A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surfers Paradise vs. Lake Tekapo for Families, Backpackers, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Surfers Paradise or Lake Tekapo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Surfers Paradise or Lake Tekapo, 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.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a thrilling, active, and ritzy city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a remote, basic, and small town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Surfers Paradise and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surfers Paradise or Lake Tekapo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Surfers Paradise and Lake Tekapo are popular destinations, Surfers Paradise has more sights and attractions for tourists. Surfers Paradise is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Lake Tekapo attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Lake Tekapo and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also well known for the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Lake Tekapo is famous for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Surfers Paradise different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Dining out in Surfers Paradise is an experience not to be missed. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

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 Surfers Paradise or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Surfers Paradise is a must-see party destination. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

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 Surfers Paradise or Lake Tekapo Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for its resorts. However, Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Surfers Paradise for its luxury resorts. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Lake Tekapo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lake Tekapo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Surfers Paradise. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Lake Tekapo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Lake Tekapo Better for Beaches?

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

Surfers Paradise offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Lake Tekapo is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Lake Tekapo. 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Is the Shopping Better in Surfers Paradise or Lake Tekapo?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

Surfers Paradise is a world class destination for shoppers. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

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

Is Surfers Paradise or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Surfers Paradise is very family-friendly. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

Lake Tekapo is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Surfers Paradise or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Surfers Paradise is a great destination for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Surfers Paradise frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Surfers Paradise or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for backpackers. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Surfers Paradise is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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

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

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

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 Surfers Paradise or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Surfers Paradise and Lake Tekapo are nice when it comes to walkability.

Surfers Paradise is a somewhat walkable city. There are walking and bike paths around town.

Lake Tekapo is somewhat walkable. 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 Surfers Paradise Worth Visiting? and Is Lake Tekapo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Surfers Paradise?

How long in Surfers Paradise or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Surfers Paradise or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Surfers Paradise than Lake Tekapo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Surfers Paradise, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lake Tekapo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Surfers Paradise or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the glamourous city of Surfers Paradise. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find around the remote destination of Lake Tekapo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Surfers Paradise or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the ritzy destination of Surfers Paradise. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find around the small town of Lake Tekapo. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Surfers Paradise or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the thrilling city of Surfers Paradise. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Lake Tekapo is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Surfers Paradise or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Surfers Paradise. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Lake Tekapo is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to 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 Surfers Paradise and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise Expensive? and Is Lake Tekapo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Surfers Paradise or Lake Tekapo?

Surfers Paradise has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Surfers Paradise 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.