Your Guide to Traveling to Australia & New Zealand
What to Know Before You Go
Australia and New Zealand offer some of the most stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and welcoming cultures on the planet. Whether you’re diving the Great Barrier Reef or road-tripping through Middle-earth landscapes, this guide will help you prepare for your first journey Down Under with confidence and excitement.
BEFORE YOU GO
1. Passports & Visas
- Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.
- Both Australia and New Zealand require electronic visas for most visitors:
- Australia: Apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) online.
- New Zealand: Apply for NZeTA, and pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
- Visas are simple to obtain but must be arranged before travel.
2. Travel Insurance & Health
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended and may be required by some tour providers.
- No special vaccines are required unless you’re arriving from a country with Yellow Fever risk.
- Healthcare in both countries is excellent but expensive for visitors—insurance is your safety net.
3. Currency & Money Tips
- Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD); New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
- Credit cards are widely accepted, even for small purchases.
- Contactless payment (Tap & Go) is the norm.
- ATMs are common, and tipping is appreciated but not required or expected.
PACKING & CLIMATE TIPS
- Both countries are in the Southern Hemisphere—so seasons are opposite the U.S./Europe:
- Summer: December–February
- Winter: June–August
- Pack for the outdoors: sun protection, layers, and good walking shoes.
- Bring a universal power adapter—both countries use Type I plugs.
- Don’t bring fresh food or plant products—strict biosecurity rules apply.
WILDLIFE & ADVENTURE AWAIT
Australia Highlights
- Snorkel or dive in the Great Barrier Reef
- Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge or relax at Bondi Beach
- Visit the Red Centre & Uluru for Aboriginal culture and desert beauty
- Spot kangaroos, koalas, and wombats in the wild or at sanctuaries
- Explore tropical rainforests in Queensland and Tasmania’s wilderness
New Zealand Highlights
- Take a scenic road trip through the South Island’s fjords and mountains
- Visit Hobbiton and other Lord of the Rings filming sites
- Hike, bungee jump, or zipline in Queenstown
- Soak in thermal pools and watch geysers in Rotorua
- Cruise through Milford Sound or kayak in Abel Tasman National Park
TRAVEL TIPS & LOCAL INSIGHT
- Driving is on the left—be cautious if renting a car.
- Locals are friendly, casual, and appreciate good manners and humor.
- Tap water is safe to drink in both countries.
- Both countries are very clean and eco-conscious—use refillable bottles and recycle when possible.
- Public transportation is great in cities, but many remote areas are best explored by car or on a guided tour.
QUICK FACTS
| What to Know | Australia | New Zealand |
| Currency | Australian Dollar (AUD) | New Zealand Dollar (NZD) |
| Language | English (with distinct slang!) | English (also Māori in NZ) |
| Plug Type | Type I | Type I |
| Emergency Number | 000 | 111 |
| Driving | Left-hand side | Left-hand side |
| Wi-Fi | Widely available, often free in hotels and cafes |
FINAL TRAVEL TIPS
- Don’t underestimate distances—both countries are large and often spread out.
- Weather can change quickly, especially in New Zealand—layer up!
- Look up local customs for entering homes (remove shoes in NZ is common).
- Be mindful of protected wildlife areas—don’t feed or touch animals in the wild.