A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nara vs. Queenstown for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Nara or Queenstown?

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

Should I visit Nara or Queenstown? 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.

Nara

Nara is a cultural, traditional, and tranquil city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a bustling, active, and adventure-filled city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Nara and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nara or Queenstown?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Queenstown. Although Nara and Queenstown are popular destinations, Queenstown has more sights and attractions for tourists. Queenstown is very popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Nara attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Queenstown is more touristy than Nara and is known for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. It is also well known for Kawarau Bridge. Nara is famous for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer.

How is Nara different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nara or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for snow skiing. However, Nara is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Queenstown should be on your list. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Nara is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nara or Queenstown?

Nara is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Nara. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

Is the Food Better in Nara or Queenstown? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Queenstown is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

Nara is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Is Nara or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are superb in both Nara and Queenstown.

Nara has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

Queenstown has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

Is Nara or Queenstown Better for its Old Town?

Nara is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Queenstown does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nara to see the historical old town. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Queenstown does not have a historic old town.

Is Nara or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Queenstown specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nara. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Is the Shopping Better in Nara or Queenstown?

Both Nara and Queenstown are superb shopping destinations.

Nara is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Queenstown. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Is Nara or Queenstown Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nara or Queenstown.

Nara is a very kid-friendly city. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Queenstown. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

Is Nara or Queenstown Better for Couples?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Queenstown makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

Nara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

Is Nara or Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Queenstown. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

Nara is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

Is Nara or Queenstown Better for Students?

Queenstown is notable for students. However, Nara is not popular with students.

Queenstown is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

Nara is not popular with students.

Is Nara or Queenstown Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nara is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Nara is fairly effecient and thorough. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

Queenstown has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Is Nara or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Nara and Queenstown both are superb when exploring on foot.

Nara is a very walkable city. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring on foot.

Queenstown is a very walkable destination. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Nara Worth Visiting? and Is Queenstown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Nara?

How long in Nara or Queenstown?

Both Nara and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Queenstown than in Nara. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Nara, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Queenstown than Nara 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 Queenstown.

One day in Nara or Queenstown?

With museums and nightlife around the traditional city of Nara, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nara, one day is sufficent for most.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Queenstown. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nara or Queenstown?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Nara, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Queenstown is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nara or Queenstown?

Nara, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the bustling destination of Queenstown. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Nara or Queenstown?

Nara is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the active city of Queenstown. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nara or Queenstown?

Nara has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Nara and Queenstown, 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.