A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Te Anau for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Te Anau?

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 Te Anau. 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 remote, beautiful, and undiscovered island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches and hiking.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a stunning, pristine, and breathtaking town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Koh Tarutao and Te Anau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Te Anau?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Te Anau. Although Koh Tarutao and Te Anau are both popular with visitors, Te Anau has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Te Anau is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Koh Tarutao is known for its resorts and beaches. Te Anau is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park. It is also home to Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Koh Tarutao is popular for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Te Anau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Te Anau is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Te Anau specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town is about the surrounding outdoor activities but you will find the Te Anau Vintage Machinery Museum and the Te Anau Trout Observatory in town.

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 Te Anau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Te Anau is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Te Anau has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town makes a great spot to refuel after all of your hiking and outdoor adventures. There are plenty of cafes and food trucks around town where you can enjoy local dishes and a friendly atmosphere.

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 Te Anau Better for Nightlife?

Te Anau is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Te Anau. This is a small town that's focused on outdoor activities, but it does receive a number of tourists, so you'll find a few bars around town where you can hang out.

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 Te Anau Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Te Anau is not a resort destination.

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Koh Tarutao, but you'll find a few options to choose from. 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.

Te Anau is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Te Anau Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is renowned for the beache. However, Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Koh Tarutao is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Te Anau Better for Hiking?

Te Anau is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Te Anau is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The town serves as basecamp for Fiordland National Park so there are many amazing hikes and walks in the area. Many of the hikes begin at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and range in length and the required skill level.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Te Anau?

Te Anau is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Te Anau has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops where you can pick up any outdoor supplies and food items that you may need.

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 Te Anau Better for Families?

Te Anau is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Te Anau is very family-friendly. The town's proximity to the Milford Sound make it a nice base for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Kayaking or exploring the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are favorite activities in the area. There's also the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and many hikes nearby.

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 Te Anau Better for Couples?

Te Anau is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Te Anau is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The stunning scenery in the area, combined with small town charm, make this is a top couple's destination and a wonderful honeymoon spot. Couples who appreciate nature and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this amazing area.

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.

Is Koh Tarutao or Te Anau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Te Anau 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 Te Anau. For such a small town, there are a decent number of hostels and budget accommodation options in the area. The town makes a good base for exploring the region's stunning scenery.

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 Te Anau Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Tarutao is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Te Anau. Public transit in the area is limited and most visitors have their own car or join one of the many tours in the area.

Is Koh Tarutao or Te Anau a more walkable city?

Koh Tarutao and Te Anau are decent when it comes to walkability.

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

Te Anau is generally not very walkable. Exploring the area requires a vehicle and, while there are many hikes in the area, it's not easy to walk to many places. There are tours available for those that don't have a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Te Anau or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Te Anau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Tarutao and Te Anau. In our opinion, Te Anau has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Te Anau 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 Te Anau.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Te Anau 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 Te Anau.

One day in Koh Tarutao or Te Anau?

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.

Te Anau is a small town with plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Te Anau?

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.

Te Anau 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.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Te Anau?

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.

Because Te Anau 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.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Te Anau?

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.

Since Te Anau 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.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Tarutao and Te Anau, we can see that Te Anau 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 Te Anau 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 Te Anau Expensive?.