Australia and New Zealand are markedly different in geographical size. Australia’s coastline is more than 16,000 miles long, Lonely Planet reports, while New Zealand is just 1,000 miles long, according to TripSavvy.
However, between them, these two countries boast a wide range of impressive sites. Here are some that are especially easy to recommend as tourist destinations…
Sydney, Australia
There are many obvious reasons to advocate a trip to Sydney — including its iconic attractions like the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
It’s also relatively easy to travel to this particular city from outside Australia itself — given that, for example, Sydney is a stop on many Silversea cruises available to book online.
Byron Bay, Australia
Much of what you are bound to associate with the stereotypical Australian way of life can be found in Byron Bay. Its foreshore is rich in sumptuous restaurants, but offers an abundance of exciting activities besides dining.
Make a mental note to get your smartphone camera out for snapping photos of stunning views waiting to be enjoyed from the Cape Byron Walking Track.
Waitangi, New Zealand
This Kiwi settlement has served a significant role in the nation’s modern history. Waitangi is the place where, in 1840, Māori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi with representatives of the British crown, in the process handing sovereignty of New Zealand over to the British.
At this coastal location, you can still enjoy exploring the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, which is home to an indoor museum and an ornately carved Māori meeting house.
Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Hawke’s Bay is a respected wine-producing region, and contains over 200 vineyards. However, you certainly shouldn’t visit this part of New Zealand just for the wine…
You could also set aside time to admire the Art Deco architecture in the city of Napier, while the Cape Kidnappers Reserve’s gannet colony is a great spot for bird watching.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne has often been dubbed Australia’s most European city, and is relatively straightforward to explore on foot due to its grid structure.
Photographer Ash James has recollected to Condé Nast Traveller: “I first visited Melbourne in 2018, and was immediately drawn to the juxtaposition of old and new architecture in the city; beautiful Victorian buildings surrounded by modern skyscrapers.”
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
This sophisticated ecosystem runs for over 1,242 miles along Australia’s Queensland coastline, and is inhabited by a wide array of awe-inspiring marine life — including sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks.
You can also choose from various ways of exploring the Great Barrier Reef — including diving on it, snorkelling over it, and joining a glass-bottomed boat that is taken across it.
Wellington, New Zealand
The capital of New Zealand is located at the bottom of its North Island, and is evenly split between bureaucratic and bohemian touches.
For example, in Wellington, you can see New Zealand’s Parliament building — referred to as the ‘Beehive’ — and tour the Weta Workshop founded by Peter Jackson, who directed the acclaimed Lord of the Rings film trilogy of the early Noughties.
