As passionate advocates for travel down under, we understand the incredible appeal of Australia with its beautiful beaches, unique wildlife, bushland Outback, and the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. We could enthusiastically discuss why you shouldn’t miss the land Downunder for hours. However, we can’t overlook our island neighbors to the east in New Zealand. Aussies and Kiwis share a close kinship—we’re geographically neighbors, we’ve fought together in historic conflicts, and our flags bear notable similarities.
Of course, that doesn’t mean we’re above a bit of playful rivalry and friendly banter. Just don’t suggest we sound the same—both nations take their distinct accents very seriously! Unfortunately, many travelers forget about New Zealand when planning trips abroad (alarmingly, numerous world maps completely omit New Zealand). Here are compelling reasons why splitting your time with an Australia and New Zealand vacation can transform your journey into an unforgettable, multi-destination grand tour showcasing the best of both countries.
You Can Drive On the Same Side of the Road
This might not be the first consideration that comes to mind, but it’s genuinely significant for travelers. If there’s one thing Americans, Aussies, and Kiwis share, it’s our collective appreciation for the freedom of the open road. Packing the car and embarking on a self-paced tour is a cherished tradition we all understand and love.
We just happen to do it on opposite sides of the road from North Americans.
Both Aussies and Kiwis adopted left-side driving from British colonial influence, and the tradition continues today. The excellent news for those planning a self-drive tour is that once you’ve mastered left-side driving in one country, you’ll be comfortable in the next.
Get ready to tackle some of the most scenic drives on the planet.
Starting in Australia
You can race along highways that hug rocky coastline with incredible views of open ocean on the Great Ocean Road—consistently rated one of the top drives in the world. This iconic coastal route stretches along Victoria’s southwestern coast, offering breathtaking vistas of the Twelve Apostles limestone formations.
Or embark on a 4-day coastal excursion from Sydney to Melbourne, passing through beautiful national parks, nature reserves, and pristine beaches. You can even stop at a koala reserve and see the iconic mascot of Aussie wildlife in person, perhaps at Raymond Island or Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve.
Continuing in New Zealand
Then, hop on a plane for the short flight to New Zealand. From there, you can pick up another rental car and continue your road trip, tackling New Zealand’s North Island, South Island, or both. Drive out to Mt. Cook (Aoraki), visit famous Lord of the Rings filming locations like Matamata’s Hobbiton, or simply tour New Zealand’s amazing beaches along the Coromandel Peninsula or Abel Tasman coast.
Take your time and get off-the-beaten-track with an Australia and New Zealand vacation road trip that lets you explore at your own pace.
You’ll See Perfectly Contrasting Landscapes
Did you know that Australia and New Zealand were once connected? More than 85 million years ago, as the super-continent Gondwana broke up, New Zealand slowly drifted away. Perhaps that’s why Aussies have always felt affection for their Kiwi cousins.
It’s remarkable then how their landscapes could evolve so uniquely. Australia and New Zealand are so diverse that you could spend weeks in each country and barely scratch the surface of what they offer. A contrasting trip between the two countries will give you appreciation of the natural world like never before.
New Zealand’s Volcanic Wonders
Start in New Zealand and visit famous volcanoes and geothermal sites. Rotorua is a steaming cauldron showcasing Earth’s magnitude. The scent of sulfur wafts through the air, a constant reminder of the geothermal heating power below. You can harness this energy in Rotorua with visits to hot pools and bathe in hot, healing mineral water.
From there, head to Queenstown, the birthplace of adventure travel and the world’s most famous bungy-jumping site. There, you’ll take an exhilarating stunt-boat ride through Shotover Canyon, experiencing the thrill that made Queenstown famous.
Drive yourself through green rolling vistas to Hobbiton and see how New Zealand’s incredible landscapes inspired movie magic in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Australia’s Iconic Natural Wonders
Make your way to Australia where you’ll experience back-to-back adventures seeing some of the most iconic natural wonders of the world: Uluru (the Red Center), the Great Barrier Reef, and the Daintree Rainforest.
You’ve just witnessed beautiful rock formations, volcanic activity, a holy site that resembles Mars’ surface, the oldest rainforest in the world, and the technicolor brilliance of the Great Barrier Reef. This combination of experiences exists nowhere else but Australia and New Zealand.
You’ll Experience Distinct Aboriginal and Maori Native Cultures
Both Australia and New Zealand possess rich, diverse cultural histories deserving celebration. Australia’s native history extends back more than 60,000 years. Aboriginal Australians represent the oldest human civilization in the world, and their indigenous culture survives and thrives today.
Aboriginal Australian Heritage
The most notable destination is Uluru, or Ayers Rock, located in the Australian outback. Uluru is a red sandstone monolith that Aboriginal Australians revere as a holy site. The striking rock formation and surrounding red clay have earned Uluru the nickname “the Red Center“—and it could easily stand in as an otherworldly Martian landscape.
Standing 348 meters tall, Uluru is actually taller than the Eiffel Tower, though its massive base and isolated setting make it even more impressive.
Maori Cultural Heritage
New Zealand has its own unique history in the native Maori culture. In the 12th century, settlers from Polynesia landed and developed their distinctive culture called Maori.
The culture of Maori people exists side-by-side with modern New Zealand daily life. Most historical and natural sites have both an English name and a Maori name, such as Mt. Cook / Aoraki, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, and White Island / Te Puia o Whakaari.
