A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alice Springs vs. Lake Tekapo for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Alice Springs 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 Alice Springs 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.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a laid back, outdoorsy, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a remote, basic, and small town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Alice Springs and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alice Springs or Lake Tekapo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Alice Springs. Although Alice Springs and Lake Tekapo are popular destinations, Alice Springs has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alice Springs is more touristy than Lake Tekapo and is popular for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. It is also well known for Alice Springs Desert Park. Lake Tekapo is famous for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Alice Springs different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alice Springs or Lake Tekapo?

Alice Springs 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 Alice Springs. There are several wildlife centers in town that let you experience the desert animals first hand. Make sure you check out the Alice Springs Reptile Center, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Another highlight of the town is a visit to the Alice Springs School of the Air.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Alice Springs 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 Alice Springs area. There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

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 Alice Springs or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

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

Alice Springs has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

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 Alice Springs or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Alice Springs is terrific for its hiking experiences. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Alice Springs is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

Many visitors go to Lake Tekapo for the hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Alice Springs or Lake Tekapo?

Alice Springs is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Alice Springs to go shopping. There are many shopping areas around town, particularly at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza, and Todd Mall. Prices can be a bit high, so keep that in mind as you're browsing.

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

Is Alice Springs or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Both Alice Springs and Lake Tekapo are very good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Alice Springs. Kids will enjoy the beautiful setting as much as adults. There are desert animals that you can see at Alice Springs Desert Park or the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The Earth Sanctuary has telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. In the area you'll also be able to take a camel ride or visit the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.

Lake Tekapo is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Alice Springs or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Alice Springs is a great destination for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Alice Springs frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The red desert and stunning landscapes make for a truly one-of-a-kind romantic getaway. In addition to the area's natural beauty, there are hot air balloon rides and camel treks. Hiking and exploring is also at the top of many visitor's lists.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Alice Springs or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alice Springs is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Alice Springs is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers stop off here during their Australian adventure. There a few hostels in town as well as a laid back and friendly environment that is perfect for backpacking.

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

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

Alice Springs is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Alice Springs. Public transit options are limited but you will find buses that leave from the Yeperenye Shopping Center on Hartley Street. There are also taxis in town.

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 Alice Springs or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Alice Springs and Lake Tekapo are nice when it comes to walkability.

Alice Springs is a somewhat walkable town. The downtown area can be explored 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 Alice Springs Worth Visiting? and Is Lake Tekapo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Alice Springs?

How long in Alice Springs or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Alice Springs or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Alice Springs 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 Alice Springs, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lake Tekapo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alice Springs 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 Alice Springs.

One day in Alice Springs or Lake Tekapo?

Alice Springs is a small town with plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the remote destination of Lake Tekapo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Alice Springs or Lake Tekapo?

Alice Springs might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Tekapo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Alice Springs or Lake Tekapo?

Because Alice Springs is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the small destination of Lake Tekapo. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Alice Springs or Lake Tekapo?

Since Alice Springs is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the beautiful town of Lake Tekapo. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, 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 Alice Springs and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Alice Springs 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 Alice Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alice Springs 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 Alice Springs Expensive? and Is Lake Tekapo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alice Springs or Lake Tekapo?

Alice Springs has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Alice Springs 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.