As you probably know, there is a great deal of rivalry between Australians and New Zealanders. It’s mainly in sport, which is most obvious with the Bledisloe Cup; the annual rugby league battle between the Wallabies and the All Blacks.
Australia normally comes off second best in that one, to much gnashing of teeth here in Oz.
This rivalry does also spread to day-to-day banter between Kiwis and Aussies. But despite all that, today I’m allowing Sam & Jenny, who run the website How To Move To New Zealand, to barge right into the admin area of my website and write an article all about reasons to choose New Zealand over Australia.
Crikey, I really must be losing my marbles. Over to Sam and Jenny…
Reasons to Choose New Zealand over Australia
Australia and New Zealand are both fantastic countries that have a lot to offer for people looking for adventure. However, one of the biggest questions that many have is why one country is better than the other, with residents of both countries having strong feelings. There are several unique things about New Zealand, in particular, that make the country well worth considering.
Unique Food and Great Company
New Zealand has some unique cuisine choices that make eating out a fun activity every time. Meat pies, for example, are such a favourite dish that they even appear on fast food restaurant menus. Staple items such as these often feature unique twists because of their demand in local restaurants.
Another unique menu item is the Pavlova, a meringue cake with fruit and cream on the inside. This sweet treat’s name was inspired by Ana Pavlova, who toured New Zealand and Australia in the 1920s. New Zealand’s landscape provides perfect conditions for raising tasty fruit perfect for inclusion in these cakes.
Pavlova
When you sample these unique dishes or your favourite drinks, you’ll enjoy a very relaxed atmosphere in most restaurants or pubs. People in New Zealand have a reputation for being even more laid back than Australians. You won’t feel as though you need to rush through everything when you’re eating out.
No Venomous Snakes or Dangerous Animals
One of the things that appeals to a lot of people when they think of Australia is the wealth of unusual animals. However, the country is also home to 93 species of venomous snakes. If you’re an outdoors enthusiast, you might have to think about avoiding these reptiles whenever you spend time outdoors to avoid painful bites and emergency department trips.
Living in a country like New Zealand that lacks poisonous snakes makes life a lot easier when you head outdoors, especially if most of your leisure time involves a lot of outside. This nation is full of beautiful scenery from rugged mountains to gently rolling hills that you won’t want to miss chances to explore. Savouring the outdoors is a lot nicer when you don’t need to think about avoiding a dangerous snake bite.
Besides being free of lethal snakes, New Zealand also has a lack of other dangerous wildlife. Many prefer being able to venture outdoors without encountering predators or otherwise dangerous species. Because of the calm nature of most of this country’s wildlife, you’ll be able to enjoy the sights without any worries.
Great Volcanic Landscapes
It’s hard to beat the unique scenery that you’ll find in New Zealand thanks to its volcanic activity. A feature you won’t see anywhere else is the volcanic crater lakes in shades of turquoise, green, and orange known as Rotorua. The volcanoes account for the mountains that attract hikers as well.
Rotorua Redwood Forrest
Trees in Rotorua
The beaches are also worth your time, with an assortment of both golden and black sand. Surfers will enjoy the Raglan and Gisborne beaches, which possess a reputation with surfers all over the world. If you head over to the Hot Water Beach, you’ll enjoy hot pools made possible because of the country’s volcanic activity. Piha Beach is known for its strong surf and rugged scenery.
Piha Beach
The scenery is perfect for photo opportunities, and you’re likely to want to showcase your photos for all the world to see. Seeing the Southern Alps is always a breath-taking experience. You’ll see something that you’re in awe of and want to let everyone know about every day.
Southern Alps
You’re Never Far From the Coast or Anything Else
Both countries stand out for having amazing beaches. However, New Zealand has one significant advantage that Australia does not: the greatest distance from the coast in any part of the country is 128 km. With this easy access, you’ll be able to take advantage of water sports opportunities whenever you like.
