Australia vs. New Zealand
 

My wife and I are planning on taking two weeks in March to either go to Australia or New Zealand. Can anybody help us with which country to visit? We cannot do both and so far are split on where to go. Help!

You are in an eviable position as both countries are wonderful! My advice would depend largely on what your interests are. If you are into seeing cities then it's easy--head to Australia as Sydney and Melbourne are both amazing cities and offer thousands of things to do. If you want beaches, I would also suggest Australia as the Great Barrier Reef offeres miles of beaches and the best snorkelling and diving in the world. If you prefer stunning mountain vistas and more adventerous types of vacations (i.e. hiking, skiing, jet boating etc.)I would suggest New Zealans (although Tasmania has some amazing hikes). My wife and I spent 7 weeks traveling around N.Z. and Australia and although we loved Australia (especially Sydney, Kanagaroo Island and Tasmania), N.Z. is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been (particularly the South Island). I'm not sure if this helps but if you can let me know some of your interets, I would be happy to refine my suggestions. Again, you are in an enviable situation as both countries are great and you will not go wrong with either choice. Good Luck!

Brad, New Zealand is a very easy country to see, as it is tiny and compact and easy to drive around; you would see the whole country in two weeks, and some of the scenery (particularly in the South Island) is breathtaking. Also, the New Zealand dollar is in such a bad way, that prices might be even more favourable to you than in Australia, which everybody seems to think is bargain-basement at present.<BR><BR>That said, I have to say that, given your choice, I would choose Australia without hesitation. Scenery is all very nice, but in my travels I have found that the thrill of scenery palls very quickly, and there's not much else to attract you to New Zealand. You would probably find the east coast of Australia could provide you with a holiday you would remember all your life: the excitement of Sydney, one of the best cities in the world south of the equator (maybe including north too), the museums and galleries of Canberra, the beauty of the Blue Mountains, the colour of the Barrier Reef, the glitz of the Gold Coast. Well, don't listen to me, because I live here and I'm biassed, but Australia is a great place, whereas New Zealand is just a nice one. Whatever you choose, have a great time down south!

Thanks for the opinions. I really value all that was written. True, my wife is looking more at the beauty of N.Z. rather than the activities. We both love the beach and the opportunities in Australia, but she keeps getting drawn in to the beautiful pictures of white snow capped mountains and green fields. Her father has been to N.Z. twice and raves, but he is 30 yrs. older than us and has different interests. I guess this vacation is more for activities seeing as if we won't be able to make it back to these regions again. Does this help make the decision easier?

Having lived in both Australia and New Zealand, I'd go back to New Zealand first. My parents are planning a big trip for next year, and asked me which to go to, and I had to tell them NZ. There are activities in Australia too, and it's a really difficult decision, but I think that the size of the country (easier to see and do more in 2 weeks here than in Oz), the people (wonderfully friendly and warm) and the all round 'wow' factor makes NZ just edge it. <BR><BR>Please let me know if you want any further info. (Best to hotmail me, as I'll be away for a few days, and won't be checking the board here.)<BR><BR>Just my opinion, but hope it helps a bit.<BR>Jenny

The extra information you provided tips me in favor of recommending Australia. As was mentioned, Sydney is a world-class city (in fact, it is probably my favorite city in the world) and there are tons of things to do in and around town. In terms of beaches, Austalia has N.Z. beat (although some of th ebeaches in Abel Tasman Park on the northern tip of the South Island is great). The beaches north of Cairns in Palm Cove and Port Douglas together with the islands of the Great Barrier Reef are spectacular. While it is true that the mountains of N.Z. are spectacular and the activities are very adventerous, it sounds like Australia offers more of what you are looking for. Is there anyway at all to combine the two? How about a Syndey-Great Barrier Reef-South Island trip? I think it would be rushed, but you could do that in about 2 weeks. Hope this helps. Hans

