

Which Travel Destination is Easier to Get Around?

Winner: New Zealand

New Zealand is small, which makes it super easy to explore. You can drive from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island in about 24 hours.

The roads in New Zealand are well-kept and often have beautiful views. Buses and trains between big towns and cities are reliable and easy to use.

Australia, on the other hand:

It’s huge! Getting between major attractions often means taking a plane. Distances can be tricky. A “short” drive might take all day! Public transport is great in cities but can be limited between them.

Let’s compare:

Travel Stuff	Australia	New Zealand
Size	7.7 million km²	268,021 km²
Driving	Long distances between sights	Can see a lot in a short time
Public transport	Great in cities, limited elsewhere	Good coverage of tourist spots
Domestic flights	Often necessary	Usually not needed
Famous road trip	Great Ocean Road	South Island circuit
Easiest way to travel	Flying between major cities	Driving or bus tours

Both countries speak English and are very welcoming to tourists, which makes things easier. But New Zealand’s small size makes it the winner for easy travel.

In Australia, you might need to pick one region to explore unless you have a lot of time. In New Zealand, you can see a bit of everything even on a shorter trip.

Which Place Has the Friendliest People?

Winner: New Zealand

When it comes to friendly faces, both Australia and New Zealand are known for their welcoming locals. But if I had to pick a winner, I’d say New Zealand edges out just a bit.

New Zealanders, or Kiwis as they’re often called, are famous for their laid-back and friendly nature. They’re always ready to help out a traveler in need.

In New Zealand, I’ve had strangers offer me rides when I was hiking, and cafe owners chat with me like we were old friends. There’s a real sense of community that visitors can feel too.

Australians are also super friendly, don’t get me wrong! They’re known for their “no worries” attitude and love of a good chat.

Let’s compare the friendly factor:

People Stuff	Australia	New Zealand
Nickname for locals	Aussies	Kiwis
Common greeting	“G’day”	“Kia ora”
Famous trait	Laid-back attitude	Helpful nature
Social customs	Love of “shoeys” (drinking from a shoe)	Hongi (traditional Maori greeting)
Sports passion	Cricket, Aussie Rules Football	Rugby
Slang words	“Fair dinkum”, “Strewth”	“Sweet as”, “Chur”

Both countries are great at making visitors feel welcome. You’ll likely find yourself chatting with locals and making new friends in either place.

In Australia, the friendliness often comes with a side of playful teasing or “taking the mickey”. It’s all in good fun, though!

In New Zealand, the kindness often extends to a genuine interest in your travels and a willingness to share local secrets.

So while both countries are super friendly, New Zealand gets a tiny edge for its extra helpful and welcoming vibe. But honestly, you’ll feel welcome in both places!

Which Place is Safer for Travelers?

Winner: New Zealand

Safety is super important when you’re traveling, and the good news is that both Australia and New Zealand are very safe countries to visit. But if we’re splitting hairs, New Zealand might be just a tad safer.

New Zealand often ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. It has low crime rates and people generally feel very safe, even when walking alone at night.

In New Zealand, the biggest dangers are usually from nature – things like sunburn or getting caught out in changing weather while hiking.

Australia is also very safe for travelers, but it does have a few more things to watch out for:

• Some of the wildlife can be dangerous, like certain spiders and snakes.
• The sun is very strong, so sunburn and heatstroke are real risks.
• Rip currents at beaches can be dangerous for swimmers.

Let’s compare some safety stuff:

Safety Things	Australia	New Zealand
Crime rate	Low	Very low
Dangerous animals	Some (snakes, spiders, jellyfish)	Very few (no snakes)
Natural disasters	Bushfires, cyclones	Earthquakes, volcanic activity
Beach safety	Watch for rip currents	Generally safer beaches
Road safety	Drive on the left, long distances	Drive on the left, winding roads
Health system	Excellent	Excellent

I’ve always felt safe in both countries, but I did have to be more aware of things like checking my shoes for spiders in Australia!

In New Zealand, I felt comfortable hiking alone and never worried about wildlife encounters.

Both countries have great emergency services and healthcare if you need them. They also both have strict gun laws, which helps keep gun violence very low.

So while both Australia and New Zealand are very safe places to visit, New Zealand gets a slight edge for having fewer natural dangers to worry about.

But don’t let safety concerns stop you from visiting either country – just be aware and use common sense, and you’ll have a great, safe trip!

Which Place is Better for Learning About New Cultures?

