Choosing between Australia and New Zealand for a Working Holiday Visa is a sensitive question, given the many people who love both destinations. But that's not why we're not making a definitive choice in this article. Quite simply, and this may disappoint some, there's no easy answer. Beaches, cities, cultural and sporting activities… the final decision is yours!
Which should you choose for your Working Holiday Visa (WHV): New Zealand or Australia? Some might say, "Both, Captain!" And in our humble opinion, they're not wrong. That said, you might want to fully immerse yourself in a culture, or perhaps your budget doesn't allow for such a daring adventure. Another common reason is often a lack of time. And no one can blame you, of course. However, if you feel you can make it happen, don't hesitate! Squeezing in a getaway (even a short one) to either of these destinations is a must.
Let's get down to brass tacks. Beyond the obvious fact that New Zealand and Australia are both located in Oceania and the Southern Hemisphere, these two countries possess numerous unique characteristics. Starting with size. One is a continent-island (to which we can add Tasmania), while the other, a little further south, is composed of two islands stretching over 1,600 km and a myriad of smaller islands, primarily in the north. To give you a point of comparison, Australia is 252 times larger than Belgium. New Zealand, "only" 9 times . First conclusion: if you're intimidated by distances and have itchy feet, your Working Holiday Visa in Australia is likely to feel as packed with travel as it is with activities once you arrive. With one small caveat, getting around, regardless of the region, offers an exoticism and excitement you've likely never experienced anywhere else. You'll have the choice of traveling by bus, plane (especially in Australia), or van or car, regardless of your chosen destination. A tip for the more adventurous: remember to lock your vehicle, whether it's a van or a car, to avoid any unpleasant surprises! 🙂
Let's move on to another topic: the climate, a deciding factor for some. If you dream of spending your year doing slashes (a combination of "slashes," meaning multiple careers), Australia is the obvious choice. If you prefer cooler temperatures to scorching heat, head to New Zealand. That would be a bit of an oversimplification, though, so let's go into more detail. Yes, Australia wins the temperature contest . Apart from winter, especially around Melbourne, you're unlikely to encounter any major unpleasant surprises the rest of the year. Especially if you stay near Brisbane, renowned for its 320 days of sunshine annually. In the land of the long white cloud, the weather is more unpredictable. Known as the land of four seasons, it's not uncommon for the weather to change several times in a single day. The North, however, remains very pleasant: winters are mild and summers are hot. The South, on the other hand, is more similar to what we're used to experiencing back home. Record negative temperatures will rarely occur there, but they will often remain around 0°, at least in winter.
This leads us directly to another point: the terrain. While it's cold in New Zealand, the more mountainous South Island is perfect for skiers and thrill-seekers thanks to its numerous resorts in winter (which coincide with our summer). The highest point on the South Island is the magnificent Mount Cook at 3,724 meters. On the North Island, you'll also find many high points, notably in Taupo, including its famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing south of the lake. Australia is not to be outdone and even has a few resorts of its own. But its main focus is a desert, all set against a backdrop reminiscent of the Wild West, and diverse coastlines where you'll find cities like Sydney, Melbourne (very European), Brisbane, Perth… where cultural activities abound (Auckland and Wellington are also very pleasant, although smaller). In any case, both destinations offer rare and wild landscapes: jungle, bush animals, and idyllic beaches in Australia; Lakes, volcanoes and fjords in New Zealand. Absolutely spectacular.
In Australia , note the great coral reef, the tropical jungle, surfing in calmer waters and the opportunity to save some money to travel to Southeast Asia for example or Oceania.
In New Zealand , there's bungee jumping (a national sport) and other extreme sports, and of course, hiking. The country is a hiker's paradise thanks to its countless kilometers of trails and mountain huts.
Lastly, travel infrastructure it's very easy to get around and organize your trip in Australia as well as New Zealand , which are also very safe! A bonus for women who want to travel alone, but we'll come back to that in our next article!
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Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
