Australia and New Zealand Tours and Trips
Traveling to Australia Vs New Zealand: An Overview
A flight from Australia to New Zealand and back is the best way to travel between the two countries. The flight times vary between three to six hours.
Getting from Australia and New Zealand
Direct flights from Australia to New Zealand depart from several cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide. While many flights land in Auckland, the most popular destination, other arrival locations include Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown. From Auckland, you can get connecting flights to many other airports in New Zealand. Sydney International Airport is Australia’s largest and busiest air hub for international flights, so you will likely start and end your tours of Australia and New Zealand in Sydney. Domestically, Australia is very well connected by flights. There are no international passenger ferries to New Zealand, so if you are keen on taking the sea route from Australia, you’ll have to join a cruise or hire a private yacht. Cruises to New Zealand depart from places such as Adelaide, Brisbane, Fremantle and Cairns. Most of these cruises are multiple-day affairs, and you’ll need to plan your time and budget accordingly.
Best time to visit Australia and New Zealand tours
Most Australia and New Zealand tours are organized between December and February, the high season for the two countries. To avoid crowds, you should book a trip anytime between March and May or September and November. These are the low seasons, and accommodations and activities are cheaper during these periods.
September to November is the perfect time to visit Western Australia to explore the wildflower trail. March, April, and May are perfect for exploring New Zealand to attend the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival and enjoy the mild temperatures suitable for swimming in the ocean, at least during the first months of the season. Read our guide on the best time to visit Australia for a full overview. Check out our article on the best time to go to New Zealand for all you need to know.
Highlights of Australia and New Zealand trip
- Australia and New Zealand tour packages should always include a few days in the main cities, mainly Auckland, Wellington, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Here, you can admire the local architecture, participate in one of the many events taking place all year round, and enjoy the local cuisine.
- Exploring the Great Barrier Reef is an absolute must when on your Australia tour.
- Every trip to New Zealand should include visiting Marae, the heart of the Maori community. This is the best way to learn about the local culture and traditions.
- Some lesser-known but amazing activities include a Canberra trip on a hot air balloon and extreme sports like sand surfing and bungee jumping in New Zealand.
- New Zealand is particularly known for its wild nature. It is not by chance that movies such as the Lord of the Rings and Narnia were filmed here. Spend a few days camping in a national park. Fiordland National Park and Tongariro National Park are highly recommended.
Australia and New Zealand Travel Tips
- The easiest way to avoid tourist crowds in New Zealand and get lower prices on transportation is to travel south to north, starting from Queenstown and heading towards Auckland. Most tourists tend to go in the opposite direction.
- Weather in New Zealand and Australia can differ widely. While New Zealand tends to be colder and wetter, Australia can get pretty hot. So dress in layers and bring your sunscreen.
- New Zealand is a bit behind when it comes to wi-fi connection. So, don’t be surprised if your accommodation gives you a 20Mb coupon after claiming free wi-fi service. Get a local SIM card, eSim, or pocket wi-fi to stay connected with friends and family back home.
- New Zealand and Australia do not have a tipping culture. So it is entirely up to you whether to tip or not.
At a Glance: Australia Vs New Zealand
| Australia |
New Zealand |
|
| Annual visitors | 6.2 million | 2.2 million |
| Ideal duration | 10 days | 2 weeks |
| Transportation | Australia is well connected by flights from North America and Europe. Within the country, you can take flights or long-distance buses. | Direct flights connect New Zealand to the UK and the US. Flying via Australia increases the number of airline options you have. |
| Top destinations |
Sydney, Melbourne, Uluru, Tasmania, Kakadu |
Wellington, Queenstown, Coromandel, Milford Sound, Rotorua |
| Top activities |
|
|
| Affordability | USD 100 to USD 150 per day. You can cut down on costs by taking a group tour, going on buses and staying in budget hotels. | USD 89 to USD 133 per day. Costs can fluctuate depending on the season, and you can save by choosing hotels and restaurants carefully. |
FAQ for Australia and New Zealand tours
1. How many days do you need for Australia and New Zealand tours?
A proper Australia and New Zealand tour should last at least four weeks.
2. Should I go to Australia or New Zealand first?
Ideally, you want to land in New Zealand first, as the trip from this country to Australia will help you save two hours, thanks to the time difference.
3. How long does it take to travel from New Zealand to Australia?
A flight from Auckland to Sydney usually lasts from three and a half hours to four hours.
4. Is Australia cheaper than New Zealand?
There is a slight cost difference between traveling in Australia and New Zealand. For instance, the average transportation cost in Australia is around USD 24 per day, while it is USD 16 in New Zealand. As for the cost of accommodation, it will cost you about USD 56 per night in Australia and USD 59 in New Zealand.
