Top Cities in Australia and New Zealand: An Insight into the Best Travel Destinations

“Please go there!” This comment from a voter sums up how iBestTravel readers feel about Sydney, the city they’ve consistently chosen as the best in Australia for the past 23 years. The enticing beaches near the city center and the warm, friendly people contribute to the city’s appeal. With compact neighborhoods, an innovative restaurant scene, and stunning architecture, including the iconic Opera House, Sydney continues to impress. One visitor shared, “I got to take a selfie with a koala, and my life was complete.”

Each year for our World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel invites readers to share their travel experiences worldwide, evaluating cities based on sights, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping, and overall value.

However, Sydney isn’t the only city shining in the southern hemisphere. Melbourne offers many of the same attractions, featuring fascinating architecture, world-class dining, and proximity to stunning coastlines. It also has a vibrant street-art scene, which adds a unique charm. As one reader noted, “I loved Melbourne, especially the people. I stopped someone on the street to ask for directions and spent 15 minutes talking with them.”

New Zealand continues to captivate travelers drawn by its awe-inspiring landscapes showcased in films like The Lord of the Rings and A Wrinkle in Time. Queenstown, situated on Lake Wakatipu, is an all-year paradise for adventure enthusiasts, offering skiing, jet boating, ziplining, and bungee jumping. Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, is known for its multicultural identity, while Wellington, the capital city, serves as the country’s creative heart, buzzing with an exciting food scene, craft breweries, and intriguing museums like Te Papa that feature a rich cultural history. As one reader mentioned, “There are many little suburbs and districts to experience.” Let’s examine how these remarkable cities scored.

5. Wellington, New Zealand

Score: 79.21

4. Auckland, New Zealand

Score: 80.17

3. Queenstown, New Zealand

Score: 82.85

2. Melbourne

Score: 83.47

1. Sydney

Score: 85.25

“Make sure you get in the water!” wrote one reader about Australia’s top city. Sydney offers a myriad of options, whether it’s from a scenic harbor cruise or enjoying the lively atmosphere at Bondi Beach. However, don’t overlook the remarkable land offerings. As one voter expressed, “I spend a long weekend in Sydney at least once a year. I love running in the Botanic Garden, dining at Sydney Cove Oyster Bar, attending events at the opera, and visiting museums. Typically, I make a point to visit Shelly Beach for lunch and a swim. Consequently, Sydney provides a wealth of experiences beyond my usual activities.”

Explore more of our readers’ favorite destinations in the World’s Best Awards.