A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Byron Bay vs. Queenstown for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Byron Bay or Queenstown?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Byron Bay and Queenstown 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.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a relaxed, mellow, and vegan-friendly town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a bustling, active, and adventure-filled city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Byron Bay and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Byron Bay or Queenstown?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Queenstown. Although Byron Bay and Queenstown are popular destinations, Queenstown has more sights and attractions for tourists. Queenstown is very popular for its skiing, food, and hiking, while Byron Bay attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Byron Bay is famous for its community spirit, undeveloped beaches, and world renowned festivals. Queenstown is famous for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. It is also well known for Kawarau Bridge.

How is Byron Bay different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Byron Bay or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for snow skiing. However, Byron Bay is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Queenstown. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Byron Bay is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Byron Bay or Queenstown?

Plenty of people visit the reasonable sights and museums in both Byron Bay and Queenstown.

Byron Bay offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's a small town that's all about the laid back beach scene so you won't find many museums or iconic buildings in town. Do check out the Cape Byron Lighthouse if you get the chance.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

Is the Food Better in Byron Bay or Queenstown? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Queenstown have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

Byron Bay is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The restaurant scene is just starting to gain momentum. There are a growing number of trendy bistros and international flavors around town. You'll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as smoothies and brunch cafes.

Is Byron Bay or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

Both Byron Bay and Queenstown are very good when it comes to partying.

Byron Bay offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is all about relaxed luxury. There are high end cocktail bars, piano bars, live music venues, and DJ led parties. You can head to a bistro on the beach or dance the night away at one of the nightclubs.

Queenstown has a large number of nightlife venues. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

Is Byron Bay or Queenstown Better for Resorts?

Byron Bay is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Queenstown is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Byron Bay to choose from. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly villas, and contemporary apartments that offer great accommodation in a good environment.

Queenstown is not a resort destination.

Is Byron Bay or Queenstown Better for Beaches?

Byron Bay is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Byron Bay offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The pristine beaches are at the heart of the appeal in this town. Main Beach is, as the name implies, right in the heart of town. Many beaches are lined with forest and there are waves that are great for surfing. At its heart, this town will always be a surfer's town.

Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Is Byron Bay or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Queenstown visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Byron Bay offers some nice hiking trails. There are many walking trails that make nature accessible. Whether you want to walk along the coastline or into the hills, there are many places to enjoy a peaceful stroll.

Is the Shopping Better in Byron Bay or Queenstown?

Both Byron Bay and Queenstown are very good shopping destinations.

Byron Bay is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In the past, this was never a shopping town, but in recent years it has attracted fashion icons and free spirits. There are many boutique shops on the main streets in town and there are still quirky stores that offer the unexpected.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Queenstown. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Is Byron Bay or Queenstown Better for Families?

Queenstown is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Queenstown is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

Byron Bay is a family-friendly town. It's laid back vibe and beautiful beaches offer a great place for families to vacation. There are plenty of family-friendly accommodation options and, while there aren't the theme parks and kid-centered activities of some places, there is still plenty to enjoy in the area.

Is Byron Bay or Queenstown Better for Couples?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Queenstown is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

Byron Bay makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's known for its instagram-worthy settings and its popularity with influencers. Couples will appreciate the laid back vibe and chill beach scene. There are great restaurants and plenty of nice hotels and resorts to choose from.

Is Byron Bay or Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Queenstown. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Byron Bay. It's lost some of its original hippie surf town vibe, but there is still a great backpacker scene. Now it's more popular with the influencer crowd, but the party scene and beautiful beaches attract backpackers as well.

Is Byron Bay or Queenstown Better for Students?

Queenstown is a well-known place for students. However, Byron Bay is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Queenstown. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

Byron Bay is not popular with students.

Is Byron Bay or Queenstown Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Queenstown is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Byron Bay is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Queenstown has a few public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Byron Bay. There is a bus service that is provided by Blanch's Bus Company.

Is Byron Bay or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Queenstown is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Queenstown is a very walkable city. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

Byron Bay is a somewhat walkable town. The town itself is compact and it's possible to explore on foot, but if you want to go further you'll need to have access to a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Byron Bay Worth Visiting? and Is Queenstown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Byron Bay?

How long in Byron Bay or Queenstown?

Both Byron Bay and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Queenstown has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Queenstown than Byron Bay. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Byron Bay, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Queenstown than Byron Bay 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 Queenstown.

One day in Byron Bay or Queenstown?

With shopping and nightlife around the mellow town of Byron Bay, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Queenstown. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Byron Bay or Queenstown?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Byron Bay, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the nature-oriented destination of Queenstown. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Byron Bay or Queenstown?

Byron Bay, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the bustling city of Queenstown. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Byron Bay or Queenstown?

Byron Bay is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Queenstown is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Queenstown, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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 Eco Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Byron Bay and Queenstown, we can see that Byron Bay is more expensive. And not only is Queenstown much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Queenstown would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Queenstown 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 Byron Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Byron Bay than you might in Queenstown.

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

Which is Bigger, Byron Bay or Queenstown?

Queenstown has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Byron Bay and Queenstown, 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.