A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hobart vs. Lake Tekapo for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Hobart or Lake Tekapo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hobart and Lake Tekapo 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.

Hobart

Hobart is a charming, fascinating, and quaint city. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Hobart travel costs.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a small, remote, and basic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of Lake Tekapo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Hobart and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hobart or Lake Tekapo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hobart. Although Hobart and Lake Tekapo are both popular with visitors, Hobart has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hobart is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Lake Tekapo is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Hobart is more touristy than Lake Tekapo and is popular for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails. It is also home to Battery Point. Lake Tekapo is popular for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Hobart different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hobart 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 Hobart. The town has many landmarks and museums such as Port Arthur, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. A highlight of the city is Battery Point, which is like an open-air museum. Make sure you explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hobart 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 Hobart is an experience not to be missed. The town has seen a surge in its culinary scene in recent years. Local chefs like to highlight the regional flavors and ingredients such as octopus, kingfish, abalone, and leatherwood honey.

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 Hobart or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Hobart is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Hobart has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's a smaller city, there is still a good mix of local bars, trendy lounges, and elegant wine bars. you'll also find some great venues for live music.

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 Hobart or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Both Hobart and Lake Tekapo are destinations which offer very good hiking.

Many visitors go to Hobart for the hiking trails. The city is surrounded by bushland reserves as well as nearby Mount Wellington. The area offers many diverse hiking and walking trails and there are a wide range to choose from so whatever your hiking level, you'll find something of interest.

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 Hobart or Lake Tekapo?

Hobart 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 Hobart. It has some of the best shopping in Tasmania. You'll find a great shopping experience along Elizabeth Street, which is lined with boutiques and quirky shops. The city also has a couple of outdoor flea markets that offers a unique shopping experience.

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

Is Hobart or Lake Tekapo More Beautiful?

Lake Tekapo is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Hobart is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Lake Tekapo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

Hobart is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hobart or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Both Hobart and Lake Tekapo are very good to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hobart is very family-friendly. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also fruit farms to visit and vineyards to explore in the area, as well as great hiking. For an interactive museum, head to the Tasmanian Transport Museum and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has some toddler-friendly displays.

Lake Tekapo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Hobart or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Hobart is a great destination for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Hobart frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy exploring the waterfront and Sullivans Cove. There are also outdoor markets and breweries around town. Botanical gardens and quaint neighborhoods also make this a lovely town to visit.

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 Hobart or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Hobart and Lake Tekapo are good places to visit.

Hobart is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Hobart, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a public bus system and many of the buses leave from Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.

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 Hobart or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Hobart is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Hobart is a very walkable destination. It has a compact city center that many people enjoy exploring 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 Hobart Worth Visiting? and Is Lake Tekapo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Hobart?

How long in Hobart or Lake Tekapo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Hobart or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Hobart. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Lake Tekapo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Hobart or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Hobart. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Lake Tekapo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Hobart or Lake Tekapo?

The historical city of Hobart offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Tekapo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Hobart or Lake Tekapo?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hobart. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the basic destination of Lake Tekapo. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hobart and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Hobart 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 Hobart would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hobart 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 Hobart Expensive? and Is Lake Tekapo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hobart or Lake Tekapo?

Hobart has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Hobart 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.