A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shiretoko National Park vs. Rotorua for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a diverse, cultural, and natural town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Shiretoko National Park and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rotorua. Although Shiretoko National Park and Rotorua are popular destinations, Rotorua has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rotorua is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Shiretoko National Park attracts visitors for its hiking. Rotorua is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is popular for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. It is also well known for Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Shiretoko National Park is famous for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Shiretoko National Park different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua?

Shiretoko National Park
Rotorua

Rotorua is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Rotorua can be an interesting and educational experience. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.


Is the Food Better in Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shiretoko National Park
Rotorua

Rotorua is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

Dining out in Rotorua is an experience not to be missed. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Shiretoko National Park
Rotorua

Rotorua is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Rotorua. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Shiretoko National Park
Rotorua

Shiretoko National Park is an amazing remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Shiretoko National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.


Is the Shopping Better in Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua?

Shiretoko National Park
Rotorua

Rotorua is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Rotorua to go shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua Better for Families?

Shiretoko National Park
Rotorua

Rotorua is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Rotorua is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly remote,natural,scenic,pristine. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua Better for Couples?

Shiretoko National Park
Rotorua

Rotorua is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for romance.

Rotorua has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

Shiretoko National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.


Is Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shiretoko National Park
Rotorua

Rotorua is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rotorua is a very popular town to visit for backpackers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Shiretoko National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Shiretoko National Park
Rotorua

Rotorua is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for times when you don't have a car.

Rotorua has a few public transit options. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Public transit is quite limited in Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Shiretoko National Park
Rotorua

Shiretoko National Park and Rotorua both are nice when exploring on foot.

Shiretoko National Park is a somewhat walkable remote,natural,scenic,pristine. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

Rotorua is somewhat walkable. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.


For even more information, also check out Is Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Rotorua Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Shiretoko National Park?

How long in Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rotorua than Shiretoko National Park 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 Rotorua.


  • How many days in Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua? Ideal Length of Stay
    Shiretoko National Park 3-4 
    Rotorua 2-3

One day in Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua?

In Shiretoko National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find nightlife and food around the world-renowned town of Rotorua. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua?

In Shiretoko National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Rotorua is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Five days in Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua?

Shiretoko National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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.

Rotorua is a great place to explore. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


A week in Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shiretoko National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Shiretoko National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Rotorua. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Shiretoko National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Shiretoko National Park is $74, while the average daily cost in Rotorua is $93. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Shiretoko National Park and Rotorua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shiretoko National Park $33
    Rotorua $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shiretoko National Park $66
    Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Shiretoko National Park and Rotorua

Looking for a hotel in Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Shiretoko National Park


Hotels in Rotorua


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices and Rotorua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shiretoko National Park $26
    Rotorua $5.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotorua

Also for Rotorua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Rotorua to Auckland Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Glow Worms: $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua?

Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Shiretoko National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Shiretoko National Park $25
    Rotorua $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotorua

For Rotorua, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet: $92
  • Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $154

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shiretoko National Park $15
    Rotorua $34

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rotorua

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Rotorua's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Lunch Out for Two
    $27

Tours and Activities in Rotorua

For Rotorua, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Jade Carving Experience at a Local Studio: $21
  • Mountain Jade Highlights Tour: $21
  • Government Gardens Walking Tour: $23
  • Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $27
  • Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $27
  • Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $27
  • Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $27
  • Agrodome Farm Tour with Show and Produce Tasting: $29
  • Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $30
  • The National Kiwi Hatchery Tour: $35
  • National Kiwi Hatchery - Kiwi Encounter Tour: $37
  • Velocity Valley Ticket: $39

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shiretoko National Park $10
    Rotorua $12

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rotorua

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rotorua:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shiretoko National Park and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Shiretoko National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shiretoko National Park is in Asia and Rotorua is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Shiretoko National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shiretoko National Park 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 Rotorua would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotorua than you might in Shiretoko National Park.

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



When is the best time to visit Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rotorua is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Shiretoko National Park has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua and Shiretoko National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Shiretoko National Park is a little warmer than Rotorua in the summer. The daily temperature in Shiretoko National Park averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in January.

Shiretoko National Park usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Shiretoko National Park gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F) 
    Rotorua 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shiretoko National Park and Rotorua. Many travelers come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rotorua in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Shiretoko National Park is much colder than Rotorua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shiretoko National Park in October average around 10°C (51°F), and Rotorua averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.

In October, Shiretoko National Park usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Shiretoko National Park gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F) 
    Rotorua 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shiretoko National Park as well as Rotorua. Additionally, most visitors come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Shiretoko National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Shiretoko National Park is generally much colder than Rotoruain July. Daily temperatures in Shiretoko National Park average around -6°C (20°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Shiretoko National Park usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Shiretoko National Park gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F) 
    Rotorua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Rotorua in the Spring?

Both Rotorua and Shiretoko National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the natural beauty.

Shiretoko National Park can be very cold during spring. Shiretoko National Park is much colder than Rotorua in the spring. The daily temperature in Shiretoko National Park averages around 5°C (40°F) in April, and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

In April, Shiretoko National Park usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Shiretoko National Park gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F) 
    Rotorua 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park Rotorua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 26°C (79°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)