A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lipe vs. Lake Tekapo for Couples, Hiking, Families, and Food

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Koh Lipe and Lake Tekapo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a tranquil, idyllic, and small island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and food.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a basic, small, and remote town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking.

Koh Lipe and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Lipe than Lake Tekapo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Lipe is better known for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Lake Tekapo is more popular for its small town charm. Lake Tekapo is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is known for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky. Koh Lipe is well known for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere. Also, Koh Lipe is famous for Sunrise Beach.

How is Koh Lipe different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo?

Koh Lipe is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

Koh Lipe offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is small and all about beaches and the undersea world, so you won't find any temples or museums here.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Koh Lipe 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 Koh Lipe area. There's enough of a restaurant selection that you'll find good local food and freshly caught seafood. The options change frequently as the tourist crowds have varied dramatically over the years, making it difficult for businesses to stay open.

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 Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Neither Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo offer decent nightlife.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Lipe. This is a small island that attracts tourists who want nature, beauty, and a serene and tranquil environment. You won't find much of a nightlife scene here.

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 Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe is a great destination for its resorts. However, Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Lipe to choose from. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Lipe is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lake Tekapo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Lipe. Although it is no longer the undiscovered island paradise that it once was, the snorkeling and diving on Koh Lipe remains some of the best in the country.

Lake Tekapo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe is terrific for the beach. However, Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Koh Lipe offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Despite the island's small size, the beaches are truly spectacular. They have white sand and the undersea world is just steps away, so don't forget your mask and snorkel.

Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

You'll find high quality hiking in both Koh Lipe and Lake Tekapo.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Lipe. The island of Koh Lipe doesn't have any hiking, but nearby Adang Island has some impressive hikes that offer views and small waterfalls. You can take a longtail boat for just a short ride to the nearby island.

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 Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo?

Koh Lipe is a island with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

Koh Lipe has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The Walking Street is the main street through the island. Its where you'll find the island's shops and restaurants. Most are closed during the morning hours, but people begin to gather in the afternoon.

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

Is Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo.

Koh Lipe is a very family-friendly place to visit. This is a perfect island to explore with kids. There are beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, and plenty of opportunities to check out wildlife. Your kids will also enjoy seeing the Sea la vie fire show.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lake Tekapo is very family-friendly. 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 Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe is terrific for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Koh Lipe is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its stunning beaches and beautiful nature, this is a great couple's destination. The island has wonderful snorkeling and white sandy beaches that are perfect for exploring with a loved one.

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 Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Lipe and Lake Tekapo are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Lipe is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The island has become more popular than it was in years past, but it still offers a tranquil setting for those who are a bit jaded by the backpacker scene in Thailand.

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

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

Koh Lipe is a island with a few options for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Lipe. There are longtail boats, motorbike taxis, and golf cart taxis that you can hire.

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 Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Koh Lipe is a very walkable destination. It's an easy island to explore on foot and you can walk from one end of the island to the other in about half an hour.

Lake Tekapo is somewhat walkable. 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 Koh Lipe Worth Visiting? and Is Lake Tekapo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Lipe than Lake Tekapo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lipe, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lake Tekapo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Lipe 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 Koh Lipe.

One day in Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the small island of Koh Lipe. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the idyllic destination of Koh Lipe. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the local island of Koh Lipe. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Koh Lipe or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the destination of Koh Lipe. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

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 The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Lipe and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Koh Lipe is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Koh Lipe is in Asia and Lake Tekapo is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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