Brad, I second everything Hans has just said. New Zealand is an easy and compact country, as Jenny pointed out, and great for parents and people who want to go "wow", but you can look at a postcard of New Zealand and do that... and anyway, you can see snow-capped mountains and green fields closer to home than that! (Go to the Alps or the Andes, and say "Wow! Wow!") But Australia is a place for people who like to do things. March is a great time to visit, as the heat of summer is gone, but it's not yet turned into the cold of winter (whereas I would imagine the weather would have started to turn in the South Island of New Zealand by then), and you could "do" the coastal areas of NSW and Queensland in great comfort. You'll even miss the school holiday rush, which is in mid-April. We have our snow-capped mountains, too, by the way, even though I won't lie to you and say that they match New Zealand's for eye appeal. But I have already told you what I think of mere eye appeal.....

Thanks again for the replies all. What about spending 3 days somewhere in the great barrier reef and then 12 days in N.Z.? We would take a tour in N.Z., but are looking for some help on where to stay near the reef. We don't need the 4 star hotel, but would prefer the 3 star. Any suggestions?

I would strongly recommend adding at least a day in Sydney unless you can fly directly to Cairns for either the states or from N.Z. In terms of places to stay, I really do not have a great recommendation other than to make sure you do not stay in Cairns but rather in Palm Cove or Port Douglas up the coast or, even better on an island. Is there a particular reason you are taking a tour of N.Z. as opposed to doing it on your own? The reason I ask is twofold-- first, N.Z. is very easy to do on your own (even driving on the other side is a breeze becasue there are so few cars on the road) and second, becuase most tours spend at least one or two days in Rotorua on the North Island which we found completely overrated and way too touristy. My suggestion would be to spend a day or two in Christchurch then pick up a car and drive south to Dunedin, then across to Te Anau and Milford Sound, then up to Queenstown for at least three days, then to Mt. Cook and then to the west coast glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier before heading up to Hokitika and back to Christchurch at which point I would head to the North Island spending a day in Auckland and then making a choice either to go to the Bay of Islands up north (spectacular if you like sailing) or to the Cormandal Penninsula, Napier and Taupo before heading back up to Auckland. My wife and I did something like this and had a wonderful time--I think you would enjoy the freedom of travelling on your own instead of a tour becuase of the felixibilty it gives you. If you have other questions or need suggestions for accomodations in N.Z., let me know. Best of luck!

If you are going to get to N.Z., you should be sure to take in a Maori show. The daylight railcar (either way) between Auckland and Wellington allows you to see quite a bit of the North Island. (Prebook to guarantee you can get seats.) Some folk find the Agrodome in Rotorua (a sheep show) worthwhile.

I would look at it this way:<BR>If you want snow and high mountains then its New Zealand. If you want complete diversity and world Heritage countryside and sites and interesting cities then its Australia - you know that there are plenty of places which have lovely green fields with cows or sheep grazing on them in Australia as well. It is not the brown, burnt country that some people think, thats only in the desert areas. The tropics and the Barrier reef are listed World Heritage areas as is Kakadu in the Northern Territory and Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. <BR>Tell us where you are from and that may help us to help you.

Thanks to all for the great suggestions. What about traveling on our own in Australia? We mostly want to see Sydney, and then everything else is up in the air. Any ideas?

Sydney is a great choice and from there and around there you are able to do everything yourself. <BR>If you choose a hotel in the Rocks area you will be within walking distance of all trains, ferries and busses. The Sydney explorer bus is a must and will take you around all the different sites and you can get on and off at will for the entire day. If you don't get to see everything properly then the next day you can just get a normal bus to that area. The Opera House is within walking distance of the Rocks area as is the Botanical gardens. You can also take the train to the Blue Mountains and have a day up there. <BR>I would also suggest a trip up to the Hunter Valley for a wine tour and most definitely a trip on the train to Canberra and probably stop there for a couple of days as there is much to see and do in Australia's capital city. <BR>Also take the Bondi Explorer Bus as that takes you to places like Watson's Bay where you can just laze around and soak up the scenery whilst having lunch at Doyle's restaurant which is a Sydney institution. Amble over to the other side and you get a terrific view of Sydney Harbour Heads.<BR>Sydney is a destination in itself and you will need at least 5 days - possibly more. <BR>Another wonderful thing to do in and around Sydney is a trip to the Hawkesbury river and onto a house boat there. It is only an hour from the centre of the city and its a wonderful place to toddle around. <BR>I am sure that many more people will give you a million suggestions so if you would like to see them I would suggest you write another post asking for suggestions on what to do in Sydney and surrounds.<BR>Have a great time<BR>

