A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hiroshima vs. Queenstown for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hiroshima or Queenstown?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hiroshima and Queenstown 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.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a park-filled, memorable, and meaningful city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Hiroshima travel costs.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a spirited, bustling, and active city. Queenstown is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include skiing, nightlife, and food. See Queenstown travel costs.

Hiroshima and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Home to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Hiroshima or Queenstown?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Queenstown. Although Hiroshima and Queenstown are both popular with visitors, Queenstown has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Queenstown is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hiroshima is known for its museums and attractions. Queenstown is more touristy than Hiroshima and is popular for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. It is also home to Kawarau Bridge. Hiroshima is popular for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation.

How is Hiroshima different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hiroshima or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Hiroshima
Queenstown

Queenstown is an unbeatable place for skiing. However, Hiroshima is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Queenstown. 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.

Hiroshima is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hiroshima or Queenstown?

Hiroshima
Queenstown

Hiroshima is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Hiroshima that are not to be missed. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate the victims of the world's first nuclear attack. The park also serves as a sight to promote long term peace. In the park you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph, the Atom Bomb Dome, and the Flame of Peace. Other sights in Hiroshima include the Itsukushima shrine, the Hiroshima Castle, and Mitaki-dera Temple.

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 Hiroshima or Queenstown? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hiroshima
Queenstown

Queenstown is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Queenstown have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hiroshima. There are many local dishes that you'll find in restaurants around town. Some of the best dining areas are around Hiroshima Station and in downtown Hiroshima. Make sure you try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the local oysters, and tsukemen.

Is Hiroshima or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

Hiroshima
Queenstown

Queenstown is a great city for nightlife. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Queenstown has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hiroshima. The city has many hidden pubs and traditional Japanese bars. The most vibrant nightlife scene is in the Chugoku-Shikoku district, particularly around Nagarekawa Street.


Is Hiroshima or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Hiroshima
Queenstown

Queenstown is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Around Queenstown visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hiroshima or Queenstown?

Hiroshima
Queenstown

If you're looking to go shopping, Hiroshima and Queenstown both offer plenty of very good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hiroshima. There are outlet malls as well as morning markets, that make for interesting shopping. Head to old Sanyodo Road to shop where the locals shop and for international brands head to Hondori Central Shopping District.

Queenstown is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Is Hiroshima or Queenstown More Beautiful?

Hiroshima
Queenstown

Queenstown is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Hiroshima is not a destination known for its beauty.

Queenstown is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.

Hiroshima is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Hiroshima or Queenstown Better for Families?

Hiroshima
Queenstown

Queenstown is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Queenstown is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Hiroshima is a family-friendly place to visit. Tragedy often comes to mind when you think of this city, as it was the sight of the first atomic bomb detonation. Older kids will learn a lot from a visit, but it may be a bit overwhelming for younger kids. There are still many things to do with kids of all ages in the city though, such as feeding the koi fish at Shukeien Park or visiting the floating Itsukushima shrine.

Is Hiroshima or Queenstown Better for Couples?

Hiroshima
Queenstown

Queenstown is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Queenstown is a great city for couples, as it 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.

Hiroshima makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There is plenty of nature and green space in the city. Couples will enjoy visiting the Hiroshima Castle or wandering through the gardens such as Shukkeien or the Hiroshima Botanical Garden.

Is Hiroshima or Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hiroshima
Queenstown

Queenstown is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Queenstown. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

Plenty of backpackers visit Hiroshima. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.


Is Hiroshima or Queenstown Better for Students?

Hiroshima
Queenstown

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

Students come from all over to stay in Queenstown. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

Hiroshima is not popular with students.

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

Hiroshima
Queenstown

Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a good tram and streetcar network around town as well as a ferry connecting the city to Miyajima Island. There are also buses around town.

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

Is Hiroshima or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Hiroshima
Queenstown

Hiroshima and Queenstown are very good when it comes to walkability.

Hiroshima is very walkable. If you base yourself in downtown Hiroshima, you can explore many areas on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Hiroshima?

How long in Hiroshima or Queenstown?

Both Hiroshima and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Queenstown than in Hiroshima. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hiroshima, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Queenstown than Hiroshima 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 Queenstown.


  • How many days in Hiroshima or Queenstown? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hiroshima 2-3 
    Queenstown 2-7

One day in Hiroshima or Queenstown?

With museums and nightlife around the park-filled city of Hiroshima, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Queenstown. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Hiroshima or Queenstown?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Hiroshima, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the active destination of Queenstown. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Hiroshima or Queenstown?

Hiroshima, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the active city of Queenstown. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.


A week in Hiroshima or Queenstown?

Hiroshima is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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.

