A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Dunedin for Beaches, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao 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.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a beautiful, undiscovered, and secluded island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a vibrant, small, and hilly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Koh Tarutao and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Dunedin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dunedin. Although Koh Tarutao and Dunedin are popular destinations, Dunedin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dunedin is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Koh Tarutao attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Dunedin is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is popular for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula. It is also well known for . Koh Tarutao is famous for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Tarutao or Dunedin?

Dunedin is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Koh Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

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

Dunedin is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Dunedin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Is Koh Tarutao or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Dunedin is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Dunedin has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Tarutao. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Is Koh Tarutao or Dunedin Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not so good for its resorts. However, Dunedin is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Koh Tarutao offers a few options. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Dunedin is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Tarutao. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

Many people head to Dunedin to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Koh Tarutao or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

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 Koh Tarutao or Dunedin?

Dunedin is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Dunedin. 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.

Koh Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Is Koh Tarutao or Dunedin Better for Families?

Dunedin is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dunedin. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tarutao. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

Is Koh Tarutao or Dunedin Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Koh Tarutao frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

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 Koh Tarutao or Dunedin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dunedin is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

Is Koh Tarutao or Dunedin Better for Students?

Dunedin is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Tarutao 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.

Koh Tarutao is not popular with students.

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

Dunedin is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

Is Koh Tarutao or Dunedin a more walkable city?

Dunedin is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Koh Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Dunedin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Tarutao and Dunedin. In our opinion, Dunedin has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Dunedin than Koh Tarutao. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Koh Tarutao, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dunedin.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dunedin than Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao or Dunedin?

In Koh Tarutao, you'll find . You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the small city of Dunedin. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Dunedin?

In Koh Tarutao, you'll find . 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 beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Tarutao has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Dunedin. This city 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.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Dunedin?

Koh Tarutao is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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.

The small city of Dunedin offers shopping and museums. 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.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Dunedin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tarutao. Many people enjoy the when visiting Koh Tarutao. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dunedin. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Tarutao and Dunedin, we can see that Dunedin 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 Tarutao is in Asia and Dunedin 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 Tarutao Expensive? and Is Dunedin Expensive?.