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

Should you visit Katoomba or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua. 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 breathtaking , stunning, and peaceful town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Katoomba is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Katoomba travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a diverse, cultural, and natural town. Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Rotorua travel costs.

Katoomba and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Katoomba or Rotorua?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Rotorua than Katoomba, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rotorua is better known for its museums and attractions and food, while Katoomba is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Katoomba is well known for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. Rotorua is well known for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. Also, Rotorua is famous for Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

How is Katoomba different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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 Rotorua? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rotorua is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Rotorua makes for a great culinary experience. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

Katoomba has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Katoomba or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Both Katoomba and Rotorua are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Rotorua. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Katoomba or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Katoomba is an amazing town to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Katoomba visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Katoomba or Rotorua?

Both Katoomba and Rotorua are notable shopping destinations.

Katoomba is a great destination for shopping. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Rotorua. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Katoomba or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Katoomba is an amazing town to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Katoomba is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's a town surrounded by natural beauty. It offers easy access to breathtaking views and impressive hikes through the Blue Mountains.

Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Is Katoomba or Rotorua Better for Families?

Both Katoomba and Rotorua are fantastic family-friendly destinations.

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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Rotorua is a very family-friendly destination. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

Is Katoomba or Rotorua Better for Couples?

Rotorua is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Rotorua is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

Katoomba makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Katoomba or Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Rotorua is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Many backpackers visit Katoomba. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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

Both Katoomba and Rotorua 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.

Rotorua has some public transit options. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Katoomba or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Katoomba and Rotorua both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Rotorua is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Katoomba?

How long in Katoomba or Rotorua?

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

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

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

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

One day in Katoomba or Rotorua?

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 beautiful town of Rotorua offers food and shopping. 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 Katoomba or Rotorua?

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.

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

Five days in Katoomba or Rotorua?

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.

Rotorua 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 Rotorua?

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.

Rotorua 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 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Katoomba or Rotorua?

Rotorua has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Katoomba and Rotorua, 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.

When is the best time to visit Katoomba or Rotorua?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Katoomba or Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua and Katoomba during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Katoomba for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Katoomba is generally much warmer than Rotorua. Daily temperatures in Katoomba average around 24°C (74°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. Katoomba usually gets more rain in January than Rotorua. Katoomba gets 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Katoomba or Rotorua in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Katoomba and Rotorua. The autumn months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

Katoomba is a little warmer than Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Katoomba averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In April, Katoomba usually receives more rain than Rotorua. Katoomba gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Katoomba or Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Katoomba as well as Rotorua. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Katoomba is much colder than Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Katoomba in July average around 11°C (51°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Katoomba usually gets more rain in July than Rotorua. Katoomba gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Katoomba or Rotorua in the Spring?

Both Rotorua and Katoomba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Katoomba for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the spring for the natural beauty.

In October, Katoomba is generally around the same temperature as Rotorua. Daily temperatures in Katoomba average around 18°C (64°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In October, Katoomba usually receives more rain than Rotorua. Katoomba gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Katoomba