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

Should you visit Katoomba or Lake Tekapo?

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 Lake Tekapo. 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 Katoomba is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Katoomba travel costs.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a basic, small, and remote town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Katoomba and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Katoomba or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Katoomba than Lake Tekapo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Katoomba is more touristy than Lake Tekapo and is known for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. Also, Katoomba is famous for Scenic World. Lake Tekapo is well known for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Katoomba different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo?

Katoomba is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Katoomba. 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.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Katoomba is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Katoomba area. 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.

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 Katoomba or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

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

Katoomba has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

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 Katoomba or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Katoomba is terrific for its hiking experiences. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Katoomba is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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 visitors go to Lake Tekapo for the hiking trails. 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 Katoomba or Lake Tekapo?

Katoomba is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Katoomba to go shopping. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

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

Is Katoomba or Lake Tekapo More Beautiful?

Katoomba is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Katoomba is one of the main draws. It's a town surrounded by natural beauty. It offers easy access to breathtaking views and impressive hikes through the Blue Mountains.

Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

Is Katoomba or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Katoomba is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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

Lake Tekapo is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Katoomba or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Katoomba is a great destination for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo 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.

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 Katoomba or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Katoomba is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Katoomba is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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

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

Katoomba 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 Katoomba, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

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 Katoomba or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Katoomba and Lake Tekapo both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Lake Tekapo is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Katoomba Worth Visiting? and Is Lake Tekapo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Katoomba?

How long in Katoomba or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Katoomba or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Katoomba than Lake Tekapo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Katoomba, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lake Tekapo.

Families should spend more time in Katoomba than Lake Tekapo. 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.

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

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

One day in Katoomba or Lake Tekapo?

Katoomba is a small town with plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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.

The beautiful town of Lake Tekapo offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Lake Tekapo?

Katoomba might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Lake Tekapo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Katoomba or Lake Tekapo?

Because Katoomba is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo?

Since Katoomba is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lake Tekapo is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, The Best Scuba Diving 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 Katoomba and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Katoomba 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 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 Lake Tekapo.

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

Which is Bigger, Katoomba or Lake Tekapo?

Katoomba has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Katoomba 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.