A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gold Coast vs. Lake Tekapo for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo?

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

Should I visit Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo? 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.

Gold Coast

Gold Coast is a vibrant, colorful, and high energy coastline. 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.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a remote, basic, and small town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Gold Coast and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gold Coast. Although Gold Coast and Lake Tekapo are popular destinations, Gold Coast has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gold Coast is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Lake Tekapo attracts visitors for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Gold Coast is more touristy than Lake Tekapo and is popular for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. It is also well known for the long sandy beaches. Lake Tekapo is famous for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Gold Coast different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo?

Gold Coast is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Gold Coast. The views from the observation deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa are a not-to-be-missed experience. You'll also find many amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Gold Coast is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Gold Coast is an experience not to be missed. The coastline is filled with modern Australian restaurants that serve locally caught seafood and modern twists on traditional dishes. There are wine bars, fine dining restaurants, and more casual options. You'll also find plenty of international eateries as well.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Gold Coast is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Gold Coast is a must-see party destination. The nightlife scene is filled with ritz and glam, but you'll also find wild beach parties and lively nightclubs. There are backpackers and students that keep the parties going until the morning hours.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo Better for Resorts?

Gold Coast is terrific for its resorts. However, Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Gold Coast for its luxury resorts. Resorts range from family-friendly to backpacker-focused with everything in between. There are many high rise resorts that have luxury pools and beachfront views.

Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

Is Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gold Coast is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lake Tekapo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Gold Coast. There are many dive shops and snorkeling excursions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are excursions that will not disappoint. There are also many places that offer certification courses.

Lake Tekapo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo Better for Beaches?

Gold Coast is terrific for the beach. However, Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Gold Coast offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. This stretch of beachline is perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are miles of coastline that are sandy and beautiful and some of the most popular beaches include the Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach.

Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Is Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Gold Coast and Lake Tekapo both have superb trails.

Many visitors go to Gold Coast for the hiking trails. The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk connects the area's diverse and lush rainforests through the Numinbah Valley. It's a World Heritage Area with subtropical rainforest as well as warm temperate rainforest, and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.

Lake Tekapo is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Is the Shopping Better in Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo?

Gold Coast is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Gold Coast. There are large outlet malls, outdoor markets, and designer shopping centers. You'll find trendy fashion designers as well as the typical souvenir shops.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Gold Coast is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Gold Coast is very family-friendly. It's filled with popular theme parks and other adrenaline-filled activities. There are surfing lessons, wildlife sanctuaries, ropes courses, and water sports. Kids of all ages will appreciate this fun-filled setting with its many family-friendly resorts and restaurants.

Lake Tekapo is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

Is Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Gold Coast is terrific for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Gold Coast is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples that energy high energy activities, water sports, theme parks, and parties that last into the morning, will love a stay at this vibrant coast. There's no shortage of great restaurants, entertaining shows, and fun activities that you can experience.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gold Coast is terrific for backpackers. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Gold Coast is a very popular coastline to visit for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this vibrant coastline. There are hostels and budget-friendly places to stay, and there's a huge nightlife scene. The many activities and long sandy beaches make this a well established stop on Australia's backpacker circuit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

Is Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gold Coast is a great destination for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Gold Coast. There's a bus, train, and tram network that's operated by TransLink and runs along the coast.

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Gold Coast and Lake Tekapo are nice when it comes to walkability.

Gold Coast is a somewhat walkable coastline. There are parts of the area that can be explored on foot.

Lake Tekapo is somewhat walkable. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

For even more information, also check out Is Gold Coast Worth Visiting? and Is Lake Tekapo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Gold Coast?

How long in Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Gold Coast than Lake Tekapo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Gold Coast, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lake Tekapo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gold Coast than Lake Tekapo 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 Gold Coast.

One day in Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the colorful coastline of Gold Coast. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With around the basic town of Lake Tekapo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lake Tekapo, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Gold Coast. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This coastline offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With around the destination of Lake Tekapo, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the colorful coastline of Gold Coast. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Lake Tekapo, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Gold Coast. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastline.

Lake Tekapo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Gold Coast or Lake Tekapo?

Gold Coast has a larger population, and is about 1600 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Gold Coast and Lake Tekapo, 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.