Because as unfair as it’s, you may solely select one nation to discover at a time.
Trying to determine the place to vacation subsequent is hard, particularly when you’ve got a restricted period of time. Do you select Australia with its various landscapes and incredible seashores? Or do you hop throughout the pond and go for New Zealand with its endless pure magnificence and scrumptious native produce?
While it may appear unattainable to determine proper now, we’ve put collectively a information evaluating the 2 nations in relation to Indigenous tradition, landscapes, delicacies, and cities and we promise that when you get to the top, the choice on the place to go will (hopefully) turn into somewhat simpler.
Indigenous tradition
It wouldn’t be proper to come back to Australia and never carve out a while to find out about and respect the tradition of the individuals who’ve been dwelling off of and loving this land for hundreds of years – the Aboriginal Australians.
Whether you need to hear about Aboriginal saltwater heritage on the banks of Sydney Harbour, take part in a hands-on Aboriginal artwork expertise on the Tiwi Islands, or find out about native meals and the way they’re used as bush drugs in Perth, there are many methods to immerse your self on this enchanting tradition.
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Similar to Australia, New Zealand has its personal Indigenous individuals often called Māori who’ve been defending the land for over 1000 years. If you need to study extra about this historical tradition, Rotorua is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go. Located on the North Island, this city is stuffed with conventional actions to take part in resembling studying the best way to carve wooden and watching a haka efficiency.
Other important sights embody the Waitangi Treaty web site within the Bay of Islands area, the Māori Reserve of Arahura Pa, and the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch.
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Landscapes
When speaking about Australia’s breathtaking landscapes it’s extra a query have “how long have you got”? somewhat than “what are they?” as this geographically giant nation boasts greater than we may presumably depend. Whether you’re curious about seeing some coastal surroundings, need to run your palms by the crimson grime of the desert, or discover luscious setting after luscious setting, Australia is a spot the place you are able to do all of it.
Think UNESCO World Heritage-listed reefs with their fascinating ecosystems filled with vibrant coral and tropical fish, nationwide parks bursting with Aboriginal rock artwork, dense greenery, cascading waterfalls, and native wildlife, and mountain ranges with picturesque peaks and crystal-clear lakes you could possibly simply spend a few hours taking a look at.
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It’s extraordinarily onerous to beat out Australia for ‘best landscapes’ however each the North Island and South Island of New Zealand give it an actual go. From dramatic terrain filled with glittering lakes, lush forests, and pure landmarks lurking round each nook to snow-capped mountains, white sandy seashores, and volcanoes that produce steamy sizzling springs and effervescent mud baths, this nation guarantees an entire heap of spectacular sights.
If you need to get particular, go to the Hawkes Bay area for unimaginable surroundings of New Zealand’s wine nation, look out over the terribly clear waters of Lake Taupo, or take within the spectacular stature of The Remarkables in Queenstown for some severely unbeatable views.
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Cuisine
Let’s be trustworthy, meals is without doubt one of the core components in relation to selecting the place to vacation – you may’t spend day after day exploring after which not be tremendous excited to eat all the pieces you see in sight when the exploring is over. Thankfully, Australia has top-of-the-line cuisines going ‘spherical.
Not solely are there hardcore Aussie snacks and meals you merely need to strive throughout your travels, however Australia’s delicacies has additionally been influenced by the multitude of cultures this nation now calls house, so that you’ll even have Italian, Indian, Greek, and Chinese dishes to select from as properly (amongst others).
But, when you’re on the lookout for some quintessentially Aussie eats, sink your tooth into some lamingtons and Tim Tams, take a bit out of a meat pie or a chunk of vegemite toast, delight your tastebuds with contemporary seafood and barbecued meat, or sip on a chilly beer or chocolate milo.
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Much like their pacific neighbours, New Zealand’s delicacies has been largely impacted by different cultures, notably the Māori and British cultures that see dishes resembling koura (crayfish) and fish & chips among the many nation’s hottest.
Some different notable snacks and meals to strive whilst you’re travelling across the nation embody pavlova, hokey pokey ice cream, manuka honey, hangi (a standard Maori dish of meat and greens), and kina (sea urchin).
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Cities
It may appear to be a daring declare to say that Australia’s cities problem its landscapes in relation to holding travellers’ consideration however that doesn’t make it any much less true.
You have Melbourne with its graffitied streets and café tradition obsession, Sydney with its world-famous landmarks and exquisite harbour, Cairns with its laidback vibe and proximity to the Daintree Rainforest, and Hobart with its historic buildings and mountainous environment. Enough mentioned.
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While it may be onerous to fathom how New Zealand can compete with the internationally recognised metropolis of Sydney and the epicentre for arts and leisure often called Melbourne, this island nation truly holds its personal in relation to vibrant cities.
From the journey capital of Queenstown and the inspiring environment of Christchurch to the energetic vibe of Wellington and the pure fantastic thing about Nelson, you’ll by no means run out of lovely concrete jungles to discover.
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The verdict
If we’re being trustworthy about it, there’s no manner we may determine which nation is healthier to journey to first as every vacation spot guarantees as many excitement-filled moments as the opposite. Australia may win in relation to landscapes, however New Zealand is extraordinarily shut behind (like photo-finish shut) and it has the tradition and delicacies to rival its bigger neighbour. So, we’re calling it a draw.
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