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

Should you visit Canberra or Tauranga?

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

Should I visit Canberra or Tauranga? 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. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Tauranga

Tauranga is a relaxing, nature-filled, and coastal town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Canberra and Tauranga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Canberra or Tauranga?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Canberra than Tauranga, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Canberra is more popular for its museums & sights, food, and big city activities, while Tauranga is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Tauranga is more touristy than Canberra and is popular for its sandy beaches and beautiful walking trails. 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 Tauranga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Canberra is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Tauranga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historic buildings in town like the Elms Mission Station which dates back to 1847.

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

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

Dining out in Canberra is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Tauranga. You'll find a great mix of restaurants in the town's downtown area. There are international flavors as well as seafood and other local favorites.

Is Canberra or Tauranga Better for Nightlife?

Both Canberra and Tauranga 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.

Tauranga has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city is known for its laid back bar scene. There are venues with casual live music as well as pubs where locals and tourists intermingle.

Is Canberra or Tauranga Better for Beaches?

Tauranga is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Canberra is not a beach destination.

Tauranga is considered a top beach destination. Families and travelers head here for the sandy beaches and water activities. Surfing, kayaking, and fishing are all popular in the area. Some of the most popular beaches include Mount Maunganui Beach, Waihī Beach, and Anzac Bay.

Canberra is not a beach destination.

Is Canberra or Tauranga Better for Hiking?

Tauranga 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 Tauranga. The Bay of Plenty is filled with hiking trails that run along the coast or head inland through the mountains. There are forest and bush walks that range in length and skill level and there really is something for everyone.

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 Tauranga?

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

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 Tauranga to go shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping malls, retail outlets, and clothing boutiques around town.

Is Canberra or Tauranga Better for Families?

Tauranga 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, Tauranga is a very family-friendly destination. Check out the ropes courses at Adrenalin Forest or play in the water at Waimarino Adventure Park. There are also many different walking areas like McLaren Falls Park and Kaiate Falls. Kids will love hanging out at the beach around Mount Maunganui or Papamoa Beach. This is an affordable and kid-family destination for locals and international tourists alike.

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 Tauranga Better for Couples?

Tauranga is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Tauranga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a romantic destination with great beaches and beautiful waterfalls. You can enjoy a picnic in the park or dine at one of the local restaurants. Kayaking is also a popular activity in the area.

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 Tauranga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Tauranga is extremely popular for backpackers. This is one of the more affordable destinations in New Zealand. There are also a number of backpacker-friendly jobs that make it a great place to base yourself.

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 Tauranga Better for Students?

Canberra is a well-known place for students. However, Tauranga is not popular with students.

Canberra is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Tauranga is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Tauranga, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, trains, and ferries in the area.

Is Canberra or Tauranga a more walkable city?

Canberra and Tauranga 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.

Tauranga is a somewhat walkable city. There are many walking and cycling paths in the area, but you really need a car to explore the area in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Canberra Worth Visiting? and Is Tauranga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tauranga or Canberra?

How long in Canberra or Tauranga?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tauranga 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 Tauranga.

One day in Canberra or Tauranga?

The city of Canberra offers food and shopping. 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.

The beautiful town of Tauranga 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 Tauranga?

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

Tauranga 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tauranga, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Canberra or Tauranga?

Canberra 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.

Tauranga 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 Tauranga?

Canberra is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Tauranga 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 Adventure Tours to Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Canberra or Tauranga?

Canberra has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Tauranga. When comparing the sizes of Canberra and Tauranga, 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.