When is the best time to visit Australia and New Zealand?

Australia and New Zealand are in the Southern Hemisphere, so their seasons are opposite those in the Northern Hemisphere. The best time to visit both countries is during their summer months, November through March, when the weather is warm and the flora in most regions is in full bloom. During Australia and New Zealand’s summer season, visitors can take advantage of the region’s vibrant cities, coastal beauty and cultural festivals.

What are the must-see attractions in Australia and New Zealand?

Australia and New Zealand are home to some of the world’s most iconic natural wonders and cultural attractions. In Australia, visitors can explore the architectural marvel of the Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO Word Heritage Site, experience the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef, and venture into the resilient Wet Tropics of Queensland—home to the oldest surviving rainforest on Earth and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inland, the dramatic landscapes of the Blue Mountains and the sacred site of Uluru offer unforgettable encounters with\u0026nbsp;Australia’s natural treasures and Indigenous cultural heritage. New Zealand captivates with its diverse scenery and rich traditions. Milford Sound, with its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, is a must-see for nature lovers, while Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty region offers a geothermal landscape of hot springs, mudpools and geysers, paired with enriching and immersive Māori cultural experiences. Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, blends historic architecture and lush gardens with film history—most famously as a key filming location for The Lord of the Rings trilogy—making it a favorite for culture lovers and movie buffs alike.

What cultural experiences are unique to Australia and New Zealand?

Australia offers a rich tapestry of Indigenous culture, with traditions dating back over 50,000 years. Guests can explore Dreamtime stories—spiritual narratives that explain the creation of the land—through guided walks at sacred sites like Uluru. Indigenous-led tours often include didgeridoo performances, dot painting workshops and corroborees (ceremonial gatherings), offering a deep connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage. New Zealand’s cultural identity is deeply rooted in the living traditions of the Māori people. Guests can watch powerful haka performances, participate in pōwhiri (welcoming ceremonies) at a marae (communal meeting ground).\u0026nbsp;Museums such as Te Papa and the Auckland Museum also offer immersive cultural performances, guided tours of treasured artifacts and the opportunity to learn about Māori culture and traditions. While both Australia and New Zealand celebrate their Indigenous cultures through storytelling, art and ceremony, each offers distinct expressions. Australia’s experiences are often centered around the land and Dreamtime mythology, while New Zealand emphasizes community, genealogy and spiritual connection through the marae—sacred, communal spaces in Polynesian culture.

What are the food and wine highlights of Australia and New Zealand?

Australia’s culinary scene is a flavorful blend of Indigenous traditions, British heritage and diverse Asian influences—including Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese and Indian cuisines—with Sydney and Melbourne standing out as major epicurean hotspots. Guests can enjoy everything from modern fusion cuisines like Iaksa-inspired seafood dishes and bahn mi sandwiches to hearty meat pies, grilled barramundi (fish) and aromatic butter chicken. Traditional “bush-tucker”—the native foods of Aboriginal Australians—features ingredients like kangaroo, wattleseed, bush tomatoes and finger limes.\u0026nbsp;These dishes are often paired with local wines from world-renowned regions like the Hunter Valley and Yarra Valley. In Tasmania, visitors can sample fresh Pacific oysters and artisanal cheeses, while enjoying cool-climate wines in picturesque vineyard settings.\u0026nbsp;New Zealand is celebrated for its premium lamb, fresh seafood and award-winning wines. The Marlborough region is famous for its crisp sauvignon blanc, while Central Otago is known for its elegant pinot noir. Visitors can enjoy farm-to-table dining experiences, seafood feasts and tastings at boutique wineries nestled among rolling hills and alpine landscapes. Culinary experiences often reflect Māori influences, adding a unique cultural flavor to the cuisine.

What should I pack for a trip to Australia and New Zealand?

For a well-prepared trip to both Australia and New Zealand, it is essential to pack with versatility in mind. Both countries span a range of climates—from Australia’s sun-drenched coasts to New Zealand’s alpine regions—so layers are key. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for warm days, while a fleece or insulated jacket will serve you well in cooler areas, especially on New Zealand’s South Island. A waterproof rain jacket is a must for sudden showers, and sturdy walking shoes are recommended for city strolls or nature hikes.

Discover Australia & New Zealand

Explore the vibrant cities & stunning natural wonders of these two island nations. With their rich history, distinctive cultural traditions and unique terrain, Australia and New Zealand continue to captivate travelers. Read on to learn about some of the region’s favorite dishes, discover how the Māori have experienced a cultural revival in New Zealand and explore what makes the Great Barrier Reef such a remarkable natural phenomenon.

Australia & New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand, located in the Southern Hemisphere, are renowned for their stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage and vibrant cities. These neighboring countries offer a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance and modern attractions, making them captivating destinations for travelers—and well worth the journey.

Australia is the world’s smallest continent and occupies an area of approximately 2.97 million sq mi. (7.69 million sq km). It borders the Timor and Arafura seas to the northwest, the Coral Sea and the Torres Strait to the northeast, the Tasman Sea to the southeast and the Indian Ocean to the southwest. The country enjoys average temperatures ranging from 72°F (22°C) to 81°F (27°C) year-round.

New Zealand is an island country consisting of two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)—and over 600 smaller islands. It lies southeast of Australia across the Tasman Sea. New Zealand also has a temperate maritime climate.

