The Down Under Shootout: Australia vs. New Zealand

Since I've had the chance to visit Australia and New Zealand, I frequently have people ask which I like better. And there's no easy answer to this. Because of their proximity to each other and shared ties to the British Empire, they certainly have similarities, but also some big differences. So, how do you decide which to visit first?

First, you have to figure out what you want out of your vacation. If you like high-end shopping and sophisticated nightlife, head to Australia and its big cities. Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane will set you up right. That's not so say Wellington and Auckland couldn't accomodate you in New Zealand, but the entire country's vibe is far more rural. Even at its most hoity-toity, it's nearly devoid of pretense.

This brings us to food. With Asia nearby and large immigrant populations, both countries will tickle your taste buds if you're adventurous. If you're on the meat-and-potatoes side, you'll be in fine hands either way. Australia offers some exotic bits such as salt water crocodile, camel and emu. But New Zealand can counter with possum and whitebait. Neither country will let you grow hungry. Both offer lots of farmers markets, and very fresh ingredients.

Then you have to consider the people. Australians as a lot are exuberant, friendly, and just a touch bawdy. New Zealanders are talkers - they want to know all about you, and give you enough information to write their authorized biography. They still have a touch more of a proper English-ness about them, though.

If you love scenery, both countries are a delight for the eyes. New Zealand's compact size will let you take in more in a shorter time, though. And if you visit the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier, you'll see one of the few places on earth where you can hike from rain forest to icy landscapes in less than an hour. Awesome! I also loved New Zealand's volcanic landscapes - the very day you arrive, you can be hiking on a 700-year-old volcanic island within hours of your touchdown. Of course, Australia's Queensland is also beautiful - it offers everything from rolling green hills to rain forest to desert.

Now, let's say you can't get enough of wild animals. This is hands-down the high point of Australia. Kangaroos, wallabies, exotic snakes, emus, termite mounds, the platypus, cassowaries - you'll see all these and more. Now, kangaroos won't bound up to you at the airport and put an Aussie bush hat on your noggin, but you'll soon see plenty of them. New Zealand is largely devoid of wildlife - some fairly drab birds, sheep, cattle, deer and possums. It's really dull next to Australia's managerie.

From fauna, let's go to flora. Both countries are lavishly green in many places. Fresh fruit and vegetables are abundant. Rain forests are common. Things grow everywhere. I'll have to give the edge to Australia here because it grows incredible coffee beans - on the other hand, New Zealand's crops of hops is becoming more famous every week.

Now, what's there to do? Well, Kiwis can't seem to resist concocting odd activities: Jet boats, the Schweeb, bungee jumping, glacier tours - there's no half-baked idea they won't run with. There's also plenty of hiking, sailing and beaching to do. Australia can't quite hang with all the bizarre stuff - they don't have an entire highway dedicated to helping travelers explore goethermal vents. Leave it to New Zealand! Both countries have great museums and cultural attraction, much of which is powered by interesting native cultures.

My recommendation? See 'em both. If you skip one and never wind up going Down Under again, you'll always regret the one that got away.