A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Kaikoura vs. Queenstown for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Kaikoura or Queenstown?

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

Should I visit Kaikoura or Queenstown? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a biologically diverse, unique, and nature-oriented town. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a bustling, active, and adventure-filled city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Kaikoura and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kaikoura or Queenstown?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Queenstown. Although Kaikoura and Queenstown are popular destinations, Queenstown has more sights and attractions for tourists. Queenstown is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kaikoura attracts visitors for its beaches. Kaikoura is famous for its local Sperm Whale population, abundance of marine life, and local crayfish (lobster) recipes. Queenstown is famous for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. It is also well known for Kawarau Bridge.

How is Kaikoura different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kaikoura or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is a world-class destination for snow skiing. However, Kaikoura is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Queenstown should be on your list. 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.

Kaikoura is not a skiing destination.

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

Plenty of people visit the reasonable sights and museums in both Kaikoura and Queenstown.

Kaikoura offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There aren't many museums in the area, but it's worth learning more about the region's history with a visit to Kaikoura Museum.

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 Kaikoura or Queenstown? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Queenstown is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Queenstown is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Kaikoura has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood lovers will be in heaven in this town! There are many local, freshly caught favorites such as cod, mussels, and crayfish (which is actually lobster). You'll find plenty of casual eateries, including an authentic American diner.

Is Kaikoura or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

Queenstown is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Queenstown offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kaikoura. This is a small town so the nightlife scene is limited, but there are a few restaurants with bars around town.

Is Kaikoura or Queenstown Better for Beaches?

Kaikoura is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Kaikoura for it's beautiful beaches. There are many black pebble beaches in the area, which are great for wildlife spotting, but not so good for swimming. Gooch's Beach is one of the most popular, and it's sandier than many of the other beaches. South Bay is another popular area to visit.

Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Is Kaikoura or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Queenstown specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Kaikoura. There are many coastal walks in the area that will take you through a variety of landscapes. This is also a great way to see the many diverse types of wildlife throughout the peninsula.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaikoura or Queenstown?

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

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.

Kaikoura has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are local shops where you can pick up some interesting products that are unique to the area.

Is Kaikoura or Queenstown Better for Families?

Kaikoura is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Kaikoura is very family-friendly. Kids who love animals will appreciate all of the wildlife in the area. This is one of the best places in the country to see dolphins, whales, and seals. There are world class whale watching trips as well as opportunities to swim with the dolphins and get close to the seals. There is also kayaking, a coastal train, and even sheep shearing. Minigolf is also a fun activity in the area.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Queenstown is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Kaikoura or Queenstown Better for Couples?

Queenstown is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Queenstown makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Kaikoura makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town is all about wildlife, so if whale watching trips, dolphin spotting, and experiencing amazing local wildlife is your thing, then this is your spot! There are also beautiful coastal sights with a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Is Kaikoura or Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Queenstown is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Queenstown. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Kaikoura. There are a decent number of hostels in the area and plenty of fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Kaikoura or Queenstown Better for Students?

Queenstown is a well-known place for students. However, Kaikoura is not popular with students.

Queenstown is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

Kaikoura is not popular with students.

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

Queenstown is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kaikoura is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Kaikoura. The town is very small and there is no real public transit in the area.

Is Kaikoura or Queenstown a more walkable city?

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

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

Kaikoura is a somewhat walkable town. There are many coastal walks in the area, which is a great way to soak up the beauty and see the wildlife. The town itself is small and most of the accommodation is along Beach Road, so it's relatively easy to reach places on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Kaikoura?

How long in Kaikoura or Queenstown?

Both Kaikoura 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 Kaikoura. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Kaikoura, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

Couples should spend more time in Queenstown than Kaikoura. 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 Kaikoura 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.

One day in Kaikoura or Queenstown?

With shopping and nightlife around the nature-oriented town of Kaikoura, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Queenstown offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

A weekend in Kaikoura or Queenstown?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Kaikoura, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Queenstown 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. 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, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kaikoura or Queenstown?

Kaikoura, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Queenstown is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Queenstown, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Kaikoura or Queenstown?

Kaikoura is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Queenstown has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kaikoura and Queenstown, we can see that Kaikoura is more expensive. And not only is Queenstown much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Queenstown would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Queenstown 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 Kaikoura would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kaikoura than you might in Queenstown.

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

Which is Bigger, Kaikoura or Queenstown?

Queenstown has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kaikoura. When comparing the sizes of Kaikoura 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.