Australia or New Zealand: which destination suits you best?

If you're gearing up for an incredible Antipodean journey, both Australia and New Zealand offer equal allure.

However, since that extended sabbatical to explore both countries might be far off, you may need to make the difficult choice of visiting one over the other.

How should you approach this decision? Let two of our travel experts guide you.

Stunning Australia

Travel writer from Australia and Dinogo Planet contributor Sarah Reid boasts over 130 passport stamps. Yet, she hasn't found another country that checks as many boxes as her own.

Our mountains may not be as breathtaking, our airline safety records may not provide as many laughs, and our rugby team... well, let's skip that. But despite my fondness for our neighbor across the Tasman Sea, nothing truly compares to what Australia offers its visitors.

Cultural significance

Let’s begin with the world’s oldest living cultures. Every part of the country is linked to the traditional lands of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander group, each with its unique language, customs, traditions, and stories. There are more ways than ever to immerse yourself in this rich cultural heritage, from the stunning Wintjiri Wiru, a cutting-edge cultural storytelling experience at Uluru, to ascending the Sydney Harbour Bridge with an Indigenous storyteller guide.

Now, let’s talk about Sydney: a true showstopper! I spent nearly a decade in the New South Wales capital, and I still feel nostalgic seeing the Sydney Opera House gracefully jutting into the glistening harbor. Regarding culinary innovations, did you know the flat white originated in Sydney? That might be tough for Kiwis to swallow. While New Zealand may have created the first pavlova, its food scene pales in comparison to Australia’s, especially in Sydney and Melbourne, both conveniently close to prime wine regions. And let’s not overlook our other vibrant capital cities: Canberra and Hobart can get just as chilly as Auckland or Wellington but are rarely as windy.

A diverse world of wildlife

The enchanting island of Tasmania boasts five of Australia’s twelve Great Walks. While we acknowledge that New Zealand’s Lord of the Rings landscapes along its 10 Great Walks are spectacular, they often lack one thing Australia has in abundance: wildlife (sheep don’t count). There’s nothing quite like spotting a koala snoozing in a gum tree, an echidna shuffling across your path, or a kangaroo leaping through the bush. And let’s not forget Australia’s vibrant birds—few sounds are as joyful as a family of kookaburras laughing together.

New Zealand’s compact size certainly allows for simpler, less carbon-intensive travel. However, Australia’s vast expanse is filled with incredible diversity, best explored on a road trip to places like Cairns and Far North Queensland, where the world’s oldest living tropical rainforest meets the majestic Great Barrier Reef (which remains truly awe-inspiring). You can also venture to the wild, rugged Top End of the Northern Territory, where red dirt paths lead to ancient Aboriginal rock art and peaceful swimming holes.

Exploring mainland Australia’s highlights could take a lifetime. Additionally, our territory includes over 8,000 islands. From the colonial charm of Norfolk Island to the stunning natural beauty of Lord Howe Island, many of these locations are must-visit destinations in their own right.

It certainly helps that Australia enjoys a fantastic climate for outdoor adventures. What’s the use of a beautiful beach if the water is too cold for swimming? At any time of the year, it’s a great moment to be in Australia. Just ask the 15 percent of New Zealanders who have made Australia their home.

The vibrant energy of New Zealand

A writer and editor for Dinogo Planet, Tasmin Waby has journeyed through nearly every part of New Zealand—from Cape Reinga in the north to Stewart Island at the southern tip, and she adores each experience.

While some of the world’s wealthiest preppers may have selected New Zealand as their refuge during a global crisis, the locals are busy improving the world so those billionaire hideouts won’t be necessary after all.

New Zealand is home to my extended family—my whānau—and I truly can’t grasp why I don’t live there. My childhood memories of the South Island are vivid: tasting my first juicy peach from an Otago orchard, feeling lanolin on my hands after petting a lamb, and braving the icy waters of St Clair’s beach in Dunedin during winter with a cousin.

Small but powerful

One of the greatest perks of visiting New Zealand is the ability to explore its highlights in just a week or two. (Honestly, if you’re making the journey, savor the experience and do it right.) The same can’t be said for Australia—a true continent of nations. Despite how maps might look, you’ll need to focus on one area (and deal with any FOMO later).

Though New Zealand is compact, it certainly doesn’t feel that way when you find yourself camping by an almost-empty beach fading into a distant mist of ocean spray. Nor does it feel small when you’re hiking through surreal volcanic terrains at Tongariro National Park or navigating rainforested valleys with only the calls of local wildlife surrounding you.

And what about New Zealand’s native wildlife? Well, for starters, they’re not out to harm you!

While sailing the turquoise waters of the Bay of Islands in the tropical “winterless north,” New Zealand feels like a Pacific paradise where bottlenose dolphins play. To the south, rugged mountains dive into a sea teeming with marine life, and the dramatic Fiordland resembles a scene from Scandinavia.

New Zealand is the ultimate destination for nature enthusiasts who also appreciate a great coffee (the debate over whether Australia or NZ invented the “flat white” continues) or a fine glass of wine—preferably enjoyed at a cellar door restaurant with stunning ocean views.

For those looking to stay active, you can cycle from one coast to the other in just one day on the North Island. Head south to push your limits with skiing, bungee jumping, mountain biking, jet boating, and tackling a via ferrata in Queenstown and Wanaka.

Chic cities (and penguins too)

New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, is a bustling hub featuring harborside dining, outdoor festivals, and humid summer evenings, much like Sydney but without the parking woes. Compact Dunedin and Wellington offer all the essentials of a city, including upscale hotels, trendy bars, and exquisite dining. Yet, just 15 minutes from downtown, you can encounter penguins or migrating whales.

However, don’t visit New Zealand just to soak in its stunning landscapes; you’re here to see the world from a fresh perspective.

While Australia is making significant progress in reconciling with First Nations, in New Zealand, the Māori language and traditional principles of guardianship over the land, sea, and sky are deeply ingrained in their culture. The cultural and spiritual importance of a river is even recognized in law. This small island nation has much to teach us all.

New Zealanders are known for their progressive attitudes, friendliness, and good humor. Even if not everyone was an extra in Lord of the Rings, feel free to ask about it—Kiwis possess a delightful sense of humor. Come over and experience it for yourself.