A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Adelaide vs. Lake Tekapo for Hiking, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Adelaide or Lake Tekapo?

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 Lake Tekapo 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.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a basic, small, and remote town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Adelaide and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adelaide or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Adelaide than Lake Tekapo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Adelaide is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Lake Tekapo is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Adelaide is well known for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. Also, Adelaide is famous for the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Lake Tekapo is well known for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Adelaide different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo?

Adelaide is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Adelaide. 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.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Adelaide is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Adelaide area. 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.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Adelaide or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Adelaide is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Adelaide or Lake Tekapo Better for Beaches?

Adelaide is a great destination for the beach. However, Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Adelaide for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Is Adelaide or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Lake Tekapo is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Lake Tekapo. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Adelaide offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Lake Tekapo?

Adelaide is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Adelaide or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Lake Tekapo 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.

Lake Tekapo is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

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 Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Both Adelaide and Lake Tekapo 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.

Lake Tekapo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Adelaide or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adelaide and Lake Tekapo are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Adelaide is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

Is Adelaide or Lake Tekapo Better for Students?

Adelaide is a good destination for students. However, Lake Tekapo is not popular with students.

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.

Lake Tekapo is not popular with students.

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

Adelaide is a great destination for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Adelaide. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Adelaide or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Adelaide is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Lake Tekapo is somewhat walkable. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Adelaide or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Adelaide than Lake Tekapo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Adelaide, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lake Tekapo.

Couples should spend more time in Adelaide than Lake Tekapo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Adelaide that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adelaide than Lake Tekapo 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 Adelaide.

One day in Adelaide or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the welcoming city of Adelaide. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The beautiful town of Lake Tekapo offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the welcoming destination of Adelaide. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Lake Tekapo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lake Tekapo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Lake Tekapo?

The welcoming city of Adelaide offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Adelaide. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lake Tekapo is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Adelaide and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Adelaide is more expensive. And not only is Lake Tekapo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lake Tekapo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lake Tekapo and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Adelaide would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Adelaide than you might in Lake Tekapo.

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

Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Lake Tekapo?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 3260 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Lake Tekapo, 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.