A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sapporo vs. Dunedin for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Sapporo or Dunedin?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sapporo and Dunedin 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.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a vibrant, laid-back, and park-filled city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a hilly, cultural, and vibrant city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Sapporo and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapporo or Dunedin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sapporo than Dunedin. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sapporo is very popular for its skiing, food, and big city activities, while Dunedin attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Sapporo is more touristy than Dunedin and is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also well known for Odori Park. Dunedin is famous for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula.

How is Sapporo different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sapporo or Dunedin Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is well known for winter skiing. However, Dunedin is not a skiing destination.

Sapporo is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Dunedin is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sapporo or Dunedin?

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Dunedin and Sapporo.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sapporo. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Dunedin. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

Is the Food Better in Sapporo or Dunedin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sapporo is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Sapporo is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dunedin. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Sapporo or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Sapporo and Dunedin.

The nightlife in Sapporo has something for everybody. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

Dunedin offers plenty to do in the evening. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

Is Sapporo or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Dunedin is a city with good options for the beach. However, Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Dunedin. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Is Sapporo or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Dunedin is a city with good options for hiking. However, Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Dunedin. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Sapporo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapporo or Dunedin?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sapporo and Dunedin both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Sapporo. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

Dunedin is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

Is Sapporo or Dunedin Better for Families?

Both Sapporo and Dunedin are excellent to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Sapporo. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

Dunedin is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

Is Sapporo or Dunedin Better for Couples?

Sapporo is well known for couples. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Sapporo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

Dunedin is a nice destination for couples. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

Is Sapporo or Dunedin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Sapporo and Dunedin are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Dunedin. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

Is Sapporo or Dunedin Better for Students?

For students, both Sapporo and Dunedin are excellent places to visit.

Students come from all over to stay in Sapporo. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Many students visit Dunedin. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

Is Sapporo or Dunedin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sapporo is well known for its public transit. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Sapporo can get you to most places easily. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

While Dunedin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

Is Sapporo or Dunedin a more walkable city?

Sapporo and Dunedin are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Sapporo is a very walkable destination. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

Dunedin is very walkable. Parts of the town are easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Sapporo Worth Visiting? and Is Dunedin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Sapporo?

How long in Sapporo or Dunedin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sapporo and Dunedin. In our opinion, Sapporo has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Sapporo than Dunedin. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sapporo, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dunedin.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sapporo than Dunedin 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 Sapporo.

One day in Sapporo or Dunedin?

Because Sapporo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Dunedin, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Sapporo or Dunedin?

Because Sapporo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sapporo has to offer.

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

Five days in Sapporo or Dunedin?

Sapporo is a great place to explore. 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.

Dunedin is a great place to explore. 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 Sapporo or Dunedin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sapporo. Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Sapporo. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dunedin. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dunedin. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Sapporo and Dunedin, we can see that Sapporo 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 Sapporo is in Asia and Dunedin 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 Sapporo Expensive? and Is Dunedin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sapporo or Dunedin?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Dunedin. When comparing the sizes of Sapporo and Dunedin, 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.