Australia or New Zealand? It's one of the most common questions we get from travellers planning a campervan trip. Both are brilliant, but they're very different trips, and the right choice comes down to how much time you have and what you want to see.
Here's an honest comparison to help you decide.
The short answer
- Choose New Zealand if you have one to three weeks and want mountains, lakes and big scenery around every corner.
- Choose Australia if you have three weeks or more and want beaches, warm weather, reef, outback and a longer, looser trip.
- If you have months, for example on a working holiday, you can do both.
Distances and driving
This is the biggest difference. New Zealand is compact: you can drive from Christchurch to Queenstown in a long day, and see a lot of the South Island in two weeks. The roads are winding and slower, though, so don't judge drive times by distance alone.
Australia is enormous. A single coastline, like Sydney to Cairns, is roughly 2,400 km. Most people pick one region rather than trying to see the whole country, and long one way trips are very common.
Scenery
New Zealand
Alpine lakes, glaciers, fiords, volcanoes, geothermal parks and green farmland. The scenery changes every hour or two, which is a big part of the appeal.
Australia
White-sand beaches, the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest, red desert and huge national parks. Changes take longer to arrive, but each region is very different from the next.
Weather and seasons
New Zealand is cooler. Summer, roughly December to February, is the main campervan season, and winter brings snow to the mountains.
Australia covers several climate zones. The south is best in the warmer months, and the tropical north is best in the dry season, about May to October. That means there's somewhere good to go in Australia all year round.
Camping and campsites
New Zealand has strict freedom camping rules. From 7 June 2026, vehicles need a green warrant and a fixed toilet to be certified self-contained, and councils set their own rules on where you can camp. There are also more than 320 Department of Conservation campsites.
Australia's rules vary by state and council. There are many free and low-cost campsites, especially in regional areas, plus national park campgrounds and holiday parks almost everywhere.
Freedom camping rules in New Zealand→How to find the best free campsites in Australia→Driving and licences
Both countries drive on the left. Visitors can generally drive on a current overseas licence in both, with an International Driving Permit or English translation if the licence isn't in English.
International Driving Permit in Australia→Driving in New Zealand in a campervan→How long you need
| Trip length | Australia | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | One region, like the Great Ocean Road or Tasmania | One region, like Queenstown and Milford Sound |
| 2 weeks | A coastal stretch, like Brisbane to Cairns | Most of the South Island |
| 3 weeks | Sydney to Cairns | Both islands |
| 1 month+ | Several regions or a long loop | Both islands at a slow pace |
Wildlife and the outdoors
Australia is the place for wildlife spotting: kangaroos, koalas, wombats and crocodiles on land, and turtles, whale sharks and the reef underwater. You'll also need to be more careful, with crocodiles in the tropical north and stingers in some northern waters in summer.
New Zealand has no snakes or dangerous land animals. Its wildlife is mostly birds, like the cheeky kea in the mountains, plus seals, dolphins and whales along the coast. The big draw is walking: day hikes and multi-day tracks start from almost every town.
Doing both on one trip
Flights across the Tasman are short, and there are direct flights between major cities in both countries. A popular plan is two weeks in one country and two in the other, with a campervan hired separately in each.
- Pick a season that works for both. Spring and autumn are good in New Zealand and much of Australia.
- Book one way hires so you finish near the airport you fly out from.
- Remember biosecurity rules. Both countries restrict food, so clean your boots and gear before you fly.
Our verdict
For a short trip with maximum scenery per kilometre, New Zealand is hard to beat. For a longer trip with sunshine, beaches and variety, Australia wins. And if you can't choose, a lot of travellers fly across the Tasman and do both.
Best road trips in Australia→Best road trips in New Zealand→Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Zealand or Australia better for a campervan trip?
New Zealand is better for short trips with lots of scenery. Australia is better for longer trips with beaches, warm weather and variety.
Is New Zealand smaller to drive around than Australia?
Yes, much smaller. You can see a lot of the South Island in two weeks, while a single Australian coastline can take two or three weeks.
Can I use my overseas licence in both countries?
Generally yes, with an International Driving Permit or English translation if your licence isn't in English. Check the rules for each country before you go.
Can I hire a campervan in both Australia and New Zealand?
Yes. Australian Backpackers compares campervan hire in both countries.
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