Winner: New Zealand

If you’re interested in learning about different cultures, both Australia and New Zealand have a lot to offer. But in this category, I think New Zealand takes the win.

New Zealand has a strong Maori culture that’s a big part of everyday life. You’ll see and hear Maori language, customs, and traditions everywhere you go.

In New Zealand, you can visit a marae (Maori meeting ground), watch a haka (traditional war dance), or enjoy a hangi (feast cooked in an underground oven). These experiences are easy to find and often very interactive.

Australia has a rich Aboriginal culture too, but it can sometimes be harder to experience, especially in big cities. That said, there are some amazing opportunities:

• You can see ancient Aboriginal rock art in places like Kakadu National Park.
• In Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, you can learn about Dreamtime stories from Aboriginal guides.

Let’s compare the cultural experiences:

Culture Stuff	Australia	New Zealand
Indigenous people	Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander	Maori
Language	Many Aboriginal languages	Maori (widely used)
Famous cultural site	Uluru (Ayers Rock)	Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Traditional performance	Corroboree	Haka
Indigenous population	About 3% of total population	About 16% of total population
Cultural experiences	Available but can feel separate	Integrated into daily life

Both countries are working hard to preserve and share their indigenous cultures. In New Zealand, you might hear Maori words used in everyday conversation, even by non-Maori people.

In Australia, acknowledgment of the traditional owners of the land is becoming more common at events and gatherings.

Where Can You Have the Best Places to Stay

Winner: Tie

Both Australia and New Zealand offer a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs and budget. Let me tell you what you can expect:

In Australia, you’ll find:

• Big hotel chains in cities. Think Hilton, Marriott, and local chains like Rydges.
• Lots of hostels for backpackers, especially along the East Coast, with popular chains like YHA and Base.
• Cool beach houses to rent, perfect for family holidays or groups of friends.
• Unique “glamping” spots in the Outback. Luxury tents with real beds and amazing views of the stars.
• Caravan parks which are great for road trippers with facilities for campervans and tents.
• Airbnb options from city apartments to rural farm stays.

New Zealand offers:

• Cozy bed and breakfasts often run by friendly locals who can give you insider tips.
• Eco and luxury New Zealand lodges in beautiful nature spots perfect for those who want to minimize their environmental impact.
• Farm stays where you can experience rural Kiwi life and maybe even help with farm chores.
• Holiday parks with a mix of powered sites for campervans, tent spots, and basic cabins.
• Backpacker hostels found in most towns, often with a fun, social atmosphere.
• Boutique hotels especially in wine regions and scenic areas.
• Department of Conservation (DOC) huts with basic accommodation for hikers in national parks.

Here’s a more detailed comparison:

Accommodation	Australia	New Zealand
Luxury hotels	Many in big cities, some in tourist areas	Fewer, but some amazing lodges in scenic spots
Hostels	Lots, especially on East Coast, from $20-40 AUD/night	Good number, spread across country, from $25-45 NZD/night
Unique stays	Underwater hotels, tree houses, converted trains	Hobbit holes, glass pods, lighthouse keepers’ cottages
Camping	Free camping in many places, but rules vary by state	Freedom camping with restrictions, must be self-contained
Average hotel price	$150-200 AUD per night	$120-170 NZD per night
Airbnb average	$100-150 AUD per night	$90-140 NZD per night
Farm stays	Less common, more in rural areas	Very popular, great way to experience local life
Eco-lodges	Some, especially near natural attractions	Many, often in stunning natural settings
Backpacker hostels	Numerous, often with bars and social events	Common, often smaller and more laid-back
Holiday parks	Common, great for families and road trippers	Very popular, often in scenic locations

I once stayed in a converted train carriage in Australia’s Blue Mountains – it was so cool! The old train had been turned into cozy rooms but still had the original features.

In New Zealand, I loved the little cabin I rented in Tongariro National Park. It had amazing views of the mountains and was perfect for stargazing at night.

In Australia, I found the hostels to be very social, with lots of organized events and tours. New Zealand’s hostels often felt more like a home away from home, with communal kitchens where you could chat with other travelers while cooking.

One thing to note is that in both countries, accommodation can get booked up quickly during peak season (December-February).

If you’re traveling then, especially to popular spots like Sydney for New Year’s Eve or Queenstown in summer, book well in advance!

Where Can You Have More Fun at Night?

Winner: Australia

Australia and New Zealand both have great nightlife, but they’re quite different. For me, Australia wins for nightlife because it has bigger cities with more options and later closing times. But if you prefer a more relaxed night out, you might like New Zealand better.

