A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Canberra vs. Rotorua for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Canberra or Rotorua?

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

Should I visit Canberra 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.

Canberra

Canberra is a diverse, under-rated, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Canberra travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a cultural, natural, and world-renowned town. The beauty of Rotorua is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Rotorua travel costs.

Canberra and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Canberra or Rotorua?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Canberra than Rotorua, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Canberra is more popular for its big city activities, while Rotorua is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Rotorua is more touristy than Canberra and is known for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. Canberra is popular for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. It is also home to the Australian War Memorial.

How is Canberra different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Canberra and Rotorua.

Canberra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

Many visitors head to Rotorua specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

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

Canberra has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Dining out in Rotorua is an experience not to be missed. 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 Canberra or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Both Canberra and Rotorua have good vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Canberra. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

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 Canberra or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rotorua is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Canberra or Rotorua?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Canberra and Rotorua.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Canberra. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Many visitors go to Rotorua to go shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Canberra or Rotorua More Beautiful?

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

The beauty of Rotorua is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Canberra is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Canberra or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Rotorua is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Canberra is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Is Canberra or Rotorua Better for Couples?

Rotorua is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Canberra is a good city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Canberra or Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotorua is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Rotorua is extremely popular for backpackers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Canberra or Rotorua Better for Students?

Canberra is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Rotorua is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Canberra. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Rotorua is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Canberra and Rotorua.

Canberra has some public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

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 Canberra or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Canberra and Rotorua are good when it comes to walkability.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

Rotorua is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Canberra Worth Visiting? and Is Rotorua Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Canberra?

How long in Canberra or Rotorua?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Canberra and Rotorua. In our opinion, Rotorua has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Rotorua than Canberra. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Rotorua than Canberra. 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 Canberra. 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 Canberra 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 Canberra or Rotorua?

In Canberra, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful town of Rotorua offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Canberra or Rotorua?

In Canberra, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Canberra has to offer.

Rotorua is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rotorua, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Canberra or Rotorua?

Canberra is a great place to explore. 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.

Rotorua is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Canberra or Rotorua?

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

Rotorua is a great place to explore. 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. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Canberra or Rotorua?

Canberra has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Canberra 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 Canberra 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 Canberra or Rotorua in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Canberra is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Canberra in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In January, Canberra usually receives more rain than Rotorua. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Canberra or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua and Canberra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Canberra for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, 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 April, Canberra is generally around the same temperature as Rotorua. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 17°C (63°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Canberra. Canberra usually gets more rain in April than Rotorua. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Canberra or Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Canberra and Rotorua. The winter months attract visitors to Canberra 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.

Canberra is much colder than Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In July, Canberra usually receives more rain than Rotorua. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Canberra or Rotorua in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Canberra is cooler than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Canberra in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Canberra usually gets more rain in October than Rotorua. Canberra gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Canberra