A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gold Coast vs. Queenstown for Food, Nightlife, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Gold Coast or Queenstown?

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

Should I visit Gold Coast or Queenstown? 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a active, adventure-filled, and outdoorsy city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Gold Coast and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gold Coast or Queenstown?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gold Coast than Queenstown, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gold Coast is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Queenstown is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Gold Coast is more touristy than Queenstown and is popular for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. Also, Gold Coast is famous for the long sandy beaches. Queenstown is well known for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery.

How is Gold Coast different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gold Coast or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is a world-class destination for skiing. However, Gold Coast is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Queenstown should be on your list. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Gold Coast is not a skiing destination.

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

Gold Coast is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

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

Queenstown is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Queenstown is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Gold Coast makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Gold Coast or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

Gold Coast is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

People head to Gold Coast just to party. 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.

Queenstown has a large number of nightlife venues. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

Is Gold Coast or Queenstown Better for Resorts?

Gold Coast is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is not a resort destination.

Is Gold Coast or Queenstown Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gold Coast is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Gold Coast or Queenstown Better for Beaches?

Gold Coast is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Is Gold Coast or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is a world-class destination for hiking. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline for the nearby hiking options.

People visit Queenstown specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Gold Coast is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Gold Coast or Queenstown?

If you're looking to go shopping, Gold Coast and Queenstown both offer plenty of superb spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Queenstown is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Is Gold Coast or Queenstown Better for Families?

Gold Coast is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Queenstown is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

Is Gold Coast or Queenstown Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Gold Coast and Queenstown make for a amazing place to visit.

Gold Coast makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

For those traveling as a couple, Queenstown has plenty to offer. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

Is Gold Coast or Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Gold Coast and Queenstown are amazing places to visit.

A large number of backpackers visit Gold Coast, as it is a very popular coastline for budget travelers. 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.

Queenstown is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

Is Gold Coast or Queenstown Better for Students?

Queenstown is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Gold Coast is not popular with students.

Queenstown is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

Gold Coast is not popular with students.

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

Gold Coast is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Gold Coast is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a bus, train, and tram network that's operated by TransLink and runs along the coast.

Queenstown has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Is Gold Coast or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Queenstown is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline for its walkability.

Queenstown is a very walkable destination. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Gold Coast?

How long in Gold Coast or Queenstown?

Both Gold Coast and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Gold Coast has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Gold Coast than Queenstown. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Gold Coast, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

Families should spend more time in Gold Coast than Queenstown. 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 Queenstown. 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.

One day in Gold Coast or Queenstown?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the glamourous coastline of Gold Coast, 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With shopping and skiing around the adventure-filled city of Queenstown, 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Gold Coast or Queenstown?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Gold Coast, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Queenstown, 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 city.

Five days in Gold Coast or Queenstown?

Gold Coast, a popular coastline, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastline. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Queenstown, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Gold Coast or Queenstown?

Gold Coast is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastline makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastline has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Queenstown is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Gold Coast and Queenstown, we can see that Queenstown is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Queenstown Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gold Coast or Queenstown?

Gold Coast has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Gold Coast and Queenstown, 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.