Cultural Immersion Experiences
Embark on a country-hopping tour to experience the native culture of each country. You can tour the Red Center and see Uluru up close, then travel to Kiwi country where you’ll receive an official Maori Hongi (traditional greeting), explore the grounds of Te Puia Geothermal Reserve, view traditional artwork and culture at the Maori Institute, and enjoy a Hangi (traditional cooking method) feast.
These authentic cultural experiences provide deep insight into the indigenous peoples who’ve shaped both nations.
You Can See Each Country’s Unique Wildlife
Australia and wildlife are inseparable. With kangaroos, koalas, and of course crocs (made internationally famous by Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin)—there’s no shortage of iconic Aussie wildlife.
Australian Wildlife Encounters
If your trip begins in Australia, make your way to Kangaroo Island just off the coast of Adelaide. The island is a wildlife wonderland, with all your Aussie favorites in their natural habitats, including kangaroos, koalas, sea lions, and diverse bird species.
If you’re in Sydney, you’ll have plenty of options for wildlife touring and viewing. Stop by Taronga Zoo right in Sydney CBD, or make a day trip to Featherdale Wildlife Reserve (an excellent stopover from a Blue Mountains tour) where you’ll have up-close encounters with kangaroos, koalas, and more.
Did we mention that Australia also holds the distinction of being home to the largest living organism in the world with the Great Barrier Reef? This massive coral reef system supports thousands of marine species.
New Zealand’s Distinctive Wildlife
Much like Aussies, New Zealanders take their native wildlife extremely seriously. They’ve even adopted an affectionate nickname, Kiwis, based on the flightless bird that represents their national pride (it even adorns their currency’s $1 coin).
Have you seen videos of acrobatic dolphins performing 360-spins, backflips, front flips, and more, seemingly just for fun? Dusky Dolphins are found throughout Australasia, but concentrated populations are best observed off the New Zealand coast.
In Kaikoura, you can jump in the water for an up-close dolphin encounter in their natural habitat—an ethical wildlife experience that doesn’t require feeding or disrupting the animals.
New Zealand is home to numerous other native animals like yellow-eyed penguins, glowworms, fur seals, Kea parrots, and other flightless birds like weka and the rare takahe.
If you love seeing unique, diverse, and adorable animals you can’t find back home, an Australia and New Zealand vacation provides the perfect opportunity to witness some of the world’s favorites up close.
Planning Your Combined Australia and New Zealand Trip
Ideal Duration
Most travelers find that 2-3 weeks provides adequate time to experience highlights of both countries, though longer trips allow for deeper exploration. A typical split might allocate 10-14 days for Australia and 7-10 days for New Zealand, or vice versa depending on interests.
Best Time to Visit
Both countries are in the Southern Hemisphere, so seasons are opposite to North America. Summer (December-February) offers warm weather ideal for beaches and outdoor activities. Autumn (March-May) and spring (September-November) provide pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter (June-August) works well for those interested in skiing in New Zealand or exploring Australia’s tropical north.
Flight Connections
Multiple direct flights connect Australia and New Zealand daily. Popular routes include Sydney to Auckland, Melbourne to Christchurch, and Brisbane to Wellington. Flight time is typically 3-4 hours, making the hop between countries quick and convenient.
Visa Requirements
Both countries have straightforward visa processes for most international visitors. Many nationalities can enter New Zealand visa-free for up to 90 days, while Australia requires an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for most visitors. Check current requirements based on your nationality.
Suggested Itinerary Highlights
Australia Highlights (10-12 days)
- Sydney: Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach
- Great Barrier Reef: Snorkeling or diving in Cairns
- Uluru: Red Center and Aboriginal cultural experiences
- Melbourne: Coffee culture, Great Ocean Road day trip
- Optional: Adelaide and Kangaroo Island for wildlife
New Zealand Highlights (7-10 days)
- Auckland: Base for exploring the North Island
- Rotorua: Geothermal wonders and Maori culture
- Queenstown: Adventure capital of the world
- Milford Sound: Stunning fjord cruises
- Christchurch: Gateway to South Island exploration
- Optional: Hobbiton movie set tour
Multi-Destination Benefits
Combining Australia and New Zealand into one trip maximizes the value of your long-haul flight from North America or Europe. Since you’ve already invested in reaching the South Pacific, adding the neighboring country enriches your experience exponentially.
You’ll accumulate diverse experiences—from tropical reefs to alpine peaks, from desert landscapes to volcanic regions, from indigenous cultural ceremonies to modern cosmopolitan cities.
The contrasting yet complementary nature of both countries creates a journey that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Australia and New Zealand Vacation: Two Destinations, One Unforgettable Journey
Australia and New Zealand are indeed two peas in a pod. Maximize your trip halfway around the world with a stopover in New Zealand. You’ll feel like you’ve experienced two vacations simultaneously and have twice as many stories to share when you return home.
The combination of Australia’s vast landscapes and unique wildlife with New Zealand’s dramatic scenery and rich Maori culture creates a travel experience unlike any other. From driving the same side of the road to experiencing indigenous cultures that date back millennia, from encountering animals found nowhere else to witnessing natural wonders that defy description—an Australia and New Zealand vacation delivers memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you’re exploring Uluru under starlit skies, watching dolphins play in Kaikoura’s waters, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, or soaking in Rotorua’s thermal pools, each moment contributes to an extraordinary journey through two of the world’s most remarkable countries.
Discover more multi-destination travel guides, itinerary planning inspiration, and tips for combining complementary countries at The Inspiring Insight—where we help you craft journeys that maximize your travel investment and create unforgettable experiences across multiple destinations.
