New Zealand vs Tonga: The Travel-Off!
The Rugby World Cup started in Auckland today with hosts New Zealand facing off against Tonga. Which set us thinking, what if this line up wasn’t just about 15 brawny men from each country facing off against each other? What if it was a contest on which makes the better holiday destination? New Zealand have come out on top easily in the on-field battle, but will it be so easy when the two country’s attractions go head to head?
LOCATION
by sarah|rose
Tonga is an island nation with 176 islands scattered across the South Pacific, and of these, 52 are inhabited, so there’s a chance you could head out to your own desert island! New Zealand is also located in the South Pacific with two main islands boasting an incredible range of terrain.
Verdict: Tonga win (just!)
ACTIVITIES
by Stormy Dog
Outdoor activities are high on the agenda of both countries, with surfing, sailing, snorkelling and fishing in both destinations. Whale watching is big in Tonga but in New Zealand they really up the ante with loads more adrenaline sports too. Bungee jumping, zorbing, snowboarding and skiing are all on offer here.
Verdict: New Zealand win
ATTRACTIONS
by SidPix
Being primarily a beach destination, Tonga boasts plenty of stunning beaches as you would imagine. Botanical gardens, the Tonga National Culture Centre and visiting active volcanoes are the main sights. Attraction giants New Zealand offers a vast range of places from cosmopolitan cities like Auckland and the art-deco Napier to amazing natural attractions such as the Franz Joseph Glacier and Tongariro National Park.
Verdict: New Zealand win
FOOD
Tongans are traditionally hunter-gatherers with root vegetables and seafood forming the basis of the diet, although today there are more external influences so the dishes are somewhat more varied now than in the past. Choose fresh caught fish to get the best of Tongan cuisine. New Zealand diets have a big British influence with some Polynesian fusion too, but the emphasis is still on local produce and seasonal eating. Local seaside restaurants to haute cuisine dining in the cities and everything in between can be found here.
Verdict: New Zealand win (for the variety)
WEATHER
by ajmexico
Tonga has a tropical climate with daily temperatures between 25°C and 30°C in the shade. February to April is the rainy season, although rain usually falls in showers and the sun still shines either side of the downpours. New Zealand is much more temperate with similar weather to the UK, particularly in the South. Christchurch is the driest city whilst Auckland is the wettest, but rain is possible all year round.
Verdict: Tonga win
VERDICT
With a score of 3 to 2 New Zealand just edge the win, so it’s official! Using this very scientific process we have decided that New Zealand holidays are better than holidays in Tonga.
top image by The US Army