My wife and I have taken long trips in both countries in the past two years, so I hope I can offer you a fairly current and disinterested opinion.<BR><BR>Let me state first off that both countries are fantastic, beautiful and worthy of trips of months or more. You also should have no qualms whatever about travelling on your own in either place. It's easy, and driving is a breeze except for in Sydney and Melbourne cities proper.<BR><BR>Since you must make a choice, however, and are asking for straight-up advice, I'm putting in another vote for New Zealand. Its scenery is both varied and spectacular, you can engage in an incredible range of outdoor activities, from bungee jumping and whitewater rafting and mountaineering to walking on glaciers and exploring caves and canoeing through ocean bays. My wife and I found the people in NZ to be wonderfully friendly, helpful and relaxed; the food excellent; and the lodging to be of an overall high standard, and exceptional value for money.<BR><BR>The country is also compact enough to get around with ease by car; you'd have enough time to visit both islands, although I recommend you spend about two-thirds of your time on the south island. <BR><BR>There's something special about NZ - an almost magical quality to the land and air and light - that I've found nowhere else, and I've travelled a great deal. It's no wonder that NZ was chosen as the setting for the new Lord of Rings movies!<BR><BR>What NZ doesn't have is interesting cities; if you're really interested in exploring urban areas, then you should choose Australia, and you'll have a great time. But if you've only got two weeks, then five days in Sydney might be too much. Sydney's one of my favourite cities and I'd gladly stay there for weeks on end, but if time is short then spending that long there is disproportionate. Three to four is enough. I'd spend the rest of my time in two out the following three areas (trying to get to all three plus Sydney would again be too much): in and around Melbourne (especially the Great Ocean Road); in the GBR/Daintree area; and Ayer's Rock/Alice Springs. <BR><BR>In any case, bon voyage – you're in for an adventure!<BR>

Hi Brad:<BR><BR>We had a similar dilemna and decided to spend most of our time in New Zealand with a quick stop in Sydney. We left on 11/21/01 and returned last Wednesday 12/05/01.<BR><BR>If you are using frequent flier miles, here is a tip: you get two stop overs in addition to your destination. We booked an AA/Qantas award for 60,000 miles and about $54.00 USD in taxes. We flew D/FW to LAX on AA and then LAX to Auckland on Qantas; you do lose one day (we left on Wednesday evening and arrived Friday morning at 6:00). We rented a car and spent three days driving on the North Island (Waitomo Caves, Rotoroa, and Lake Taupo). We stayed in a wonderful place in Rotoroa (bedroom, living room with sofa bed, two bathrooms, full kitchen, and private hot tub for around $55 UD). We then flew on Qantas from Auckland to Christchurch where we rented another car. We drove to Arthur's Pass, then the West Coast, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, and back to Christchurch. The scenery was unbelievable. There are all kinds of sports activities: jet boats, bungee jumping, hiking, hang gliding, para sailing, cruises, cave tours, rapelling, and more. <BR><BR>The costs were so cheap!!! We paid from $27 US to $60 US for hotels; all had separate living and eating areas. The one that cost $60 was the last room available in Dunedin and was a suite in one of the nicest hotels; breakfast was included. Food was inexpensive; gas was about the same as the US; activities were cheap also.<BR><BR>On the North Island we visited glow worm caves; saw geysers, mud pots, craters, and hot springs. On the South Island, we had a cruise on Doubtful Sound (8 1/2 hours), a cruise on Milford Sound (1 1/2 hours), and a cruise to the Te Anau Caves (2 1/2 hours). We watched penguins retun from the sea at dusk, dolphins cavort in the sea, albatross nest, and seals and seal lions.<BR><BR>We flew from Christchurch to Sydney on Qantas. In Sydney we stayed at an apartment hotel for $80 US that had a bedroom, living room, kitchen, balcony, washer/dryer, and huge bathroom; it was a block from Gucci and Prado and two blocks from Louis Vuitton. Sydney was a great place to spend two and a half days, but we were exhausted when we left. We took an organized walking tour of the Rocks, climbed the Harbor Bridge, toured the Opera House, went to the AMP Tower, visited the Taronga Zoo (for $2 Australian you can have your phot taken with a koala), and saw a Monet exhibit at the NSW Art Gallery.<BR><BR>We flew back from Sydney to LAX and then DFW.<BR><BR>The total cost for two people was $1,800 or $900 each.<BR><BR><BR><BR>

