A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Lake Tekapo vs. Fiordland National Park for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lake Tekapo or Fiordland National Park?

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 Lake Tekapo and Fiordland National Park. 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.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a basic, small, and remote town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a iconic, breathtaking, and world famous national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Lake Tekapo and Fiordland National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lake Tekapo or Fiordland National Park?

Both Fiordland National Park and Lake Tekapo have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Lake Tekapo is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Fiordland National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Fiordland National Park is more touristy than Lake Tekapo and is popular for its world renowned hiking trails and stunning natural environments. Lake Tekapo is well known for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Lake Tekapo different from Fiordland National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Lake Tekapo or Fiordland National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Lake Tekapo and Fiordland National Park.

Lake Tekapo may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Fiordland National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Te Anau is a town that serves as the basecamp for the park, and there are a range of restaurants and cafes there. Once you're in the park the dining options are limited, so it's best to come prepared with your own food supplies.

Is Lake Tekapo or Fiordland National Park Better for Nightlife?

Lake Tekapo is not a good area for nightlife. However, Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Lake Tekapo doesn't offer many options. 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.

Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Lake Tekapo or Fiordland National Park Better for Hiking?

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

Fiordland National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The park has world class hiking, and this is the main activity for most visitors. There are three main trails in the park, as well as many shorter hikes that you can do. Milford Track is probably the most famous hike, and it is often considered one of the best hikes in the world. Routeburn Track is a multi-day trek that passes through a variety of environments and landscapes. Other popular trails include Kepler Track, Hollyford Track, and Dusky Track.

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 Lake Tekapo or Fiordland National Park?

Lake Tekapo is not a good area for shopping. However, Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lake Tekapo or Fiordland National Park Better for Families?

Fiordland National Park 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, Fiordland National Park is very family-friendly. It's the largest national park in New Zealand, and it makes a great playground for the whole family. It's the perfect place to go for a hike or learn about the natural world. There are dolphins and seals, waterfalls, and glowworm caves. There are also fun adventures like kayaking and jet skiing.

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 Lake Tekapo or Fiordland National Park Better for Couples?

Fiordland National Park is terrific for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Fiordland National Park is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who love the great outdoors will be in heaven in this stunning national park. There's gorgeous scenery, romantic boat trips, and world class hikes that are not to be missed.

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 Lake Tekapo or Fiordland National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fiordland National Park is terrific for backpackers. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fiordland National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. As the largest national park in New Zealand, this is a world class backpackers destination and it is filled with amazing multi-day treks and once in a lifetime experiences.

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

Neither Lake Tekapo or Fiordland National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Fiordland National Park. Public transit is basically nonexistent in the park and there are few roads as well. Even so, having your own car is important as it gives you the flexibility to reach the sections that you want to visit.

Is Lake Tekapo or Fiordland National Park a more walkable city?

Lake Tekapo is very good for its walkability. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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.

Fiordland National Park is generally not very walkable. There are trails throughout the park and it's possible to access it on foot via Routeburn Track from Mt. Aspiring National Park.

For even more information, also check out Is Lake Tekapo Worth Visiting? and Is Fiordland National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fiordland National Park or Lake Tekapo?

How long in Lake Tekapo or Fiordland National Park?

Lake Tekapo and Fiordland National Park both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fiordland National Park than Lake Tekapo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Lake Tekapo, and 3-6 days is enough time in Fiordland National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park.

One day in Lake Tekapo or Fiordland National Park?

You'll find around the remote town of Lake Tekapo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the stunning national park of Fiordland National Park. 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.

A weekend in Lake Tekapo or Fiordland National Park?

Lake Tekapo is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking destination of Fiordland National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Lake Tekapo or Fiordland National Park?

Lake Tekapo is a great place to explore. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the iconic national park of Fiordland National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Lake Tekapo or Fiordland National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Tekapo. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Fiordland National Park. 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 Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lake Tekapo and Fiordland National Park, we can see that Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fiordland National Park 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 Lake Tekapo Expensive? and Is Fiordland National Park Expensive?.