A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Taupo vs. Nadi (Port Denarau) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Taupo or Nadi (Port Denarau)?

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

Should I visit Taupo or Nadi (Port Denarau)? 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.

Where Should I go: Taupo or Nadi (Port Denarau)?

Taupo

Taupo is a town located in the center of the North Island, situated on the shores of Lake Taupo, which is New Zealand's largest lake. It is also the caldera of the Taupo Volcano. It has a population of 23,700 people and is visited by many people interested in fishing, boating, and other water activities. There are many hiking and biking trails that take you around the water as well.

Nadi (Port Denarau)

Nadi, pronounced "Nandi", is a city and transportation hub in the Fijian islands. It is on one of the main islands, Viti Levu, and has a population of about 42,000. Many inhabitants are Indian as well as Fijian, and the largest temple in the Southern hemisphere is located in the city center. It must be noted that Nadi and surrounding areas aren't known for the beaches. This is more of a cultural destination or starting point for your trip to Fiji. For the best beaches, you will want to venture out to the other, smaller, islands.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.


Which place is cheaper, Nadi (Port Denarau) or Taupo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Taupo Prices
    New Zealand Prices
    Nadi (Port Denarau) Prices
    Fiji Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Taupo $125
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $200

The average daily cost (per person) in Taupo is $125, while the average daily cost in Nadi (Port Denarau) is $200. 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 Taupo and Nadi (Port Denarau) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taupo $61
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $107
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taupo $122
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $214
Compare Hotels in Taupo and Nadi (Port Denarau)

Looking for a hotel in Taupo or Nadi (Port Denarau)? 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 Taupo


Hotels in Nadi (Port Denarau)


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: Taupo Hotel Prices and Nadi (Port Denarau) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taupo $24
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $8.88

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taupo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Taupo:

  • Tongariro Crossing : 2 Day PRIVATE TRANSFER Leaving AUCKLAND: $1,101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nadi (Port Denarau)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nadi (Port Denarau):

  • (Private Transfer) Nadi Airport to The Marriot Momi Bay Resort: $28
  • 100% CFC APPROVED PRIVATE Transfer - Denarau to Nadi & Coral Coast Hotels: $113
  • Airport Transfers: $71
  • Airport Transfers Fiji: $29
  • Arrival Shared Transfer : Airport to Hotel: $37
  • CFC APPROVED Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Fiji Marriott, Momi Bay: $29
  • CFC APPROVED Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Shangri-La Fijian Resort: $37
  • CFC APPROVED Private Departure Transfer - Fiji Marriott Resort, to Nadi Airport: $30
  • CFC APPROVED Private Departure Transfer - Outrigger or Bedarra to Nadi Airport: $41
  • CFC APPROVED Private Roundtrip Transfer -Nadi Airport to All Maui Bay Properties: $71
  • CFC Approved Private Airport Transfer - Nadi Airport to Denarau: $30
  • CFC Approved Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Doubletree Resort: $23

Is it cheaper to fly into Taupo or Nadi (Port Denarau)?

Prices for flights to both Nadi (Port Denarau) and Taupo 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
    Taupo $40
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nadi (Port Denarau)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nadi (Port Denarau).

  • Capt Cook Cruises Super Saver Combo: Day Sail + Dinner Cruise: $200

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taupo $34
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Taupo

Here are a few typical costs in Taupo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Bungy Jumping
    $148
  • Jet Boating
    $55

Tours and Activities in Taupo

Here are a few actual costs in Taupo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Marvelous Circus: $23
  • Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Enchanted Candy Forest: $23
  • Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Cursed Cabin: $23
  • Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Hunting Lodge: $23
  • Orakei Korako Geothermal Park and Cave Entry Ticket: $28
  • Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp: $30
  • Self-Guided Geothermal Tour in Orakei Korako: $34
  • Lake Maori Rock Carvings 8.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise: $34
  • Lake 1.5-Hour Maori Rock Carvings 5:00 PM Cruise: $34
  • Lake Maori Rock Carvings 10.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise: $34
  • Classical Sailing - Māori Rock Carvings -Taupo Sailing Adventures: $35
  • Eco Sailing Tour to Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo: $35

Tours and Activities in Nadi (Port Denarau)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nadi (Port Denarau) are as follows:

  • garden of the sleeping giant and mudpool tour combo: $41
  • FIJI: Official Sabeto Hotspring and Mudpool Tour: $46
  • FIJI: Official Tifajek Mud Pool and Hot Spring Tour: $46
  • Kava Factory Tour and Flavored Kava Tasting Experience: $55
  • Sabeto Waterfall Tour (Nadi): $59
  • Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool Tour: $74
  • Finding Nemo - Half Day Cruise to South Sea Island: $74
  • Garden of Sleeping Giant with Sabeto Hotspring Mudpool Tour: $79
  • Private Tour: Hot spings & Sleeping Giant Garden hiking Adventure: $80
  • Nadi Heritage Tour: $83
  • Cultural Night Tour: $85
  • Nadi Sightseeing Include Viseisei Village, Market, Garden& Temple: $87

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taupo $13
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Taupo

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Taupo from other travelers:


  • Wine
    $4.92


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Taupo and Nadi (Port Denarau), we can see that Nadi (Port Denarau) is more expensive. And not only is Taupo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Taupo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Taupo 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 Nadi (Port Denarau) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nadi (Port Denarau) than you might in Taupo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Taupo Expensive? and Is Nadi (Port Denarau) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Taupo or Nadi (Port Denarau)?

Nadi (Port Denarau) has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Taupo and Nadi (Port Denarau), 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.