A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jakarta vs. Te Anau for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Jakarta or Te Anau?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jakarta and Te Anau. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jakarta

Jakarta is a diverse, genuine, and sprawling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Jakarta travel costs.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a pristine, breathtaking, and stunning town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come to Te Anau because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food and hiking. See Te Anau travel costs.

Jakarta and Te Anau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jakarta or Te Anau?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jakarta. Although Jakarta and Te Anau are popular destinations, Jakarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jakarta is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Te Anau attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Te Anau is more touristy than Jakarta and is known for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Jakarta is famous for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls. It is also well known for Istiqlal Mosque.

How is Jakarta different from Te Anau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jakarta or Te Anau?

Jakarta 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 Jakarta. There's a huge number of museums around town like the National Museum, Museum Layang-Layang, and Museum MACAN. There's also Merdeka Square, which is one of the world's biggest public squares and Istiqlal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

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 Jakarta or Te Anau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Jakarta and Te Anau.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Jakarta. There are so many different cultures represented in Indonesian cuisine, and you'll find them all in Jakarta. The food stalls, restaurants, and casual eateries all have their own flavor and style, which makes dining in this mega-city a true adventure.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Te Anau. 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 Jakarta or Te Anau Better for Nightlife?

Jakarta 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 Jakarta. It's a huge city, so there's a very active nightlife scene, but it's mostly focused on locals and not tourists like you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia. For the best nightlife district, head to Kemang, which has many bars and clubs.

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 Jakarta or Te Anau Better for Hiking?

Te Anau is terrific for hiking. However, Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Te Anau is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Jakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jakarta or Te Anau?

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

Jakarta is well-known for its shopping. The city is filled with high end luxury malls where you can buy the latest fashions and many international brands. Around town you'll also find everything from local handicrafts to chic boutiques and grand international chains.

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 Jakarta or Te Anau More Beautiful?

Te Anau is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Jakarta 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.

Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jakarta or Te Anau Better for Families?

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Te Anau is very family-friendly. 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.

Jakarta is a family-friendly place to visit. Most visitors skip out on this huge city, and it's definitely not the first place that comes to mind when you think about family-friendly destinations, but there's actually a very fascinating culture that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There's the Kota area, which has colonial architecture. There's also a puppet museum and several history museums. But for most kids, the highlight is a visit to the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol area, which has amusement parks and even SeaWorld.

Is Jakarta or Te Anau Better for Couples?

Te Anau is terrific for romance. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Te Anau is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Jakarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most travelers looking for a romantic destination will head to the many famous honeymoon spots in Indonesia. But for those who make their way to Jakarta, there is sure to be a lot of adventure and culture. The city has many great museums as well as nature parks and amusement parks.

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

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

Te Anau is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 budget travelers visit Jakarta. Visitors often have strong feelings about this city, whether they love it or hate it. For those backpackers who spend some time here, they're sure to be treated to a look at true Indonesian culture, which is hard to find in the more touristy areas.

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

Jakarta is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Jakarta. Public transportation has improved a lot recently. There's a commuter line as well as buses. The system can be a bit overwhelming and slow though, so tourists often avoid it.

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 Jakarta or Te Anau a more walkable city?

Jakarta and Te Anau are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Jakarta is generally not a very walkable city. Central Jakarta is more walkable than most of the city but, in general, the city has a lot of traffic and isn't the best for 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 Jakarta Worth Visiting? and Is Te Anau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Te Anau or Jakarta?

How long in Jakarta or Te Anau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jakarta and Te Anau. In our opinion, Te Anau has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Te Anau than Jakarta. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Te Anau than Jakarta. 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Te Anau than Jakarta 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 Te Anau.

One day in Jakarta or Te Anau?

Because Jakarta is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Te Anau is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Jakarta or Te Anau?

Because Jakarta is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Jakarta has to offer.

Te Anau might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Te Anau has to offer.

Five days in Jakarta or Te Anau?

Jakarta is a great place to explore. 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.

Te Anau 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.

A week in Jakarta or Te Anau?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Te Anau. Since Te Anau is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jakarta and Te Anau, we can see that Te Anau is more expensive. And not only is Jakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jakarta is in Asia and Te Anau is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Jakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jakarta 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 Te Anau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Te Anau than you might in Jakarta.

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

Which is Bigger, Jakarta or Te Anau?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 4120 times larger than the population of Te Anau. When comparing the sizes of Jakarta 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.