It was a very long time ago, but as I recall it was very much like the states. At least Sydney was, and then Going out into the Blue mountains really takes you to another place altogether, where you can see wild Kangaroos and such. I'd say if your going there on vacation, definantly stop off in New Zealand, South Island would be the preference. If you liked how Lord of the Rings looked with all of the mountains and general terrain, that was the South Island of New Zealand.
