australia travel new zealand

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

Australia and New Zealand

See All Australia & New Zealand Tours

See More Australia & New Zealand Trips

5 million happy guests and counting

Largest Country

Smallest Country

New Zealand

"Australia & New Zealand are two of the world's most beloved destinations. I love showing our guests all the iconic sights from the red desert to the dreamy beaches."

Tour Director

Admire the Sydney Opera House

We’ll take you on a guided tour around the sails of the Sydney Opera House, one of the most iconic sights in Australia. Enjoy an evening performance inside the grand Concert Hall, or board a helicopter for a panoramic view of the Opera House, along with other Sydney stars like the Harbour Bridge and Manly Cove.

Visit the Franz Josef Glacier

See the icy fingers of the Franz Josef Glacier with a guided ice walk or a thrilling scenic flight. When you take to the skies on our New Zealand trips, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the 12 kilometer glacier, along with Mount Cook and the soaring Southern Alps of the World Heritage Site park.

Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef

Board a high-speed catamaran and cruise the Coral Sea to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living structure and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This remarkable coral reef can be seen from outer space, and we’ll sink beneath the waters to snorkel with a dazzling array of marine life.

Get lost in the gorgeous streets of Wellington

When you travel New Zealand with Trafalgar, we’ll take you along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington, New Zealand’s beautiful capital city. You’ll enjoy an exclusive guided tour of Te Papa Museum where you’ll learn about Maori culture, then spend time exploring Welly’s gems, like the Parliament buildings or the city’s coffee culture.

Enjoy a traditional Australian barbecue with a view on Uluru

Experience one of the world’s most unique dining experiences, with Uluru as your striking backdrop. You’ll enjoy a classic barbecue of steaks, lamb sausages and garlic prawns, while gazing at the ancient monolith as it’s dusty red walls change colors during sunset. As the sun disappears, turn your eyes to the skies for spectacular stargazing.

Our top 5 things to do in Australia & New Zealand

Our tours of Australia and New Zealand will reveal the wonders of Down Under, from the sunny Great Barrier Reef in Australia, to the icy Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand.

The International Antarctic Centre

Located in Christchurch, the International Antarctic Centre is one of the best attractions in New Zealand. There are scores of interactive experiences to show you what life is like in Antarctica, including a thrilling all-terrain vehicle tour and a wild Antarctic storm room. Immerse yourself in the 4D theater and meet the cheeky penguins.

Australian National Maritime Museum

Set in Sydney’s vibrant Darling Harbour, the Australian National Maritime Museum shares the country’s stories of the sea. You can explore three open vessels including a ship and a submarine, and various exhibitions that document the charting of Australia’s coastline and the sacred meaning of the sea to the Aboriginal Australians.

Museum of Sydney

The Museum of Sydney showcases the colonial and contemporary history of Sydney, though pictures, objects and digital media exhibitions. It was built on the ruins of Australia's first Government House dating back to 1788, and today houses a large display of convict artefacts recovered from over 25 archaeological digs.

Best museums in Australia & New Zealand

Our trips to Australia and New Zealand showcase the region’s top museums, from the interactive Antarctic Centre in New Zealand, to the open ships of the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Pavlova is made from chewy meringue shell with a soft marshmallow center, and topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits like strawberries, kiwifruit and passionfruit. There’s a rivalry between Australia and New Zealand over the true national origins of the dish, but both countries agree it’s a truly delicious dessert.

Seafood is a national specialty throughout New Zealand, but the best place to enjoy a meal of crayfish is Kaikoura, a seaside town on the South Island. Here, you’ll enjoy the freshest catch of the day, and the crayfish is boiled and served with a tangy dipping sauce.

Found in restaurants all over Australia, the parmigiana is one of the most beloved dishes in the country. It’s made from a breaded chicken breast slathered in tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, served with french fries and salad. It originated in Italy and was brought to Australia with a wave of Italian migrants.

Best food in Australia & New Zealand

Our tours of New Zealand and Australia will reveal their most beloved dishes, from fresh crayfish and chicken parmigiana, to the sweet meringue of pavlova.

What to pack for Australia & New Zealand

All climate clothing

The climates in the region range from the sweltering desert to the snowy alps, so you’ll need to pack some versatile layers to be prepared for all seasons.

Australia is the world’s largest island, while New Zealand is famed for its scenic roads. Bring some headphones to accompany your long journeys through the panoramic landscapes.

Versatile shoes

You’ll need a range of shoes for your journey, from flip-flops for the beaches, to hiking boots for the mountains, and even a formal pair for a night at the Sydney Opera House.

You’ll see some of the world’s most extraordinary sites in Australia and New Zealand, and you’ll need a camera to capture all the action.

Reef-safe sunscreen

Australia and New Zealand are known for their harsh sun, and you’ll need to bring a strong, reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin on your Pacific Island holiday.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

Other worldwide regions we visit

Africa the Middle East

North and Central America

South America

Get your free brochure

Find your next escape with the world's leading travel brand

Request A Brochure

Award winning tours

Every year, we're proud to win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world - from the Travel Globes to the Agent's Choice Awards

Search Our Tours

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

Australia vs New Zealand: which destination is right for you?

Jun 20, 2024 • 6 min read

If you’re planning a great Antipodean adventure, Australia and New Zealand tempt in equal measure © iStock / Getty Images

If you’re planning a great Antipodean adventure, Australia and New Zealand tempt in equal measure.

Yet since that year-long sabbatical that will allow you to travel slowly across both countries may be a long time coming, you’ll likely have to make the tough decision to visit one over the other.

How do you tackle such a choice? Let two of our travel experts help.

Awe-inspiring Australia

Australian travel writer and Lonely Planet contributor Sarah Reid has collected more than 130 passport stamps. But she has yet to visit another country that ticks as many boxes as her homeland.

So our mountains might not be as dramatic, our airline safety not as funny, and our rugby team...well, let’s not get into that. But while I have a deep affection for our neighbor across the Tasman Sea, there’s really no beating what Australia has to offer visitors.

Cultural cachet

Let’s start with the world’s oldest living cultures. Every corner of the country forms part of the traditional lands of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander group with its own language, customs, traditions and stories. And there have never been more opportunities to experience this rich cultural legacy, from being dazzled by  Wintjiri Wiru , a new state-of-the-art cultural storytelling experience at  Uluru , to climbing the  Sydney Harbour Bridge with an  Indigenous storyteller guide .

Speaking of Sydney : what a showstopper! I lived in the  New South Wales capital for nearly a decade, and I still get misty-eyed at the sight of the  Sydney Opera House sticking out into the sparkling Sydney Harbor. With regard to new food frontiers, did you know the flat white was invented in Sydney? We realize that might be hard for Kiwis to accept. And while New Zealand might have made the first pavlova, its culinary scene doesn’t hold a candle to Australia’s, particularly in Sydney and  Melbourne , which both lie within easy striking distance of top wine regions. And let’s not forget our other cool capital cities: Canberra and Hobart , to name two, can get literally as cold as Auckland or Wellington, but rarely as windy.

A world of wildlife

The magical island of Tasmania is home to five of Australia’s 12 Great Walks . And while we won’t deny the Lord of the Rings landscapes experienced on New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks are pretty special, they’re generally lacking one thing Australia has no shortage of: wildlife. (Sheep don’t count.) It never gets old spotting a koala dozing in a gum tree, an echidna waddling across your path or a kangaroo bounding through the bush. And how amazing are Australia’s birds? There are few sounds as joyous as a family of kookaburras erupting into laughter.

I will say that New Zealand’s small size makes for easier and less carbon-intensive trips within the country. Yet across its great girth, Australia is blessed with astounding and unrivaled diversity, best experienced on a road trip to destinations like Cairns and Far North Queensland , where the world’s oldest living tropical rainforest meets the world’s largest coral reef (the Great Barrier Reef is still incredible, by the way). Or the wild and rugged Top End of the Northern Territory , where red-dirt trails lead to Aboriginal rock art and serene swimming holes.

You could spend a lifetime exploring the highlights of mainland Australia. But our territory also encompasses more than 8000 islands. From the colonial heritage of Norfolk Island to the otherworldly natural beauty of Lord Howe Island , many of these spots are bucket-list destinations unto themselves.

It helps, of course, that Australia has an ideal climate for exploring outdoors. What good is a gorgeous beach that’s usually too cold for a dip? At any given time of the year, it’s the perfect time to be somewhere Down Under. Just ask the 15 percent of New Zealand’s population who call Australia home.

The zing of New Zealand

As a Lonely Planet writer and editor,  Tasmin Waby has explored almost every corner of New Zealand – from Cape Reinga in the north to Stewart Island off the tip of the South Island (and she loves every bit of it).  

While some of the world’s wealthiest preppers may have chosen New Zealand as the place to move in the face of a global apocalypse, New Zealanders are busy making the world a better place so those billionaire bunkers won’t be needed after all.

New Zealand is the home of my extended family – my whānau – and I honestly can’t understand why I don't live there myself. I have vivid childhood memories of the South Island : eating my first ripe peach straight from an Otago orchard, smelling lanolin on my hands after petting a lamb, following a cousin into the frigid ocean at St Clair’s beach in Dunedin in winter.

Small but mighty

One of the best things about going to New Zealand is that you can easily tour its highlights in a week or two. (Honestly, if you’re going to go all that way, take your time and do it properly.) You can’t say the same for Australia – which is really a continent of nations . Despite what your maps might suggest, you need to narrow a visit to one region (and deal with your FOMO later). 

While New Zealand is small, it doesn’t feel it when you’ve pitched your tent in a campground by an almost-empty beach that fades into a distant mist of sea spray. Nor when you’re hiking otherworldly volcanic landscapes at Tongariro National Park , or  rainforested valleys with only the call of the local wildlife for company. 

And what of New Zealand’s native animals? Well, for a start, they’re not trying to kill you!

When sailing the azure waters of the Bay of Islands in the tropical “winterless north,” New Zealand is very much a Pacific paradise where bottlenose dolphins frolic. Down south, chiseled mountains plunge into an ocean of marine life, and moody  Fiordland could double for Scandinavia.