Queenstown is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Queenstown, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Queenstown or Hiroshima?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hiroshima is $126, while the average daily cost in Queenstown is $130. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hiroshima and Queenstown in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hiroshima $67
    Queenstown $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hiroshima $134
    Queenstown $110
Compare Hotels in Hiroshima and Queenstown

Looking for a hotel in Hiroshima or Queenstown? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hiroshima


Hotels in Queenstown


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hiroshima Hotel Prices and Queenstown Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hiroshima $10
    Queenstown $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hiroshima

Also for Hiroshima, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shared Arrival Transfer : Hiroshima Airport to Hiroshima City: $128
  • Shared Departure Transfer : Hiroshima City to Hiroshima Airport: $128
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $164
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $182
  • Hiroshima City: Private Transfer to/from Hiroshima Airport: $189
  • Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $244
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $272
  • Private Transfer Hiroshima Airport: $292

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Queenstown

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Queenstown:

  • Tasman Glacier Helihike with Flight Transfers: $982
  • Milford Sound Cruise with Helicopter Transfer: $748
  • Private Transfers from Queenstown Airport to Wanaka : $177
  • From Cardrona Ski/Snowboard Rentals & Transfer: $152
  • Queenstown to Mt Cook One Way Scenic Transfer: $115
  • Queenstown Airport to/from Wanaka Hassle Free Private Transfer : $101
  • Queenstown International Airport to City Hotels Transfer : $90
  • Queenstown private transfer: $87
  • Private Airport Transfer Vice Versa in Queenstown by SUV: $69
  • QUEENSTOWN:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Hotels: $52
  • ZQN Airport to Downtown|Hotels Private Transfer: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Hiroshima or Queenstown?

Prices for flights to both Queenstown and Hiroshima change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hiroshima $52
    Queenstown $62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hiroshima

For Hiroshima, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hiroshima Night Walk & Traditional Okonomiyaki Dinner Tour: $52
  • Okonomiyaki Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $59
  • Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner: $82
  • Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $100
  • Bar Hopping Food Tour: $103
  • Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $105
  • Private Japanese Cooking Class in Hiroshima with Machiko's Family: $108
  • Hiroshima Peace Bicycle Tour and Okonomiyaki Dinner: $113
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $182
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $221
  • Private Nature, History, and Food Tour: $629

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Queenstown

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Queenstown.

  • Bar Crawl with 5 Free Shots and Pizza: $17
  • Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown: $119
  • Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch!: $135
  • Wine & Food Tour, Scenic Tastings & Paired Lunch: $138

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hiroshima $5.58
    Queenstown $21

Tours and Activities in Hiroshima

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hiroshima.

  • Hiroshima:Visit Tourist Pass(1, 2, 3day and 3day middlearea): $6.76
  • LAGOON Nightclub Admission Ticket(For Foreign): $6.76
  • Hiroshima Kagura Performance Entry Ticket: $12
  • HIROSHIMA ORIZURU TOWER Admission Ticket: $16
  • Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $20
  • Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $21
  • Hiroshima and Peace Park Private guided Tour: $22
  • Peace Memorial Park Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome Tour: $23
  • Hiroshima Peace Walking Tour with Expert Guide: $23
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: A Guided Tour: $24
  • Kumano Brush Factory Tour and Brush-Making Experience: $27

Typical Entertainment Prices in Queenstown

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Queenstown are as follows:


  • Skyline Gondola (for 2)
    $30

Tours and Activities in Queenstown

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Queenstown are as follows:

  • 1-Hour Ultimate Jet Boat Adventure on the Kawarau River: $89
  • 20-Minute Remarkables Helicopter Tour from Queenstown: $167
  • 30-Minute High-Speed Thrill Queenstown Jet Boat Adventure : $65
  • Arrowtown and Wanaka Highlights Tour from Queenstown: $125
  • Beauties of Queenstown Private Walking Tour: $941
  • Boutique Winery Half-Day Tour & Vineyard Platter-Style Lunch: $150
  • Cardrona Valley Mountain Quad Experience from Wanaka: $215
  • Convertible Picnic Tour Queenstown: $113
  • Cruise Milford Small Group Day Tour from Queenstown : $221
  • Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown: $264
  • Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience: $184
  • Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown: $278

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hiroshima $12
    Queenstown $8.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Hiroshima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Hiroshima:

  • Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour: $124
  • Half-Day Saijo Tour Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour in Hiroshima: $131
  • Private Goma Fire Ritual, Lunch & Sake Brewery Visits : $200

Sample the Local Flavors in Queenstown

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Queenstown:

  • Ice Bar Crawl: $23
  • Queenstown, Arrowtown, Gibbston: Join the Only Flexible Wine Tour: $53
  • Bike & Wine Tour: Arrowtown to Valley of the Vines: $69
  • Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours: $75
  • Craft Beer Brewery Tour with Lunch: $107
  • Queenstown's Original Wine Tour Celebrating 33 Years: $113
  • Classic Wine Tour: $127
  • Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Winery Visits, Cave Tour & Cheese: $131
  • Central Otago Wine Tour: $132
  • Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries: $137
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $144
  • Afternoon Boutique Wine Tour: $149


When comparing the travel costs between Hiroshima 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. Even though Hiroshima is in Asia and Queenstown is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Hiroshima or Queenstown?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Hiroshima 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.