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

Should you visit Coffs Harbour or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua 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 nature-filled, lively, and relaxing vacation town. Coffs Harbour offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Coffs Harbour travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a cultural, natural, and world-renowned town. Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Rotorua travel costs.

Coffs Harbour and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Coffs Harbour or Rotorua?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Coffs Harbour than Rotorua, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Coffs Harbour is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Rotorua is more popular for its museums and attractions and impressive beauty. Coffs Harbour is well known 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. Rotorua is well known for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies.

How is Coffs Harbour different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. 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.

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 Rotorua? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Coffs Harbour and Rotorua offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Coffs Harbour. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Rotorua. 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 Coffs Harbour or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Coffs Harbour is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

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 Coffs Harbour or Rotorua Better for Resorts?

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

In Coffs Harbour, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Rotorua is not a resort destination.

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

Coffs Harbour is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotorua is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Coffs Harbour is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Rotorua is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Coffs Harbour or Rotorua Better for Beaches?

Coffs Harbour is an amazing vacation town to visit for the beach. However, Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Coffs Harbour is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Is Coffs Harbour or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Both Coffs Harbour and Rotorua are destinations which offer great hiking.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

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 Coffs Harbour or Rotorua?

Coffs Harbour 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 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.

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

Is Coffs Harbour or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Rotorua is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Coffs Harbour is a beautiful place to visit, too. With its beautiful coastline and nice mountain landscapes, there is plenty of beauty to explore. There are also nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries where you can immerse yourself in the natural environment.

Is Coffs Harbour or Rotorua Better for Families?

Both Coffs Harbour and Rotorua are world-class to visit with kids.

Coffs Harbour is an extremely popular vacation town to visit for families. 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.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Rotorua is very family-friendly. 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 Coffs Harbour or Rotorua Better for Couples?

Rotorua is very popular for romance. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Rotorua is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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 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.

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

Rotorua is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Rotorua. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Coffs Harbour is a great vacation town to visit for backpackers. 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.

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

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

Rotorua has some public transit options. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

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 Rotorua a more walkable city?

Rotorua is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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

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 Rotorua Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Coffs Harbour?

How long in Coffs Harbour or Rotorua?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Coffs Harbour and Rotorua. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Coffs Harbour than in Rotorua. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Coffs Harbour, and 2-3 days is enough time in Rotorua.

Families should spend more time in Coffs Harbour than Rotorua. 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 Rotorua than Coffs Harbour. 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 Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour or Rotorua?

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 world-renowned destination of Rotorua. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Coffs Harbour or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Rotorua?

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 diverse destination of Rotorua. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Rotorua?

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 beautiful town of Rotorua. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples 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 Coffs Harbour and Rotorua, we can see that Coffs Harbour 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 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 Rotorua.

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 Rotorua Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Coffs Harbour or Rotorua?

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

Both Rotorua and Coffs Harbour are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In January, Coffs Harbour is generally much warmer than Rotorua. Daily temperatures in Coffs Harbour average around 23°C (74°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. In January, Coffs Harbour usually receives more rain than Rotorua. Coffs Harbour gets 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua and Coffs Harbour during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Coffs Harbour this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Coffs Harbour is a little warmer than Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Coffs Harbour averages around 20°C (67°F) in April, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. Coffs Harbour usually gets more rain in April than Rotorua. Coffs Harbour gets 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Coffs Harbour and Rotorua. Many travelers come to Coffs Harbour for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Coffs Harbour is much colder than Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Coffs Harbour in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In July, Coffs Harbour usually receives more rain than Rotorua. Coffs Harbour gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Coffs Harbour as well as Rotorua. Many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the natural beauty during these months.

In October, Coffs Harbour is generally around the same temperature as Rotorua. Daily temperatures in Coffs Harbour average around 19°C (66°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Coffs Harbour receives a lot of rain in the spring. Coffs Harbour usually gets more rain in October than Rotorua. Coffs Harbour gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Coffs Harbour