Australia’s night scene:

• Big cities like Sydney and Melbourne have lots of clubs and bars
• Aussies love going to pubs – it’s a big part of their culture
• There are huge music festivals, especially in summer
• Each city has its own famous party areas
• Casinos in big cities often have nightclubs too

New Zealand’s night scene:

• Wellington and Auckland have cool bars with lots of craft beer
• Queenstown is known as a party town, popular with young travelers
• There are many craft beer bars and local music shows
• Wine bars are popular, especially in wine-making areas
• You can enjoy Maori cultural evenings with traditional shows and food

Let’s compare in more detail:

Night Out Stuff	Australia	New Zealand
Famous party spot	Kings Cross, Sydney (though changing due to lockout laws)	Queenstown
Closing time	Late (3am or later in big cities)	Earlier (usually around 2am, with some exceptions)
Drink prices	Can be expensive ($8-12 AUD for a beer)	A bit cheaper ($6-10 NZD for a beer)
Legal drinking age	18	18
Unique experience	Sunset drinks at Uluru	Night sky gazing in Lake Tekapo
Music festivals	Big ones like Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival	Smaller ones like Rhythm and Vines, Homegrown
Casino nightlife	Crown in Melbourne, Star in Sydney	SkyCity in Auckland
LGBTQ+ scene	Very vibrant, especially in Sydney (Mardi Gras)	Welcoming, with Pride festivals in major cities
Pub culture	Strong, with many historic pubs	Present, but more focus on craft beer bars
Wine bars	Popular in cities and wine regions	Very popular, especially in wine-producing areas
Unique local drinks	Goon (boxed wine), VB beer	L&P soft drink, Steinlager beer
Street food after dark	Night markets in some cities, food trucks	Night markets, especially in Auckland

I had a blast at a rooftop bar with expats in Melbourne with amazing city views. The cocktails were pricey, but watching the sunset over the city skyline was worth it.

In New Zealand, I loved the cozy pubs in Queenstown where you could chat with locals and other travelers. One night, we ended up joining a pub quiz team with people we’d just met!

Some tips for night owls:

• In Australia, “BYO” (Bring Your Own) restaurants are common, where you can bring your own alcohol.
• In New Zealand, many bars have a great selection of local wines – don’t miss trying some!
• Both countries have strict drink-driving laws, so always plan how you’ll get home safely.
• In both places, it’s common to “pre-drink” at home before going out, as bar drinks can be expensive.
• Look out for happy hour specials, especially in backpacker areas.

When’s the Best Time to Visit?

Picking the right time to visit can make your trip even better. Both Australia and New Zealand have good times to visit, but they’re a bit different. 

Australia is so big that the best time to visit depends on where you’re going!

• Northern Australia (like Cairns and Darwin) – best from May to October. It’s drier and less humid then.
• Southern Australia (like Sydney and Melbourne) – great from September to November (spring) or March to May (fall). The weather is mild and there are fewer tourists.

New Zealand has more distinct seasons:

• Summer (December to February) – the most popular time to visit. It’s warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities.
• Winter (June to August) – great if you love skiing or snowboarding.
• Spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) – less crowded and still have nice weather.

Let’s compare:

Weather Stuff	Australia	New Zealand
Best overall time to visit	September to November	December to February
Hottest months	December to February	December to February
Coldest months	June to August	June to August
Rainy season	November to April (north)	July to August
Best time for beaches	December to February	December to February
Skiing season	June to September (limited areas)	June to October

I visited Australia in October once, and it was perfect. The weather was warm but not too hot, and places weren’t too crowded.

I went to New Zealand in February. It was great for hiking and outdoor activities, but some popular spots were quite busy.

So, which country wins for timing? It’s a tie! Both countries have great times to visit, it just depends on what you want to do.

Where is it Easier to Get Around if You Have a Disability?

Winner: Australia

Australia wins for accessibility because its bigger cities have better infrastructure for people with disabilities. But New Zealand is great if you want accessible outdoor adventures.

