A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surfers Paradise vs. Te Anau for Nightlife, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Surfers Paradise or Te Anau?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Surfers Paradise or Te Anau, 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. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a stunning, pristine, and breathtaking town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Surfers Paradise and Te Anau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surfers Paradise or Te Anau?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Surfers Paradise and Te Anau are both popular with visitors, Surfers Paradise has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Surfers Paradise is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Te Anau is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Te Anau and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also home to the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Te Anau is popular for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

How is Surfers Paradise different from Te Anau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Surfers Paradise 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 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.

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 Surfers Paradise or Te Anau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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, Te Anau makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Surfers Paradise or Te Anau Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is renowned for nightlife and partying. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Surfers Paradise is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

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 Surfers Paradise or Te Anau Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Te Anau 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.

Te Anau is not a resort destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Te Anau Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Te Anau 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.

Te Anau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Te Anau Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise is renowned for the beache. However, Te Anau 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.

Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Te Anau Better for Hiking?

Te Anau is terrific for its hiking trails. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, Te Anau draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

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 Te Anau?

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

Known for shopping, Surfers Paradise draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

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 Surfers Paradise or Te Anau Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise and Te Anau 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.

Te Anau is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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 Surfers Paradise or Te Anau Better for Couples?

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

Te Anau has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

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 Te Anau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise 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, Surfers Paradise is extremely popular 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.

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

Surfers Paradise is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

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 Surfers Paradise or Te Anau a more walkable city?

Surfers Paradise is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

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 Surfers Paradise Worth Visiting? and Is Te Anau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Te Anau or Surfers Paradise?

How long in Surfers Paradise or Te Anau?

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

Families should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Te Anau. 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 Te Anau. 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 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Surfers Paradise or Te Anau?

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.

Te Anau is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. 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 Te Anau?

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.

Te Anau is a small town with plenty to do. 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. Most people head to the area for the hiking. 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 Te Anau?

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.

Te Anau 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 Te Anau?

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.

Te Anau 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 head to the area for the hiking. 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When comparing the travel costs between Surfers Paradise and Te Anau, 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 Te Anau Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Surfers Paradise or Te Anau?

Surfers Paradise has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Te Anau. When comparing the sizes of Surfers Paradise 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.