A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hobart vs. Te Anau for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Hobart or Te Anau?

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 Te Anau 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 historical, charming, and fascinating city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Hobart travel costs.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a breathtaking, stunning, and pristine town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come to Te Anau because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food and hiking. See Te Anau travel costs.

Hobart and Te Anau: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Hobart or Te Anau?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hobart than Te Anau, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hobart is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping, while Te Anau is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Hobart is well known for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails. Also, Hobart is famous for Battery Point. Te Anau is well known for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

How is Hobart different from Te Anau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Te Anau 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 Te Anau?

Hobart
Te Anau

Hobart is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Te Anau offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The town is about the surrounding outdoor activities but you will find the Te Anau Vintage Machinery Museum and the Te Anau Trout Observatory in town.


Is the Food Better in Hobart or Te Anau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hobart
Te Anau

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Hobart and Te Anau.

Hobart has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Te Anau is an experience not to be missed. The town makes a great spot to refuel after all of your hiking and outdoor adventures. There are plenty of cafes and food trucks around town where you can enjoy local dishes and a friendly atmosphere.

Is Hobart or Te Anau Better for Nightlife?

Hobart
Te Anau

Hobart is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Hobart. 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.

Te Anau is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. This is a small town that's focused on outdoor activities, but it does receive a number of tourists, so you'll find a few bars around town where you can hang out.

Is Hobart or Te Anau Better for Hiking?

Hobart
Te Anau

Te Anau is renowned for hiking. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Around Te Anau visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The town serves as basecamp for Fiordland National Park so there are many amazing hikes and walks in the area. Many of the hikes begin at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and range in length and the required skill level.

Hobart is a popular spot for hiking. 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.


Is the Shopping Better in Hobart or Te Anau?

Hobart
Te Anau

Hobart is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Hobart is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Te Anau has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops where you can pick up any outdoor supplies and food items that you may need.

Is Hobart or Te Anau More Beautiful?

Hobart
Te Anau

Te Anau is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Hobart is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Te Anau because of it's amazing beauty. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, world class national parks, and spectacular views.

Hobart is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hobart or Te Anau Better for Families?

Hobart
Te Anau

Te Anau is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Te Anau is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The town's proximity to the Milford Sound make it a nice base for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Kayaking or exploring the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are favorite activities in the area. There's also the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and many hikes nearby.

Hobart is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.


Is Hobart or Te Anau Better for Couples?

Hobart
Te Anau

Te Anau is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Te Anau is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The stunning scenery in the area, combined with small town charm, make this is a top couple's destination and a wonderful honeymoon spot. Couples who appreciate nature and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this amazing area.

Hobart is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Hobart or Te Anau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hobart
Te Anau

Te Anau is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Te Anau. For such a small town, there are a decent number of hostels and budget accommodation options in the area. The town makes a good base for exploring the region's stunning scenery.

Plenty of backpackers visit Hobart. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

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

Hobart
Te Anau

Hobart is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Hobart has some public transit options. 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 limited or non-existant in Te Anau. Public transit in the area is limited and most visitors have their own car or join one of the many tours in the area.


Is Hobart or Te Anau a more walkable city?

Hobart
Te Anau

Hobart is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Hobart is a very walkable city. It has a compact city center that many people enjoy exploring on foot.

Te Anau is generally not very walkable. Exploring the area requires a vehicle and, while there are many hikes in the area, it's not easy to walk to many places. There are tours available for those that don't have a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Hobart Worth Visiting? and Is Te Anau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Te Anau or Hobart?

How long in Hobart or Te Anau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hobart and Te Anau. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hobart, and 1-3 days is enough time in Te Anau.

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


  • How many days in Hobart or Te Anau? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hobart 2-3 
    Te Anau 1-3

One day in Hobart or Te Anau?

In Hobart, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Te Anau might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Hobart or Te Anau?

In Hobart, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hobart has to offer.

Te Anau is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Te Anau?

Hobart is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Te Anau. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Te Anau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hobart. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hobart. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Te Anau is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Te Anau or Hobart?

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 Hobart is $156, while the average daily cost in Te Anau is $118. 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 Hobart and Te Anau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hobart $77
    Te Anau $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hobart $154
    Te Anau $88
Compare Hotels in Hobart and Te Anau

Looking for a hotel in Hobart or Te Anau? 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 Hobart


Hotels in Te Anau


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: Hobart Hotel Prices and Te Anau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hobart $28
    Te Anau $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hobart

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

  • Hobart Airport: Express Bus Transfer to Hobart City: $15
  • Grand Cayman Shared Airport Transfer: $40
  • George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $152
  • George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $152

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Te Anau

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

  • Lake Marian Guided Hike with Transfers, Lunch & Morning Tea: $184
  • Te Anau to Invercargill Small Group Transfer: $53
  • Kepler Water Taxi Transfer across Lake Te Anau: $18

Is it cheaper to fly into Hobart or Te Anau?

Prices for flights to both Te Anau and Hobart 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
    Hobart $49
    Te Anau $46

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hobart $23
    Te Anau $47

Tours and Activities in Hobart

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

  • 2 Day Tasmanian Highlights Tour - Bruny Island & Port Arthur: $204
  • 48 Hour Hobart City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $36
  • Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Guided Night Tour: $115
  • Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Half-Day Tour from Hobart: $82
  • Bruny Island Food, Sightseeing, Guided Lighthouse Tour & Lunch : $177
  • Cruise Ship - Wine Shore Excursion - Hobart: $145
  • From 2 Day Cradle Mountain Tour: $293
  • From 5-Day Tasmania West & East Coast Tour: $715
  • From 9-Day Tasmania Circle Tour: $2,634
  • From Bruny Island Nature & Produce Adventure Tour: $109
  • From Day Tour to Maria Island with Bus Connection: $191
  • From Full-Day Bruny Island Tour with Guide: $119

Tours and Activities in Te Anau

For Te Anau, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Award Winning Milford Sound Full Day Tour & Cruise from Te Anau: $128
  • Champagne Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Te Anau: $98
  • Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau: $214
  • Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri: $201
  • Epic Milford Guided Tour from Te Anau: $142
  • Evening Champagne Cruise on Historic 1935 Motor Yacht.: $85
  • Fiordland: Jet Boat & Nature Walk Experience from Te Anau: $114
  • From Doubtful Sound Coach & Cruise: $211
  • From Milford Sound Coach Tour and Cruise: $108
  • From Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, and Walks: $161
  • From Milford Sound Cruise & Scenic Coach Tour: $128
  • From Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip: $129

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hobart $15
    Te Anau $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Hobart

Also in Hobart, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cascade Brewery Historic Tour: $16
  • Cascade Brewery Experience: $26
  • Signature Wine Tour - Hobart & SE Tasmania: $145
  • Moorilla's Big Day Out at Mona - Wine Tasting and Lunch: $165
  • Tasmania: Private Distillers Reserve Distillery Tour: $224


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hobart and Te Anau, we can see that Hobart is more expensive. And not only is Te Anau much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Te Anau would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Te Anau 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 Te Anau.

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


Which is Bigger, Hobart or Te Anau?

Hobart has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Te Anau. When comparing the sizes of Hobart and Te Anau, 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.