Australia

NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA

COUNTRY PROFILE : NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is an island country located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is a remote land and lies more than 1,600 km Southeast

of Australia – its nearest neighbor. The capital city is Wellington and the country is also known as the –“Land of the Long White Cloud”. In comparison, New Zealand is bigger than the United Kingdom (UK) in size but has only the 1/4th of the population as that of UK.

It will be appropriate to mention here that a famous mountaineer and a New Zealander –“Sir Edmund Hillary” with Sherpa

Tenzing Norgay of Nepal, did climb successfully Mt. Everest in Nepal, in 1953 which was one of the defining moments of the

20th century.

New Zealand is made up of some of the worlds’ most spectacular landscapes that varies from vast mountain ranges, the spectacular snowcapped peaks, steaming volcanoes, long sandy beaches, the sweeping coastlines, spectacular caves, deep glacier lakes, verdant valleys to the dazzling fjords. It is the sole home, for example, of the long-beaked, flightless kiwi, the ubiquitous nickname for New Zealanders. This truly is one of the most picturesque and photogenic places on earth.

QUICK FACTS ON NEW ZEALAND :-

CAPITAL :: Wellington

NUMBER OF STATES :: 16 ( Sixteen )

LARGEST CITY :: Auckland

NATIONAL LANGUAGE :: English, Māori

RELIGION :: Christianity

AREA :: 268,021 km2 (103,483 sq mi)

POPULATION :: 4,970,090 (120th) ( June 2019)

CURRENCY :: New Zealand dollar ($) (NZD)

[ # ] MAJOR CITIES : NEW ZEALAND

The main cities in New Zealand are ; WELLINGTON ( the capital city with a population of 418,500) , AUCKLAND

is the largest city in terms of the population ( 1,628,900). ROTORUA has a population of 59,500 and NAPIER has a population of 134,500.

[ # ] COUNTRY PROFILE : AUSTRALIA

Australia is the world’s smallest continent but the world’s largest island and the sixth largest nation. It has the size almost the same size as the United States. On the statistical note, Australia is the 6th largest nation after Russia, Canada, China, USA and Brazil. It has, however, a relatively small population just as that of the city of New York state in USA.

Australia is also a land of staggering contrasts and spectacular beauty. The popular destinations in Australia include the multicultural coastal cities of Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, as well as the vast islands, ancient rainforests of the regional Queensland, the Gold Coast and the Great Barrier Reef which is also the world’s largest reef.

Among the many iconic sites and landmarks, you can visit in Australia are “Ayers Rock” and the “Sydney Opera House” and the unique Australian wildlife in the wilderness of Tasmanian.

Being geographically located in the Southern Hemisphere – the seasons in Australia are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere, with summer from December through February, and winter from June through August.

Equally famous for it’s landscapes of pristine beaches, tropical islands and the rugged outback as it is for it’s cities. The highest point on the mainland Australia is “Mount Kosciuszko” (2,228 meters). There’s never a bad time to visit Australia. With mild winters and warm, inviting summers, this is an outdoor country 365 days a year.

QUICK FACTS ON AUSTRALIA :-

CAPITAL :: Canberra

NUMBER OF STATES :: 06 ( New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria

& Western Australia

LARGEST CITY :: Sydney

NATIONAL LANGUAGE :: English

RELIGION :: Christianity

AREA :: 7,692,024 km2

POPULATION :: 25,390,100 ( estimate in 2019 )

CURRENCY :: Australian dollar (AUD)

MAJOR CITIES :: AUSTRALIA

[1] SYDNEY

Sydney is the largest and most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. The city is located on

Australia’s south – east coast of the Tasman Sea. Sydney city is built on hills surrounding “Port Jackson” which is

commonly known as “Sydney Harbour” – is best known for its harbor front Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design.

Massive Darling Harbor and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbor Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform – “the Skywalk”, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

The city hosts many tourist activities like Walking Tours, Cycling Tours, Bus Tours, even Helicopter Tours as well as a number of beaches, bays and a couple of national parks.

[2] MELBOURNE

Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia. Melbourne’s multicultural atmosphere is set amongst Victorian-era buildings and gorgeous parkland. The city is often dubbed the most ‘European’ of Australian cities where exists “Paris End” look alike streets as well as there’s also a mini “New York” vibe here. But Melbourne is uniquely Melbourne, too.

One of the best ways to really enjoy Melbourne is to take part in an organized tour including – “the Great Ocean Road Tour”.

Equal parts dynamic, cosmopolitan, sports-mad and arty, Melbourne simultaneously exudes style and keeps its best spots hidden, inviting discovery by food and culture lovers. Much of that is due to the 230-plus laneways that penetrate into the heart of city blocks, which are recognized for world-class street art, restaurants and bars. Spend a year here – or a lifetime – and there will still be another route to take; another gem to uncover.

[3] BRISBANE

This is the third largest cosmopolitan & lively city in Australia that is home to many different types of scenery, including skyscrapers, parkland and even an artificial beach. Brisbane is a river city close to the coast and has the Brisbane River running through it and is full of bridges.

Brisbane offers plenty of things to do with activities and tours from adventure sailing, kite surfing, hot air ballooning and rock climbing, even climbing the Brisbane Story Bridge.

