A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mount Bromo vs. Kaikoura for Families, Food, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Mount Bromo or Kaikoura?

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

Should I visit Mount Bromo or Kaikoura? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a spectacular, breathtaking, and scenic volcano. You'll find world class beauty in Mount Bromo as well. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a biologically diverse, unique, and nature-oriented town. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Kaikoura travel costs.

Mount Bromo and Kaikoura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mount Bromo or Kaikoura?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kaikoura. Although Mount Bromo and Kaikoura are popular destinations, Kaikoura has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kaikoura is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Mount Bromo attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Mount Bromo is famous for its sunrise views and scenic setting. Kaikoura is famous for its local Sperm Whale population, abundance of marine life, and local crayfish (lobster) recipes. It is also well known for its whale watching trips.

How is Mount Bromo different from Kaikoura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mount Bromo or Kaikoura?

Kaikoura is adequate for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Kaikoura specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There aren't many museums in the area, but it's worth learning more about the region's history with a visit to Kaikoura Museum.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Mount Bromo or Kaikoura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kaikoura is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kaikoura. Seafood lovers will be in heaven in this town! There are many local, freshly caught favorites such as cod, mussels, and crayfish (which is actually lobster). You'll find plenty of casual eateries, including an authentic American diner.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mount Bromo. You'll find cheap noodle and rice dishes at the warungs in Cemoro Lawang. Some hotels have breakfast and you should pick up some food and water for the hike at a grocery store in town. There are also some stalls along the route, some that are open even at 3am to accommodate early hikers.

Is Mount Bromo or Kaikoura Better for Nightlife?

Kaikoura is a popular place for nightlife. However, Mount Bromo is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Kaikoura has a few options to choose from. This is a small town so the nightlife scene is limited, but there are a few restaurants with bars around town.

People don't go to Mount Bromo for the nightlife. The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

Is Mount Bromo or Kaikoura Better for Beaches?

Kaikoura is a great town for its beaches. However, Mount Bromo is not a beach destination.

Kaikoura is considered a top beach destination. There are many black pebble beaches in the area, which are great for wildlife spotting, but not so good for swimming. Gooch's Beach is one of the most popular, and it's sandier than many of the other beaches. South Bay is another popular area to visit.

Mount Bromo is not a beach destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Kaikoura Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Mount Bromo and Kaikoura both have high quality trails.

Many visitors go to Mount Bromo for the hiking trails. The setting is beautiful, and best experienced at sunrise, which means most people hike through the night. Some people take horses and most people organized guided tours.

Kaikoura is a popular spot for hiking. There are many coastal walks in the area that will take you through a variety of landscapes. This is also a great way to see the many diverse types of wildlife throughout the peninsula.

Is the Shopping Better in Mount Bromo or Kaikoura?

Kaikoura is a popular place for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kaikoura. There are local shops where you can pick up some interesting products that are unique to the area.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Kaikoura More Beautiful?

Mount Bromo is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Kaikoura is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Mount Bromo as well. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

Kaikoura is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mount Bromo or Kaikoura Better for Families?

Kaikoura is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Kaikoura is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who love animals will appreciate all of the wildlife in the area. This is one of the best places in the country to see dolphins, whales, and seals. There are world class whale watching trips as well as opportunities to swim with the dolphins and get close to the seals. There is also kayaking, a coastal train, and even sheep shearing. Minigolf is also a fun activity in the area.

Mount Bromo is a family-friendly place to visit. It really depends on the age of your kids and their personality and adaptability as to whether this is a good trip for them. Many of the tours start in the middle of the night so you can see the spectacular sunrise. The trip can be a bit uncomfortable, but everyone is guaranteed an adventure!

Is Mount Bromo or Kaikoura Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mount Bromo and Kaikoura make for a high quality place to visit.

Mount Bromo is a great volcano if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

Kaikoura is a very popular place to visit for couples. The town is all about wildlife, so if whale watching trips, dolphin spotting, and experiencing amazing local wildlife is your thing, then this is your spot! There are also beautiful coastal sights with a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Is Mount Bromo or Kaikoura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kaikoura is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for backpackers.

Kaikoura is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a decent number of hostels in the area and plenty of fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Mount Bromo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Some backpackers choose to go without a guided tour, and this will let you save money. Cemoro Lawang is the closest town to the volcano.

Is Mount Bromo or Kaikoura Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mount Bromo is a moderate volcano for its public transit. However, Kaikoura is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Mount Bromo. Most people visit with a guided tour because this saves a lot of time and allows you to see the sunrise.

Public transit is quite limited in Kaikoura. The town is very small and there is no real public transit in the area.

Is Mount Bromo or Kaikoura a more walkable city?

Mount Bromo and Kaikoura are nice when it comes to walkability.

Mount Bromo is somewhat walkable. The walk takes you across the sand and up some stairs. It's usually less than an hour.

Kaikoura is a somewhat walkable place. There are many coastal walks in the area, which is a great way to soak up the beauty and see the wildlife. The town itself is small and most of the accommodation is along Beach Road, so it's relatively easy to reach places on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Mount Bromo Worth Visiting? and Is Kaikoura Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kaikoura or Mount Bromo?

How long in Mount Bromo or Kaikoura?

It's fun to spend time in either Mount Bromo or Kaikoura. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kaikoura due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Mount Bromo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Kaikoura.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kaikoura than Mount Bromo 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 Kaikoura.

One day in Mount Bromo or Kaikoura?

The beautiful volcano of Mount Bromo 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the nature-oriented town of Kaikoura. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Mount Bromo or Kaikoura?

Mount Bromo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this volcano 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 Mount Bromo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the nature-oriented destination of Kaikoura. 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 Mount Bromo or Kaikoura?

Mount Bromo 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.

The biologically diverse town of Kaikoura offers shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Mount Bromo or Kaikoura?

Mount Bromo 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 volcano offers something for everyone.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mount Bromo and Kaikoura, we can see that Kaikoura is more expensive. And not only is Mount Bromo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mount Bromo is in Asia and Kaikoura 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 Mount Bromo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mount Bromo 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 Kaikoura would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kaikoura than you might in Mount Bromo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mount Bromo Expensive? and Is Kaikoura Expensive?.