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

Should you visit Byron Bay or Te Anau?

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 Te Anau 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 Bohemian, relaxed, and mellow town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a breathtaking, stunning, and pristine town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food and hiking.

Byron Bay and Te Anau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Byron Bay or Te Anau?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Byron Bay than Te Anau, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Byron Bay is better known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Te Anau is more popular for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Byron Bay is well known for its community spirit, undeveloped beaches, and world renowned festivals. Also, Byron Bay is famous for Cape Byron Lighthouse. Te Anau is well known for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

How is Byron Bay different from Te Anau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the respectable sights and museums in both Byron Bay and Te Anau.

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 Te Anau specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town is about the surrounding outdoor activities but you will find the Te Anau Vintage Machinery Museum and the Te Anau Trout Observatory in town.

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

Te Anau is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Te Anau. The town makes a great spot to refuel after all of your hiking and outdoor adventures. There are plenty of cafes and food trucks around town where you can enjoy local dishes and a friendly atmosphere.

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 Te Anau Better for Nightlife?

Byron Bay is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Byron Bay has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Te Anau is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. This is a small town that's focused on outdoor activities, but it does receive a number of tourists, so you'll find a few bars around town where you can hang out.

Is Byron Bay or Te Anau Better for Resorts?

Byron Bay is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Te Anau is not a resort destination.

In Byron Bay, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly villas, and contemporary apartments that offer great accommodation in a good environment.

Te Anau is not a resort destination.

Is Byron Bay or Te Anau Better for Beaches?

Byron Bay is renowned for the beache. However, Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Byron Bay is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Is Byron Bay or Te Anau Better for Hiking?

Te Anau 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 Te Anau visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The town serves as basecamp for Fiordland National Park so there are many amazing hikes and walks in the area. Many of the hikes begin at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and range in length and the required skill level.

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 Te Anau?

Byron Bay is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Byron Bay is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Te Anau has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops where you can pick up any outdoor supplies and food items that you may need.

Is Byron Bay or Te Anau Better for Families?

Te Anau is a must-visit destination 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.

Te Anau is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The town's proximity to the Milford Sound make it a nice base for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Kayaking or exploring the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are favorite activities in the area. There's also the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and many hikes nearby.

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 Te Anau Better for Couples?

Te Anau 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.

Te Anau is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The stunning scenery in the area, combined with small town charm, make this is a top couple's destination and a wonderful honeymoon spot. Couples who appreciate nature and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this amazing area.

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 Te Anau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Byron Bay and Te Anau are great destinations for backpackers.

Byron Bay is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Te Anau. For such a small town, there are a decent number of hostels and budget accommodation options in the area. The town makes a good base for exploring the region's stunning scenery.

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

Byron Bay is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Te Anau. Public transit in the area is limited and most visitors have their own car or join one of the many tours in the area.

Is Byron Bay or Te Anau a more walkable city?

Byron Bay is a town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Byron Bay is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

Te Anau is generally not very walkable. Exploring the area requires a vehicle and, while there are many hikes in the area, it's not easy to walk to many places. There are tours available for those that don't have a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Te Anau or Byron Bay?

How long in Byron Bay or Te Anau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Byron Bay and Te Anau. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Byron Bay than in Te Anau. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Byron Bay, and 1-3 days is enough time in Te Anau.

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

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

One day in Byron Bay or Te Anau?

In Byron Bay, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Te Anau is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Te Anau has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Byron Bay or Te Anau?

In Byron Bay, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Te Anau is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Byron Bay or Te Anau?

Byron Bay is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Byron Bay has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Te Anau is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Byron Bay or Te Anau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Byron Bay. In Byron Bay, you'll find shopping and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Te Anau is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Byron Bay and Te Anau, we can see that Byron Bay is more expensive. And not only is Te Anau much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Te Anau would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Te Anau 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 Te Anau.

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 Te Anau Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Byron Bay or Te Anau?

Byron Bay has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Te Anau. When comparing the sizes of Byron Bay and Te Anau, 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.