A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Singapore vs. Te Anau for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Singapore or Te Anau?

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

Should I visit Singapore or Te Anau? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Singapore

Singapore is a global, diverse, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Singapore is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches. See Singapore travel costs.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a stunning, pristine, and breathtaking town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty in Te Anau as well. Other popular activities here include food and hiking. See Te Anau travel costs.

Singapore and Te Anau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Singapore or Te Anau?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Singapore. Although Singapore and Te Anau are both popular with visitors, Singapore has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Singapore is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Te Anau is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Singapore is popular for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also home to Merlion Park Waterfront. Te Anau is popular for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

How is Singapore different from Te Anau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Singapore or Te Anau?

Singapore is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Singapore. The mix of cultures and unique history have led to museums and landmarks that mix historic and modern. The Merlion statue in Merlion Park has become a symbol of the city. For an educational experience, head to the Asian Civilizations Museum, and to see colonial architecture check out Fort Canning Park.

Te Anau offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The town is about the surrounding outdoor activities but you will find the Te Anau Vintage Machinery Museum and the Te Anau Trout Observatory in town.

Is the Food Better in Singapore or Te Anau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Singapore is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Te Anau is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Singapore have been singled out for their culinary prowess. From local dives to five star restaurants, the city's food scene is all about diversity. Make sure you try Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, and Hokkien prawn mee.

Dining out in Te Anau is an experience not to be missed. The town makes a great spot to refuel after all of your hiking and outdoor adventures. There are plenty of cafes and food trucks around town where you can enjoy local dishes and a friendly atmosphere.

Is Singapore or Te Anau Better for Nightlife?

Singapore is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Singapore. It's all about the glitzy nightclubs and exclusive cocktail bars. Head to Clarke Quay, Marina Bay Sands, or one of the many rooftop bars to experience the best of Singapore's nightlife. Do keep in mind that the city has a high alcohol tax, and strict rules around drinking in public places during certain hours.

Te Anau is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. This is a small town that's focused on outdoor activities, but it does receive a number of tourists, so you'll find a few bars around town where you can hang out.

Is Singapore or Te Anau Better for Music?

Singapore is renowned for its live music scene. However, Te Anau is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Singapore. As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.

Te Anau is not a live music destination.

Is Singapore or Te Anau Better for Resorts?

Singapore is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Te Anau is not a resort destination.

Singapore is a world class resort vacation destination. From sleek high rises with rooftop pools to family-friendly resorts with kid oriented activities, this city has it all. Popular resorts include Oasia Resort Sentosa, Dusit Thani Laguna, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Te Anau is not a resort destination.

Is Singapore or Te Anau Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Singapore is not a good area for its diving and snorkeling. However, Te Anau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Most people don't go snorkeling in Singapore. The best place to snorkel in the area is Pulau Hantu.

Te Anau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Singapore or Te Anau Better for Beaches?

Singapore is a city with good options for the beach. However, Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Singapore. You'll find most of the area's best beaches on Sentosa Island. There's a 2 kilometer long artificial beach that is split into Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach.

Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Is Singapore or Te Anau Better for Hiking?

Te Anau is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Singapore is not a hiking destination.

People visit Te Anau specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The town serves as basecamp for Fiordland National Park so there are many amazing hikes and walks in the area. Many of the hikes begin at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and range in length and the required skill level.

Singapore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Singapore or Te Anau?

Singapore is renowned for its shopping opportunities. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Singapore draws large crowds to its stores. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.

Te Anau has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops where you can pick up any outdoor supplies and food items that you may need.

Is Singapore or Te Anau More Beautiful?

Te Anau is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Singapore is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Te Anau as well. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, world class national parks, and spectacular views.

Singapore is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It is a beautiful city with many lights and colorful neighborhoods.

Is Singapore or Te Anau Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Singapore or Te Anau.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Singapore is a very family-friendly destination. With places like Sentosa and Universal Studios, there really is no shortage of activities for kids. There's also a zoo, an aquarium, and bird park, and many kid-friendly museums.

Te Anau is one of the most popular family destinations. The town's proximity to the Milford Sound make it a nice base for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Kayaking or exploring the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are favorite activities in the area. There's also the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and many hikes nearby.

Is Singapore or Te Anau Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Singapore and Te Anau make for a terrific place to visit.

Singapore makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Te Anau has plenty to offer. The stunning scenery in the area, combined with small town charm, make this is a top couple's destination and a wonderful honeymoon spot. Couples who appreciate nature and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this amazing area.

Is Singapore or Te Anau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Singapore is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Te Anau is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Singapore is extremely popular for backpackers. Many backpackers use this city as a starting or ending point for their Southeast Asian backpacking trip. It's modern and glamourous, but still has plenty of backpacker-friendly and budget-friendly options.

Te Anau is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. For such a small town, there are a decent number of hostels and budget accommodation options in the area. The town makes a good base for exploring the region's stunning scenery.

Is Singapore or Te Anau Better for Students?

Singapore is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Te Anau is not popular with students.

Singapore is a very popular city for students. As such a diverse city, you'll find plenty of international students as well as expats to hang out with.

Te Anau is not popular with students.

Is Singapore or Te Anau Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Singapore is renowned for times when you don't have a car. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Singapore has a great public transit system. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Te Anau. Public transit in the area is limited and most visitors have their own car or join one of the many tours in the area.

Is Singapore or Te Anau a more walkable city?

Singapore is renowned for its high level of walkability. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Singapore. It's possible to walk in most areas in the city center. There are also park connectors that are nice for taking a stroll or going for a run.

Te Anau is generally not very walkable. Exploring the area requires a vehicle and, while there are many hikes in the area, it's not easy to walk to many places. There are tours available for those that don't have a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Singapore Worth Visiting? and Is Te Anau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Te Anau or Singapore?

How long in Singapore or Te Anau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Singapore and Te Anau. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Singapore than in Te Anau. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Singapore, and 1-3 days is enough time in Te Anau.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Singapore than Te Anau 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 Singapore.

One day in Singapore or Te Anau?

Because Singapore is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Te Anau is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Te Anau has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Singapore or Te Anau?

Because Singapore 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. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Singapore has to offer.

Te Anau is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Singapore or Te Anau?

Singapore is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Singapore has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Te Anau is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Singapore or Te Anau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Singapore. Because Singapore is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Te Anau is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Singapore, The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore, 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 Singapore and Te Anau, we can see that Singapore is more expensive. And not only is Te Anau much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Singapore is in Asia and Te Anau 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 Te Anau would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Te Anau 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 Singapore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Singapore than you might in Te Anau.

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

Which is Bigger, Singapore or Te Anau?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 1710 times larger than the population of Te Anau. When comparing the sizes of Singapore and Te Anau, 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.