Adventure Travel: Australia Vs New Zealand

Monday, 19 September 2011 2:58 PM

If you're a fan of adventure travel and plan to work this into a forthcoming gap break, why not consider Australia and New Zealand among the destinations for an exhilarating trip?

The latter consistently comes top in polls of the best getaway locations and it's no wonder, as the island country boasts rich coastal scenery, tempting food and a wide range of extreme sports.

Gap years in New Zealand are perfect for those looking to really challenge themselves on a memorable adventure in the great outdoors. Whether you want to spend nine days here or an entire year, you'll find the location ideal for exploring and trying out exciting new pastimes.

You could visit North Island and admire the scenery, hike along the Tongariro Crossing and watch dolphins in the water around the Bay of Islands, as well as enjoy some kayaking, visit a historic, geothermal Maori village and partake in a traditional hangi meal if you have a week or so to spare.

If you can spend longer in the country, you might choose to take in the North and South Islands by bike, spending 27 days or more visiting the beaches and bars of the Bay of Islands. Take part in some thrilling activities such as sky diving and bungee jumping and head to Queenstown in the evenings to soak up the party atmosphere.

Planning a longer stay? You'll have plenty of time in which case to enjoy New Zealand to the fullest as you hop on and off special buses for up to a year. Explore the secrets of Bungy, clamber over Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, take in the breathtaking sight of Taranaki Falls, enjoy a Ruakuri Cave walk and go luging or zorbing in Rotorua if you have the courage!

And there's plenty of nature to be seen throughout the nation, especially along Otago Peninsula, where you can go whale-watching or take in the sight of penguins, albatross and seals.

Alternatively, if you're thinking of booking an activity break in Australia, you'll find the nation equally beautiful and boasting a range of new fun experiences to try. You could learn to surf in Sydney, sail around the stunning Whitsunday Islands, visit an authentic cattle ranch station and explore one of the world's oldest rainforests at Cape Tribulation.

You might prefer a wildlife tour during gap years in Australia, so why not venture across the Nullarbor Plain, exploring the caves and underground rivers and viewing the species that call this area of the world home? You can camp out under the stars and enjoy exciting tree-top walks through the Valley of the Giants before spending some time on white sand beaches.

If you'd like to stay for around six months, you might want to invest in a special bus pass that allows you to climb aboard and disembark whenever you like, giving you the chance to visit the attractions that appeal the most to you. Swim in the fresh water Lake McKenzie on Fraser Island, where you can also view the dingoes and glimpse the Maheno shipwreck, or make your way to Hunter Valley for an educational (and tasty) wine tour.

These are just some of the many experiences that await you on a gap year getaway in Australia and New Zealand. No matter which destination you choose - you're sure to have the break of a lifetime!

Frozen planet adventures

The BBC’s new Frozen Planet series, presented by none other than David Attenborough, has been captivating us over the last few weeks, turning our living rooms into winter wonderlands of frost and ice. Tonight will see the Poles cope with the toughest season yet – winter. These snow scenes may have inspired you to undertake your own frozen planet adventures; however journeying to the Arctic or Antarctica can prove very difficult, so we’ve come up with a list of alternative frozen planet destinations.