It usually makes sense to start with New Zealand: Since you make up time flying from there to Australia and arrive just two hours after you departed, you can still fit a lot into your travel day.

The choice of which to visit first in 2026 depends on your desired "energy arc." Most travelers prefer to visit Australia first to tackle the vast distances, bustling cities like Sydney and Melbourne, and high-energy activities like snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. Australia is physically demanding due to its scale, making it a great "first half" of a trip. Following this with New Zealand allows for a more relaxed, scenic "cool down" where you can focus on breathtaking landscapes, hiking (tramping), and quiet fjords. In 2026, air connectivity between the two is at an all-time high, with several "Air Revolution" partnerships making the 3-hour hop between Sydney and Auckland more affordable. A high-value "pro-tip" is to finish in New Zealand if you are flying back to North America, as the eastbound flight across the Pacific is often easier to manage after the quieter, nature-focused end to your journey.