What a pity the previous writer only got to Sydney when Australia is one of the most amazing places I have every had the fortune to go to. <BR>I like NZ but it really is similar in many ways to most other temperate countries in the world. The US has hot springs and geysers, glaciers and high snow capped mountains and just about everything that NZ has. What the world does not have is the Great Barrier Reef which is about 1400 miles long and the best in the world. NZ has very few birds like those of Australia which are amazing, it does not have the diverse and wonderful wildlife that Australia does, nor the outback nor the fantastic cities. NZ towns are very boring and the food is not very good in comparison to Australia. <BR>I had also the fortune to go to places like Tasmania which has World Heritage country and the Northern Territory which also has WH country ( I think) In any case it is like the last frontier and very exciting. <BR>In my view I would put it this way:<BR>You could spend 3 wonderful weeks in New Zealand but you could spend 3 wonderful YEARS in Australia and that to me is the difference. Also Australia being the oldest country on earth it has some of the most amazing things such as the footprints of a dinosaur stampede which you can see on the ground. You can kayak on billabongs which have rock formations that are older than time and with 60 thousand year old paintings on them. You can also swim in hot springs, snow ski in winter and see countryside that is similar to the north island of NZ. There are beautiful convict built villages in Tasmania and beaches that are the envy of the world and further more you are likely to be the only one on them - that is if you wish it. <BR>Australia is DIFFERENT and that's what I liked

Tough choice, they are both world class destinations, but I would go for NZ for the reason of compactness. Secondly it would be great to experience the places your father-in-law talks about. I did both but I also had 4 weeks there. Remember that Australia is almost the same size as the lower 48 and it is a 3-hr flight from Sydney to Cairns. I went in March also and the South Island had light dustings of snow in the mountains (Kaikoura was gorgeous with the mountains in the background). And finally, yes you can do NZ and then the GBR. There are daily flights from Auckland to Cairns.

You have 2 weeks in March which is the best possible time to visit the Great Barrier Reef. You need all of that time for that area and that would be absolute TOP of my "wish list". Yes I have been there and I have been to NZ but being originally from the UK and now USA as far as I am concerned NZ is too much like areas of those countries and not particularly unique to be of that much interest and March in NZ's south island could be very iffy with the weather - its not the land of the long white cloud for nothing i.e. Milford Sound is only seeable for 1 day out of 4 and Dunedin can be covered in cloud as it was in the twice I visited it to see the penguins. Also you cannot interest yourself in the cities if the weather is dreadful as they are very boring. JMHO

Thanks Again to everyone who responded. Still torn, we are going to put together all our ideas and yours and come up with some plan. I'm still wanting great barrier reef and she's looking at nz.

If you wife is looking at Milford sound I hope when she gets there it's the one day out of 5 that you can see something. <BR>I say this because I have been down there so many times and have never been to Milford Sound when I could actually SEE it. I was even on a cruise and the boat couldn't get into the Sound either. I would hate to think you came all this way only to see nothing because of the weather.