A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers London vs. Rotorua for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit London or Rotorua?

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 London and Rotorua can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a global, international, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, London attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See London travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a world-renowned, diverse, and cultural town. With stunning beauty, Rotorua attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Rotorua travel costs.

London and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Rotorua?

Tourists will generally find more to do in London than Rotorua. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. London is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Rotorua attracts visitors for its hiking. London is more touristy than Rotorua and is known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also well known for Big Ben. Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies.

Big Ben

How is London different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in London or Rotorua?

London is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, London has many famous sights for visitors. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

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.

Is London or Rotorua Better for Theater?

London is an amazing city to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Rotorua is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in London that are not to be missed. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Rotorua is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in London or Rotorua? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both London and Rotorua.

London has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

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.

Is London or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

London is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

London has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

Rotorua has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is London or Rotorua Better for Music?

London is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Rotorua is not a live music destination.

London has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Rotorua is not a live music destination.

Is London or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rotorua is a great town for hiking. However, London is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Rotorua for the hiking trails. 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.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Rotorua?

London is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to London specifically to go shopping. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is London or Rotorua More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of superb scenery and beauty in both London and Rotorua.

With stunning beauty, London attracts visitors from all around. The city has quaint neighborhoods and stunning architectural landmarks that are not to be missed.

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 London or Rotorua Better for Families?

You'll find amazing kid-friendly activities in either London or Rotorua.

London is one of the most popular family destinations. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

Rotorua is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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 London or Rotorua Better for Couples?

Both London and Rotorua are amazing destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, London has plenty to offer. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

Rotorua has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Is London or Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both London and Rotorua are amazing places to visit.

A large number of backpackers visit London, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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.

Is London or Rotorua Better for Students?

London is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Rotorua is not popular with students.

London is a very popular city for students. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

Rotorua is not popular with students.

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

London is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in London is top-notch. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in Rotorua, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is London or Rotorua a more walkable city?

London is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in London. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

Rotorua is somewhat walkable. 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 London Worth Visiting? and Is Rotorua Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or London?

How long in London or Rotorua?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both London and Rotorua. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in London than in Rotorua. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 2-3 days is enough time in Rotorua.

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

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

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

One day in London or Rotorua?

Because London is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Rotorua. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in London or Rotorua?

Because London is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Rotorua is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in London or Rotorua?

London is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that London has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotorua. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in London or Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. Because London is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the natural destination of Rotorua. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, 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 London and Rotorua, we can see that London is more expensive. And not only is Rotorua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since London is in Europe and Rotorua is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London 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 London Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, London or Rotorua?

London has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London or Rotorua?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rotorua is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but London has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit London or Rotorua in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Rotorua. Many travelers come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rotorua in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

London is a little warmer than Rotorua in the summer. The daily temperature in London averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in January.

In July, London usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rotoruain January. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit London or Rotorua in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to London as well as Rotorua. Many visitors come to London in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, London is cooler than Rotorua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in London in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Rotorua averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.

London usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Rotorua in the Winter?

Both Rotorua and London are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

London can be very cold during winter. In January, London is generally much colder than Rotoruain July. Daily temperatures in London average around 4°C (40°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In January, London usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit London or Rotorua in the Spring?

Both Rotorua and London during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to London because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

London is much colder than Rotorua in the spring. The daily temperature in London averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

London usually gets more rain in April than Rotoruain October. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and London