A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Coffs Harbour vs. Dunedin for Beaches, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Coffs Harbour or Dunedin?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Coffs Harbour and Dunedin 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.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a lively, relaxing, and fun vacation town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a vibrant, small, and hilly city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Coffs Harbour and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Coffs Harbour or Dunedin?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Coffs Harbour than Dunedin. While Dunedin is larger than Coffs Harbour, Coffs Harbour has more sights and attractions for tourists. Coffs Harbour is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Dunedin is more popular for its museums. Coffs Harbour is more touristy than Dunedin and is popular for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana". Also, Coffs Harbour is famous for the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Dunedin is well known for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula.

How is Coffs Harbour different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Coffs Harbour or Dunedin?

Dunedin is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dunedin. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

Coffs Harbour offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town is home to the infamous Big Banana Fun Park. It's a large amusement park that's become recognized for the "Big Banana" at the entrance - which is the first of the "Big Things" found in Australia. The town also has several other landmarks to check out such as the Forest Sky Pier, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, and the Butterfly House.

Is the Food Better in Coffs Harbour or Dunedin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Coffs Harbour is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Coffs Harbour is an experience not to be missed. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants that cater to families, couples, and all types of vacations. There are quaint cafes as well as fine dining restaurants and the cuisine ranges from local seafood to modern Australian favorites, or international treats.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dunedin. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Coffs Harbour or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Both Coffs Harbour and Dunedin have excellent vibes after the sun sets.

Coffs Harbour has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a vacation spot that attracts visitors who want to enjoy the evening activities. The Jetty Strip is popular for its nightlife scene, but you'll find no shortage of bars and pubs in other areas as well.

The people in Dunedin know how to have a good time. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

Is Coffs Harbour or Dunedin Better for Resorts?

Coffs Harbour is well known for its resorts. However, Dunedin is not a resort destination.

Coffs Harbour is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There's a huge range of accommodation types in the area with everything from camping to luxury resorts. There are also budget-friendly hostels and family-friendly hotels.

Dunedin is not a resort destination.

Is Coffs Harbour or Dunedin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Coffs Harbour is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dunedin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Coffs Harbour. Scuba diving and snorkeling is popular in the area, as this is where the Solitary Islands Marine Park begins. The area sees a mix of the warm water from the Great Barrier Reef and the cooler waters from around Sydney, so the marine life is diverse. There are sheltered areas that offer snorkeling for all ages and you'll see a great mix of tropical and sub-tropical marine life, as well as both soft and hard corals.

Dunedin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Coffs Harbour or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Coffs Harbour is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Coffs Harbour. People come for the beaches, and they won't disappoint. You can enjoy everything from surfing, swimming, fishing, or simply walking and taking in the beauty. Popular beaches in the area include Emerald Beach, Woolgoolga, and the family-friendly Jetty Beach.

Many people head to Dunedin to enjoy the beach. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Is Coffs Harbour or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Coffs Harbour is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Coffs Harbour. There are many national parks and natural areas nearby with excellent hiking and bush walks. The Coffs Creek Walk is a walking and biking path that's in town and connects the city center to many of the top sights that are nearby. Out of town, there's the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, the Gumgali Track, Sherwood Nature Reserve and Ulidarra National Park.

Many people include a hike when visiting Dunedin. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Coffs Harbour or Dunedin?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Coffs Harbour and Dunedin.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Coffs Harbour. The city has many shopping centers and markets where you can enjoy leisurely shopping or pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten.

Dunedin is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

Is Coffs Harbour or Dunedin Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Coffs Harbour is a very family-friendly destination. There are great beaches where kids can swim or learn to surf. There are also water parks, including the famous Big Banana Fun Park, as well as amusement parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Kids and adults alike will enjoy going dolphin or whale watching, or putting on a mask and going snorkeling.

Dunedin is a very family-friendly destination. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

Is Coffs Harbour or Dunedin Better for Couples?

Coffs Harbour is well known for couples. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Coffs Harbour frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful city and a popular honeymoon destination. Couples will enjoy the impressive beaches and fun activities. There are places to explore nature as well as restaurants and fun evening activities. There's also great scuba diving and snorkeling at the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Dunedin is a nice destination for couples. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

Is Coffs Harbour or Dunedin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Coffs Harbour and Dunedin are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Coffs Harbour is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels around town as well as great water activities and a lively atmosphere, making this a nice stop off for backpackers.

Dunedin is a great vacation town to visit for backpackers. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

Is Coffs Harbour or Dunedin Better for Students?

Dunedin is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Coffs Harbour is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Dunedin. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

Coffs Harbour is not popular with students.

Is Coffs Harbour or Dunedin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dunedin is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its public transit.

Dunedin has some public transit options. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

Public transit is generally limited in Coffs Harbour. This is a very car dependent area and public transit is very limit. While there are buses, the area is spread out and you need the freedom of having your own vehicle to explore.

Is Coffs Harbour or Dunedin a more walkable city?

Dunedin is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Dunedin is very walkable. Parts of the town are easy to explore on foot.

Coffs Harbour is not a walkable vacation town. Most visitors arrive with a car and you'll struggle to fully experience the area if you don't have your own form of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Coffs Harbour Worth Visiting? and Is Dunedin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Coffs Harbour?

How long in Coffs Harbour or Dunedin?

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

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

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

One day in Coffs Harbour or Dunedin?

In Coffs Harbour, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This vacation town 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 shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Dunedin. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Coffs Harbour or Dunedin?

In Coffs Harbour, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dunedin. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Coffs Harbour or Dunedin?

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Dunedin. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Coffs Harbour or Dunedin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Coffs Harbour. In Coffs Harbour, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Dunedin. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, 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 Coffs Harbour and Dunedin, we can see that Coffs Harbour is more expensive. And not only is Dunedin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dunedin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dunedin 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 Coffs Harbour would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Coffs Harbour than you might in Dunedin.

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

Which is Bigger, Coffs Harbour or Dunedin?

Dunedin has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Coffs Harbour. When comparing the sizes of Coffs Harbour and Dunedin, 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.