Getting around in Australia:

• Big cities have good accessibility with ramps and lifts
• Many beaches have special wheelchairs you can use
• Popular tourist spots often have accessible options
• National parks are making more wheelchair-friendly trails
• Major airports have services to help travelers with disabilities

Getting around in New Zealand:

• Smaller towns might be harder to get around
• There are lots of accessible nature experiences
• Some adventure activities are adapted for different abilities
• Public transport accessibility varies between cities
• Many tour companies can adapt their tours for you

Let’s compare in more detail:

Accessibility Stuff	Australia	New Zealand
Public transport	Generally good in cities, trains between some cities	Good in cities, limited in rural areas
Accessible hotels	Many options, especially in cities	Fewer options, but improving
Nature experiences	Some accessible trails and viewpoints	Many accessible short walks and viewpoints
Unique accessible activity	Wheelchair accessible reef tours	Adaptive skiing in Cardrona
Information availability	Good online resources, accessibility apps	Improving, with dedicated accessibility guides
Beach access	Beach wheelchairs in many coastal towns	Some beaches with accessibility mats
National Parks	Increasing number of wheelchair-friendly trails	Several parks with accessible tracks and facilities
Major attractions	Usually have good accessibility	Many offer accessibility options
Rental cars	Hand-controlled vehicles available	Hand-controlled vehicles available in main centers
Air travel	Special assistance available at all major airports	Assistance available, but book in advance

I was impressed by the beach wheelchairs in Australia that let people enjoy the ocean. At Bondi Beach, I saw how these special chairs could go right into the water.

In New Zealand, I saw how they made some short bush walks accessible for everyone. In Rotorua, there’s even an accessible treetop walk!

Some tips for travelers with disabilities:

• Both countries have disability parking permit schemes that recognize overseas permits.
• Many museums and galleries offer free entry for companions of visitors with disabilities.
• In both countries, guide dogs are allowed in most public places, including restaurants.
• Book accommodations and activities in advance to ensure your needs can be met.
• Consider renting mobility equipment if you don’t want to bring your own.

Remember, it’s always best to plan ahead and contact places directly if you have specific accessibility needs. Both countries are keen to welcome all visitors and can often provide extra help if you ask!

Do You Need a Visa to Visit Australia and New Zealand?

Before you pack your bags, it’s important to know if you need a visa. The rules can be a bit different for Australia and New Zealand, so let’s break it down:

For Australia:

• Many tourists need an eVisitor visa or ETA (Electronic Travel Authority)
• It’s usually quick and easy to get online
• Some nationalities might need to apply for a full tourist visa
• The visa is usually valid for 12 months from the date of issue
• You can stay for up to 3 months at a time

For New Zealand:

• Many visitors can get an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority)
• Some people might need to apply for a visitor visa
• The process is generally straightforward
• NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years
• Visitor visas usually allow stays of up to 9 months

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Visa Stuff	Australia	New Zealand
Visa-free for	Many European countries, USA, Canada, Japan	Similar to Australia, plus some additional countries
Online visa	eVisitor or ETA for many	NZeTA for many
Processing time	Usually within 24 hours	Usually within 72 hours
Cost	ETA: AUD $20, eVisitor: free	NZeTA: NZD $12 (app) or $9 (website)
Maximum stay (tourist)	Usually up to 3 months	Usually up to 3 months (can apply for up to 9)
Working holiday visa	Available for many countries, age 18-30	Available for many countries, age 18-30 (35 for some)
Visa extension	Possible, but may need to leave and re-enter	Can apply for extension in some cases
Student visa	Available, allows part-time work	Available, allows part-time work
Health requirements	May need health insurance	Travel insurance recommended
Character requirements	Must declare any criminal convictions	Must declare any criminal convictions

Always check the official government websites for the most up-to-date info, as rules can change!

Some helpful tips:

• Apply for your visa well in advance, especially if you need a full tourist visa.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay.
• If you’re planning to work or study, you’ll need a different type of visa.
• Be honest in your application – providing false information can get you in trouble!

I remember applying for my Australian visa online – it was super easy and I got approved within a day. For New Zealand, I got the NZeTA through their app, which was really user-friendly.

One important thing to note: Even if you’re just transiting through Australia (like stopping in Sydney on your way to New Zealand), you might still need a visa. Always check, even if you’re not planning to leave the airport!

Final Thoughts: Which Country Should You Choose?

After comparing Australia vs New Zealand in all these categories, you might be wondering which one to pick. The truth is, both countries are amazing and you can’t really go wrong with either choice.

My personal opinion? If I had to choose, I’d pick New Zealand for a shorter trip (1-2 weeks) because you can see so much in a short time. For a longer trip (3+ weeks), I’d choose Australia because there’s so much to explore.

But here’s a secret: if you can, try to visit both! They’re close to each other and offer such different experiences that seeing both will give you the best of both worlds.