New Zealand is the country for lovers of nature, who also value a proper coffee (whether Australia or NZ invented the “flat white” is a point of contention) or a quality drop of wine   – ideally sampled at a cellar door restaurant with ocean views.

If you want to keep active, on the North Island  you can cycle from one coast to the other in just one day. Down south, test your own limits skiing, bungee-jumping, mountain-biking, jet boating and tackling a via ferrata in Queenstown and Wanaka .

Sophisticated cities (plus penguins)

New Zealand’s biggest city, Auckland is a thriving metropolis with harborside restaurants, open-air festivals, and muggy summer nights, comparable to Sydney  but without the parking challenges. Pocket-sized Dunedin and Wellington tick all the “city” boxes with destination hotels , cocktail bars and fine dining . Yet, 15 minutes from the center, you can spot penguins – or migrating whales.

But don't just travel to New Zealand to solely immerse yourself in its incredible landscapes. You’re here to experience the world anew.

Australia may be making strong strides toward reconciliation with First Nations, but in New Zealand, the Māori language  and the traditional values of guardianship of the land, sea and sky are very much a part of their worldview. Here, the cultural and spiritual significance of a river is already enshrined in law. We all have plenty to learn from this diminutive island nation. 

You’ll also find that New Zealanders are progressive, friendly, and good-natured. Even though not all of them were extras in Lord of the Rings , feel free to ask anyway: Kiwis have a very wry sense of humor. Get over and discover it for yourself. 

This article was first published May 9, 2023 and updated Jun 20, 2024.

Explore related stories

Health & Wellness

Sep 8, 2024 • 6 min read

Build your New Zealand itinerary around its incredible luxury lodges and resorts, and enjoy the best the country has to offer.

Sep 6, 2024 • 6 min read

Sep 3, 2024 • 9 min read

Sep 2, 2024 • 7 min read

Aug 27, 2024 • 5 min read

Aug 24, 2024 • 7 min read

Aug 24, 2024 • 10 min read

Aug 23, 2024 • 7 min read

Aug 22, 2024 • 8 min read

Aug 21, 2024 • 4 min read

Make Your Next Trip Extraordinary

• Middle East
• Australia & Pacific
• Caribbean & Mexico
• South America
• Central America
• Cruises & Yachts
• United States
• About Wendy
• Meet the Team
• Code of Ethics
• How We’re Funded
• How to Support Us
• How You Can Benefit
• Smart Travel in 2024
• Where to Go When
• Family Travel
• Holiday Travel
• Airline Travel
• Cruise Travel
• Our Own Trips
• Ask a Teenager
• Travel Insurance
• Travel Talk Videos
• I Have a Destination
• Tell Me Where to Go
• Just Back: The Latest Reviews
• Anniversary Trips
• Asia WOW Trips
• Christmas/New Year Trips
• Christmas Day Abroad
• Europe in Summer: Beat the Heat
• Europe in Winter: Smart Trip Ideas
• Europe for Winter School Breaks
• Europe’s Secret Spots
• Food-Focused Trips
• Graduation Trips
• Grandparents with Grandkids
• Meeting Interesting Local People
• South America WOW Trips
• Speeding Through Airports
• Spring Break Family Trips
• Sporty Adventures
• Study Abroad
• Thanksgiving Trips
• Wildlife Encounters
• WOW Moments
• The WOW List
• WOW List FAQs
• Fees/Pricing Tips
• WOW Moment Rules

Combining New Zealand and Australia: Insider’s Guide to the Best Trip

The insider advice on this page is from one of Wendy’s Trusted Travel Experts for New Zealand and Australia: Sarah Farag of Southern Crossings.

A native New Zealander based in Auckland, Sarah works her superb connections—from sheep farmers to helicopter pilots—to open doors for her travelers. She can set you up with a driving itinerary and rental car with stops for scenic hikes, wine tastings, and whatever else you might enjoy, but for those times when you’d prefer not to worry about driving on the left-hand side of the road and to be able to lose your eyes in the country’s countless glorious vistas and navigate to its most charming hidden corners without having to keep your eyes on the road, she has the savviest private drivers at her beck and call. Sarah has pull not just with the country’s top luxury lodges, but also with its guesthouses and even private homes with chefs. And, as a mom of two teenage sons, she is especially tuned in to what families enjoy most. For those wanting to see more of the region, Sarah can add beach stops in Fiji and other South Pacific islands, or coordinate with Sydney-based colleague and fellow WOW Lister Stuart Rigg to include time in Australia.

Tell us about the trip you want

The more detail, the better we can help you..

•What’s your biggest goal for this trip? What would make it most memorable?

• Tell us your trip goals. IMPORTANT: Local inflation has soared in some countries, so check Wendy’s Pricing Tip: On mobile, scroll down to just above the photo. On desktop, look to the right. *

Getting there and around

Where are you flying from? Have you booked your airline travel? If so, tell us the dates and routing. If not, how long a flight are you comfortable with? Once you’re at your destination, how do you envision exploring it—e.g., rental car? public transit? private vehicle with English-speaking driver or guide/expediter with top connections and special access?

• Tell us your flight dates/route and local transportation preferences (if you know these already). *

Staying there

Do you have a type of accommodations in mind (e.g., 4-star, 5-star, historic inn, state-of-the-art resort, family villa. private yacht, small expedition ship)? Is there a past hotel experience you’re seeking something similar to? If you have already booked accommodations, let us know.

• Tell us about the places you’ve stayed in that you’ve liked, and what you would like now. *
• Estimated Trip Start Date (Including the Year) *
• Estimated Trip Length (in Days) *
• Total Trip Budget (in U.S. dollars, excluding airfare): * How much do you want to spend for a WOW-caliber trip (incl. rooms, vehicles, excursions, meals, unique experiences, and the savviest drivers/guides/expediters to spare you headaches and wasted time)? Your answer will dictate the locations, trip dates, and experiences we will suggest. Please select (in USD): More than $75K $50K to $75K $35,000 to $50,000 $25,000 to $35,000 $20,000 to $25,000 $15,000 to $20,000 $10,000 to $15,000 Other (this will open a new box you can write in)
• REMINDER: Local inflation has soared in some countries, so check Wendy’s Pricing Tip above the trip planner's photo.
• Tell us about your travel budget *

Where should we send your personalized recommendation?

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• If you’d like this trip to count toward a WOW Moment, use the same email address you’ve used to submit trip requests to WendyPerrin.com in the past. * Enter Email Confirm Email If you’d like this trip to count toward a WOW Moment , use the same email address you’ve used to submit trip requests to WendyPerrin.com in the past.
• Name of travel specialist(s) you've used
• Do you have a WOW Moment certificate you’d like to use? If so, please enter the first four digits of the certificate number. Qualifying rules apply for certificate redemption.
• First 4 digits only
• How did you hear about Wendy? * Please select Condé Nast Traveler Town & Country The Wall Street Journal The New York Times TripAdvisor Friends or colleagues A travel professional Google search Social media I’ve followed Wendy’s advice for years

If you do not receive an email confirmation of your trip request from [email protected] and you have checked your spam folder, let us know: [email protected] .

• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Combining countries

The Great Barrier Reef, seen from above. Photo: Tourism Whitsundays

Always book your trans-Pacific flights into one country and out of the other, so you don’t have to backtrack. It usually makes sense to start with New Zealand: Since you make up time flying from there to Australia and arrive just two hours after you departed, you can still fit a lot into your travel day.

If you have two-and-a-half weeks, you can go wine tasting on New Zealand’s Waiheke Island, explore Maori culture and geothermal features in Rotorua, scratch your adventure itch in Queenstown, enjoy Sydney’s harborside delights, take in Uluru and learn about Aboriginal culture in Australia’s Red Centre, and end your trip on a pristine Queensland beach near the Great Barrier Reef.

Wine lovers will need three weeks to cover the major regions in each country: Waiheke Island, Hawke’s Bay, and Central Otago in New Zealand, and the Barossa Valley, Mornington Peninsula, and Hunter Valley in Australia. Cap it all off with a few nights to detox on an island in the Great Barrier Reef.

Wildlife lovers will need a bit more time to get to the most remote spots. The mountains and rainforests of New Zealand’s South Island hold the last remaining wild populations of most of the country’s bird species, not to mention the marine life hiding along its rocky coastline. Australia’s top nature destinations are spread across the country, from Kangaroo Island in the south to Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory and Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef. Hone in on the creatures you most want to see, or expect to spend a good bit of time getting from place to place.

What to Do and See

The ultra-luxe Mt Isthmus private villa is near New Zealand’s Lake Hawea, an underrated lake most travelers skip. Photo: The Lindis Group

Most underrated places New Zealand’s Lake Hawea isn’t as well known as Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, or even neighboring Lake Wanaka. But it’s just as scenically impressive—if not more so—and you are likely to have the vast majority of it to yourself. It’s well worth stopping for a picnic when driving along the country’s west coast, but nowadays you can stay longer thanks to fabulous new options for an overnight, such as the ultra-luxe Mt Isthmus private villa or a cottage on Lake Hawea Station, a sheep and cattle farm focused on regenerative agriculture.

Australia’s Northern Territory can be tricky to work into a multi-country itinerary due to the time required to get there and get around (given the vast distances), but those who make it are treated to red-earth deserts, lush green watering holes, star-filled skies, uniquely Australian wildlife, and authentic Aboriginal experiences.

Most overrated place While Auckland is a thriving city in a beautiful location, New Zealand is all about getting out of the cities. Auckland is also a mini version of Sydney—so if that’s on your list, you can skip the former, or use it only as a base to explore the beautiful islands and beaches on its doorstep.

Hidden gems Both countries are known for their trekking routes, but they’re also a casual walker’s paradise, with countless shorter trails that you can easily enjoy on your own.

Blue Pools Track in New Zealand’s Mt. Aspiring National Park is an easy, three-kilometer track through beautiful beech forests and via an Instagram-worthy swing bridge suspended over the glacial Blue Pools and the Makarora River.

