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

Should you visit Hiroshima or Tauranga?

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 Tauranga 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 meaningful, park-filled, and memorable city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Tauranga

Tauranga is a coastal, laid back, and relaxing town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Hiroshima and Tauranga: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Hiroshima or Tauranga?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Tauranga than Hiroshima. While Hiroshima is larger than Tauranga, Tauranga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tauranga is better known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hiroshima is more popular for its museums, food, and shopping. Tauranga is more touristy than Hiroshima and is popular for its sandy beaches and beautiful walking trails. Also, Tauranga is famous for Mount Maunganui. Hiroshima is well known for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation.

How is Hiroshima different from Tauranga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hiroshima
Tauranga

Hiroshima is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Hiroshima on the map. 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.

Tauranga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historic buildings in town like the Elms Mission Station which dates back to 1847.


Is the Food Better in Hiroshima or Tauranga? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hiroshima
Tauranga

Hiroshima is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Hiroshima is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Tauranga. You'll find a great mix of restaurants in the town's downtown area. There are international flavors as well as seafood and other local favorites.

Is Hiroshima or Tauranga Better for Nightlife?

Hiroshima
Tauranga

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Hiroshima and Tauranga.

If you're looking for night time activities Hiroshima has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Tauranga. The city is known for its laid back bar scene. There are venues with casual live music as well as pubs where locals and tourists intermingle.

Is Hiroshima or Tauranga Better for Beaches?

Hiroshima
Tauranga

Tauranga is a great town for its beaches. However, Hiroshima is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Tauranga attract visitors from all over. Families and travelers head here for the sandy beaches and water activities. Surfing, kayaking, and fishing are all popular in the area. Some of the most popular beaches include Mount Maunganui Beach, Waihī Beach, and Anzac Bay.

Hiroshima is not a beach destination.


Is Hiroshima or Tauranga Better for Hiking?

Hiroshima
Tauranga

Tauranga is a great town for hiking. However, Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Tauranga for the hiking trails. The Bay of Plenty is filled with hiking trails that run along the coast or head inland through the mountains. There are forest and bush walks that range in length and skill level and there really is something for everyone.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hiroshima or Tauranga?

Hiroshima
Tauranga

Hiroshima is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Tauranga. You'll find all of the standard shopping malls, retail outlets, and clothing boutiques around town.

Is Hiroshima or Tauranga Better for Families?

Hiroshima
Tauranga

Tauranga is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Tauranga is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Check out the ropes courses at Adrenalin Forest or play in the water at Waimarino Adventure Park. There are also many different walking areas like McLaren Falls Park and Kaiate Falls. Kids will love hanging out at the beach around Mount Maunganui or Papamoa Beach. This is an affordable and kid-family destination for locals and international tourists alike.

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 Tauranga Better for Couples?

Hiroshima
Tauranga

Tauranga is a great town for romance. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Tauranga is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a romantic destination with great beaches and beautiful waterfalls. You can enjoy a picnic in the park or dine at one of the local restaurants. Kayaking is also a popular activity in the area.

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 Tauranga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hiroshima
Tauranga

Tauranga 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 Tauranga. This is one of the more affordable destinations in New Zealand. There are also a number of backpacker-friendly jobs that make it a great place to base yourself.

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

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

Hiroshima
Tauranga

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

The public transit in Hiroshima can get you to most places easily. 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.

Tauranga has some public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries in the area.


Is Hiroshima or Tauranga a more walkable city?

Hiroshima
Tauranga

Hiroshima is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Tauranga is somewhat walkable. There are many walking and cycling paths in the area, but you really need a car to explore the area in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Tauranga or Hiroshima?

How long in Hiroshima or Tauranga?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hiroshima and Tauranga. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tauranga 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 Tauranga.


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

One day in Hiroshima or Tauranga?

The city of Hiroshima offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Tauranga. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Tauranga?

Hiroshima is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hiroshima, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the nature-filled destination of Tauranga. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Hiroshima or Tauranga?

Hiroshima is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the nature-filled town of Tauranga. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Hiroshima or Tauranga?

Hiroshima is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Tauranga is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Tauranga or Hiroshima?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hiroshima is $100, while the average daily cost in Tauranga is $103. 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 Tauranga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hiroshima $64
    Tauranga $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hiroshima $128
    Tauranga $148
Compare Hotels in Hiroshima and Tauranga

Looking for a hotel in Hiroshima or Tauranga? 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 Tauranga


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 Tauranga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hiroshima $9.71
    Tauranga $6.78

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hiroshima

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

  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $54
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $59
  • Hiroshima Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $171
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $215
  • Private Departure Transfer Hiroshima City to Hiroshima International Airport: $215
  • Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $228
  • Hiroshima port Shore excursion Private transfer: $472

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tauranga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tauranga:

  • Roundtrip Transfer from Port of Tauranga Omanu Golf Club: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Hiroshima or Tauranga?

Prices for flights to both Tauranga 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 $29
    Tauranga $22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hiroshima

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

  • Hiroshima No1 food!! 'Okonomiyaki'-cooking class: $40
  • Local Favorites Private Night Food Tour: $66
  • Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner: $73
  • Bar Hopping Food Tour: $79
  • Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $81
  • Enjoy a Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Hiroshima Family: $90
  • Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $94
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $153

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hiroshima $5.39
    Tauranga $10

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): $6.32
  • Hiroshima Hidden Gems Walking Tour with Locals: $17
  • Visit World Heritage site Itsukushima Shrine by sea & Oyster raft tour: $25
  • Kumano Brush Factory Tour and Brush-Making Experience: $25
  • Mihara Goshushi Tour-Walking around the castle town Mihara-: $26
  • Peace Park Tour VR/Hiroshima: $32
  • Original Amulet Making Experience: $32
  • Guided Virtual Tour of Peace Park in Hiroshima/PEACE PARK TOUR VR: $32
  • Traditional Japanese Archery Experience: $35
  • Japanese Traditional Archery Experience Hiroshima : $36
  • Field Archery Experience in Hiroshima, Japan: $37
  • Tea ceremony experience near Atomic Bomb Dome: $41

Tours and Activities in Tauranga

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

  • 2-Hour Tauranga & Mount Maunganui City & Scenic Local Tour: $45
  • 3hr Tauranga Sun-downer History Tour COMPLIMENTARY Wine or Beer: $54
  • 4hr Shore Excursion - History and Tasting Tour FREE Kiwifruit Tasting: $57
  • 4hr Tauranga Scenic History and Tasting Tour FREE Kiwifruit Tasting: $57
  • 6hr Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - Departs Tauranga: $142
  • 6hr Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland Tour - Departs Tauranga: $139
  • 7hr Waimangu Geothermal Valley & Lake Rotomahana Tour - Departs Tauranga: $131
  • Boutique tour , Mt Maunganui, NZ farm, Rotorua lakes/geothermal : $138
  • Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour in Tauranga: $136
  • From Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise: $101
  • From Half-Day Swimming with Dolphins Tour: $89
  • Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Tauranga: $106

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hiroshima $12
    Tauranga $10


When comparing the travel costs between Hiroshima and Tauranga, we can see that Tauranga 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 Tauranga 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 Tauranga Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hiroshima or Tauranga?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tauranga. When comparing the sizes of Hiroshima and Tauranga, 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.