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

Should you visit Noosa Heads or Queenstown?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Noosa Heads and Queenstown 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.

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a laid back, relaxed, and peaceful coastal town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Noosa Heads is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking. See Noosa Heads travel costs.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a outdoorsy, nature-oriented, and spirited city. The beauty of Queenstown is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the skiing, nightlife, and food. See Queenstown travel costs.

Noosa Heads and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Noosa Heads or Queenstown?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Queenstown. Although Noosa Heads and Queenstown are popular destinations, Queenstown has more sights and attractions for tourists. Queenstown is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Noosa Heads attracts visitors for its beaches and small town charm. Noosa Heads is famous for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture. Queenstown is famous for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. It is also well known for Kawarau Bridge.

How is Noosa Heads different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Noosa Heads or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for skiing. However, Noosa Heads is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Queenstown. 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.

Noosa Heads is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Noosa Heads or Queenstown?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Noosa Heads and Queenstown.

While most people don't head to Noosa Heads specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. As a holiday destination, it is all about the beaches and laid back natural beauty. You'll find little in the form of museums, but do make your way to Laguna Lookout to take in the view.

Queenstown offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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 Noosa Heads or Queenstown? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Queenstown have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Dining out in Noosa Heads is an experience not to be missed. The scenic setting means that there are peaceful restaurants that look out on the sea or river. Many restaurants use local ingredients from nearby farms. Farm-to-table is a popular concept here, and there are many sustainable seafood dishes that use locally caught fish.

Is Noosa Heads or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

Queenstown is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Queenstown has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Noosa Heads. There are a number of pubs and bars that have opened around town. You'll find cocktail lounges, beer gardens, an plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

Is Noosa Heads or Queenstown Better for Beaches?

Noosa Heads is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Noosa Heads offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Visitors come for the laid back vibe and the spectacular beaches. For swimming, head to Noosa Main Beach. There's also surfing at the Noosa World Surfing Reserve and a peaceful and natural setting at Noosa National park.

Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Is Noosa Heads or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for the nearby hiking options.

Around Queenstown visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Noosa Heads is a popular spot for hiking. There are hiking trails that take in the coastal views or you can head inland and wander through wooded landscapes. Some of the best hiking trails are found at Noosa National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Noosa Heads or Queenstown?

Queenstown is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Queenstown is well-known for its shopping. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Many visitors go to Noosa Heads to go shopping. The main shopping street through town is Hastings Street. It's where you'll find beachside boutiques, impressive art galleries, as well as international brands.

Is Noosa Heads or Queenstown More Beautiful?

Noosa Heads and Queenstown are somewhat similar when it comes to the very good scenery.

The beauty of Noosa Heads is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's stunning natural beauty, breathtaking beaches, and nearby green spaces have made this a popular holiday destination.

With stunning beauty, Queenstown attracts visitors from all around. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.

Is Noosa Heads or Queenstown Better for Families?

Both Noosa Heads and Queenstown are very good to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Noosa Heads is very family-friendly. There are playgrounds and green space where you can picnic at the Noosa Villages. Kids will also enjoy taking ferry rides and exploring Noosa National Park. Also nearby is the impressive K'Gari (Fraser Island).

Queenstown is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Noosa Heads or Queenstown Better for Couples?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for couples.

Queenstown is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Noosa Heads is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's filled with romantic beaches and fun outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. There are plenty of places to hike and explore, as well as sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. You can also unwind with a spa day or sip wine by the sea.

Is Noosa Heads or Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Queenstown is extremely popular for backpackers. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

Noosa Heads is a very popular coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a long running stop for backpackers to Australia. There are a number of hostels to choose from and many ways to explore nature.

Is Noosa Heads or Queenstown Better for Students?

Queenstown is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Noosa Heads is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Queenstown. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

Noosa Heads is not popular with students.

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

Noosa Heads and Queenstown both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Noosa Heads offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a ferry that travels along the river. There are also buses that travel to local destinations.

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

Is Noosa Heads or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Noosa Heads and Queenstown are very good when it comes to walkability.

Noosa Heads is a very walkable coastal town. It's fun to explore the town and surrounding areas on foot. There are walking and bike paths throughout.

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 Noosa Heads Worth Visiting? and Is Queenstown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Noosa Heads?

How long in Noosa Heads or Queenstown?

Both Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Noosa Heads, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

Couples should spend more time in Queenstown than Noosa Heads. 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 Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads or Queenstown?

Noosa Heads might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the adventure-filled city of Queenstown. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Noosa Heads or Queenstown?

Even though Noosa Heads is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the nature-oriented destination of Queenstown. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city 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 Noosa Heads or Queenstown?

Noosa Heads, a popular coastal town, 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 food and shopping when visiting the nature-oriented city of Queenstown. 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 Noosa Heads or Queenstown?

Noosa Heads is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Queenstown. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Noosa Heads and Queenstown, we can see that Noosa Heads is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Noosa Heads or Queenstown?

Queenstown has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Noosa Heads 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.