A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Perth vs. Paihia for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Perth or Paihia?

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 Paihia can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a isolated, sunny, and friendly city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping. See Perth travel costs.

Paihia

Paihia is a beautiful, relaxing, and fun-filled coastal town. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Paihia travel costs.

Perth and Paihia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Paihia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paihia. Although Perth and Paihia are popular destinations, Paihia has more sights and attractions for tourists. Paihia is very popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking, while Perth attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Paihia is more touristy than Perth and is known for its warm year round climate, impressive beaches, and world class snorkeling and scuba diving. It is also well known for the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Perth is famous for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Perth different from Paihia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Paihia 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 Paihia?

Perth is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Paihia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Paihia. There are some interesting cultural sights in the area like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the Museum of Waitangi.

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

Paihia is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Paihia. Local seafood, regional produce, and fresh ingredients make dining in the area a rewarding experience. You'll find fine dining restaurants, pizzerias, and local cafes to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Perth. 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.

Is Perth or Paihia Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Perth and Paihia.

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

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Paihia. As a holiday spot, there are a number of clubs and bars that cater to tourists in the area.

Is Perth or Paihia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paihia is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Perth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Paihia. There are scuba diving and snorkel shops available around town where you can organize trips and excursions to experience the undersea world.

Perth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Perth or Paihia Better for Beaches?

Perth and Paihia are first-rate choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Perth is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

The beaches in Paihia are among the best in the world. There are stunning beaches both in Paihia and throughout the Bay of Islands. Paihia Beach is in town. It's small but nice and makes a great picnic spot. For a more secluded spot head to Matauri Bay Beach or Takou Bay.

Is Perth or Paihia Better for Hiking?

Paihia is great for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Paihia for the hiking trails. The Bay of Islands is filled with coastal walks and peaceful hikes. This is a great way to soak up the area's atmosphere and take in some spectacular views.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Paihia?

If you're looking to go shopping, Perth and Paihia both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Perth. 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.

Paihia offers some nice shopping areas. There are plenty of retail stores around town where you can pick up clothes or enjoy some souvenir shopping.

Is Perth or Paihia Better for Families?

Paihia is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Paihia is one of the most popular family destinations. Beaches, dolphin spotting, ice cream, and chocolate factories make the Bay of Islands the perfect place for a family vacation. There are amazing walking trails like the Manginangina Kauri Walk and opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. There are also adventure spots and great beaches.

Perth is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Perth or Paihia Better for Couples?

Paihia is very popular for romance. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Paihia has plenty to offer. You can enjoy sunset boat cruises, sip wine with a waterfront view, or walk through pristine natural areas. For thrill seekers there are adrenaline filled activities like parasailing or scuba diving.

Perth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

Is Perth or Paihia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paihia is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Paihia is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a handful of hostels around town as well as many great activities for backpackers like scuba diving or parasailing.

It's common for backpackers to visit Perth. 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.

Is Perth or Paihia Better for Students?

Perth is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Paihia is not popular with students.

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

Paihia is not popular with students.

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

Perth and Paihia both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Perth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Paihia has a few public transit options. There are ferries and some intercity buses through the Bay of Islands.

Is Perth or Paihia a more walkable city?

Perth and Paihia are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Paihia is a somewhat walkable place. It's possible to explore parts of the town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paihia or Perth?

How long in Perth or Paihia?

In either Perth or Paihia, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Paihia than Perth because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Perth, and 3-5 days is enough time in Paihia.

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

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

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

One day in Perth or Paihia?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Perth. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Paihia, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this relaxing destination offers. 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.

A weekend in Perth or Paihia?

Perth is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, 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 Paihia. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Perth or Paihia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Perth. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Paihia is a fun place to experience. In Paihia, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Perth or Paihia?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the isolated destination of Perth. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Paihia. 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 Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Perth and Paihia, we can see that Perth is more expensive. And not only is Paihia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Paihia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Paihia 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 Paihia.

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

Which is Bigger, Perth or Paihia?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 740 times larger than the population of Paihia. When comparing the sizes of Perth and Paihia, 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.