A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cairns vs. Rotorua for Nightlife, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cairns or Rotorua?

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

Should I visit Cairns or Rotorua? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cairns

Cairns is a idyllic, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Cairns travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a cultural, natural, and world-renowned town. With stunning beauty, Rotorua attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Rotorua travel costs.

Cairns and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cairns or Rotorua?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cairns than Rotorua. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cairns is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Rotorua attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and impressive beauty. Cairns is more touristy than Rotorua and is known for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. It is also well known for the Great Barrier Reef. Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies.

How is Cairns different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cairns or Rotorua?

Rotorua is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Rotorua offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Cairns and Rotorua.

Cairns has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Rotorua makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Cairns or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Cairns has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

Rotorua has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Cairns or Rotorua Better for Resorts?

Cairns is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Rotorua is not a resort destination.

In Cairns, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Rotorua is not a resort destination.

Is Cairns or Rotorua Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cairns is an amazing city to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotorua is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cairns is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Rotorua is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cairns or Rotorua Better for Beaches?

Cairns is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Cairns is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Is Cairns or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

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

Around Cairns visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

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 Cairns or Rotorua?

Cairns is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cairns. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

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

Is Cairns or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Rotorua is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Cairns is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Rotorua attracts visitors from all around. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Cairns is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cairns or Rotorua Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cairns or Rotorua.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Cairns is a very family-friendly destination. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

Rotorua is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Is Cairns or Rotorua Better for Couples?

Rotorua is terrific for couples. Also, Cairns is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Rotorua makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Couples visit Cairns frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

Is Cairns or Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cairns and Rotorua are both terrific destinations for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Cairns, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

Rotorua is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Cairns and Rotorua.

Cairns has some public transit options. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

You'll find some public transit in Rotorua, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Cairns or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Rotorua is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Cairns?

How long in Cairns or Rotorua?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cairns and Rotorua. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than in Rotorua. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Cairns, and 2-3 days is enough time in Rotorua.

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

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

One day in Cairns or Rotorua?

In Cairns, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city 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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Rotorua. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cairns or Rotorua?

In Cairns, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Rotorua is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cairns or Rotorua?

Cairns 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 Cairns has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cairns or Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cairns. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Cairns. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Rotorua. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, The Best Budget Tours to Australia, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Cairns or Rotorua?

Cairns has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Cairns 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.

When is the best time to visit Cairns or Rotorua?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Cairns or Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua and Cairns are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cairns in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cairns is much warmer than Rotorua in the summer. The daily temperature in Cairns averages around 29°C (84°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Cairns. In January, Cairns usually receives more rain than Rotorua. Cairns gets 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Cairns is November to March.

Should I visit Cairns or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua and Cairns during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cairns for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cairns is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cairns in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Rotorua averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cairns. Cairns usually gets more rain in April than Rotorua. Cairns gets 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year. April to October is the dry season in Cairns.

Should I visit Cairns or Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairns and Rotorua. The winter months attract visitors to Cairns because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In July, Cairns is generally cooler than Rotorua. Daily temperatures in Cairns average around 23°C (73°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In July, Cairns usually receives more rain than Rotorua. Cairns gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cairns or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cairns as well as Rotorua. The beaches are the main draw to Cairns this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the natural beauty.

Cairns is a little warmer than Rotorua in the spring. The daily temperature in Cairns averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Cairns usually gets more rain in October than Rotorua. Cairns gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season. November to March in Cairns is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Cairns