A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chichibu-Tama-Kai vs. Te Anau for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a natural, beautiful, and peaceful national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a pristine, breathtaking, and stunning town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food and hiking.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Te Anau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Te Anau?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Te Anau. Although Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Te Anau are popular destinations, Te Anau has more sights and attractions for tourists. Te Anau is more touristy than Chichibu-Tama-Kai and is known for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park. It is also well known for Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is famous for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo.

How is Chichibu-Tama-Kai different from Te Anau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Te Anau?

Spend time exploring the reasonable sights and museums in either Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Te Anau.

While most people don't head to Chichibu-Tama-Kai specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.

Te Anau offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Te Anau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Te Anau is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Te Anau Better for Nightlife?

Te Anau is adequate for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Te Anau doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Te Anau Better for Hiking?

Te Anau is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Is the Shopping Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Te Anau?

Te Anau is adequate for shopping. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Te Anau is a good destination for shopping. There are shops where you can pick up any outdoor supplies and food items that you may need.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Te Anau Better for Families?

Te Anau is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its family-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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very kid-friendly national park. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Te Anau Better for Couples?

Te Anau is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its romantic activities.

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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very popular place to visit for couples. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Te Anau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Te Anau is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for backpackers.

Te Anau is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Te Anau Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Te Anau a more walkable city?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very walkable national park. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting? and Is Te Anau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Te Anau or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

How long in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Te Anau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Te Anau. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Te Anau than in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Chichibu-Tama-Kai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Te Anau.

Families should spend more time in Te Anau than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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.

Couples should spend more time in Te Anau than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Te Anau that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Te Anau than Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Te Anau.

One day in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Te Anau?

In Chichibu-Tama-Kai, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Even though Te Anau is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Te Anau?

In Chichibu-Tama-Kai, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chichibu-Tama-Kai has to offer.

Te Anau is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Te Anau?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Te Anau is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Te Anau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Many people enjoy the when visiting Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Te Anau is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Te Anau, we can see that Te Anau is more expensive. And not only is Chichibu-Tama-Kai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chichibu-Tama-Kai is in Asia and Te Anau is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Chichibu-Tama-Kai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Te Anau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Te Anau than you might in Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Expensive? and Is Te Anau Expensive?.