There's no bigger country vs. country debate than Australia vs. New Zealand... Okay, maybe that's not exactly true. But both countries have so much to offer in the way of culture, education, entertainment, and even water and land activities.

It can be one heck of a challenge deciding which one to book for a visit. To make a potential travel decision easier (or maybe tougher), we've come up with all the things to love about both. By pointing out specifics that each country does well, it's our hope that future travel will much easier while deciding which location speaks to your soul.

Both countries are wildly adventurous and are positively stunning to take in, but when it comes down to it, only one can be explored at a time. Here's a bit of help in deciding whether to be Team Australia or Team New Zealand.

20 Australia: The Great Barrier Reef Can't Be Underestimated

couple diving in the great barrier reef
via Instagram

Despite the trouble it has run into lately with coral bleaching, the Great Barrier Reef is still one of the seven greatest wonders of the world. Full of diverse wildlife and beautiful coral formations, many boats offer day trips to snorkel amongst it all. Pro tip: Bring something for motion sickness - those waters can be pretty rough.

19 New Zealand: South Island Is Attractive For Many A Reason

south island in new zealand
via The Curious Collection

New Zealand, in itself, is a sight to behold. With mountain ranges that look like something straight out of a CGI movie (because they were), there's no end to the beauty you can witness here. For the active traveler, this is a great time to hit some trails and do some exploring.

18 Australia: Sydney Offers Nightlife And Nighttime Harbor Cruises

via Pilgrim Sailing Reservations

If the Great Outdoors isn't exactly your thing, Sydney is a city that has it all. From cultural and political education to dining and nightlife, this city is basically the clean (and polite) version of New York City. Nighttime cruises past the Opera House are particularly beautiful.

17 New Zealand: It Can Be Traveled Much More Quickly From End-To-End

road trip through new zealand
via Polkadot Passport

If you're planning a longer trip, much more of New Zealand can be seen in one day than Australia. The country is much smaller, meaning it's easier to traverse in most places. If you're daring enough to drive on the 'wrong' side of the road, New Zealand is a great start to a road trip.

16 Australia: Beach Life For Surfers Is Unparalleled

surfing in perth australia
via gosurfperth.com

It's also the home of Bondi Beach, one of the most famous (and dangerous) in the world. Surfers will find no end to their thrill-seeking limits here, as many places on Australia's Gold Coast offer premium surfing for beginners and experienced pros alike.

15 New Zealand: Kayakers, Hikers, And Photographers Will Love Its Untouched Beauty

kayaking in new zealand
via Wanderlusters

From cliffside kayaking to mountainside hiking, New Zealand offers so much to those who love being out in nature. The best part is that there are so many tour companies and activity parks to choose from, complete with staff that doesn't mind helping tourists with a safe and gratifying experience.

14 Australia: The Outback Is An Experience Inside Itself

hiking in the outback australia
via Adventure Tours Australia

For us in the West, the Outback might just be a steakhouse - but for Australians, the Outback is an experience. With unique mountain formations and even more unique wildlife, this expansive land is just itching to be explored by those seeking adventure off the beaten path... literally.

13 New Zealand: Maori Culture Is Fascinating

maori totem pole new zealand
via pictame

The Maori tribes are well-known throughout New Zealand and Australia, and visitors have the chance to learn even more about them during their trip. With so many museums and traditional Maori dance performances, it doesn't hurt to throw a little culture into your R&R down under.

12 Australia: Pink Hillier Lake Is Full Of Scientific Wonder

pink hillier lake australia
via Pinterest

This lake gets its coloring from a combination of natural minerals that turn it a pinkish hue, and it's open to visitors. It's just like any other sandy lakeshore, except the fact that the water is a brilliant neon-pink. It's worth the trip and the photos you'll take home after.

11 New Zealand: Hot Springs And Active Geysers

north island geyser new zealand
via Anna Serchand

The amazing thing about New Zealand is that the island itself sits along a fault line. This means the country is full of active geysers and volcanoes, and home to plenty of natural hot springs. While not all are safe for visiting, there are several national parks that offer tours to explore these areas.

10 Australia: Train Travel Is An Option

train travel australia
via Pinterest

One unique aspect about traveling Australia is that as opposed to car or bus travel, visitors have the option to travel via train, too. Similar to how the Amtrak would work in North America, Australia has a train system that allows travelers to hop aboard from time to time.

9 New Zealand: Extreme Sports Were Made For This Country

luging in new zealand
via hosta.org

Ah, there's nothing like speeding down a hillside at roughly 40 niles per hour in a luge. This isn't an exaggeration - New Zealand offers mountainside luging that allows visitors to speed 'drive' down a steep paved road in luges, complete with handlebars. Don't worry - the helmets are included in the rental.

8 Australia: Wildlife Lovers Will Have The Chance To Meet Their Faves

selfie with a kangaroo in australia
via Pinterest

From koalas to kangaroos, animal-lovers should definitely check out Australia's petting zoos. We use that term lightly because normally when we think of a petting zoo, we think of farm animals. In Australia, a kangaroo could very wellbea farm animal. They're cute, but watch those back legs!

7 New Zealand: Less Congestion Means A Breathtaking Night Sky View

night sky in new zealand
via Pinterest

If you ever have the chance to step outside in the middle of an uncrowded New Zealand landscape, do it - you won't be disappointed. The sky is like no other in the world and offers star views like you wouldn't believe. Less congestion means zero light pollution; perfect for stargazing.

6 Australia: There's No End To Hostels And Affordable Accommodation

staying in an australian hostel
via The Brit & The Blonde

Since Australia is the larger country of the two, it makes sense that it would offer more in the way of amenities. While New Zealand might offer more unique overnight accommodations (farm stays, for example), Australia offers hostel life. They're pretty cheap and definitely worth it for younger, social travelers.

5 New Zealand: Swimming With Dolphins In Kaikoura Is Magical

dolphin watching in kaikoura
via media.newzealand.com

Keep in mind that much of Australia and New Zealand are untamed outside of their cities. That means there's a good chance that you could end up swimming with a dolphin on a trip in Kaikoura, New Zealand, which is known for its marine life-watching excursions.

4 Australia: Western Australia Offers Vast Wine Tours

yarra valley vineyard in australia
via Pinterest

Something you wouldn't expect to see in Australia is a vineyard, at least not one so expansive. A popular destination is Yarra Valley, a vineyard whose wines most people are pretty familiar with. Tours are available along with tastings, and the sights surrounding are simply gorgeous.

3 New Zealand: A Bit Of Farm Life Lies Just On The Outskirts Of Most Big Cities

mt nicholas farm tour new zealand
via Destinationless Travel

New Zealand offers so much more than just Auckland (which is also worth checking out, because it's an awesome city), especially for those who aren't afraid to step away from city life. Much of New Zealand is farmland, and many of those can be visited on the regular.

2 Australia: Uluru Is Sacred Land And Over 600 Million Years Old

man in front of uluru mountain with snake
via GALUXSEE

A popular spot for many tourists who are in the know, Uluru is a sacred Aboriginal rock formation. With that being said, tourists must be respectful of the land it sits on, but it truly is an amazing sight. Knowing that it's millions of years old just makes it that much more humbling.

1 New Zealand: Fresh Seafood And Delectable Desserts

gourmet burgers in new zealand
via fernwehsarah

The food in both countries is nothing short of flawless, but it's their fresh ingredients and local meat that really give both their bang. New Zealand, being an island, is always full of fresh fish - and their delicatessens aren't too shabby either. Hokey Pokey ice cream is also amust, especially for toffee fans.

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