Although surfing is a favourite activity, there are many other advantages to easy coastal access. The beaches offer the perfect opportunity for taking memorable pictures. This country is a popular departure point for cruises, providing even more delights to enjoy.
The county’s relatively small size also means less time spent driving to the attractions you want to see. Driving from one coast to the other takes a matter of hours instead of days. You can easily tour most of the island on a day off.
Perfect for Snow Enthusiasts
If you enjoy activities that involve snow, you won’t be disappointed in New Zealand. Like neighbouring Australia, this country also enjoys a winter season between June and December. The mountains here make all the cold weather sports you enjoy much better.
Downhill skiing is a popular pursuit, with slopes that will challenge skiers of any ability level. If you’re into snowboarding, you’ll also enjoy the number of options available. New Zealand’s summers offer an advantage over those of Australia’s because of the increased snowfall.
If You Enjoy Water
Both Australia and New Zealand have variations in their landscapes. However, New Zealand is free from vast desert areas like the Australian Outback. If green spaces that receive abundant rainfall appeal to you, this place is perfect for you.
Each of the major cities or towns is near either a beach or a lake. The beaches offer great chances to enjoy sunrises or sunsets. Lakes provide unique recreational opportunities as well.
Lake Wakitipu
More Lake Wakitpu
Diverse Cultural Experiences and Diverse Neighbours
New Zealand has attracted a diverse range of people, starting from its time as a British colony. The Maori culture is still very much alive here. The cultural influences represent a mixture of both South Pacific and world cultures.
Restaurants and cafes in the cities represent the cultural diversity that is present here. You’ll be able to sample food from all corners of the globe. You might even find fusion dishes that provide a blending of different tastes.
Are You Ready?
New Zealand has many advantages over its neighbouring country that have a broad appeal. If you’re looking for a country that has something for everyone to enjoy, you’ve found a great option. You’ll enjoy the unique experiences that come with living in this country, with something new to enjoy every day.
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Of course, I don’t believe a word of it. Sounds like a load of Pavlova to me.
But if you’ve bought it, and you fancy looking into moving to New Zealand, check out all the tips and advice on How To Move To New Zealand.
It might also be worth you knowing that the visa application process is different, as is the acceptance criteria. My understanding is that, in some cases, it may be slightly easier to qualify the New Zealand than Australia.
For those who then become New Zealand citizens, the pathway to move to Australia can become easier.
Worth thinking about, because surely you wouldn’t be able to put up with living in New Zealand for too long, would you?
See, that’s the kind of banter I’m talking about.
An interesting discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you should write more about this subject, it might not be
a taboo matter but usually people don’t talk about such topics.
To the next! Many thanks!!
One word – earthquakes.
Yes, that’s a concern for New Zealanders that I suspect cannot be ignored.
Because it is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Correct. It is.
Hey Bob, have you even been to NZ yet? I find it hard to believe someone said Auckland and Wellington are rainier in Summer than London / uk, because recently they have had decent/ great summers in North Island. I say this because I know you don’t like / follow cricket, but WC is on in England and in supposedly summer? weather is ATROCIOUS, another washed out game on cards in Bristol, maybe they should’ve scheduled tournament for August/ September, laughably high summer.? Just had to remind you what you are missing. Anyway I noticed if you were playing summer/ winter, Lon./ Bris vegas this week, Brisbane wins by knockout 25; 26deg , how good!
No, still haven’t been to New Zealand, but still on my ‘to do’ list, and hopefully we’ll do it soon. I will be going in summer though, not sure I’m ready for an NZ winter.
Floods in the UK over the last week I think, I’ve been glancing at UK tabloid headlines, and as you say, they have had a great deal of rain. I would be hugely surprised if New Zealand was wetter, but maybe some years it is, but there can’t be much in it.
Brisbane Winters versus London’s Summers was an annual event on my website for quite a while, and it’s a shame I stopped that one, because as you say, I think Brisbane would have won easily this time around. Maybe a reason to revive it?
Perhaps that would be a little unfair though, being as I know the result now.