Sydney’s Bronte to Bondi coastal walk is one of the most scenic places to watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean and see Sydney locals going about their morning rituals (ocean swims, a before-work surf, beachside yoga, and flat white coffees in a trendy local café).

Don’t bother Hiring a campervan. They have become very overpriced, and now that many parts of both countries have banned “freedom camping”—the ability to park anywhere—they no longer offer the flexibility they once did. Campervans are also not particularly compatible with New Zealand’s winding roads, and many locals are quite opposed to the scenic obstructions when parked en masse in the height of summer.

Book one of the glass pods at The Lindis in the Ahuriri Valley and enjoy the twinkling skies from your outdoor hot tub. Photo: The Lindis Group

Cheap thrill There are countless places to enjoy star-studded Southern-Hemisphere skies —from New Zealand’s Southern Alps (the South Island’s Aoraki Mackenzie region is home to an International Dark Sky Reserve) to Australia’s vast outback. Time your stargazing right and you may even catch the spectacular Southern Lights (Aurora Australis).

If “cheap” isn’t a requirement for your stargazing, book one of the glass pods at The Lindis in the Ahuriri Valley and enjoy the twinkling skies from your outdoor hot tub with a flute of New Zealand sparkling wine in hand.

Bragging rights Sarah listens carefully to each traveler’s interests and employs her wide network of contacts to tailor special experiences that you won’t find online. She’s chartered a helicopter and hired a Department of Conservation ranger to take her travelers to parts of New Zealand where few others have ever set foot—including a natural hot springs with a secret location.

In Australia, she’s arranged a birthday party on Shark Island in Sydney Harbour with an Aboriginal welcome and smoking ceremony, didgeridoo players, dinner prepared by one of the city’s most acclaimed chefs, and a private fireworks display.

Prime Picnic Spot Take the ten-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland across the harbor to historic Devonport . Collect picnic provisions from any of the quaint local cafés before walking up the nearby extinct volcano of Mt. Victoria for panoramic views of the Auckland skyline, the sailboat-filled Waitemata Harbour, and across to volcanic Rangitoto Island.

Across the Tasman, Sydney’s waterfront Botanic Gardens are hard to beat for the picture-perfect picnic spot: a beautiful leafy setting with the harbor, opera house, and bridge as your backdrop.

Where to Stay and Eat

Best bang-for-your-buck hotels Auckland’s Hotel Britomart is the first in the country to earn five green stars from New Zealand’s Green Building Council; it gets another five stars for its service and elegance. All of the rooms are the same extremely compact size—but all exceptionally tasteful and considered—so you’re best off booking one from the least expensive Laneway category.

In Sydney, if your time is short, it’s possible to combine Sydney Harbour views, native Australian wildlife right outside your room, and dinner at one of the city’s hottest new restaurants in a single hotel stay, provided you book a room at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga , located within Sydney’s Taronga Zoo.

Qualia’s pavilions look out to the Whitsunday Islands, in the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Photo: qalia

Best-value splurge lodges As accommodations go, New Zealand is best known for its small luxury lodges; one of the most charming is Pihopa Retreat in Nelson. Situated on the outskirts of Nelson, this wonderful boutique property offers six spacious and beautifully appointed suites among 5.5 acres of gardens; continental breakfast is included and dinners can be arranged by the delightful New Zealand owners, who live in the main house with their family.

Ten miles off the coast of Queensland, Australia, Qualia’s 60 ultra-luxe pavilions (what they call their standalone private villas) are nestled into the northern tip of Hamilton Island and surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef. You can fill your days here with snorkeling, scuba diving, flightseeing by helicopter or seaplane, spa treatments, or even a jaunt by private yacht to a secluded beach where you’ll be dropped off with Champagne and a gourmet picnic.

Restaurants the locals love Amisfield is a restaurant and winery on the outskirts of Queenstown, near Lake Hayes. Despite receiving a lot of press after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited in 2014, the bistro’s team have kept their heads down and continue to serve delicious dishes with a lovely local flair—nothing too fancy or fussy, but reliably tasty. The place is always full of locals, which tells you something about its consistency of service and culinary excellence. If you have time for a long and lazy lunch, ask for the “Trust the Chef” option: Simply let them know of any dietary requirements, then sit back, relax, and they’ll bring a selection of dishes to your table.

Fratelli Paradiso is a lively neighborhood trattoria in Sydney’s trendy Potts Point, and a favorite with both locals and in-the-know visiting celebrities; Elton John never fails to enjoy a casual meal here when in town. Friendly waiters translate the blackboard menus as the chefs prepare their signature dishes—Calamari Sant’Andrea and delicious lasagnes—best enjoyed with a glass of wine from the extensive list of Italian and Australian labels. As locals would expect, it’s open seven days a week for all-day dining.

Dish to try Spring is whitebait season in New Zealand, when these tiny freshwater fish become one of the country’s most sought-after delicacies. They aren’t bought in the supermarket; locals have a “whitebait guy” they buy from. The fish are most often cooked with eggs to create omelet-style whitebait fritters, which can be found everywhere from New Zealand’s top restaurants to small roadside takeaway stalls. Four of the six whitebait species are endangered, so ask if what’s being served has been sourced sustainably.

Take a private boat into Dusky Sound, where your pilot will dive into the icy-cold waters for fresh crayfish to barbecue. Photo: Southern Crossings

Meals worth the splurge On New Zealand’s South Island, in a region inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Sarah can arrange for the ultimate indulgence in both fresh seafood and untouched scenery : A private helicopter takes you on a scenic flight—over rainforests, mountains, glaciers, and fjords—to a custom-built boat in Dusky Sound, one of Fiordland National Park’s most remote inlets. Here you can fish or hike the shoreline where explorer Captain Cook first came ashore in 1773, and where today dolphins, fur seals, and other wildlife abound. For lunch, your pilot will actually dive into the icy-cold waters, harvest a couple of crayfish from the sea floor, and barbecue them to be served with gourmet sides and New Zealand wine and beer.

In Australia’s dining capital of Melbourne, Attica serves innovative degustation menus that showcase local Australian produce such as salted red kangaroo and King George whiting in paperbark, as well as ingredients foraged by head chef Ben Shewry himself.

How to spend a lazy Sunday Farmers markets’ have made a big comeback in recent years and are held in most cities and towns across New Zealand on Sunday mornings. Head down for a delicious brunch freshly harvested by the farmers themselves, and ask the locals which coffee cart is the best. Don’t miss the markets in the waterside precincts of Wynyard Quarter (Auckland), Queens Wharf (Wellington), The Terrace (Christchurch), or Steamer Wharf (Queenstown). In Australia, there is Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market, the very tasty South Melbourne Market, and Hobart’s lively Farm Gate market.

As for your Sunday afternoon, if you’re in Auckland, catch the ferry across the Waitemata Harbour to Waiheke Island. Known affectionately as the Island of Wine and just 40 minutes from downtown, Waiheke is where locals go for a relaxed vibe, long lunches looking back across to the city, strolls past coastal sculpture, and beach walks.

For a lazy Sunday afternoon in Sydney, catch the ferry across the harbor to Manly , where you can enjoy a coastal stroll, a swim in the surf, and a sundowner with the locals by the water’s edge on Manly Wharf.

Contact Sarah

Not sure if this is the right person for you? Ask Wendy

Get a Personalized Trip Recommendation

For a travel solution tailored to your trip goals and preferences, click this green box.

Best Times to Go

September through May is the best time to combine New Zealand and Australia in a single trip. March and April bring T-shirt days and duvet nights, they’re less crowded than the peak Southern-Hemisphere summer months, and rates are a bit lower.

In October and November the gardens are lush, the countryside is vibrantly green in New Zealand’s North Island and still snow-capped in the South Island, and you get lovely spring weather in Australia.

Worst Times to Go

June, July, and August can get chilly in the region’s southern reaches, and many of New Zealand’s iconic hiking trails close over this period. That said, early August is ideal for heli-skiing and notching untracked runs on private ski fields after the local schools have returned from winter break; you can even combine a New Zealand alpine adventure with Australia’s Great Barrier Reef or a tropical stopover in Fiji.

Biggest Rookie Mistake

Trying to combine Australia and New Zealand in less than two weeks: Most of your time will be spent traveling rather than experiencing. If you can only get away for two weeks, don’t try to cover multiple regions in each country; instead, look at combining Sydney with New Zealand, for example, or Australia with Queenstown.

Can't-Miss Photo Ops

The views are grand at Craggy Range Winery in Hawke’s Bay (pictured), where you can look out over the vines planted at the foot of Te Mata’s dramatic jagged peak; for beautiful light and vines bursting with grapes, get your shot in the late afternoon during the Southern-Hemisphere spring or summer.

The constantly changing hues of Uluru, or Ayers Rock, make it one of Australia’s most iconic photo-ops. Early morning and late afternoon best showcase the colors of this unique monolith—itself a sacred site of the local indigenous people—and the surrounding landscape.

The Souvenirs

Manuka honey, which New Zealand bees produce from the nectar of the native manuka plant. Maori traditionally used manuka for its healing properties, and some people use the honey today for medicinal purposes. In Australia, you can find honey made from eucalyptus, which is prized for is flavor, color, and high quality.

Pounamu, or greenstone, refers to several types of stone found in southern New Zealand that have long been used in carvings done by Maori artists. It is considered bad luck to buy pounamu for yourself, but it makes a wonderfully meaningful gift.

Must-have App

The MetService weather app for New Zealand is handy, with such a changeable climate and so many activities being weather-dependent (although Sarah monitors weather closely for her travelers).

Airport Intel

Auckland International Airport is not physically attached to Auckland Domestic Airport, which makes connecting flights a bit of a headache. While most airlines allow you to book flights with as little as one hour between them, this is almost impossible to make! Two hours is a realistic minimum connection time. For the smoothest logistics, Sarah can arrange for someone to meet you at the plane and for a private car to take you between terminals.

If your U.S.-Australia flights have you changing planes in Auckland, you’ll need to apply for an NZeTa (an Electronic Travel Authority) before you fly.

