Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia and New Zealand are two countries that are often combined for a trip. They are close to each other, and travellers can experience wildly contrasting topographies and ecosystems within a few weeks. New Zealand is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, adventure activities, rich culture, delicious wine and thriving gastronomic scene. Australia, on the other hand, is known for its unique wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas and crocodiles. Other countries that can be combined with Australia include Fiji, Vanuatu, Thailand, Japan, and the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries to combine with Australia | New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu |
| Travel time | Minimum of 3 weeks |
| Travel style | Self-drive tour, flights |
| Attractions | Unique wildlife, natural wonders, Maori culture, geothermal sites, volcanoes, mountains, beaches, gastronomy, wine |
| Best time to visit | December to March (Austral summer), October and November for warmer weather in New Zealand |
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What You'll Learn
New Zealand: Geothermal wonders and unique landscapes
New Zealand is a great choice to combine with Australia for a trip, as it offers geothermal wonders and unique landscapes. The country is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, resulting in dramatic volcanic and geothermal landscapes.
One of the must-see destinations in New Zealand is Rotorua, a steaming cauldron of geothermal activity with geysers, hot pools, and springs. The scent of sulphur in the air is a constant reminder of the power of geothermal heating below. Rotorua is also one of the main areas of Maori culture in New Zealand, with around 40% of its population being of Maori descent. Here, you can experience the rich culture of the indigenous Maori people, who consider themselves guardians of the land's geothermal resources. You can take a tour of Te Puia, where you can watch tall spouting geysers and experience Maori culture, or visit Whakarewarewa, a living Maori village where you can see how the locals use the natural geothermal wonders for cooking, bathing, and heating.
Near Rotorua, you can find the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, formed by the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886. It is the youngest geothermal system in the world, offering a unique landscape of steaming craters, boiling lakes, and lush vegetation. Frying Pan Lake is one of the largest hot springs globally, and the Inferno Crater, with its mesmerizing blue waters, is another stunning example of geothermal phenomena.
The Taupo region, located near Rotorua, is also renowned for its geothermal wonders and adventure activities. You can try thrilling water sports, bungee jumping over the Waikato River, or jet boating to the base of the Huka Falls. For a more relaxed experience, there are numerous hiking trails, including the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
When planning your trip, consider allowing a minimum of three weeks for a combined Australia and New Zealand trip. You could spend five weeks in Australia, visiting Sydney, Uluru/Ayers Rock, and the Great Barrier Reef, and then head to New Zealand for a ten-day road trip through the South Island.
With its geothermal wonders and unique landscapes, New Zealand offers a contrasting trip to Australia, providing an unforgettable multi-destination experience.
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Fiji: Tropical archipelago with beaches, reefs and water sports
When planning a trip to Australia, it is common to combine it with a trip to New Zealand. The two countries were once part of the same supercontinent and share cultural similarities. A trip to both countries can be an unforgettable, multi-destination tour with a self-drive element, allowing travellers to experience the freedom of the open road.
However, if you are looking for a tropical island getaway, Fiji is a great option. Fiji is a tropical archipelago in the South Pacific, boasting pristine beaches, coral reefs, and azure waters. It is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities for all skill levels.
For snorkelling, Fiji's northwestern chain of islands is a great option, known for its calm, clear waters and diverse marine life. Beqa Lagoon, off the southern coast of the mainland, is another prime snorkelling spot, with easy access to palm-shaded shallow waters and the opportunity to snorkel with reef sharks. Malolo Lailai, a small island near Nadi and the international airport, is perfect for daily snorkelling expeditions, offering vibrant, beach-accessible reefs and the chance to see sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, and more. Rakiraki, nestled two hours away from Nadi on the northeast "Sun Coast" of Viti Levu, offers the opportunity to explore healthy coral reefs and sprawling white-sand beaches without the crowds.
Scuba diving is another popular activity in Fiji, with world-class diving sites such as the Great Astrolabe Reef and the Somosomo Strait. The Mamanuca Islands, a short boat ride from Nadi, are renowned for their pristine beaches and excellent scuba diving. The Yasawa Islands are more remote and untouched, offering crystal-clear waters for snorkelling and kayaking along breathtaking coastlines.
Other water sports in Fiji include kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, and fishing. Kayaking is a great way to explore Fiji's serene lagoons, enchanting mangrove forests, and rivers, leading to local villages and highland scenery. Parasailing offers a bird's-eye view of the islands and golden beaches, suitable for all ages. Fiji is also a premier fishing destination, with over 1,200 species of reef fish and a wide array of game fish, catering to both deep-sea fishing enthusiasts and those looking for a relaxed angling experience with their children.
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Vanuatu: Coastal terraces, reefs and rugged mountains
When planning a trip to Australia, it is common to combine it with a trip to New Zealand. The two countries offer diverse landscapes and unique wildlife, making for a contrasting trip that will give you a new appreciation of the natural world.
