There’s long been something of a rivalry between New Zealand and Australia when it comes to tourism. It certainly can’t help that people often confuse one destination for the other; in fairness, they’re both island nations, with inhabitants famed for their distinct accents. That being said, there’s another point that unites Australia and New Zealand: both countries are well worth visiting. Only question is, how do you choose which to start with? The answer is simple: all you have to do is read on, and let us break down the selling points of each nation.
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Australia
Exciting Wildlife
If you’re an animal lover, you’ll love the Land Down Under. Australia is home to a plethora of fascinating species, several of which are endemic to the country. While you might see them at the zoo, you won’t find wild koalas or kangaroos anywhere else on Earth. And they’re just the tip of the iceberg; there’s also laughing kookaburras, droves of fairy penguins waddling across Phillip Island, and so much more.
Natural Wonders
Chances are you’re familiar with at least one example of Australia’s natural splendors. Perhaps you know that the Great Barrier Reef is the only living thing visible from space. Or maybe, you’re familiar with the magnificent heart of the Australian outback, Ayers Rock. Both are breathtaking spots, but they’re far from the only ones. If you take a trip down under, you’ll come across a dozen more, from the towering Twelve Apostles off Great Ocean Road to the pink hue of Lake Hillier. Not to mention there are miles of bush to explore, if you’re the adventurous type.
Fine Folks
If you’ve never met a true blue Aussie, this selling point might have you scratching your head. If you have, however, you’ll know they make for some killer company. Between their colourful slang and incorrigible sense of humour, you’re liable to bust your gut laughing. Not to mention they’re delightfully carefree, ready to make conversation at a moment’s notice. It’s no exaggeration to say the people are one of the island nation’s biggest selling points. Fair warning, though: they love some good-natured ribbing, especially when it comes to tourists.
New Zealand
Breathtaking Landscape
New Zealand is no slouch when it comes to picture-worthy locales. What’s more, they come in a variety of flavours. Cross the country’s rolling green hills, and you’ll come face to face with steaming thermal pools, or see the peaks of snow-capped mountains rising in the distance. Did we mention that New Zealand’s landscape is dotted with literally thousands of lakes, including the flower-rimmed Lake Tekapo? Make sure to make room on your phone before you go; you’ll run out of storage space before you’ve snapped all the photos worth taking.
Quaint Places
It’s not just the landscape that’s worth experiencing; New Zealand’s cities are equally charming. Take Auckland – the first stop on most trips to the island nation. The metropolis boasts numerous museums, as well as a park spanning a whopping185 acres. Once you’ve had your fill of New Zealand’s travel hub, consider a stint in Queenstown, also known as the adventure capital of the world. Alternatively, you can swing by Wellington to spot the studios behind the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Better yet, make the trek from Hamilton to nearby Matamata, and you can explore Hobbiton for yourself.
Cozy Company
New Zealand citizens—colloquially known as “Kiwis”—are a joy to be around. They’re friendly, polite, and most importantly, quick with a joke. A chance to be in their company easily justifies the long trek to reach them. Of course, they’re not the island nation’s only inhabitants; New Zealand is also home to the indigenous Māori people, whose customs and history are some seriously fascinating stuff. If you chance upon one of their communities, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
No matter which destination you choose, Australia or New Zealand, one thing is for sure: you won’t be disappointed.
