A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surfers Paradise vs. Rotorua for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Surfers Paradise or Rotorua?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a high energy, thrilling, and active city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a cultural, natural, and world-renowned town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Surfers Paradise and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surfers Paradise or Rotorua?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Surfers Paradise and Rotorua are popular destinations, Surfers Paradise has more sights and attractions for tourists. Surfers Paradise is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Rotorua attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Rotorua and is known 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. Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies.

How is Surfers Paradise different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Rotorua and Surfers Paradise.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Surfers Paradise can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Rotorua. 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.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Surfers Paradise and Rotorua.

Surfers Paradise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Rotorua makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Surfers Paradise or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Surfers Paradise has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Rotorua has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Surfers Paradise or Rotorua Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Rotorua is not a resort destination.

Surfers Paradise is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Rotorua is not a resort destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Rotorua Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotorua is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Surfers Paradise is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Rotorua is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Rotorua Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Surfers Paradise is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rotorua 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 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.

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 Rotorua?

Surfers Paradise is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Surfers Paradise specifically to go shopping. 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.

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Surfers Paradise or Rotorua Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise and Rotorua are both first-rate destinations for the whole family.

Surfers Paradise is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Rotorua is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Is Surfers Paradise or Rotorua Better for Couples?

Rotorua is terrific for couples. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

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.

Is Surfers Paradise or Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise and Rotorua are both first-rate destinations for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Surfers Paradise, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Rotorua is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Surfers Paradise and Rotorua.

Surfers Paradise has some public transit options. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

You'll find some public transit in Rotorua, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Surfers Paradise or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Surfers Paradise and Rotorua are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

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 Surfers Paradise Worth Visiting? and Is Rotorua Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Surfers Paradise?

How long in Surfers Paradise or Rotorua?

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

Families should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Rotorua. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Rotorua 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 Rotorua?

In Surfers Paradise, you'll find shopping and museums. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the world-renowned destination of Rotorua. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Surfers Paradise or Rotorua?

In Surfers Paradise, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural town of Rotorua. 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 Rotorua?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Rotorua 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 Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surfers Paradise. In Surfers Paradise, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Rotorua 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 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Surfers Paradise and Rotorua, we can see that Surfers Paradise 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. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Rotorua Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Surfers Paradise or Rotorua?

Rotorua has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Surfers Paradise and Rotorua, 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.

When is the best time to visit Surfers Paradise or Rotorua?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Surfers Paradise is much warmer than Rotorua in the summer. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. In January, Surfers Paradise usually receives more rain than Rotorua. Surfers Paradise gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua and Surfers Paradise during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. 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, Surfers Paradise is a little warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surfers Paradise in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Rotorua averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually gets more rain in April than Rotorua. Surfers Paradise gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surfers Paradise and Rotorua. Many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In July, Surfers Paradise is generally much colder than Rotorua. Daily temperatures in Surfers Paradise average around 15°C (59°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In July, Surfers Paradise usually receives more rain than Rotorua. Surfers Paradise gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Surfers Paradise as well as Rotorua. Most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the natural beauty.

Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Rotorua in the spring. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the spring. Surfers Paradise usually gets more rain in October than Rotorua. Surfers Paradise gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Surfers Paradise