These Are the Most Important Things to Consider When Visiting Australia and New Zealand, According to a Travel Advisor

Combining Australia and New Zealand in one trip is a common proposition. While they are both in the same region, they are actually quite far apart and vastly different. This is not to say that they don’t work well together, but there are definitely pros and cons to doing them as separate or combined trips. Below, what each version of an itinerary might look like. 

Australia-Only Itinerary

Australia alone could easily be a three-week plus trip, as it is roughly the size of the contiguous United States. The best time to go is in their winter or spring months, as opposed to their summer, which is considerably hotter, and very stormy in the north. By going in their winter, you get access to the tropical surroundings of northern Australia that might otherwise be closed due to storm season.

Sydney, on Australia’s east coast, is an incredible destination in its own right, with its urban sophistication and lively nightlife. Beyond the city, Australia has amazing culture and wildlife; I consider it similar to an African safari. The luxury lodges are very inclusive and filled with activities and experiences you won’t find anywhere else. You can be surrounded by kangaroos while drinking champagne at ​​Southern Ocean Lodg. Or visit the world’s oldest rainforest and dine atop a waterfall at Silky Oaks Lodge. Or stay in a tented pavilion with epic views of Uluru, a large sandstone monolith in the center of the continent, at Longitude 131.

New Zealand-only Itinerary

New Zealand may not offer a lot of wildlife experiences, but it does have some of the world’s most stunning natural beauty (which is why it is so frequently used as a filming location). Tall, dramatic mountain peaks grace the shores of crystal-clear lakes, and the adventure is top-tier, too. As the adventure sports capital of the world, you can find endless opportunities for a thrill, like biking, hiking, or bungee jumping. 

The high season here is their summer (our winter, for reference)—so the opposite of what I would recommend for Australia. But it’s a good idea to avoid the holiday season, like Christmas and New Year’s, due to the crowds.

Those looking for culinary adventure will love wandering through the orchards and gardens at The Chef’s Table at Blue Duck Station, where chefs handpick ingredients. Or dine at Craggy Range Wineery, beneath the giant Te Mata Peak in the Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand. 

Australia and New Zealand Itinerary

Given the average length of most vacations, you can usually see only a few highlights in each country. I’d start in Queenstown, New Zealand, then spend a few days in Rotorua and Auckland before taking the three-and-a-half- to four-hour flight to Australia—about the same as flying from Los Angeles to Chicago. Once in Australia, I’d plan time in Sydney, then head either north toward the tropics or south to Kangaroo Island, an absolute highlight.

No matter how you put this trip together, I recommend going to one destination over both. And being fully present while you’re there. 

Jonathan Alder is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in polar, as well as over-the-top and wildlife trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Alder by contacting him at ​​[email protected].