The official language of both Australia and New Zealand is English. The Te Reo Māori language is also spoken in New Zealand. Australia’s population is approximately 26.7 million people while New Zealand’s is estimated at 5.2 million people.

Australia was first settled around 50,000 years ago by Indigenous Australians. European settlement began in 1788 with the arrival of the First Fleet, comprised of eleven ships of British prisoners who had been sentenced to serve in Australian penal colonies. “Transportation,” as this practice came to be known, continued until 1868, and in 1901, Australia became a federation.

Both countries have rich Indigenous cultures, with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia and the Māori in New Zealand. These cultures are celebrated through art, music, dance and traditional ceremonies.

Some of the most renowned landmarks in this region include:

Great Ocean Road—Australia’s scenic coastal drive, known for its stunning views and the Twelve Apostles rock formations
Milford Sound—A breathtaking fjord in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park
Waitomo Caves—A large cave system on New Zealand’s North Island, notable for its brilliant glowworm displays
Bay of Islands—An area on the North Island of New Zealand, famous for its idyllic beaches and historic towns

Visitors can also see these remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

Sydney Opera House—An iconic symbol of Australia, widely regarded as one of the world’s most distinctive architectural masterpieces
Great Barrier Reef—The world's largest coral reef system, which can be seen from outer space
Uluru (Ayers Rock)—A massive sandstone monolith sacred to Australia's Indigenous Anangu people
Tongariro National Park—New Zealand’s oldest national park, known for its volcanic landscapes

Australia and New Zealand have both evolved significantly from their colonial pasts, embracing modernity while preserving their rich Indigenous heritage. Today, these countries are known for their high quality of life, strong economies and vibrant cultural scenes. They continue to attract visitors from around the world with their unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities.

Cuisine—Australia & New Zealand’s favorite dishes

Australia and New Zealand, two neighbors of the Southern Hemisphere, boast rich and diverse culinary traditions that reflect their geography, colorful histories and natural resources. From fresh seafood and hearty meats to locally grown fruits and vegetables, their dishes offer a little something for everyone. A few of the top dishes from this region of the world include:

Meat Pie—A traditional snack dish in both Australia and New Zealand, this tasty pie can include steak and cheese or minced meat and vegetables. Kiwis get even more creative with this meal, often adding other fillings like Thai curry or Indian butter chicken.

Barramundi—One of Australia’s most prized fish, the versatile barramundi is light, delicious and can be served grilled, pan-seared or cooked in the Indigenous method of wrapping in paperbark.

Crayfish—A delicacy in New Zealand, these crustaceans are renowned for their meaty flavor with just a hint of sweetness.

Whitebait—A Māori seafood dish, whitebait is usually prepared as a fritter by frying small fish with eggs, which can then be eaten on toast or as a sandwich.

Pavlova—There is an ongoing debate between Australians and New Zealanders over who invented this beloved meringue. From backyard barbecues to Christmas Day celebrations, this dessert is almost always served on special occasions. Pavlovas are commonly topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream or presented in alternating layers to create a cake.
Culture—A brief history of the Māori

The first Māori arrived in New Zealand around the year 1280. The people’s oral history tells of a mythical Polynesian homeland, Hawaiki, from which ancestors arrived in large ocean-worthy canoes called waka. Hawaiki may be the stuff of legend, but the waka were very real, serving as the preferred migratory vehicle of the Māori throughout the South Pacific as far back as 3,000 BC.

Over generations, the New Zealand Māori developed their own culture based on that of their Polynesian roots. As the population increased, competition for resources grew fierce. Hill forts (pā) and larger waka were built as the Māori went on the defensive with their brethren. Europeans stepped into this tense environment in the 18th century, bringing with them new technology and weapons. With British-provided muskets newly in hand, intertribal warfare surged from 1800 to 1843. These “Musket Wars” marked a turning point, cutting the Māori population in half.

In 1840, Queen Victoria sent William Hobson to draw up an agreement that would quell growing tensions. The result, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in the Bay of Islands by some 500 tribal chiefs and several British officers, giving the Māori the rights of British subjects and ownership of their land. After a period of population decline, the Māori today are experiencing a cultural revival. Many hold vital roles in New Zealand’s society, even as they preserve their beloved traditions.
Nature—The Great Barrier Reef

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef stretches more than 1,400 miles (2,300 km) along the country’s northeastern coast and consists of more than 2,500 individual reefs and 900 islands. It is one of the few living formations visible from space. The reef was formed some 20 million years ago and has continued to evolve due to climate shifts, sea level changes and coral growth patterns.

Renowned for its biodiversity, the Great Barrier Reef is home to approximately 1,500 species of fish and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. It also supports a variety of seabirds and is a habitat for several mammals, including marine turtles. The reef holds great cultural significance to Indigenous Australians, who have a deep connection to the land and sea.

The preservation of this iconic reef is essential for Australia, due to its ecological, cultural and economic importance. Today, conservation efforts focus on sustainable practices and scientific research to protect this amazing natural wonder for future generations.

Australia & New Zealand Highlights

Australia and New Zealand are among the most remarkable places to explore in the world. Each offers majestic natural wonders, Victorian-era cities, exceptional cuisine and unique wildlife—from koala to kangaroos and Tasmanian devils. Here are just a few of the many highlights you may see on an unforgettable journey to Australia and New Zealand: