Guide to backpacking in Australia and New Zealand

When to go backpacking in Australia and New Zealand

When to plan your backpacking New Zealand and Australia adventure depends on what you most want to see. They experience very different weather conditions through the year – but the crystal waters of Lake Taupo and the colourful Great Barrier Reef are enticing all year round.

Australian summer, between December and March, works well for New Zealand too. But bear in mind Down Under gets very hot at this time of year – so consider this if you plan to do any trekking. These months also coincide with cyclone season in Queensland, New Zealand and the Great Barrier Reef.

The summer months are also some of the busiest, so you may come across more people in the typical tourist spots. If you’re not set on the summer months, some argue the best times to travel are between April and May and September and October, to make the most of lesser crowds and more secluded landscapes. 

October and November are great times to visit, as you can catch the latter end of the good weather in Queensland and Sydney’s just about warming up for spring.

Where to go backpacking in Australia and New Zealand

Both countries are vast in experiences and size – so unfortunately, you’re unlikely to be able to cover everything. Working out what you most want to see is the best starting place for an Australia and New Zealand backpacking trip.

There are well-travelled routes for a reason – here we’ll dive into some of the most loved pathways to follow when travelling around New Zealand and Australia.

East coast Australia

Tried and tested, the east coast is the route you think of when someone mentions backpacking in Australia. From sparkling Sydney to colourful Cairns, you’re spoilt for choice with countless wonders along the way.

Highlights of the route include the surf haven of Bryon Bay, where you’re bound to meet like-minded travellers to enjoy organic food, live music and the laid-back sunny lifestyle with. Travel up the Gold Coast for more sun, sand and surf than you could dream of, with buzzing bars, wildlife sanctuaries and more to discover.

There are limitless excursions to choose from too. Fraser Island offers white beaches, crystal blue lakes and eucalyptus forests. Plus, there’s not much that can top exploring the world’s largest sand island in a 4X4 with new friends. 

If your Australia backpacking route allows, don’t miss a chance to experience the incredible Whitsundays. The beautiful swirls of white sand warped around cerulean waters must be seen to be believed.

West coast Australia 

The west coast of Australia is considered the real Aussie outback. While less trodden than the east, it’s still a popular route and well worth a spot on your backpacking Australia brainstorm. The coastline between Perth and Exmouth is wonderfully diverse, and home to surf, rainforests and wine.

You’ll start in funky Perth, beckoning with good food, coffee and great bars. As you work your way along the coast don’t miss a visit to Nambung National Park, home to the iconic limestone formations – the Pinnacles. Just a bit further north and you’ll find Lancelin, whose white sand mounds resemble the moon. As you make your way towards Exmouth you’ll also come across the unique texture of Shell Beach as well as the breathtaking red sands of Kalbarri National Park.

New Zealand South Island 

Considered the most beautiful and more secluded of New Zealand’s two islands, the South Island brings prehistoric scenery, spectacular landscapes and the adventure capital. If you’re visiting the country for nature, the South Island is the one for you. 

If you’re making a road trip of it, you’ll have to decide whether to follow the east coast along State Highway 1, or the more rugged western State Highway 6. Both take in some of the island’s most beautiful scenery and pass through famous towns and attractions. 

Most people start their adventure in Christchurch before making their way to Kaikoura – popular for both whale tours and helicopter flights. You’ll also want to make a stop at Abel Tasman National Park for a coastal paradise of golden beaches, granite cliffs and wonderful hikes. 

Other awe-spiring sights include Pancake Rocks – a selection of cliffs resembling a stack of pancakes and Franz Josef – the world’s steepest glacier . Adrenaline seekers should spend some time in Queenstown, where you can bungee jump, sky-dive, ski in winter or hike in the summer. 

Finish backpacking in New Zealand by visiting Milford Sound – the eighth wonder of the world.

Where to stay?

Luckily, New Zealand and Australia are such well-travelled places you’ll find somewhere great to stay no matter your budget or style. From boutique hotels and backpacker hostels to the great open road and camping under the stars, there are so many options to choose from. Airbnb is a great resource to find more unique accommodations, or something a little more private.

Backpacking is the best way travel these countries and staying in hostels the perfect way to meet likeminded travellers. You’re bound to meet people visiting the same places as you, team up or keep yourself to yourself – the choice is yours! 

One backpacking Australia tip is to choose an apartment or hostel with a kitchen so you can save money by cooking and eating at home. Plus, having a communal area is a great chance to socialise with other people staying at the hostel.

How to get around?

Both New Zealand and Australia entice travellers with well-trodden routes. Depending on your travel style, you can either book onto pre-organised tours or travel independently. Or do a mix of both.

Bus tours zig zag across the country, trains offer scenic views and campervans are easy to rent. Or you can fly domestically to cover large distances in shorter amounts of time. 

Australia has the Greyhound bus service – a popular hop-on-hop-off bus – and New Zealand has the InterCity®. But to get off the beaten track and explore places less frequented by tourists, you may decide to rent your own vehicle or campervan and embark on a road trip through Australia  or New Zealand.

To get from the North to South Island in New Zealand, you can catch a flight or take the scenic ferry route from Wellington to Picton, known as ‘crossing the Cook Strait’.

Must-see cities and adventures

There’s an abundance of things to see and do in both New Zealand and Australia. Here are some of the highlights we’d recommend trying to fit in your backpacking Australia or New Zealand trip:

Sydney

The sparkling start of most east coast backpacking in Australia routes, Sydney fuses city life with coastal cruising. Australia’s biggest city  is known for the Opera House, Darling Harbour, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach and more glittering attractions. Plus, being full of trendy cafes, high-end restaurants and fun bars, you’re never short for things to do in Sydney. 

With beaches like Bondi, Coogee and Manly on the city’s doorstep, you’re a stone’s throw away from sand, sea and surf - beach BBQ anyone? You’re spoilt for choice with accommodation options too, with lots of backpacker hostels.

Melbourne

Melbourne is fun, vibrant, cosmopolitan, and exudes style. From the Royal Botanical Gardens to Hosier Lane and Queen Victoria Market to Federation Square, the city invites culture lovers, art admirers and foodies from all over. 

It’s also the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. This coastal adventure is along one of Australia’s most-loved travelling routes and offers beautiful sea views and dense rainforest. Key stops on the way include Point Addis Marine National Park, Aireys Inlet, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell.

The Great Barrier Reef

Bright blue waters, technicolour fish and colourful coral. The Great Barrier Reef is an otherworldly experience, whether you see it from the sky, in a glass bottom boat or up close and personal scuba-diving or snorkelling. Just make sure you do so responsibly – avoid touching the reef and ensure your suncream is reef-safe and doesn’t contain oxybenzone or octinoxate which damages coral.

Cairns is popular gateway city to the Great Barrier Reef – so you could plan your experience at the end of an east coast Australia backpacking route. But there are other hubs dotted along the Queensland coast too, so there are plenty of opportunities to see the world-heritage listed  natural wonder.

Queenstown 

The adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown is a hotspot for thrill seekers. On the shores of Lake Wakatipu with a backdrop of the Southern Alps, it not only offers extreme sports but an enviable culinary and arts scene.

The birthplace of bungee jumping, it also offers alpine heliskiing to ziplining – almost any activity that raises your heart rate. There are plenty of other attractions too, like the Queenstown Gardens, Skyline Gondola and Kiwi Birdlife Park.

Rotorua 

This city in New Zealand’s North Island boasts the country’s most  active geothermal geysers and is famous for its geothermal activity, spa and wellness experiences and Māori culture. With clear streams and lush forests, the town offers a wealth of ways to unwind.

The tourist attraction Te Puia is New Zealand’s dramatic geothermal wonderland of geysers, bubbling mud and native bush. It’s home to the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and impressive Kiwi Conservation Centre.

Hobbiton 

Visit The Shire™, nestled in the heart of New Zealand, and enter the enchanting land of the Hobbiton Movie Set from the Lord of The Rings trilogy. Just 45 minutes outside of Hamilton, Rotorua and Tauranga , Lord of the Rings fans can’t miss squeezing in a visit while travelling New Zealand. 

Book onto a tour and experience the real Middle-earth™, wander lush pastures of The Shire™, spot the Hobbit Hole™ doors and many more iconic features of the films.
 

Travel Insurance for your trip

Before you jet down under, make sure you and your family are covered for any accidents or emergencies. While getting hurt is the last thing you expect when planning on travelling around New Zealand and Australia, travel insurance can help make sure you’re covered if something was to happen along the way. 

At Sainsbury’s Bank we offer different types of cover depending on your travelling style, underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Ltd. With optional extras to ensure you’re getting the most from your policy and a 24/7 helpline should you need it. We also offer cover for certain pre-existing medical conditions.

Choose from:

•    Single trip – designed for one big holiday.
•    Annual multi-trip – useful if you’re planning on going away more than once a year.
•    Extended trip – perfect if you’re planning a longer adventure.

Travel money for your adventure 

Get your travel money sorted before you go, so you don’t waste a second of your backpacking adventure. You’ll need a mix of Australian dollars and New Zealand dollars to cover both legs of your trip.

It’s easy to convert currency with Sainsbury’s Bank. Swap pounds to AUS dollars or NZD in just a few clicks on our website.

The Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card is a convenient, safe and secure way to spend while you’re away. Just load up your New Zealand and Australian dollars and use as you would a normal debit card. Pay with contactless, chip and pin or use to withdraw cash. 

Having a mixture of cash and card is ideal. While most places will take card, cash may be needed while you’re off the beaten track or if you want a reliable way to manage your budget.