A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Okinawa vs. Tauranga for Beaches, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Okinawa or Tauranga?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Okinawa and Tauranga. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a tropical, lush, and serene archipelago. You'll find world class beauty in Okinawa as well. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Okinawa travel costs.

Tauranga

Tauranga is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-filled town. With stunning beauty, Tauranga attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Tauranga travel costs.

Okinawa and Tauranga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Okinawa or Tauranga?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Okinawa. Although Okinawa and Tauranga are about the same size, Okinawa has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Okinawa is famous for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. It is also well known for the Kerama Islands. Tauranga is famous for its sandy beaches and beautiful walking trails.

How is Okinawa different from Tauranga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Okinawa or Tauranga?

Okinawa is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Okinawa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

Tauranga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historic buildings in town like the Elms Mission Station which dates back to 1847.

Is the Food Better in Okinawa or Tauranga? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Okinawa is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Okinawa is an experience not to be missed. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Tauranga. You'll find a great mix of restaurants in the town's downtown area. There are international flavors as well as seafood and other local favorites.

Is Okinawa or Tauranga Better for Nightlife?

Okinawa is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Okinawa offers plenty to do in the evening. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Tauranga. The city is known for its laid back bar scene. There are venues with casual live music as well as pubs where locals and tourists intermingle.

Is Okinawa or Tauranga Better for Resorts?

Okinawa is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Tauranga is not a resort destination.

Okinawa is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

Tauranga is not a resort destination.

Is Okinawa or Tauranga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tauranga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Okinawa a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

Tauranga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Okinawa or Tauranga Better for Beaches?

Okinawa is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Okinawa. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

Tauranga is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Families and travelers head here for the sandy beaches and water activities. Surfing, kayaking, and fishing are all popular in the area. Some of the most popular beaches include Mount Maunganui Beach, Waihī Beach, and Anzac Bay.

Is Okinawa or Tauranga Better for Hiking?

Okinawa is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Okinawa specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Tauranga. The Bay of Plenty is filled with hiking trails that run along the coast or head inland through the mountains. There are forest and bush walks that range in length and skill level and there really is something for everyone.

Is the Shopping Better in Okinawa or Tauranga?

Both Okinawa and Tauranga are nice shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Okinawa to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Tauranga. You'll find all of the standard shopping malls, retail outlets, and clothing boutiques around town.

Is Okinawa or Tauranga More Beautiful?

Okinawa is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Okinawa as well. The islands are filled with beautiful natural environments that range from white sand beaches to mangrove forests. The water is turquoise and the setting is idyllic for vacationers.

Tauranga is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. A mix of beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and other natural environments make this a beautiful destination for travelers.

Is Okinawa or Tauranga Better for Families?

Both Okinawa and Tauranga are amazing family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Okinawa is very family-friendly. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei Island.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Tauranga is a very family-friendly destination. Check out the ropes courses at Adrenalin Forest or play in the water at Waimarino Adventure Park. There are also many different walking areas like McLaren Falls Park and Kaiate Falls. Kids will love hanging out at the beach around Mount Maunganui or Papamoa Beach. This is an affordable and kid-family destination for locals and international tourists alike.

Is Okinawa or Tauranga Better for Couples?

Okinawa is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Okinawa makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

Tauranga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a romantic destination with great beaches and beautiful waterfalls. You can enjoy a picnic in the park or dine at one of the local restaurants. Kayaking is also a popular activity in the area.

Is Okinawa or Tauranga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tauranga is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Tauranga is a very popular town to visit for backpackers. This is one of the more affordable destinations in New Zealand. There are also a number of backpacker-friendly jobs that make it a great place to base yourself.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Okinawa. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

Is Okinawa or Tauranga Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Okinawa and Tauranga offer nice public transit options.

Okinawa has a few public transit options. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

Tauranga has some public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries in the area.

Is Okinawa or Tauranga a more walkable city?

Tauranga is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Okinawa is not a good archipelago for its walkability.

Tauranga is a somewhat walkable town. There are many walking and cycling paths in the area, but you really need a car to explore the area in depth.

Okinawa is generally not a very walkable archipelago. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

For even more information, also check out Is Okinawa Worth Visiting? and Is Tauranga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tauranga or Okinawa?

How long in Okinawa or Tauranga?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Okinawa and Tauranga. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Okinawa than in Tauranga. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Okinawa, and 2-3 days is enough time in Tauranga.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Okinawa than Tauranga 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 Okinawa.

One day in Okinawa or Tauranga?

The beautiful archipelago of Okinawa offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Tauranga, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Okinawa or Tauranga?

Okinawa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Tauranga, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tauranga has to offer.

Five days in Okinawa or Tauranga?

Okinawa is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Okinawa, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Tauranga is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Okinawa or Tauranga?

Okinawa is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Okinawa has to offer. This archipelago offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tauranga. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Tauranga. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Okinawa and Tauranga, we can see that Okinawa 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. Even though Okinawa is in Asia and Tauranga is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Okinawa or Tauranga?

Okinawa has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Tauranga. When comparing the sizes of Okinawa and Tauranga, 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.