A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Perth vs. Lake Tekapo for Families, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Perth or Lake Tekapo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Perth and Lake Tekapo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a isolated, sunny, and friendly city. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a basic, small, and remote town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Perth and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Perth than Lake Tekapo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Perth is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Lake Tekapo is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Perth is well known for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location. Also, Perth is famous for the Swan Bell Tower. Lake Tekapo is well known for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Perth different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Perth or Lake Tekapo?

Perth is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Perth. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Perth or Lake Tekapo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Perth is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Perth area. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Perth or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Perth is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Perth has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Perth or Lake Tekapo Better for Beaches?

Perth is terrific for the beach. However, Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Perth offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Is Perth or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Lake Tekapo is great for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lake Tekapo for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Lake Tekapo?

Perth is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Perth to go shopping. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Perth or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Perth or Lake Tekapo.

Perth is a very family-friendly destination. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

Lake Tekapo is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

Is Perth or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Both Perth and Lake Tekapo are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Perth is a nice destination for couples. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

Lake Tekapo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Perth or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Perth and Lake Tekapo are notable places to visit.

Perth is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

It's common for backpackers to visit Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

Is Perth or Lake Tekapo Better for Students?

Perth is a good destination for students. However, Lake Tekapo is not popular with students.

Perth is popular with students. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Lake Tekapo is not popular with students.

Is Perth or Lake Tekapo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Perth is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Perth, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Perth or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Perth and Lake Tekapo are notable when it comes to walkability.

Perth is somewhat walkable. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.

Lake Tekapo is a somewhat walkable place. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

For even more information, also check out Is Perth Worth Visiting? and Is Lake Tekapo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Perth?

How long in Perth or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Perth or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Perth than Lake Tekapo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Perth, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lake Tekapo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Perth than Lake Tekapo 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 Perth.

One day in Perth or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the sunny city of Perth. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. 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.

In Lake Tekapo, many people enjoy the that this basic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Perth or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the isolated destination of Perth. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Tekapo. 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 Perth or Lake Tekapo?

The sunny city of Perth offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Lake Tekapo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Lake Tekapo. 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.

A week in Perth or Lake Tekapo?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Perth. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the basic destination of Lake Tekapo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Perth or Lake Tekapo?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 4380 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Perth and Lake Tekapo, 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.