A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Taupo vs. New York City for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Taupo or New York City?

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

Should I visit Taupo or New York City? 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.

Taupo

Taupo is a striking, stunning, and otherworldly town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Taupo is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Taupo travel costs.

New York City

New York City is a vibrant, energetic, and cosmopolitan city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. New York City is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife. See New York City travel costs.

Taupo and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taupo or New York City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New York City. Although Taupo and New York City are popular destinations, New York City has more sights and attractions for tourists. New York City is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Taupo attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. New York City is more touristy than Taupo and is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also well known for The Statue of Liberty. Taupo is famous for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes.

How is Taupo different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City and Taupo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Taupo or New York City Better for Skiing?

Taupo is a must-visit destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, New York City is not a skiing destination.

Taupo is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

New York City is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Taupo or New York City?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in New York City are among the most recognizable in the world. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

Is Taupo or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Taupo is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in New York City draw crowds from around the world. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Taupo is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Taupo or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, New York City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Taupo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

Is Taupo or New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

New York City is a world class party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

If you're looking for night time activities Taupo has a few options to choose from. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Taupo or New York City Better for Music?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Taupo is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in New York City Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Taupo is not a live music destination.

Is Taupo or New York City Better for Hiking?

Taupo is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, New York City is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Taupo. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

New York City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Taupo or New York City?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in New York City make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Taupo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Taupo or New York City More Beautiful?

Taupo and New York City are somewhat similar when it comes to the nice scenery.

Taupo is a beautiful place to visit, too. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

New York City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The beauty of the skyline at night or the views from the top of the Empire State Building will take your breath away.

Is Taupo or New York City Better for Families?

Taupo is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Taupo is very family-friendly. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

New York City is a very kid-friendly town. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Taupo or New York City Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Taupo and New York City make for a amazing place to visit.

Taupo makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

For those traveling as a couple, New York City has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Is Taupo or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Taupo. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

New York City is a great town to visit for backpackers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Is Taupo or New York City Better for Students?

New York City is a must-visit destination for students. However, Taupo is not popular with students.

Many students frequent New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Taupo is not popular with students.

Is Taupo or New York City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

New York City has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

While Taupo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

Is Taupo or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around New York City on foot is easy. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Taupo is a somewhat walkable town. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Taupo Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Taupo?

How long in Taupo or New York City?

Both Taupo and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Taupo. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Taupo, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

Couples should spend more time in New York City than Taupo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New York City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Taupo 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 New York City.

One day in Taupo or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the stunning destination of Taupo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Each neighborhood in New York City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Taupo or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taupo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Taupo or New York City?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the otherworldly destination of Taupo. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

New York City is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in New York City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Taupo or New York City?

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Taupo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Each neighborhood in New York City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Taupo and New York City, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Taupo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Taupo is in Pacific and New York City is in North America, 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 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City 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 New York City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Taupo or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 360 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Taupo and New York City, 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.