A day in Brisbane might be enjoyed shopping in the Queen Street Mall, a leisure swimming time, rainforest walk and lunch at South Bank Parklands, feeding dolphins at Tanga-looma, then in the evening dine in world class restaurants and finish with a late night river cruise. Brisbane also gives easy access to a number of attractions as well as the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

With major attractions, sophisticated galleries, subtropical beaches, cool-climate vineyards restaurants and hotels clustered around the river peninsula, Brisbane is most easily explored on foot with the streets laid out in a grid-like system, leaving little chance for disorientation. The City every year, multiplies the cinemas theaters, salons, day spas, a casino, galleries, a bowling alley and preserve its historic sites for its new coming visitors.

[4] GOLD COAST

Gold Coast City is Queensland’s most southern and is Australia’s sixth largest city. This is a leading tourism, business and events city boasting arguably one of the best lifestyles in the world.

The Gold Coast is a metropolitan region south of Brisbane on Australia’s East coast. It’s famed for elaborate system of inland canals and waterways, a 52 km long pristine sandy beaches with countless epic surfing spots, stunning sunsets, blissful water temperatures and 300 sunny days a year.

The Gold coast is possibly Australia’s most iconic holiday destination. It’s also home to theme parks such as “Dream-World”,

“Sea-World” and “Wet-n-Wild”. The Gold Coast is the perfect spot to enjoy a romantic getaway or an action packed family holiday with so many exciting things to do.

[5] CAIRNS

Cairns or ‘Cans’ – considered the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, is a city in tropical Far North Queensland.Its location is absolutely magnificent, situated on the warm waters of Trinity Bay.

There’s no beach in town, but you can spend time at the Esplanade lagoon having a swimming pool OR the Pier Marina lined with modern busy bars and restaurants.

This is a tourist town, and an increasingly busy cruise-ship port suggest it’s only growing busier. As one of Australia’s most

remote and beautiful cities, Cairns is the international gateway into Tropical North Queensland, and the local Council proudly claims it is the “safest tropical city in the world”.

NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA TOUR

BEST TRAVEL TIME : NEW ZEALAND

The seasons in New Zealand are just opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere, and are the same as those in Australia. The climate in New Zealand’s can best be described as being extremely variable and this is anything except tropical ! You are very likely to experience 4 seasons in one day, which is very normal & a unique!

High Season ( Summer – December, January, February )

December to February is considered to be the best time to visit New Zealand. Travelling in summer has the advantage of the best overall weather. But these months are also the busiest time of year for both local holiday makers and international tourists. This weather will be perfect for grasping the beaches, enjoying clams, exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and stargazing.

Shoulder Season ( Autumn – March, April, May / Spring – September, October, November )

Autumn in New Zealand is a time of spectacular changes in colors, with vivid russet browns, reds and golden leaves. One can observe the terrific “Aurora Australis”, a Milky Way, and stunning autumn foliage.

— Spring is a great time of year to travel in New Zealand. As the Ski Season is still coming to an end; the Southern Alps and mountains are majestic with their snow covering. For adventure seekers, this is a great time for white water rafting, as the mountain snows start melting. Spring is also the time when the new flowers and leaves start appearing.

Low Season ( Winter – June, July, August )

During winter though temperatures in the mountains are cold. But once you get away from there, the winters are relatively short and mild. For the keen and beginner skier, New Zealand has a great choice of Ski Fields with the ski season running from June

to the first week in October. Winter season rejoices passionate skiers, hot pools lovers, and whale watchers.

 

BEST TRAVEL TIME : AUSTRALIA

Australia’s a big place ! Different times of year will highlight different parts of the country and its climate in different ways. Each of the major cities offers its own festival and events calendar, and while Australia makes the most of the summer months.

Peak Season : ( Summer : December, January & February )

Sydney and Melbourne are arguably Australia’s best summer destinations, since the locals are relaxed, and both cities are in the full swing of festival season. Followed by Southeast Queensland, the Gold Coast ,Sunshine Coast and Tasmania.

The northern destinations such as Cairns, Darwin , the Great Barrier Reef and Kakadu National Park, are not unappealing too, during summer time.

Shoulder Season : ( Autumn: March, April & May )

Autumn is a good time to visit pretty much anywhere on your Australia vacation. The East coast and Perth, a traditional family spots like the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are a great choice without the crowds. Meanwhile, the inland road between Melbourne and Sydney explodes with spectacular autumn colors, making this the best season to swing by Canberra and Adelaide ( the Festival State) or Perth and their surrounding regions.

Low Season : ( Winter : June , July and August )

Winter in Australia’s southern cities is all about cultural tourism, particularly in Melbourne and Adelaide. Adelaide may also surprise you, hosting the world’s largest cabaret festival in June whereas Melbourne’s is the second largest, and takes place immediately after. Sydney also gets in on the action with Vivid, a spectacular festival of live music, and free light-based art installations spread throughout downtown, from late May to early June.

Whale & Kangaroo Watching Season : ( Spring : September, October and November )

Much like autumn, spring is a great time to visit anywhere in Australia, with mild temperatures and few big tourist crowds.

The main difference is that spring in Australia is sports season. To be fair, the country is sports mad at any time of year, but spring is when you’re most likely to notice as a visitor, particularly in Melbourne.

One big springtime attraction to be enjoyed on an Australia vacation is whale-watching. As in May, the whales swim north to the warm waters off Queensland. But in spring, you have the chance to see the whales return to Australia from the north-sea with their newborn calves in tow. There are great whale-watching spots at many points along the Australian coast.

You may also want to slide a wildlife hub like Kangaroo Island into your itinerary. If you’re lucky, you might even see the native animals nurturing their newborns.