Do not bring honey or any fresh produce into New Zealand. The country’s unique ecosystem is fiercely protected by its border controllers, who will readily fine anyone bringing in such products.

Tipping Tip

Tipping is not expected in New Zealand or Australia, and is entirely discretionary as an appreciation of good service. All employees are paid full wages and therefore do not depend on gratuities for their income. However, a tip in the vicinity of 10% in recognition of excellent service has become the custom in cafés and restaurants.

Don’t Forget to Pack

Sunglasses and a hat. The sun is strong and the air particularly clear, so these two items are essential year-round.

Think in layers. The weather can change from sunny and hot to cool in a matter of hours, whether you are traveling in summer or winter.

Lots of personal touches...

Glad to be there in the fall..., so valuable to us....

Our Latest Newsletters

Be a Smarter Traveler

Sign up for Wendy Perrin’s newsletter to get essential travel updates and ideas to make your next trip extraordinary.

We may receive a referral fee from trip planners for trips designed for and purchased by travelers referred through us.

• Insider’s Guides to 178 Destinations
• Travel Tips
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy

• Where To Go When

Search Smartraveller

New Zealand

Latest update.

Exercise normal safety precautions in New Zealand.

New Zealand (PDF 764.52 KB)

Pacific (PDF 1.27 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services.

Call 111.

Medical emergencies

Call 111 or contact the nearest police station.

Call 105 or go online for Police non-emergencies.

Advice levels

• Earthquakes are a constant risk. Large, damaging quakes can happen at any time. Know what to do during and after an earthquake.
• All of New Zealand's coastline is at risk of a tsunami. Know the tsunami warning signs and move to high ground immediately. Don't wait for official alerts.
• New Zealand has several active volcanoes. Volcanic alert levels may rise quickly. You may be ordered to evacuate at short notice. Stay informed and follow the advice of local authorities. 
• Weather conditions can change quickly. Severe weather could leave you stranded or injured, especially in an isolated area. If you're climbing, hiking or in a remote area, register your trip with the Department of Conservation. Carry a personal locator beacon.
• Crime rates are similar to those in Australia. Thieves often target vehicles. Don't leave valuables in your car or campervan.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel.

Medical facilities and services are of a similar standard to those in Australia.

• New Zealand and Australia have a reciprocal healthcare agreement. This lets Australians access public medical facilities and care. However, there are some things it doesn't cover. Ensure you get comprehensive travel insurance.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties may include fines and prison sentences, including for small amounts.
• Carry approved identification if you want to purchase alcohol or enter licensed premises. Approved ID includes your passport, a New Zealand driver's licence, an existing Hospitality NZ 18+ Card, or a Kiwi Access Card. An Australian driver's licence is not an approved form of ID under the NZ Sale and Supply of Alcohol Regulations.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

You must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration Form (NZTD) before passport control on arrival. You need to answer questions about your trip and what you’re bringing into the country. You can complete it  online  or by using the NZTD app, there's no cost. 

• Most Australian citizens don't need a visa to enter unless you have a criminal record or if you've been deported from any country. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You can contact the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate for the latest details.
• Before you travel, check Immigration New Zealand's website for current entry restrictions and requirements.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission’s social media accounts.

For consular help, contact the  Australian High Commission in Wellington , or the Australian Consulate-General in Auckland.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Petty crime.

Crime rates in New Zealand are similar to those in Australia.

Thieves often target valuables left in cars and campervans.

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. 

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards.

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Civil unrest and political tension

Demonstrations and protests.

Protests are generally peaceful. However, public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Follow the advice of local authorities.

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

• New Zealand police
• New Zealand Security Intelligence Service

Climate and natural disasters

New Zealand experiences  natural disasters  and  severe weather , including:

• earthquakes
• volcanic activity
• flash flooding

To protect yourself in a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with friends and family

Monitor local media and other sources, including:

• Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• GetReady website  (New Zealand government)

Severe weather

Weather conditions can change quickly. Severe weather can occur.

Creeks and rivers can experience  flash flooding  after heavy rains.

Rapid weather changes could leave you stranded or injured, particularly if you're in a remote area.

Monitor weather conditions, forecasts and warnings from  Metservice .

Take extra care if you're climbing, hiking or in a remote area.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes  are a constant risk in New Zealand.

Most quakes are too small or deep in the earth to feel. However, about 150 to 200 quakes are big enough to feel each year.

Large, damaging earthquakes have occurred and could happen again at any time. Aftershocks can continue for days or weeks.

When an earthquake happens, you're advised to drop, cover and hold. If an earthquake is long or strong, and you're near the coast or large body of water, you should go to higher ground immediately.

If you're indoors during an earthquake:

• move no more than a few steps to a heavy, solid object you can get underneath, and hold onto it
• don't try to run outside
• stay indoors until the shaking stops
• stay away from windows, chimneys, and shelves with heavy objects

If you're in bed:

• hold onto the bed and stay where you are
• protect your head and body with a pillow and blankets

If you're outdoors:

• move to the nearest clear spot
• keep away from buildings, trees, and power lines
• drop to the ground

If you're in a car:

• drive to a clear place away from buildings, trees, and power lines
• stay in the car with your seatbelt on until the shaking stops

If you're in a lift:

• stop at the nearest floor and get out

After the earthquake finishes:

• be aware of possible tsunami risks (see below)
• prepare for travel delays
• reconfirm your travel arrangements
• check your accommodation with travel agents and tour operators

Because of the region's earthquake risk, tsunamis could happen.

All of New Zealand's coastline is at risk of a tsunami. New Zealand is a member of the Pacific Tsunami Warning System.

The National Emergency Management Agency manages the National Tsunami Advisory and Warning Plan and issues tsunami alerts on its website. These are also broadcast by New Zealand media.

A tsunami could arrive within minutes. There may not be time for an official warning.

Move immediately to high ground, or as far inland as possible, if you're near the coast and you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings.

Walk or bike if possible because of potential road congestion.

New Zealand's active volcanoes can erupt at any time. Volcanic alert levels may rise quickly. You may be ordered to evacuate at short notice.

If there's volcanic activity:

• follow the instructions and advice of local authorities
• follow evacuation orders
• take official warnings seriously

If you plan to visit active volcanoes or surrounding areas:

• monitor the  GeoNet  website
• get local advice first

Visit  GeoNet  for information about volcanic activity at:

• Mt Tongariro
• White Island
• other active volcanic sites

Parts of New Zealand experience  bushfires  in hot, dry conditions.

If there's a bushfire, follow local advice.

Adventure activities

Most people enjoy adventure activities safely in New Zealand. However, these activities carry risks.

Several serious accidents involving Australians and other travellers have occurred. People have died.

Some operators have been found to be negligent.

Safety standards can differ both between individual operators, and from standards in Australia.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• be aware of the risks of individual or group activities
• check the safety standards of operators
• check to see if operators meet industry standards

Safety risks can increase in severe weather and remote areas.

Before you do any adventure activities :

• make sure your  travel insurance  covers your planned activities
• understand what your travel and other insurance doesn't cover
• only book with operators with appropriate safety equipment and practices
• always use the safety equipment, even if others don't

If you're trekking or travelling in a remote area:

• get updates on local weather from the  Department of Conservation
• check conditions with the local DOC visitor centre
• register your trip with a DOC visitor centre
• tell your family and friends your plans
• carry a personal locator beacon
• avoid creeks and rivers after heavy rains

You can hire personal locator beacons throughout New Zealand.

When you return from a hike, check in with:

• the DOC visitor centre
• your family and friends
• anyone else who knew your plans
• AdventureSmart
• Mountain Safety Council

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. 

Your policy must cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away (including if stopovers on the way to your destination are covered) 

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you need counselling services in New Zealand, contact:

• Lifeline – 0800 543 354 or free text HELP (4357)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
• Healthline – 0800 611 116
• Samaritans – 0800 726 666
• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in New Zealand. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use
• New Zealand Customs Service
• Medicare Australia

Health risks

Health risks are broadly similar to those in Australia.

Medical care

Medical facilities, reciprocal health care.

New Zealand and Australia have a  reciprocal health care agreement . This lets Australians access public medical facilities and care.

It doesn't:

• include ongoing treatment of existing health conditions
• cover extra accommodation costs or flights for family members
• cover flights to Australia
• replace the need for travel insurance.

To access services under the agreement:

• show your current Australian passport or evidence of permanent residency
• show your valid Medicare card.
• New Zealand Ministry of Health
• Reciprocal health care agreement (Services Australia)

Accident Compensation Corporation

If you're injured in an accident, the  Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)  covers the costs of hospital treatment.

The cover provided by ACC:

• offers injury cover on a 'no-fault' basis — this means accident victims don’t have a legal right to sue a third party
• ends once you've left New Zealand
• doesn't replace your need for  travel insurance .

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for possessing and using drugs may include fines and prison sentences.

• Carrying or using drugs

Alcohol laws

You'll need photo ID to buy alcohol or enter licensed premises.

You can't use your Australian driver's licence.

Approved IDs include:

• current passport
• current New Zealand driver's licence
• Kiwi Access Card
• Approved ID

Quarantine regulations

New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules.

If you don't declare items for quarantine, you'll get an instant fine.

If you make a false statement, you'll face heavy fines and prison sentences.

Customs requirements 

When you arrive, customs officers may check electronic devices they suspect are being used in criminal activity. Devices may include:

• mobile phones
• portable tablets
• hard drives
• digital cameras

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

New Zealand recognises dual nationality.

If you're an Australian-New Zealand dual citizen, use your  Australian passport  to enter and leave Australia.

• Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. Contact  NZ Immigration  for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules. If you don't meet the conditions, the Australian Government can't help you.

Visa conditions 

Most Australian citizens don’t need a visa to enter unless you have a criminal record or if you've been deported from any country.

Australian permanent residents need to apply online for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to enter New Zealand. Australian citizens are exempt from this rule.

For more information refer to the NZ Government Immigration website .

