Australia and New Zealand are somewhat connected by their culture, history, and social values. And yet these are 2 completely different countries with high living standards and fascinating places to see. It’s torturous for travellers having to choose between them. Follow the post if you need help figuring your next destination.
Explore Australia
With the capital in Canberra, Australia consists of the mainland and several islands. It’s the 6th largest country surrounded by oceans. The territory is home to about 25 million people.
Things to See in Australia
- Great Barrier Reef. It’s the largest reef system of about 2,300 km located to the North-East of the country. Enjoy diving or snorkeling with instructors and seeing different species of fish and whales.
- The Sydney Opera House. Marvel at the landmark location at night with all the lights and projections on. Buy a ticket to a live show and enjoy the masterpieces on its stage. The program is rich with entertainment both for kids and adults throughout the year.
- Uluru or Ayers Rock. Located in the northern part of Australia, it’s a 348 m high sandstone formation. It’s a sacred site for the natives and has been standing there for 600 million years. No doubt tourists have a strong affection towards it.
Curious Facts about Australia
- The flattest road. Called the Nullarbor Plain Road, it has no curves for the entire 146 km
- The longest wall. The Dog Fence reaches 5,614 km and protects the cattle and other domestic animals from wild dingo dogs
- The cleanest air. According to numerous studies, the state of Tasmania is the most favorable place in terms of ecology and health
Visit the Green Lands of New Zealand
New Zealand consists of 2 islands with little more than 5 million people inhabiting it. It’s known for the untouched nature and picturesque views featured in Lord of the Rings movies and many more.
Things to See in New Zealand
- Milford Sound. It is a small village located in the south of the country. Nearby is the legendary fjord, notable for its gushing waterfalls and wildlife.
- Watching and swimming with dusky dolphins. The most popular tour starts in the city of Kaikoura. Enjoy the company of the social creatures from the boat or in the water.
- The Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Go deep underground, explore the tunnels and spot the rare species of shining glowworms.
Curious Facts about New Zealand
- Only 5-7% of the living creatures on the territory are human beings. The rest are animals
- There are 3 official languages: English, Maori, NZ Sign Language
- The symbol of the Royal Air Force is the wingless kiwi bird
Do I Need a Visa to Go to Australia and New Zealand?
New Zealand has visa abolition agreements with many nations. It means citizens of these countries can come without a visa. People from other countries need to book an appointment at the Embassy to get the travel document. Only submit your application, when you have all documents ready and a high-quality NZ visa photo to go with it.
A more convenient way is to apply for an electronic visa called NZeTA. It works for business, transit, and tourism and allows the holder to spend 90 days in New Zealand per trip. A traveler must print it out and take it along with them.
Australia has a stricter border policy. Every traveler must obtain a visa from their home country to enter. The only exception is New Zealand. NZ citizens can receive travel permission right at the Australian airport. Foreigners should get an ETA or eVisitor electronic documents to enter Australia. Bear in mind to obtain a visa photo that matches the Department of Home Affairs specifications.
The List of Required Documents
These are the most commonly asked for documents for a tourist visa:
- A domestic passport
- An international passport
- A color photo (2 if you apply through the Embassy)
- A bank statement confirming your financial status
- Medical insurance
- Vaccination certificate
The Easiest Way to Get the Right Photo Format
Take the picture with your smartphone and use online editing tools to have it adjusted to the specifications. The software will process your images and get rid of any defects that can cause a visa rejection. Fast and reliable, the service will get you a 100% compatible photo in a couple of minutes for less than $10.
Both these countries are a must visit. Each has a unique atmosphere and spirit to top the scenic views and rich culture. To make the choice easier for you: pick New Zealand to keep things laid back and romantic and Australia if you’re after something more fast-paced.
