A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Katoomba vs. Dunedin for Hiking, Families, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Katoomba or Dunedin?

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 Katoomba and Dunedin. 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.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a serene, natural, and relaxing town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a cultural, vibrant, and small city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Katoomba and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Katoomba or Dunedin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dunedin than Katoomba, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dunedin is better known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Katoomba is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Katoomba is more touristy than Dunedin and is known for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. Dunedin is well known for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula. Also, Dunedin is famous for .

How is Katoomba different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Katoomba or Dunedin?

Dunedin is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Dunedin. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

Is the Food Better in Katoomba or Dunedin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Katoomba and Dunedin both to be notable destinations.

Katoomba offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Dunedin has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Katoomba or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Dunedin is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Dunedin offers plenty to do in the evening. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Katoomba. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Is Katoomba or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Dunedin is a good destination for its beaches. However, Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Dunedin offers a nice beach destination. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Is Katoomba or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Katoomba is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Katoomba specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Many people include a hike when visiting Dunedin. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Katoomba or Dunedin?

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

Dunedin is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Katoomba or Dunedin Better for Families?

Katoomba is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Katoomba is a very family-friendly destination. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

Dunedin is a very family-friendly destination. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

Is Katoomba or Dunedin Better for Couples?

Katoomba is well known for couples. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Katoomba frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

Dunedin is a nice destination for couples. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

Is Katoomba or Dunedin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Katoomba and Dunedin are superb destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Katoomba. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

Many backpackers visit Dunedin. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

Is Katoomba or Dunedin Better for Students?

Dunedin is a well-known place for students. However, Katoomba is not popular with students.

Many students visit Dunedin. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

Katoomba is not popular with students.

Is Katoomba or Dunedin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Katoomba and Dunedin offer notable public transit options.

Katoomba has a few public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

Dunedin has some public transit options. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

Is Katoomba or Dunedin a more walkable city?

Dunedin is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

Dunedin is very walkable. Parts of the town are easy to explore on foot.

Katoomba is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Katoomba Worth Visiting? and Is Dunedin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Katoomba?

How long in Katoomba or Dunedin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Katoomba and Dunedin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Katoomba than in Dunedin. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Katoomba, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dunedin.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dunedin than Katoomba 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 Dunedin.

One day in Katoomba or Dunedin?

Katoomba 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. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Dunedin offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Katoomba or Dunedin?

Katoomba 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 Katoomba has to offer.

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

Five days in Katoomba or Dunedin?

Katoomba 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.

Dunedin is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

A week in Katoomba or Dunedin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Katoomba. Since Katoomba 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.

Dunedin is a great place to explore. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia, 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 Katoomba and Dunedin, we can see that Katoomba is more expensive. And not only is Dunedin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dunedin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dunedin 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 Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba than you might in Dunedin.

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

Which is Bigger, Katoomba or Dunedin?

Dunedin has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Katoomba and Dunedin, 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.