A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nikko vs. Napier for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Nikko or Napier?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nikko and Napier can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nikko

Nikko is a natural, rural, and historic town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Nikko is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Nikko travel costs.

Napier

Napier is a coastal, relaxed, and character-filled town. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Napier travel costs.

Nikko and Napier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nikko or Napier?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Napier. Although Nikko and Napier are both popular with visitors, Napier has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Napier is more popular for its nightlife and beaches, while Nikko is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nikko is popular for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. Napier is popular for its many art deco buildings, its beautiful vineyards, and the area's long sandy beaches. It is also home to the art deco architecture.

How is Nikko different from Napier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nikko or Napier?

Nikko is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Napier is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Nikko from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Temple.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Napier can be an interesting and educational experience. Considered an "Art Deco capital", there are many interesting buildings around town and it's worth taking an Art Deco Walk. The National Aquarium of New Zealand is also impressive as is the MTG Hawke's Bay, which is a museum, gallery, and theater in one. For something a little outside the box, you can visit the Napier Prison, which is New Zealand's oldest place of incarceration, dating back to 1862.

Is the Food Better in Nikko or Napier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Nikko and Napier offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Nikko. There are many traditional dishes in the area, but one of the most famous is yuba. Yuba is made from a part of soy milk, and you'll find it in places all over town. You'll also find sushi, tofu, and tea everywhere.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Napier. With its many wineries and big mix of fine dining restaurants, there is plenty for a foodie to enjoy around town. You'll find restaurants that serve up New Zealand favorites as well as those that experiment with modern and trendy recipes.

Is Nikko or Napier Better for Nightlife?

Napier is great for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Napier for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and fun. Whether you're looking for a wild party or just want to relax with a drink and some friends, there are plenty of places where you can hang out.

People don't go to Nikko for the nightlife. The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

Is Nikko or Napier Better for Beaches?

Napier is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Nikko is not a beach destination.

Napier is considered to be a world-class beach destination. It's a popular beach destination and you'll find plenty of beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and playing with the kids. You'll want to head out of town to find the best and most beautiful beaches. For hidden beaches and some of the area's best surf, head to Mahia Peninsula. To escape the tourists and hang out with the locals, go to Waipatiki Beach. And for a picnic, Westshore Beach is a favorite. Waimarama Beach is another favorite in the area as well.

Nikko is not a beach destination.

Is Nikko or Napier Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Napier does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Nikko can be explored in its historical center. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.

Napier does not have a historic old town.

Is Nikko or Napier Better for Hiking?

Both Nikko and Napier are destinations which offer superb hiking.

Many visitors go to Nikko for the hiking trails. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.

Napier is a popular spot for hiking. Hawke's Bay is filled with wonderful walks and hikes. There are easy coastal paths as well as mult-day treks around Lake Waikaremoana. It's not hard to find somewhere to stretch your legs and explore the scenery.

Is the Shopping Better in Nikko or Napier?

If you're looking to go shopping, Nikko and Napier both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Nikko. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

Napier offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find all of the standard New Zealand retail chains as well antique and boutique shops. With its many Art Deco buildings, the city has character and personality.

Is Nikko or Napier More Beautiful?

Nikko is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Napier is not a destination known for its beauty.

Nikko is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. There are striking temples, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful nature that offers the perfect setting for losing yourself.

Napier is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nikko or Napier Better for Families?

Both Nikko and Napier are superb to visit with kids.

Nikko is a very family-friendly destination. The area offers a unique way for kids to experience Japanese culture. A highlight for the little ones is a ninja show at Grand Ninja Theatre and the Mizugei-za water magic show. Kids will also enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan and floating in the hot spring baths.

Napier is a very kid-friendly town. This coastal city has a waterpark, a waterfall walk, and plenty of beaches where the family can hang out. There's also a waterfront promenade that is filled with water features and playgrounds where the kids can run around. You can also check out Hawke's Bay Farmyard Zoo or on a rainy day head to the Faraday Museum of Technology.

Is Nikko or Napier Better for Couples?

Nikko is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Napier is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Nikko has plenty to offer. While many visitors come to see the shrines and temples, they often end up falling in love with the area's natural beauty, waterfalls, and "forest bathing" (surrounding yourself with nature). Couples will also enjoy dining on the local food and relaxing in a pool fed by a natural hot spring.

Couples visit Napier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Surrounded by vineyards and lined with beaches, this is a great place for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. Hop on a bike and explore the wineries or enjoy a beautiful hike through nature. There are also adrenaline-filled activities for thrill seekers or fine dining restaurants for the foodies.

Is Nikko or Napier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Nikko and Napier are superb places to visit.

Nikko is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

Napier is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of fun activities like mountain biking or white water rafting that you can enjoy.

Is Nikko or Napier Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nikko is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Napier is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Nikko is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

Public transit is generally limited in Napier. Public transit to most of the beaches is limited or nonexistent, so you really need a car if you want to get around and see everything.

Is Nikko or Napier a more walkable city?

Nikko is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Napier is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Nikko is very walkable. While the town is relatively walkable and there are walking paths through the forest and to most of the temples and shrines, if you want to get further into the region, it's helpful to have a car.

Napier is generally not very walkable. If you stay in town you can walk to cafes and restaurants, but you really need a car if you're planning to visit beaches or explore the area in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Nikko Worth Visiting? and Is Napier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Napier or Nikko?

How long in Nikko or Napier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nikko and Napier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nikko than in Napier. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Nikko, and 2-3 days is enough time in Napier.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nikko than Napier 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 Nikko.

One day in Nikko or Napier?

Nikko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Napier, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxed destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Nikko or Napier?

Nikko is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Napier. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Nikko or Napier?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nikko. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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.

Napier is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Napier. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Nikko or Napier?

Nikko is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxed destination of Napier. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nikko or Napier?

Napier has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Nikko and Napier, 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.