However, if you are looking for something a little different, Vanuatu could be the perfect addition to your trip to Australia. Vanuatu is a Y-shaped chain of more than eighty islands located northeast of Australia in the South Pacific Ocean. The country is characterised by rugged mountains, high plateaus, rolling hills, low plateaus, coastal terraces, and offshore coral reefs. The islands are volcanic and coral in origin, with active volcanoes found on several islands, including Yasur on Tanna, which is known for its reddish volcanic rock. The Pacific Ocean surrounding the islands contains many coral reefs that plunge to hundreds of meters below the surface. Vanuatu is also home to the estuarine crocodile, and around ten types of bats, three of which are unique to the islands.
Vanuatu's climate is tropical, with the hot and wet season lasting from November to April, and the cooler, drier season lasting from May to October. The southeast trades are the prevailing winds, providing a much-needed breeze during the hot season. The average midday temperature in Port-Vila, the capital, ranges from 25°C (77°F) in winter to 29°C (84°F) in summer.
Inter-island transportation is by boat or airplane, with major airports located near Port-Vila, Luganville on Espiritu Santo, and on the northwest side of Tanna.
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Thailand, Japan, Europe or the US: Popular tourist hotspots
Thailand, Japan, Europe, and the US are popular tourist hotspots, each offering unique attractions and experiences.
Thailand, a country in Southeast Asia, is known for its vibrant culture, stunning natural landscapes, and bustling cities. Popular destinations in Thailand include Bangkok, the bustling capital, and beach resort cities like Hua Hin and Railay Beach, known for their pristine beaches and limestone cliffs. Thailand also boasts vibrant cultural hubs such as Trang, famous for its food and heritage, and Surin, known for its sericulture and elephants.
Japan, an island nation in East Asia, offers a mix of rich cultural heritage and modern attractions. Iconic destinations include Tokyo, the capital and largest city, and Mount Fuji, Japan's most recognisable landmark. Other popular spots include the historic city of Kamakura, the hot spring towns of Kusatsu and Kurokawa, and the ski resorts of Zao Volcano and Appi Kogen. Japan also boasts cultural gems like the samurai districts of Kakunodate and the castle towns of Matsuyama and Ozu.
Europe, a continent comprising diverse countries, is renowned for its natural beauty, history, culture, cuisine, and art. Popular European destinations include the cultured capitals of France, Italy, Spain, and Greece, which attract tourists with their historic landmarks, vibrant cuisine, and Mediterranean climates. Northern European regions like Scandinavia and Lapland offer unique experiences such as the midnight sun, natural wonders, and cultural traditions.
The United States, a large country in North America, offers a range of attractions, from bustling cities to natural monuments. Popular destinations include New York City, with its thousands of landmarks, and Los Angeles, a hub for the film industry. The US also boasts natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and sporting events that attract international visitors.
Each of these destinations provides a wealth of experiences, cultural insights, and natural wonders, making them popular choices for travellers seeking immersive and memorable vacations. Combining Australia with any of these countries would indeed offer a diverse and enriching travel experience.
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Sydney, Uluru/Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a sacred site located in the Red Centre of Australia, jointly managed by the traditional Aboriginal owners and the Australian Nature Conservation Agency. It is a towering red monolith, surrounded by a desert climate with brilliant blue skies. The sunset at Uluru is a spectacular sight, with a play of colours across the rock and the surrounding desert. The nearby Kata Tjuta domes and Mount Conner are also worth visiting.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's most magnificent natural wonders. Stretching over 2,300 kilometres, it is made up of thousands of coral reefs and hundreds of islands. Cairns is often the gateway to the reef, and it is a great place to start exploring the Outer Reef, Fitzroy Island, Michaelmas, and Upolo Cay. The Daintree Rainforest, a World Heritage-listed site, is also easily accessible from Cairns.
A trip combining these three destinations can be an ideal way to experience the diversity and beauty of Australia. It is recommended to allow at least three weeks for such a trip to avoid feeling rushed. You can start in Sydney, then fly to Ayers Rock, and finally, end your trip at the Great Barrier Reef.
Additionally, if you're looking to combine your trip to Australia with another country, New Zealand is a popular choice. Australia and New Zealand offer diverse experiences, from the unique wildlife and natural wonders of Australia to the geothermal sites and volcanoes of New Zealand. You can explore these countries by road trip, taking in the scenery and experiencing the freedom of the open road.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia and New Zealand are two peas in a pod. You can fly into Sydney, then swing across to Queenstown to explore the South Island, before flying to Melbourne to drive the Great Ocean Road. A minimum of three weeks is recommended for this trip.
You can start off in New Zealand and visit famous volcanoes and geothermal sites. Rotorua is a steaming cauldron of the Earth’s magnitude, with the scent of sulfur in the air. Then, head over to Australia to visit the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock, and Sydney.
It is recommended to spend a minimum of 14 to 18 days in New Zealand. You can then fly to Sydney and spend a few days sightseeing in the city before flying home.