If you've been:

• convicted of any crimes, or
• deported from any country

Contact a  New Zealand Visa Application Centre  for advice well before you travel.

New Zealand Visa Application Centre

Level 6 66 Hunter Street Sydney NSW 2000 Phone: +61 2 8278 4529 or 1800 388 718 Website:  www.immigration.govt.nz Email:  [email protected]

Border measures

If you are a New Zealand visa or NZeTA holder you still need to complete an NZTD.

For more information see the  NZTD website . 

Maritime border

New Zealand's maritime border is open to all vessels, including foreign flagged vessels, cruise ships, recreational vessels (such as yachts and small craft) and specialist vessels used in research and exploration. 

For more information see the  New Zealand Customs Service – Travelling to New Zealand webpage . 

• Travelling to New Zealand  (New Zealand Government)
• Information for visa holders  (New Zealand Immigration)

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

New Zealand Immigration requires you to have 3 months of validity on your passport after the date you plan to leave. If you're planning to travel to another destination after leaving New Zealand, you may need more than 3 months validity on your passport after your departure date.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

• NZ Immigration

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. 

New Zealand Immigration recognises gender 'X' on passports. If in doubt, contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information: 

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The local currency is the New Zealand Dollar ($NZ).

Declare all amounts over $NZ10,000 or equivalent on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

ATM availability is similar to Australia.

You can use debit or credit cards in most places as you would in Australia.

Contact your bank to let them know you'll use your cards overseas.

Local travel

Driving permit.

You can drive for up to 12 months with your Australian driver's licence.

After that, you'll need to get a local licence.

• Driver licences

Road travel

Ice, snow, fog, high winds and roaming animals can cause hazardous conditions. Heavy rain can cause landslides across roads.

Outside major cities, there aren't many motorways. Overtaking opportunities are limited.

Prepare for longer travel times than in Australia.

Railway crossings don't always have barriers, particularly in country areas.

If you're driving in mountain areas or to ski fields, be aware that roads:

• are often narrow and unpaved
• may not have safety barriers
• may require you to use snow chains
• may only be accessible by 4WD

It’s illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, but there is an exemption for 111 calls in genuine emergencies. Hands-free devices and 2-way radio are permitted.

If you plan to drive in New Zealand:

• learn the  local road rules  before driving
• be careful if there's ice, snow, fog or high winds
• check for road closures and warnings with the  New Zealand Transport Agency
• equip yourself for current and possible weather conditions
• Driving or riding
• Driving in New Zealand

Motorcycles

Make sure your travel insurance covers using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis and rideshares are generally reliable. The standards are similar to Australia.

The  New Zealand Transport Authority  regulates taxis and rideshare apps.

Public transport

Buses, trains and ferries operate throughout New Zealand. State-run services are also regulated by the New Zealand Transport Authority.

Take care of your belongings on public transport.

• Transport and getting around safely

Several international cruise lines stopover in New Zealand. 

• Going on a cruise

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  New Zealand's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australian High Commission, Wellington

72-76 Hobson Street Thorndon Wellington, New Zealand Phone: +64 4 473 6411 Fax: +64 4 498 7103 Website:  newzealand.highcommission.gov.au Facebook:  Australia in New Zealand Twitter:  @AusHCNZ

Australian Consulate-General

Level 7, HSBC Tower  186-194 Quay Street Auckland City, New Zealand Phone: +64 9 921 8800 Fax: +64 9 921 8820

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to New Zealand?

Sign up to get the latest travel advice updates..

Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.

Helpful tips

Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Best things to do in the North Island
• Best things to do in the South Island
• Other Islands
• Best ways to travel around
• Calculate travel times and distances

If You Seek

Across our incredible country, you can find everything from untamed wilderness to rich culture. There's more to find in Aotearoa New Zealand.

North Island destinations | South Island destinations

Explore Aotearoa New Zealand all year round

Discover your best time to visit

Must do New Zealand experiences

See all things to do in New Zealand >

Stargrazing in New Zealand

Kura Tawhiti, Castle Hill, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Brett Phibbs

The unique experience of enjoying New Zealand's stunning night skies while indulging in exceptional cuisine.

Find things to do

Start planning your new zealand holiday, travel advice and safety, covid-19 travel safety information long-arrow-right.

Find out more about New Zealand's COVID-19 travel safety and information.

Flights to New Zealand long-arrow-right

Find more information on finding flights to New Zealand.

Visas and entry requirements long-arrow-right

Learn more about the available visa options and entry requirements into New Zealand.

Travelling around New Zealand

Driving long-arrow-right.

Get familiar with driving in New Zealand.

Public transport long-arrow-right

Find out how to get around without hiring a vehicle.

Accommodation long-arrow-right

Explore different accommodation options.

Domestic flights long-arrow-right

Flights are easy to catch and are no longer than two hours.

• Share on Facebook
• Share by email

Countries, economies and regions

Select a country, economy or region to find embassies, country briefs, economic fact sheets, trade agreements, aid programs, information on sanctions and more.

International relations

Global security.

• Australia and sanctions
• Australian Safeguards and Non-proliferation Office (ASNO)
• Counter-terrorism
• Non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control
• Peacekeeping and peacebuilding

Regional architecture

• Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• East Asia Summit (EAS)
• Australia and the Indian Ocean region
• Pacific Islands regional organisations

Global themes

• Child protection
• Climate change
• Cyber affairs and critical technology
• Disability Equity and Rights
• Gender equality
• Human rights
• Indigenous peoples
• People Smuggling, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
• Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment
• Australia’s treaty-making process

International organisations

• The Commonwealth of Nations
• United Nations (UN)
• World Trade Organization

Foreign Arrangements Scheme  

Trade and investment, about free trade agreements (ftas).

• The benefits of FTAs
• How to get free trade agreement tariff cuts
• Look up FTA tariffs and services market access - DFAT FTA Portal
• Discussion paper on potential modernisation – DFAT FTA Portal

About foreign investment

• The benefits of foreign investment
• Investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS)
• Australia's bilateral investment treaties
• Australia's foreign investment policy

For Australian business

• Addressing non-tariff trade barriers

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

Stakeholder engagement.

• Ministerial Council on Trade and Investment
• Trade 2040 Taskforce
• First Nations trade

Australia's free trade agreements (FTAs)

• ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand (AANZFTA)
• Chile (ACLFTA)
• China (ChAFTA)
• Hong Kong ( A-HKFTA & IA)
• India (AI-ECTA)
• Indonesia (IA-CEPA)
• Japan (JAEPA)
• Korea (KAFTA)
• Malaysia (MAFTA)
• New Zealand (ANZCERTA)
• Peru (PAFTA)
• Singapore (SAFTA)
• Thailand (TAFTA)
• United Kingdom (A-UKFTA)
• USA (AUSFTA)
• Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
• European Union (A-EUFTA)
• India (AI-CECA)
• Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
• Australia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

Trade and investment data, information and publications

• Fact sheets for countries and regions
• Australia's trade balance
• Trade statistics
• Foreign investment statistics
• Trade and investment publications
• Australia's Trade through Time

WTO, G20, OECD, APEC and IPEF and ITAG

Services and digital trade.

• Service trade policy
• Australia-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement
• Digital trade & the digital economy

Development

Australia’s development program, performance assessment.

• Development evaluation
• Budget and statistical information

Who we work with

• Multilateral organisations
• Non-government organisations (NGOs)
• List of Australian accredited non-government organisations (NGOs)

Development topics

• Development issues
• Development sectors

2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

• Sustainable Development Goals

Where we deliver our Development Program

Humanitarian action.

Where and how Australia provides emergency assistance.

People-to-people

Australia awards.

• Australia Awards Scholarships
• Australia Awards Fellowships

New Colombo Plan

• Scholarship program
• Mobility program

Public diplomacy

• Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program
• Australia now
• UK/Australia Season 2021-22

Foundations, councils and institutes

• Australia-ASEAN Council
• Australia-India Council
• Australia-Indonesia Institute
• Australia-Japan Foundation
• Australia-Korea Foundation
• Council for Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR)
• Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR)

International Labour Mobility

• Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme
• Agriculture Visa

Australian Volunteers Program

Supporting organisations in developing countries by matching them with skilled Australians. 

Sports diplomacy

Australia is a successful global leader and innovator in sport.

A global platform for achievement, innovation, collaboration, and cooperation

About Australia

Australia is a stable, democratic and culturally diverse nation with a highly skilled workforce and one of the strongest performing economies in the world.

Australia in Brief publication

This is the 52nd edition of Australia in Brief, revised and updated in February 2021

Travel advice

To help Australians avoid difficulties overseas, we maintain travel advisories for more than 170 destinations.

• Smartraveller – travel advice

International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate

Prove your COVID-19 vaccinations when you travel overseas.

• Services Australia

The Australian Passport Office and its agents are committed to providing a secure, efficient and responsive passport service for Australia.

• Australian Passport Office

24-hour consular emergency helpline

• Within Australia: 1300 555 135
• Outside Australia: +61 2 6261 3305
• Getting help overseas
• Visas for Australians travelling overseas
• Visas to visit Australia

Safe travel zone with New Zealand

The Australian Government is establishing a Safe Travel Zone with New Zealand.

This is the next step for a COVID-safe Australia that will reunite families and friends, offer opportunities for businesses looking for workers, and back the communities that depend on tourism.

Joint media release:  Safe travel zone with New Zealand

Multiple-Destination Vacations

Australia and new zealand vacation packages, & multiple-destination vacations.

Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand vacation packages are our specialty! Both countries are very different and make the perfect travel combination.

In Australia, you’ll find unique wildlife, cosmopolitan cities like Sydney and Melbourne, and gorgeous beaches. New Zealand offers small-town charm amidst a backdrop of stunning lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. Both countries offer incredible hospitality, fascinating ancient cultures, world-class food and wine, and bucket list golf courses.

Our Australia and New Zealand travel agents have been handcrafting trips to this special corner of the world for more than 20 years. Contact us now to start planning your trip , or explore our wide selection of Australia and New Zealand vacation packages below for some inspiration!

