It’s been over a year since New Zealand closed its borders to the outside world. But from 19 April the long-awaited travel bubble with Australia will finally open to passengers in both directions. With everything from snowy mountains and lush rainforests to vibrant cities and glorious beaches, Australia has a lot to offer the Kiwi traveller. So where should you go? With the help of our archive, we’ve got some suggestions to help you decide.
If you were hoping to head to Africa to go on safari, to Iceland for the northern lights or Singapore for the hawker centre this year Australia has some just-as-good alternatives highlighted in this piece which looks at some of the country’s lesser known attractions.
And with winter fast approaching the idea of a beach holiday may seem uninviting. But it’s possible to have a dip, even if short, in the waters of most Australian states all year round. We asked some notable water-loving Australians from around the country about their favourite local spots to swim, surf and shock themselves awake throughout winter.
Australia is also a walker’s paradise, although it’s highly seasonal. In the warmer months, hiking is difficult in all but the coldest places or those at highest altitude. Then, as a chill sets in over the southern states from June through to August, the tropical north becomes far more accessible in the milder, drier weather. With this hiker’s calendar, you can plan your trip according to the time of year.
During the lockdown many people have taken a new interest in their gardens and parks and the birdlife within. Australia is home to almost one in 10 of the world’s unique bird species, with more than 900 bird species living or migrating there. So if you want to expand your birder horizons you could take a look at this birder’s calendar, in which we tell you where to spot our feathered friends at all times of year.
If culture is what you’re after, Australia also has a lot to offer; from beachside poetry to desert dinners, and rare bookshops in heritage towns in this piece we tell you where the country’s best regional writers festivals are to be found this year.
Alternatively you could decide to try out some of the country’s famous vineyards, enjoying the scenery along the way. You could try this four-day road trip around South Australia’s wine regions, for example, or alternatively this trip through the NSW wine regions of Mudgee and Orange.
If you’re completely unsure about what you want you could also try your luck with a mystery holiday, which have made a comeback in Australia this year courtesy of Qantas. The rebooted 1990s travel trend sees the more adventurous get a seat on an early-morning flight from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne, a curated adventure somewhere in regional Australia, and a return trip before the day is through.
