Australia and New Zealand could also be distant from just about everybody, however they’re each scorching on the checklist for most adventurers. And so they need to be. They’re superior.
Since they’re so shut to one another although, they have a tendency to get lumped collectively, which makes us cry slightly inside. We’re gonna let you in on slightly secret right here: they may not be extra totally different!
The primary variations are these: Australia is large, whereas New Zealand is tiny. Australia is freakishly scorching at occasions, whereas New Zealand is a standard quantity of scorching. Australia is pretty flat in components, whereas New Zealand is hilly as hell. However they’re each unimaginable nations to visit, with extra locations to discover than your little legs will take you to.
So, we’re spilling the beans on some wild card destinations in every nation for 4 varieties of traveler, so your journey will stand out from the remaining.
For the seashore babe (or buoy)
Noah’s Seaside, Cape Tribulation (Oz)
Australia has clearly been hit with the attractive seashore stick. It’s bought greater than 10,000 seashores to select from and they’re just about all value a visit. It’s not truthful, however that’s life.
Most individuals in search of a seashore head straight to the squeaky white sands of Whitehaven Seaside in the Whitsundays – and they’re proper to. It’s actually postcard good! However enterprise slightly additional up the East Coast to Cape Tribulation and you’ll be rewarded with the lengthy stretch of broad white sand that is Noah’s Seaside.
You’ll battle to discover quite a lot of souls on the seashore at anybody time, and it’s backed by the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, the Daintree Rainforest. Profit from it and camp simply past the timber.
The one draw back? Tropical North Queensland is saltwater crocodile nation so you can’t swim in the ocean, however there are many swim holes in Cape Tribulation which can be protected to cool off in.
New Pals Seaside, Coromandel (NZ)
You’ll be able to at all times rely on good ol’ Aotearoa (that’s Māori for New Zealand, btw) to deliver the products when it comes to nature. OK, so it hasn’t bought anyplace close to as many seashores to select from as its larger, hotter neighbor, however they do have a tendency to be much less crowded.
One such seashore is New Pals Seaside on the Coromandel Peninsula, the place the waters are hotter and the views are simply as scorching. It’s solely accessible by foot or boat, although. However that simply means you might be positive you received’t be sharing the sand with tons of of different folks.
Make the drive to Whangapoua (one other nice seashore) and observe the trail on the left-hand aspect of the seashore over tree trunks and rocks. Round 30 minutes later you’ll be in your personal little oasis.
Stick a Jack Johnson tune on and calm down in peace. Or hike up to the lookout for even higher views.
For the hiker
Hinchinbrook Island (Oz)
Don’t be fooled by the truth that Hinchinbrook Island is the biggest island on the Nice Barrier Reef. To guard all that’s nice and great, solely 40 folks are allowed to keep on the island at anybody time. It’s a hiker’s heaven.
Take a ship from Lucinda on the mainland to Ramsay Bay or George’s Level and change off from there. The primary purpose folks visit the island is to hike the 20mi Thorsborne Path alongside the island’s east coast. It takes round 5 days however you could make it longer if you need to. And with tenting costing a mere AUD$5 per day, staying longer shouldn’t be precisely going to break the financial institution. Be sure that you’re ready although, it’s not for the faint hearted.
For one thing much less difficult, strive the Prince Henry Cliff Stroll in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales. The 4.5mi (a technique) hike hugs the cliff fringe of the mountain vary, that are named after the blue tinge they put on when seen from a distance.
Pouakai Crossing, Taranaki (NZ)
New Zealand is understood for its tramps (that’s hikes to you). It’s bought hundreds to select from that take you by means of each sort of surroundings you’d anticipate to see in the land that introduced Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to life – deep valleys, snow-capped mountains and wealthy forest.
If you’re in search of a full day hike that ticks off all of these, strive the 11.5mi Pouakai Crossing in the Taranaki area on the nation’s West Coast. It’s a lot quieter than the well-known Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand’s oldest nationwide park, so no need to fear about being photobombed or your overly aggressive aspect popping out when one other hiker overtakes you. Doesn’t occur to you? Simply us then. That’s embarrassing…
For the island lover
Kangaroo Island (Oz)
Is it even a correct journey to Australia if you don’t see a kangaroo? Leap on a ferry for 45 minutes from Adelaide and bam! You’ll be hanging out with Skippy and his mates in no time.
It’s wild and stuffed with different animals, together with koalas, sea lions and wallabies. And it’s rocking the, err, rock formation factor. Plus, it’s bought 315mi+ of shoreline with among the greatest seashores any island lover might need. Fancy frolicking in rock swimming pools? It’s bought ‘em. Wanna catch waves with dolphins? You bought it. Can you get your tan on amongst sea lions and white sand? You betcha, buddy.
Rangitoto Island (NZ)
This tiny little island off the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island is an ideal various day journey out of the sprawling metropolis. It’s the youngest and largest volcano in the Auckland volcanic discipline, however don’t fear, scientists say it’s unlikely to erupt once more. Depart your campervan on the mainland and head over for a day of mountaineering up to the summit for views throughout the Hauraki Gulf, Waitakere Ranges and Hunua Ranges. Or go full journey mode and kayak over there from Auckland. Even higher, strive an evening kayaking journey.
For the character lover
Tasmania (Oz)
Tassie, because it’s affectionately recognized, is critically underrated as a vacation spot. It’s bought journey popping out of its ears (if islands had ears). Suppose heat blue waters, white sand seashores, artsy cities and bumbling wombats and elusive Tasmanian Devils.
Plus, it’s bought inexperienced rolling hills for days. You would simply suppose you have been touring the good English countryside, till you hit the seashore or soften in the Australian solar, obvs.
It’s additionally dwelling to World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair Nationwide Park. The park’s star is Cradle Mountain, which sits at over 5,000ft above sea degree. Spectacular rocky outcrops encompass pine forests, calm lakes and flowering heaths. You’ll really feel like you’re in one other land. And who doesn’t need that on an adventurous journey Down Below?
Catlins Forest Park (NZ)
New Zealand’s South Island wins the award for the nation’s most spectacular nationwide parks. Milford Sound, Fiordland Nationwide Park and Abel Tasman Nationwide Park are all slap-you-in-the-face lovely, so they need to be on any traveler’s checklist of locations to try. However so ought to Catlins Forest Park.
Sitting fairly simply up the street from the Southern-most level of the South Island (Slope Level), the park is as inexperienced as your mates will likely be as soon as you present them photographs out of your journey.
There are numerous hikes to get misplaced on that can take you by means of moss-laden forest to Purakaunui Falls, Matai Falls and McLean Falls. Or observe coastal tracks to blowholes, surf spots and the mahoosive Cathedral Caves. Oh, and there’s a shipwreck and a century-old lighthouse to discover. OK, we’re executed now.
Prepared to discover Australia and New Zealand? Try out Fiji Airways low-cost flight offers right here.