Sample Vacations

Australia and New Zealand Highlights

• Explore street art, cafe culture, and wine tasting in trendy Melbourne
• Enjoy Sydney highlights, including a gourmet harbor cruise
• Discover New Zealand’s iconic scenery in Queenstown and Milford Sound

Australia Recommends 2024

Travel Inspiration

G'day, the short film

Discover your Australia

Travel videos

Deals and offers

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

South Australia

Western Australia

External Territories

The Whitsundays

Mornington Peninsula

Port Douglas

Ningaloo Reef

Airlie Beach

Kangaroo Island

Rottnest Island

Hamilton Island

Lord Howe Island

Tiwi Islands

Phillip Island

Bruny Island

Margaret River

Barossa Valley

The Grampians

Hunter Valley

Yarra Valley

McLaren Vale

Glass House Mountains

Alice Springs

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The Kimberley

Flinders Ranges

Kakadu National Park

Eyre Peninsula

Karijini National Park

Great Barrier Reef

Blue Mountains

Daintree Rainforest

Great Ocean Road

Purnululu National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Litchfield National Park

Aboriginal experiences

Arts and culture

Festivals and events

Food and drink

Adventure and sports

Walks and hikes

Road trips and drives

Beaches and islands

Nature and national parks

Eco-friendly travel

Health and wellness

Family travel

Family destinations

Family road trips

Backpacking

Work and holiday

Beginner's guide

Accessible travel

Planning tips

Trip planner

Australian budget guide

Itinerary planner

Find a travel agent

Find accommodation

Find transport

Visitor information centres

Deals and travel packages

Visa and entry requirements FAQ

COVID-19 travel and entry advice

Customs and biosecurity

Working Holiday Maker visas

Facts about Australia

Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

People and culture

Health and safety FAQ

Cities, states & territories

Iconic places and attractions

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Seasonal travel

Events and festivals

School holidays

Public holidays

How to get to Australia's most iconic cities

How long do I need for my trip to Australia?

How to travel around Australia

Guide to driving in Australia

How to hire a car or campervan

How to plan a family road trip

How to plan an outback road trip

• Australian visa information
• Working holiday visas

Sydney Airport, New South Wales © Sydney Airport

Australian Visa and Entry Requirements FAQs

Learn about visa requirements for entry to Australia for tourism purposes with this list of frequently asked questions. 

Please note this page is intended to provide general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Tourism Australia is not the Australian government visa granting authority. For information on visas to enter Australia, visitors should seek the most up-to-date information from Australian Government Department of Home Affairs .*

Ready to plan your trip? We're ready to welcome you! Here are some helpful tips for getting your visa sorted: 

• Be sure to secure the appropriate visa before travelling to Australia. Use the Visa Finder to explore your options.
• Ensure all details are correct and provide all required documents when you apply. An incomplete or incorrect application can delay your visa.
• Submitting multiple applications at the same time can slow the process. For visitor visas, submit one application per person, including children. 
• Questions? The Australian Government's Global Service Centre can help.

Australian Visa Information

Unless you are an Australian citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders, regardless of age, must apply for a visa before leaving home. You can apply for a range of Australian visa types, including tourist visas and working holiday visas, via the ETA app or on the  Department of Home Affairs website.

There are different Australian visa types available for travellers to Australia. Knowing which Australian visa to apply for depends on the length of your stay, your passport and the purpose of your visit. You’ll also need to meet certain financial and medical requirements, be outside of Australia when applying and maintain health insurance for the duration of your stay. 

Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) This visa allows you to visit Australia as many times as you want, for up to a year, and stay for three months each visit. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of countries and regions, who live outside Australia. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is  here .

All ETA-eligible passport holders must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. Agents can assist you in the application process, but you must be physically present as a live facial image is required.

eVisitor  (subclass 651) This is a free visa for multiple visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of European countries and it cannot be extended.

Visitor visa  (subclass 600) The Visitor visa allows you to visit Australia, either for tourism or business purposes. It is open to all nationalities. Generally, a period of stay of up to three months is granted, but up to 12 months may be granted in certain circumstances. Applicants will have to pay a fee to submit their application.

The application process may differ depending on which visa you need.

You can only apply for the  Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) through the Australian ETA app. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is located  here .

For other visas, you can apply online by creating an ImmiAccount and completing the application process. Be sure to submit your application well in advance of your travel date to allow enough time for processing. You may be asked to provide further supporting information. You will be notified in writing if your tourist visa is approved and it will be digitally linked to your passport. For more information on different visa types, and Australian visa requirements including how to apply for an Australian visa, visit the  Department of Home Affairs  website.

If you are already in Australia and hold a valid Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) you can extend your stay by applying for another visa, such as a Visitor visa (subclass 600). An eVisitor (subclass 651) cannot be extended.

See the Department of Home Affairs website for details.

Working Holiday Visas

Australia's Working Holiday Maker program allows visitors aged under 30 (or 35 in certain cases) who hold a passport from a participating country to travel and work in Australia. Working holiday visas are valid for one year, or up to three years if you meet certain conditions.

Find out more about working holiday visas here .

*Australian visa regulations (including visa application charges) change from time to time. The information provided here is valid at the time of publication, but visitors should check this information is still current by visiting the Australian Department of Home Affairs .

More articles like this

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.  Find out more . By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

• International (English)
• New Zealand (English)
• Canada (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• India (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Singapore (English)
• Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Deutschland (Deutsch)
• France (Français)
• Italia (Italiano)
• 中国大陆 (简体中文)

*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

Get the Hottest Deals First!

Explore all the places we go in south pacifc.

Destination Must-Sees

Ayers Rock:

Ayers Rock is a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the Northern Territory of central Australia. It lies 208 miles southwest of the nearest large town, Alice Springs. The rock is one of Australia’s most recognizable natural landmarks and stands at 1,142 feet tall and is 2,381 feet above sea level.

Cairns is a regional city in the far north of Queensland, Australia. The city was founded in 1876 and named after the then governor of Queensland. The region of Cairns ranks as the 4th most popular destination for international travelers in Australia. The city serves as a gateway point for those visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is also surrounded by rainforest, including the world’s oldest, the Daintree Rainforest, which lies just two hours north.

This is a city in the North Island of New Zealand and is the largest and most populous area in the country. Roughly one third of New Zealand’s population resides here, dating back to the year 1350 when the Maori people founded the land which is known for being rich and fertile. Auckland is famous for its wonderful parks, stunning nature, and volcanic fields as well as rich culture, wonderful festivals and great quality of life.

Rotorua is a city on the southern shores of the lake of the same name. Located in the heart of the North Island, 140 miles southeast of Auckland, the area is known for its geothermic activity and features impressive geysers and amazing hot mud pools that are greatly enjoyed by both domestic and international tourists.

Destination Must-Do's

Try the wine:

Australia is well known for its wines, particularly its bold reds. It is the fourth largest wine exporter in the world, and has many extremely good varieties, such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Don’t leave Australia without bringing home some marvelous wine to share with family and friends.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef:

Experience one of the seven wonders of the natural world when you climb aboard a high speed catamaran and set off for the Great Barrier Reef. As the world’s largest living organism, you’ll find over 2,800 individual coral reef systems which are home to amazingly diverse marine life. Their bright colors look remarkable against the turquoise waters, and the boat reveals it all. Jump in the water to snorkel and really experience the Reef in an immersive way! Stroll along the walking trails, relax on the beaches, or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier.

The TranzAlpine Train:

Travel from Auckland to Greymouth on New Zealand’s South Island’s west coast. The TranzAlpine train is said to be one of the most scenic train rides in New Zealand and perhaps even the whole world. The journey runs once a day with an approximate travel time of 4 1/2 hours of sheer magnificence.

The Franz Josef Glacier Region:

There’s lots to get into here! This region of New Zealand is on the west coast of the South Island. It’s known as glacier country and is a UNESCO World Heritage area, which means that it is a world treasure and is carefully protected and preserved for future generations. It features many fantastic natural attractions one can take part in, such as glaciers, beaches, wetlands, lakes, mountains and national parks.

Expert Advice

Featured Tours to Australia

The Complete South Pacific

Australia’s Outback to New Zealand’s South Island

Australia and New Zealand Uncovered

South Pacific Wonders including New Zealand's North Island

South Pacific Wonders

Exploring New Zealand's Wonders featuring the North & South Islands

See Our Travelers On Tour

Brochures that feature our australia tours, destinations in australia, new zealand.

When traveling in New Zealand, it’s the rugged natural beauty that stands out: spectacular glaciers, picturesque fiords, endless coastlines, steamy geothermal activity and so much more. Its breathtaking landscapes combined with its unique Maori culture, friendly cosmopolitan cities and fabulous food and wine comprise the two remarkable islands the “Kiwis” lovingly call home. New Zealand, a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation, also offers a veritable playground for the adventurous. The temperate climate makes it ideal for year-round New Zealand adventures.

G’day, every day, Australia! Beaches to “barbies,” koalas to wallabies, Outback to ocean…where to begin your Australia tour on this island-country-continent? Travel in Australia and you'll find unique wildlife and dramatic landscapes, no doubt. Or perhaps the sun-kissed Harbour City of Sydney, Melbourne’s art scene or Barossa Valley’s world-class wineries. Go as far back as Aboriginal life in places like Ayers Rock and Alice Springs to discover how to survive in the bush, throw boomerangs and play a didgeridoo. Whatever your fancy, Australia welcomes you.

For hundreds of years Fiji has attracted dreamers, adventurers, outdoorsmen, romantics and anyone else looking for paradise. This archipelago is made up of some 330 islands, about a third of them inhabited. There are two main islands: Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. In 1643, Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer, was the first European to catch a glimpse of the islands. The British colonized Fiji in 1874. Even before gaining independence in 1970, it became the ultimate vacation destination, due to its beautiful surroundings and warm year-round temperatures. Fiji travel may seem far away, but it’s the perfect addition to your Australia and New Zealand adventure.

Find a Travel Agency

Once you've found the perfect Collette tour, your local travel agent can assist you in making reservations. To find a preferred travel agent in your area, please enter your 5-digit zip code, then click Search.

Enter a Whole or Partial Zip Code

Please tell us everything, we want it all.

We really value your feedback, please be open an honest. Tell us where we can improve, how we can get better. This feedback is anonymous, but if you would like us to get in touch with you regarding an issue provide your email address as part of your feedback and we will get right back to you.

Talk to an Expert

Please fill out the form below, and a Collette Expert will contact you shortly.

• Yes, I'm a Travel Professional
• Yes, I am working with a Travel Professional
• I am traveling with 8 or more travelers

View or Download

Change location

• Call us today until 5pm
• 01993 838 925 01993 838 800 or
• REQUEST A QUOTE

Combining Australia and New Zealand: questions to ask yourself

By Australia and New Zealand specialist James

You could go from the Red Centre’s desert panoramas to tropical Queensland, and follow it all up with the glaciers, sea cliffs and snowy mountain ranges of South Island. Or, embark on a wildlife-themed trip, going from the underwater wonderlands of the Ningaloo or Great Barrier reefs to New Zealand’s Kaikoura, one of the world’s best whale-watching destinations. Combining Australia and New Zealand in the same trip lets you experience wildly contrasting topographies and ecosystems within the space of a few weeks. And, thanks to constantly improving flight connections, it’s easier than ever to travel between the two.

It’s natural you might want to visit Australia and New Zealand in one go: they’re so close, and you’re already taking a long plane journey to get to either place. There are lots of ways to split your time between the two countries — this Australia and New Zealand Uncovered trip outline is just a starting point.

But, for a really fulfilling trip, there are a few things you’ll need to mull over.

How much time do I have?

Allow a minimum of three weeks. Any less than that, and I encourage you to focus on only one country.

Five weeks would give you time to see three different areas of Australia without feeling rushed — Sydney, Uluru/Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef  is a popular grouping. Then, you could head over to New Zealand for a ten-day road trip through the South Island’s standout scenery.

When do I want to go?

This question determines where exactly you’ll go, so it needs to be considered upfront. It’s really about coordinating the optimum times to go to different areas of Australia  with the best time to travel to New Zealand .

I speak to many people who are set on cramming their visit into the Austral summer (December to March), to make the most of the Southern Hemisphere’s warmer weather. This works well for New Zealand, but there are a few caveats for Australia.

Anywhere in Australia south of Brisbane  enjoys warm weather and blue skies between December and March. But, this same period coincides with cyclone season in Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. Visiting over the Christmas period can also rule out Kakadu National Park and the Northern Territory , which gets heavy rainfall at this time of year.

So, if you’re planning to travel between December and March, think about the breadth of what Australia has to offer. The Outback isn’t limited to Australia’s Top End. As long as you’re prepared for the baking sun, you can also experience the Outback in South Australia’s Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park   — a land of clefted sandstone foothills, lonely homesteads, behemoth rock formations and roaming emus.

You can find out more about ‘the Flinders’ (as it’s known) in our guide to South Australia’s landscapes and wildlife . And, as an escape from the Outback’s heat, you could always follow up the Flinders with a few cool glasses of wine in the vineyards of the Clare or Barossa valleys.

If you’re not wedded to a December–March travel period, consider timing your trip for October and November instead. You could catch the tail end of the fine weather in Queensland  in October, before moving on to a springtime Sydney. By the time you reach New Zealand in late October to early November, the days will be getting longer and becoming increasingly warmer.

If you want to see Australia’s Top End at its finest, go between May and September, but bear in mind that you’ll have less daylight in New Zealand at this time of year.

How many flights am I prepared to take?

You have lots of options for flying between and Australia and New Zealand. Flight times are relatively short (it’s three hours from Sydney to Auckland , the same amount of time it takes to fly from Sydney to Uluru).

You’re not restricted to the major gateway cities of Auckland, Sydney, Queenstown and Melbourne , either. You could, say, fly from Christchurch to Perth , combining the South Island’s scenic big hitters with time on the beaches and in the winelands of Western Australia’s Margaret River Region.

When combining Australia and New Zealand, I always try to cut down on empty transit time. This can even make you reconsider how much you want to fit in to your trip: how many days do you really want to spend hanging around airports?

You can also break up your flying. You might fly into Sydney, then swing across to Queenstown to start exploring the South Island, before flying to Melbourne to drive the Great Ocean Road . There’s nothing to say you can’t go to Australia twice.

Nor do you have to use Sydney as your starting point. Fly direct to Cairns from Singapore or Hong Kong. Start with the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, then hop down to Uluru/Ayers Rock, and culminate your Australia leg in Sydney before flying on to New Zealand.

How can I narrow down where I want to go?

This is a tough one — you have to accept you won’t see everything. Start by thinking about each country in isolation and having an honest conversation with yourself about what you really want to see in each.

As I touched on earlier, the beauty of Australia and New Zealand is that despite their proximity, they’re scenically very distinct. In only a matter of weeks, you can go from shaking the dust off your boots in the Outback to strapping on crampons and walking on a glacier.

If you really don’t know where to start with New Zealand, opt for a classic South Island road trip . This is where you’ll find not only alpine panoramas, winelands and fjords, but also year-round whales, dusky dolphins, fur seals and more in Kaikoura .

With Australia, think about its varying ecosystems and which ones particularly appeal to you. The great knuckle-like, rust-red monolith of Uluru exerts a magnetic pull on some; others are less enthralled. The Great Barrier Reef  often sits near the top of many Australia wish lists, but, if you’ve previously visited extensive coral reefs in other parts of the world, you might want to try something new.

When it comes to the cities, I usually argue the case for including Sydney, Melbourne and New Zealand’s capital Wellington . But, in my book, you can skip over Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city: it shares many of the same characteristics of Sydney (a glittering marina and shiny high-rises). It’s also possible to fly directly from Sydney to Wellington.

However, if you’re an avid birdwatcher, Auckland might come higher up your list. You might, say, be intrigued by the possibility of visiting one of the predator-free island reserves off Auckland’s coast.

If viewing wildlife is important for you, you might wish to spend longer in Australia — New Zealand doesn’t have the standout species nor the zoological variety of Australia.

However, it’s a rewarding destination if you’re especially drawn to marine life or birdlife, as our guide to observing New Zealand’s wildlife explains. There are several places to see the reclusive kiwi, for example, from a hatchery in Rotorua to the untamed Stewart Island in New Zealand’s far south.

Australia also has much to offer beyond its koalas, kangaroos, and other headline species: the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia is brimming with sea turtles, reef sharks, and in some places, the rare dugong. And, Kangaroo Island in South Australia is worth the extra journey time. Nicknamed the Australian Galapagos, its wildlife (including echidnas, wallabies and koalas) thrives in the island’s unspoiled environment and the guides here are second to none.

You might also think about not duplicating experiences. If you plan to drive the Great Ocean Road, stopping off at its coves and beaches, perhaps you can afford to forget the beaches of New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula.

Instead, think about what can’t be replicated by each country. I’m a fan of the Grampians , a waterfall-sluiced mountain range in Victoria, but they pale into comparison to New Zealand’s Southern Alps or the North Island’s volcanoes.

In short, it’s about combining the best of both places, according to your personal interests.

Finally, try not to do too much. It’s tempting to squeeze as much as you can into a combined Australia and New Zealand trip, but you’ll have a better experience if you’re not just careering around both countries, spending a night here and a night there.

If witnessing the geothermal showground of Rotorua is a priority for you, don’t just limit your experience to one geothermal park. Stay for three days and mountain bike among the spurting fumaroles of Whakarewarewa Forest Park, one of the best places to go cycling in New Zealand . Or, explore the Inferno Crater Lake of the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, which is ringed with a champagne shade of silica terracing.

Similarly, if you’re visiting Uluru, I urge you to escape the crowds thronging Ayers Rock Resort and spend a day visiting Mount Conner, an immense flat-topped monolith set on a private cattle station. It’s the Outback as it was meant to be seen — without another soul in sight. You can find out more about the lure of Mount Conner in our blog about experiences you might not know existed .

Start planning your trip to Australia and New Zealand

Australia & New Zealand uncovered

23 days from £9,425pp

Australia and New Zealand by train and luxury cruise

27 days from £16,975pp

Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They're just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.

Further reading

• What to do in Australia: our highlights guide
• What to do in New Zealand: our highlights guide
• Self-drive holidays in Australia: beyond the Great Ocean Road
• New Zealand self-drive holidays: 3 great routes
• A world beyond Sydney: 3 road trips around New South Wales

Plan your trip

Tell us about your plans and one of our specialists will plan a unique trip for you...

Request our brochure, The World Your Way

Order your digital copy via email.

• Help Center
• 1-866-921-7925

Start Searching

• Packages  
• Hotels  
• Cruises  
• Rental Cars  

* Indicates required fields

Rental Period:

pickUpDate - dropOffDate

Pick-Up: pickUpTime - Drop-Off: dropOffTime

Pick-Up Location:

pickUpAddress

pickUpAgencyName

pickUpAgencyAddress

Drop-Off Location:

Same as Pick-Up Location

dropOffAddress

dropOffAgencyName

dropOffAgencyAddress

Coupon Override

Please call.

For drivers under the age of 25, additional fees and/or restrictions may apply.

For information and assistance in completing your reservation, please call:

We're unable to find your location.

Alaska Cruise Tours:

A cruise tour is a voyage and land tour combination, with the land tour occurring before or after the voyage. Unless otherwise noted, optional services such as airfare, airport transfers, shore excursions, land tour excursions, etc. are not included and are available for an additional cost.

Cruises to Australia and New Zealand

From jaw-dropping natural wonders to colorful local traditions, cruising to the land down under will thrill your senses..

Australia entices with every imaginable landscape, from its rugged Outback and fascinating Aboriginal culture, to its world-famous Great Barrier Reef and lively cosmopolitan cities. In New Zealand, discover ancient Maori culture, working sheep farms, renowned wineries, gracious English heritage and astounding natural attractions that lure visitors from around the globe.

Featured Deals

Melbourne cup cruise.

Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Splendor™ Digital Costco Shop Card, Round-Trip Sydney

6 Nights from $884*

Airlie Beach from Brisbane Cruise

Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival Luminosa® Digital Costco Shop Card, Round-Trip Brisbane

4 Nights from $404*

Australia Cruise

Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Solstice® Digital Costco Shop Card, Sydney to Singapore

15 Nights from $1,386*

Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Edge® Digital Costco Shop Card, Round-Trip Sydney

11 Nights from $1,787*

Queensland Voyage

Cunard® | Queen Elizabeth® Digital Costco Shop Card, Round-Trip Sydney

10 Nights from $4,347*

Australia & New Zealand Cruise

Holland America Line | Noordam® Digital Costco Shop Card, Sydney to Auckland

14 Nights from $2,513*

New Zealand Discovery Cruise

Holland America Line | Noordam® Digital Costco Shop Card, Round-Trip Sydney Cruise

14 Nights from $2,329*

New Zealand Holiday Cruise

Princess Cruises | Discovery Princess® Digital Costco Shop Card, Round-Trip Sydney

14 Nights from $1,807*

The Sounds of New Zealand

Regent Seven Seas | Seven Seas Explorer® Digital Costco Shop Card, Auckland to Sydney

14 Nights from $12,999*

Royal Caribbean | Ovation of the Seas® Digital Costco Shop Card, Round-Trip Sydney

10 Nights from $2,509*

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

Explore More Travel

Last-minute cruises.

It’s Not Too Late to Sail

Digital Costco Shop Card with Every Sailing

Luxury Cruises

Sail in Style and Comfort

Ultimate Lavish Vacation Experience

Save on Your Next Rental Car

Compare Up to Four Brands

Exclusive Costco Member Pricing

We are processing your payment.

Do not refresh your browser or exit this page.

Entering or leaving Australia

Australia welcomes millions of overseas visitors each year. Anyone who is not an Australian citizen needs a valid visa to enter the country.

International passenger caps have been removed for all international passenger arrivals into Australia.

All travellers should be aware that: People entering Australia do not need to provide evidence of vaccination status People entering Australia do not need to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration or Maritime Travel Declaration People leaving Australia will not be asked to provide evidence of their vaccination status Unvaccinated visa holders do not ​ need a travel exemption to travel to Australia Mask wearing on international flights to Australia is no longer mandatory . It is important to remember that airlines, vessel operators and other countries may have specific requirements that travellers need to comply with.

Australian Citizens

All Australian citizens must enter and exit Australia on an Australian passport. Your Australian passport must be valid (not expired) on the day of your arrival in Australia. It does not need to have six months remaining validity to enter Australia unless you are passing through a third country that requires it. Citizens are not entitled to a visa, even if you are also a citizen of another country. Please see the  Department of Home Affairs website  for more information. 

Immigration and Visas

All foreign travellers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia.

»    Immigration and visas

If you have a specific question, please contact the Department of Home Affairs .

You will also need to know what you can and cannot bring into Australia, knowing the duty-free concession limits and what to experience when travelling through Australian airports and seaports.

Please visit the Department of Home Affairs website for more information.

Plan your trip with  australia.com , the official Tourism Australia website, offering a wide range of travel information and planning tools including over 2000 images, a currency converter, daily weather updates, interactive maps, suggested holiday itineraries, holiday deals, specialist travel agents and more. Available in nine languages.

Tourist Refund Scheme

The  Tourist Refund Scheme  enables you to claim a refund, subject to certain conditions, of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia.

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures

Australia & New Zealand Cruises

Gain deep insight into the native and European cultures of Australia and New Zealand. Admire the Victorian treasures of Dunedin, the fragrant English gardens of Christchurch and thrilling dances of the Māori.

• Australia & New Zealand
• Request a Quote

Grand Australia Circumnavigation

NEW! Jewels of the South Pacific

NEW! Treasures of Australia & Indonesia

Komodo & the Australian Coast

South Pacific Sojourn

Australia, New Zealand & Indonesia

Australia, Asia & Alaska

Grand Pacific Explorer

NEW! Viking World Cruise

NEW! Viking World Journeys

NEW! Viking World Voyage I

NEW! Viking World Voyage II

Highlights of australia & new zealand cruises.

Experience the natural wonders and fanciful Victorian-era cities of Australia & New Zealand. Spot the famous Tasmanian devil and savor fine wines from the region’s vineyards. Here are some highlights of this fascinating itinerary through the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea:

• Lively Sydney and its stunning Opera House
• New Zealand’s breathtaking Milford and Doubtful Sounds
• Lilies and irises blooming within Christchurch’s famed Botanic Gardens
• Earthy sounds of the traditional Aborigine didgeridoo
• Delicious Pacific oysters and fine wine in Tasmania
• Native creatures such as kangaroos and koalas

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Special Offers
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Advisors
• Media Center
• Investor Relations
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

2024-2026 OCEAN CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from September 1-30, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all itineraries except World Cruise products. Special fares plus up to FREE roundtrip airfare valid on select departures of Canada & New England Scenic Shores; Eastern Seaboard Discovery; Grand Hawaii & Polynesia; Hawaiian Islands Sojourn; Panama Canal & Central America; Panama Canal & the Pacific Coast . Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024 : Pay in full by September 30, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025 : Pay in full by October 31, 2024. 2026 : Pay in full by April 30, 2025. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Offers Expires September 30, 2024.

*$25 DEPOSIT:  For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to February 2025 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to April 2025 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:  Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract .

AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $999 per person or Business Class air from $3,499 per person based on select gateways and dates. Premium upgrades may not be available on all departures. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions  . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the  Viking Air Plus

NOTE:  International flights depart the U.S. one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights.

• Travel Updates

Fears grow for hostage in Indonesia after murder of pilot

Concern is growing for the safety of a former Jetstar pilot who has been held hostage for over a year, after the savage murder of another pilot.

Jetstar flight forced into snap landing

‘Life lesson’: Aussie’s warning over Bali fee

Hotel staffers’ desperate act as typhoon hits

Fears are growing for the safety of New Zealander Phillip Mehrtens , a former Jetstar pilot who has been held hostage in Indonesia’s Papua for over a year, after the savage recent murder of another pilot.

Mr Mehrtens was abducted by rebels from the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), the armed wing of the wider Free Papua Movement, on February 7 last year when he landed his light aircraft in the Papua highlands.

On August 12 this year, fellow New Zealand pilot Glen Malcolm Conning was also attacked in a similar incident in the mining town of Mimika in Central Papua Province.

The Papuan passengers he was flying by helicopter, including an infant, were released safely before the pilot was reportedly set upon, hacked with a machete and shot to death.

Shocking pictures later emerged which showed Mr Conning in bloodstained clothes slumped in the cockpit of the helicopter after his brutal murder.

Mr Mehrtens had been flying a single propeller plane owned by the Indonesian airline Susi Air to the town of Paro and was carrying five Papuan passengers.

The plane was captured by rebels who set it ablaze, before abducting Mr Mehrtens.

The rebels threatened to shoot the pilot on a number of occasions if Papua was not granted independence from the rest of Indonesia, although the deadlines for his murder passed without incident.

Papua is located in the western half of the island of New Guinea to the north of Australia and the Indonesian government considers it a part of Indonesia.

The TPNPB and the wider Free Papua Movement have been fighting for independence from Indonesia since 1969, and the TPNPB is classified as a terrorist organisation by the Indonesian government.

Since his abduction last year, the TPNPB has released a number of proof of life videos of Mehrtens with updates about his welfare – the last of which was made public in February this year.

In the video, Mr Mehrtens appeared thin and pale after his prolonged period in captivity, and spoke to his family in New Zealand.

“I’m OK. They are treating me well. I’m trying to stay positive and I hope that you ( … ) are healthy and doing OK and getting support,” he said in the video which was dated 22 December 2023.

“I love you both lots and miss you both lots and hope to be able to talk with you soon.”

Deakin University School of Humanities and Social Sciences emeritus professor Damien Kingsbury told news.com.au Mr Mehrtens appeared to have managed to calm tensions with the group that is holding him, which is headed by TPNPB commander Egianus Kogoya.

“He seems to have secured his place in Kogoya’s group, and that he has not been killed means he is now very unlikely to be so, unless he tries to escape, or Kogoya’s group is ambushed,” he said.

Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC) research analyst Deka Anwar said while the slaying of Mr Conning and Mr Mehrtens’ abduction did not appear to be linked, hostage stand-offs have the potential to end in tragedy if they involve clashes with security forces trying to rescue a hostage.

He added that deaths do not always come at the hands of the hostage takers directly.

“There have been cases in the Philippines where a hostage situation goes wrong and hostages are accidentally killed,” Mr Anwar said.

“Hostage situations are difficult, especially in a place like Papua where there are government travel warnings against going there and you’ve essentially signed your waiver if you choose to do that.”

Asia Society Policy Institute senior fellow Natalia Sambhi, who is also executive director of

Verve Research, an independent think tank focused on Southeast Asia security, said the Indonesian army presence in Papua, which has increased in recent years, was likely to have made hostage takers and locals increasingly nervous.

“While the Indonesian army has had considerable experience fighting against insurgent groups, including in the Papuan provinces, there are still reports of civilian casualties including children and internal displacement,” Dr Sambhi said.

“Not only does this harden the resolve of pro-independence groups, it attracts a new generation of members to the cause.”

As such, Mr Mehrtens’ situation remains volatile.

More Coverage

“While the government has invested in economic development, it has also increased the number of troops (in Papua) by subdividing the provinces,” Dr Sambhi said.

“This has further alienated the population, adding to their sense of insecurity.”

Aisyah Llewellyn is a freelance journalist based in Indonesia

A Jetstar flight was forced into an unscheduled landing just hours into a flight to Melbourne, with passengers waiting hours to reboard.

An Aussie has warned travellers to Bali after she was stung with a fee at the airport.

This is the heart-stopping moment staff desperately try to hold hotel doors shut as the deadly Typhoon Yagi violently hits Vietnam.