A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Taupo vs. Odense for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Taupo or Odense?

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

Should I visit Taupo or Odense? 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 otherworldly, striking, and stunning town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Taupo travel costs.

Odense

Odense is a European, progressive, and beautiful city. And you can't forget about the nightlife and food. See Odense travel costs.

Taupo and Odense: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Taupo or Odense?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Taupo. Although Taupo and Odense are both popular with visitors, Taupo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Taupo is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Odense is known for its nightlife. Taupo is more touristy than Odense and is known for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. It is also home to the Craters of the Moon reserve. Odense is popular for

How is Taupo different from Odense?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Taupo or Odense Better for Skiing?

Taupo
Odense

Taupo is terrific for snow skiing. However, Odense 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.

Odense is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Taupo or Odense?

Taupo
Odense

Taupo is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Odense does not have museums and landmarks.

Taupo offers a few options for museum-goers. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

Odense does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Taupo or Odense? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Taupo
Odense

Taupo is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Taupo is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Odense. You'll find local restaurants serving local favorites such as smoked salmon. You'll also find burger joints and international options such as sushi.

Is Taupo or Odense Better for Nightlife?

Taupo
Odense

Odense is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Odense know how to have a good time. You'll find a number of bars and clubs around town. Many are conveniently close together so you can hit up several places in one night. Start your night at a pub before heading out dancing in the club a few hours later.

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 Odense Better for Hiking?

Taupo
Odense

Taupo is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Odense is not a hiking destination.

Taupo is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Odense is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Taupo or Odense?

Taupo
Odense

Taupo is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Taupo to go shopping. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Taupo or Odense More Beautiful?

Taupo
Odense

Taupo is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Odense is not a destination known for its beauty.

Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Odense is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Taupo or Odense Better for Families?

Taupo
Odense

Taupo is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.

Odense is a very family-friendly destination. As the home of Hans Christian Andersen, this town is a child's playhouse. You can visit the H.C. Andersen House, which will bring his fairytale mind to life. The city also has more than 200 playgrounds, an amazing zoo, and the Funen Village, which is an open air museum. There's also a castle to explore and paddle boating on the water.

Is Taupo or Odense Better for Couples?

Taupo
Odense

Taupo is terrific for couples. However, Odense is a mediocre city for romance.

Taupo is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Odense is not the best destination for a couple to visit. It's a charming city with a lot of green space and paddle boating on the water, but it lacks some of the romance that you find in many European cities.

Is Taupo or Odense Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo
Odense

Taupo is terrific for backpackers. However, Odense is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Taupo is a very popular town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Odense is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel or two in town, but most backpackers don't make the time to visit this off-the-beaten-path destination.


Is Taupo or Odense Better for Students?

Taupo
Odense

Odense is a popular place for students. However, Taupo is not popular with students.

Odense is popular with students. It's a charming and friendly city that makes a fun place to learn and live. There's a fascinating culture and a number of things to do.

Taupo is not popular with students.

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

Taupo
Odense

Taupo is a good destination for its public transit. However, Odense does not have public transit.

Taupo has a few public transit options. 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.

Odense does not have public transit.

Is Taupo or Odense a more walkable city?

Taupo
Odense

Taupo is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Odense is not a walkable destination.

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.

Odense is not a walkable destination.


Should I spend more time in Odense or Taupo?

How long in Taupo or Odense?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Taupo and Odense. In our opinion, Taupo has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Taupo than Odense. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Taupo than Odense 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 Taupo.


  • How many days in Taupo or Odense? Ideal Length of Stay
    Taupo 2-3 
    Odense 2-3

One day in Taupo or Odense?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Taupo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Odense, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this European destination offers. 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 Odense?

Taupo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Odense. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Taupo or Odense?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taupo. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Odense is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Odense. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Taupo or Odense?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the stunning destination of Taupo. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and nightlife around the European destination of Odense. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


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 Copenhagen, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark.


Which place is cheaper, Odense or Taupo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Taupo is $128, while the average daily cost in Odense is $218. 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 Odense in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taupo $62
    Odense $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taupo $124
    Odense $176
Compare Hotels in Taupo and Odense

Looking for a hotel in Taupo or Odense? 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 Odense


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 Odense Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taupo $25
    Odense $48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taupo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Taupo:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Taupo or Odense?

Prices for flights to both Odense 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 $41
    Odense $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taupo $34
    Odense $32
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
    $151
  • Jet Boating
    $56

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: $22
  • Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Candy Cottage: $22
  • Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Cursed Cabin: $22
  • Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Hunting Lodge: $22
  • 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: $30
  • Lake Maori Rock Carvings 10.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise: $34
  • Lake 1.5-Hour Maori Rock Carvings 5:00 PM Cruise: $34
  • Lake Maori Rock Carvings 8.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise: $34
  • Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures - Kindred Spirit: $35
  • Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo: $35

Tours and Activities in Odense

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Odense are as follows:

  • Craft Beer Walking Tour: $62
  • Odense Private Guided Walking Tour: $382

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taupo $13
    Odense $24
Typical Alcohol Prices in Taupo

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


  • Wine
    $5.03


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Taupo and Odense, we can see that Odense 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 Odense is in Europe, 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 Odense would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Odense 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 Odense Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Taupo or Odense?

Odense has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Taupo and Odense, 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.