1 month in Australia/New Zealand

My boyfriend & I are planning to go on a month long budget backpacking trip. Thing is, we're not sure where to start. We're considering Australia or New Zealand, but would like to know which one is more worth it to travel in a month. Say, if Australia, which part is most recommended to go? And which country is cheaper to live in? We're planning to go around August this year.. This will be our first backpacking trip, so really need alot of advice. Thanks!

Travis I have neither been in New Zealand nor Australia for backpacking, but my son has. He says New Zealand is more 'rough' and trails have less guidelines to follow. Australia also has this problem but that is more 'inland'.

I would advise you to go to Australia. That's what I would do. But perhaps there are members here from New Zealand that might advise otherwise.