A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gold Coast vs. Taupo for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Gold Coast or Taupo?

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

Should I visit Gold Coast or Taupo? 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 colorful, high energy, and fun-filled coastline. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Taupo

Taupo is a otherworldly, striking, and stunning town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Gold Coast and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gold Coast or Taupo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gold Coast. Although Gold Coast and Taupo are both popular with visitors, Gold Coast has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gold Coast is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Taupo is known for its skiing, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Gold Coast is more touristy than Taupo and is popular for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. It is also home to the long sandy beaches. Taupo is popular for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes.

How is Gold Coast different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gold Coast or Taupo Better for Skiing?

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

If you're an avid snow skiier, Taupo should be on your list. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Gold Coast is not a skiing destination.

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

Gold Coast is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Gold Coast offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

Foodies will find both Gold Coast and Taupo both to be high quality destinations.

Gold Coast has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Taupo makes for a great culinary experience. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

Is Gold Coast or Taupo Better for Nightlife?

Gold Coast is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Gold Coast is a world class 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Taupo has a few options to choose from. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Gold Coast or Taupo Better for Resorts?

Gold Coast is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Taupo is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Gold Coast is a great choice. 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.

Taupo is not a resort destination.

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

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

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Taupo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Gold Coast or Taupo Better for Beaches?

Gold Coast is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Taupo is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Gold Coast. 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.

Taupo is not a beach destination.

Is Gold Coast or Taupo Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Gold Coast and Taupo both have high quality 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.

Taupo is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Is the Shopping Better in Gold Coast or Taupo?

Gold Coast is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Gold Coast is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are large outlet malls, outdoor markets, and designer shopping centers. You'll find trendy fashion designers as well as the typical souvenir shops.

Taupo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Gold Coast or Taupo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Gold Coast or Taupo.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Gold Coast is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Taupo is one of the most popular family destinations. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

Is Gold Coast or Taupo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Gold Coast and Taupo make for a first-rate 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, Taupo has plenty to offer. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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

For backpackers, both Gold Coast and Taupo are first-rate 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.

Taupo is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Gold Coast is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Gold Coast has some very good public transit options. There's a bus, train, and tram network that's operated by TransLink and runs along the coast.

While Taupo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

Is Gold Coast or Taupo a more walkable city?

Gold Coast and Taupo are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Taupo is somewhat walkable. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Gold Coast?

How long in Gold Coast or Taupo?

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

Families should spend more time in Gold Coast than Taupo. 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 Taupo. 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 Taupo 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 Taupo?

In Gold Coast, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this colorful destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastline offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With shopping and skiing around the striking town of Taupo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. 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 Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gold Coast. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Taupo, 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. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Gold Coast or Taupo?

Gold Coast is a fun place to experience. In Gold Coast, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Taupo, 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 Taupo?

In Gold Coast, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this colorful destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Taupo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the skiing. 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 Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When comparing the travel costs between Gold Coast and Taupo, we can see that Taupo 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 Taupo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gold Coast or Taupo?

Gold Coast has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Gold Coast and Taupo, 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.