Australia gap year vs New Zealand gap year - which is best?

Southern hemisphere neighbours, Australia and New Zealand are absolute classics when it comes to working holiday destinations. Both boasting epic scenery, friendly locals and a cruisier way of life - there’s no surprise that the two often get compared.

For that reason and that reason alone (we’re clearly going to say do both), here’s our attempt at answering the age-old question... where to go on your gap year, Australia or New Zealand?

Climate

Australia

If you're looking to chase the sun the first place that comes to mind is Australia. With its sweltering summers and warm winters, it seems like a no brainer. But don't be fooled into thinking the whole of Oz has 365 days of summer – a winter in Melbourne is a chilly affair.

New Zealand

Be prepared for a weather rollercoaster. It's like playing weather roulette, but with way cooler scenery. While the North Island is generally milder, the South Island can get pretty chilly, especially in the mountains. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Just remember to pack for every season, even if it's all in the same day.

Beaches

Australia

it’s going to be hard to beat Sydney’s Bondi beach, Broome’s Cable beach and the Whitsunday’s Whitehaven beach. In fact, Australia has 12,000 beaches, so it’s kind of an unfair contest. Fraser Island is also literally an entire island which is just beach, so if that’s the vibe for your gap year in Australia, you’ve found your winner.

New Zealand

Who knew that a country known for sheep and mountains could have such incredible beaches? Even though sunny Australia might seem like the strongest contender for best beach, New Zealand's coastline is a hidden gem with pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and stunning scenery (and a friendly seal or two).

Social life

Australia

Australia’s East Coast is built for backpackers, and Aussies are known for their friendly and welcoming nature. Even the wildlife is friendly (sometimes a bit too friendly, snake in my bathroom I’m talking to you). While the bigger cities can be a bit more fast-paced, you'll find plenty of friendly faces if you take the time to connect with people. Just be prepared to learn the Aussie slang and embrace the "no worries" attitude.

New Zealand

With an extensive network of chain and independent hostels, as well as famous hop-on-hop-off bus networks, you’d have to try REALLY hard to not meet other like-minded travellers. Doing your gap year in New Zealand is like joining a giant family reunion, but without the awkward uncle who insists on telling the same old jokes. Kiwis are the ultimate hosts, always up for a chat, a laugh, and a backyard barbecue.

Sites and landmarks

Australia

Australia’s diverse natural beauty and impressive UNESCO sites put up one helluva fight. From the iconic Great Barrier Reef to the rugged Outback, there's something for everyone. Must-see sights include Uluru (Ayers Rock), the Sydney Opera House, and the iconic beaches of the Gold Coast. Just be prepared to get a little dusty, a lot sunburned, and completely amazed by the kangaroos and wallabys that seem to turn up almost everywhere.

New Zealand

New Zealand is known as the adrenalin capital of the world, home to the epic filmset scenery of the Lord of the Rings, and being full of high-ranking bucket list items. It's like a real-life postcard, but with better views and less annoying tourists. Must-see sights include Milford Sound, Rotorua's geothermal wonderland, and the breathtaking Franz Josef Glacier.

Wildlife

Australia

Australia is like a real-life safari, but with friendlier animals and wildlife that gives you less personal space (see above). It's home to some of the most iconic creatures on the planet, including kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles. One word of advice if you pick an Australian gap year - don't try to pet anything that looks like it could eat you.

New Zealand

Imagine a country where birds can't fly, lizards glow in the dark, and giant bugs are considered cute. That's New Zealand. It's like a zoo that escaped and took over the entire country. Must-see wildlife includes the iconic kiwi bird, the mischievous kea parrot, and the adorable (but deadly) tuatara.

Scores on the board? Australia and New Zealand are both incredible (plus, we’re unwilling to pick between our two favourite children). The reality is, they’re very different countries with equal job opportunities for travellers. So our advice? It’s not one or the other, it’s a life is short, and you’ll be doing the 9-5 for a long time – so do both. You have until you’re 30-ish to make it happen, so why make yourself pick.