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

Should you visit Alice Springs or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua 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 friendly, laid back, and outdoorsy town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a world-renowned, diverse, and cultural town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Alice Springs and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alice Springs or Rotorua?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rotorua. Although Alice Springs and Rotorua are popular destinations, Rotorua has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rotorua is very popular for its museums and food, while Alice Springs attracts visitors for its hiking and small town charm. Alice Springs is famous for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. It is also well known for Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

How is Alice Springs different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotorua is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Rotorua. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

Alice Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

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

Rotorua is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Rotorua has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

Alice Springs offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Alice Springs or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Alice Springs and Rotorua.

If you're looking for night time activities Alice Springs has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Rotorua. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Alice Springs or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Alice Springs is an amazing town to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Alice Springs visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Alice Springs or Rotorua?

If you're looking to go shopping, Alice Springs and Rotorua both offer plenty of nice spots.

Alice Springs has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Alice Springs or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Rotorua is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

Alice Springs is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Alice Springs or Rotorua Better for Couples?

Rotorua is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Rotorua is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

Alice Springs is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Alice Springs or Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotorua is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Rotorua, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Alice Springs. 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.

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

Rotorua is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Alice Springs is not known for its public transit.

While Rotorua offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

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.

Is Alice Springs or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Alice Springs and Rotorua are nice when it comes to walkability.

Alice Springs is a somewhat walkable town. The downtown area can be explored on foot.

Rotorua is somewhat walkable. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

For even more information, also check out Is Alice Springs Worth Visiting? and Is Rotorua Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Alice Springs?

How long in Alice Springs or Rotorua?

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

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

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

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

One day in Alice Springs or Rotorua?

Alice Springs is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Rotorua. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Alice Springs or Rotorua?

Alice Springs might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Alice Springs has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotorua. 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 Rotorua?

Alice Springs is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the world-renowned destination of Rotorua. 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 Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alice Springs. Since Alice Springs is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful town of Rotorua. 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 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Alice Springs and Rotorua, we can see that Alice Springs 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 Alice Springs Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alice Springs or Rotorua?

Rotorua has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Alice Springs. When comparing the sizes of Alice Springs and Rotorua, 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.