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

Should you visit Noosa Heads or Taupo?

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 Taupo 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 natural, charming, and laid back coastal town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of Noosa Heads is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Noosa Heads travel costs.

Taupo

Taupo is a stunning, otherworldly, and striking town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Taupo is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the skiing, nightlife, and food. See Taupo travel costs.

Noosa Heads and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Noosa Heads or Taupo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Noosa Heads than Taupo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Noosa Heads is better known for its museums and attractions, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Taupo is more popular for its skiing. Noosa Heads is well known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture. Also, Noosa Heads is famous for Noosa Main Beach. Taupo is well known for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes.

How is Noosa Heads different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Noosa Heads or Taupo Better for Skiing?

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

Visitors will find world class skiing in Taupo. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Noosa Heads is not a skiing destination.

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

Noosa Heads is a coastal town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Noosa Heads offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

Is the Food Better in Noosa Heads or Taupo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Noosa Heads and Taupo offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

Noosa Heads has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Taupo is an experience not to be missed. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

Is Noosa Heads or Taupo Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Noosa Heads and Taupo.

If you're looking for night time activities Noosa Heads has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Taupo. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Noosa Heads or Taupo Better for Beaches?

Noosa Heads is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Taupo is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Noosa Heads. 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.

Taupo is not a beach destination.

Is Noosa Heads or Taupo Better for Hiking?

Both Noosa Heads and Taupo are destinations which offer excellent hiking.

Many visitors go to Noosa Heads for the hiking trails. 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.

Taupo is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Is the Shopping Better in Noosa Heads or Taupo?

If you're looking to go shopping, Noosa Heads and Taupo both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Noosa Heads. 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.

Many visitors go to Taupo to go shopping. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Noosa Heads or Taupo More Beautiful?

Noosa Heads is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

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.

Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Is Noosa Heads or Taupo Better for Families?

Taupo is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its family-friendly activities.

Taupo is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

Noosa Heads is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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).

Is Noosa Heads or Taupo Better for Couples?

Taupo 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.

Taupo is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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 Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo 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, Taupo is extremely popular for backpackers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Taupo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Noosa Heads and Taupo both offer notable 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.

Taupo has a few public transit options. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

Is Noosa Heads or Taupo a more walkable city?

Noosa Heads is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Taupo is a somewhat walkable coastal town. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Noosa Heads Worth Visiting? and Is Taupo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Noosa Heads?

How long in Noosa Heads or Taupo?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Taupo 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 Taupo.

One day in Noosa Heads or Taupo?

Even though Noosa Heads is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This coastal 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the stunning town of Taupo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the skiing. 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 Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Noosa Heads. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the otherworldly destination of Taupo. 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 Noosa Heads or Taupo?

Noosa Heads is a fun place to experience. Noosa Heads is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

The otherworldly town of Taupo offers food and shopping. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Noosa Heads or Taupo?

Noosa Heads is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Taupo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the skiing. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When comparing the travel costs between Noosa Heads and Taupo, 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 Taupo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Noosa Heads or Taupo?

Taupo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Noosa Heads and Taupo, 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.