A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Adelaide vs. Dunedin for Attractions, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Adelaide or Dunedin?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and Dunedin can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a friendly, under-rated, and elegant city. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a vibrant, small, and hilly city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Adelaide and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adelaide or Dunedin?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Dunedin than Adelaide. While Adelaide is larger than Dunedin, Dunedin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dunedin is better known for its museums and nightlife, while Adelaide is more popular for its beaches. Adelaide is well known for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. Dunedin is well known for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula. Also, Dunedin is famous for .

How is Adelaide different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dunedin and Adelaide. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adelaide or Dunedin?

Dunedin is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dunedin. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

Adelaide offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Is the Food Better in Adelaide or Dunedin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Adelaide and Dunedin.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Dunedin. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Adelaide or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Dunedin is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Dunedin has a large number of nightlife venues. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

Adelaide has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Is Adelaide or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Adelaide is well known for the beach. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Adelaide is considered a top beach destination. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Many people head to Dunedin to enjoy the beach. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Is Adelaide or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Both Adelaide and Dunedin are destinations which offer notable hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Adelaide. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Dunedin offers some nice hiking trails. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Dunedin?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Adelaide and Dunedin.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Adelaide. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Dunedin is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

Is Adelaide or Dunedin Better for Families?

Dunedin is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Dunedin is a very family-friendly destination. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Is Adelaide or Dunedin Better for Couples?

Both Adelaide and Dunedin are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Adelaide is a nice destination for couples. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Dunedin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

Is Adelaide or Dunedin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dunedin is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Dunedin is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

Plenty of backpackers visit Adelaide. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

Is Adelaide or Dunedin Better for Students?

Dunedin is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Dunedin. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

Adelaide is popular with students. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Is Adelaide or Dunedin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Adelaide is well known for its public transit. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Adelaide can get you to most places easily. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

While Dunedin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

Is Adelaide or Dunedin a more walkable city?

Adelaide and Dunedin are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Adelaide is very walkable. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

Dunedin is a very walkable city. Parts of the town are easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Adelaide Worth Visiting? and Is Dunedin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Dunedin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Adelaide and Dunedin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Adelaide than in Dunedin. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Adelaide, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dunedin.

Families should spend more time in Dunedin than Adelaide. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dunedin, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dunedin than Adelaide if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Dunedin.

One day in Adelaide or Dunedin?

In Adelaide, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Dunedin offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Adelaide or Dunedin?

In Adelaide, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Adelaide has to offer.

Dunedin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dunedin, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Dunedin?

Adelaide is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Dunedin is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Adelaide or Dunedin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Adelaide. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Adelaide. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Dunedin is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Adelaide and Dunedin, we can see that Adelaide is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Adelaide Expensive? and Is Dunedin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Dunedin?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Dunedin. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Dunedin, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.