A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Tauranga vs. Cromwell for Families, Backpackers, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Tauranga or Cromwell?

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

Should I visit Tauranga or Cromwell? 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.

Tauranga

Tauranga is a coastal, laid back, and relaxing town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a outdoorsy, historical, and cultural town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Tauranga and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Tauranga or Cromwell?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tauranga. Although Tauranga and Cromwell are both popular with visitors, Tauranga has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tauranga is more popular for its beaches and impressive beauty, while Cromwell is known for its skiing and small town charm. Tauranga is more touristy than Cromwell and is popular for its sandy beaches and beautiful walking trails. It is also home to Mount Maunganui. Cromwell is popular for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards.

How is Tauranga different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tauranga or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Tauranga
Cromwell

Cromwell is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Tauranga is not a skiing destination.

Head to Cromwell for some great skiing and other winter activities. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Tauranga is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tauranga or Cromwell?

Tauranga
Cromwell

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Tauranga or Cromwell.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Tauranga. There are a number of historic buildings in town like the Elms Mission Station which dates back to 1847.

Cromwell is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

Is the Food Better in Tauranga or Cromwell? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tauranga
Cromwell

Foodies will find both Tauranga and Cromwell both to be good destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Tauranga area. You'll find a great mix of restaurants in the town's downtown area. There are international flavors as well as seafood and other local favorites.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cromwell. There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.

Is Tauranga or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

Tauranga
Cromwell

Both Tauranga and Cromwell are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Tauranga. The city is known for its laid back bar scene. There are venues with casual live music as well as pubs where locals and tourists intermingle.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cromwell. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.


Is Tauranga or Cromwell Better for Beaches?

Tauranga
Cromwell

Tauranga is a great town for the beache. However, Cromwell is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Tauranga attract visitors from all over. Families and travelers head here for the sandy beaches and water activities. Surfing, kayaking, and fishing are all popular in the area. Some of the most popular beaches include Mount Maunganui Beach, Waihī Beach, and Anzac Bay.

Cromwell is not a beach destination.

Is Tauranga or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Tauranga
Cromwell

If you're looking to go hiking, Tauranga and Cromwell both have excellent trails.

Tauranga is a popular spot for hiking. The Bay of Plenty is filled with hiking trails that run along the coast or head inland through the mountains. There are forest and bush walks that range in length and skill level and there really is something for everyone.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Cromwell. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

Is the Shopping Better in Tauranga or Cromwell?

Tauranga
Cromwell

Both Tauranga and Cromwell are good shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Tauranga to go shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping malls, retail outlets, and clothing boutiques around town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cromwell. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.


Is Tauranga or Cromwell Better for Families?

Tauranga
Cromwell

Tauranga is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Tauranga is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Check out the ropes courses at Adrenalin Forest or play in the water at Waimarino Adventure Park. There are also many different walking areas like McLaren Falls Park and Kaiate Falls. Kids will love hanging out at the beach around Mount Maunganui or Papamoa Beach. This is an affordable and kid-family destination for locals and international tourists alike.

Cromwell is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The lakefront setting means that there are water activities during the warmer months. There are also ski fields nearby for the winter months. Biking and walking are also popular in the area.

Is Tauranga or Cromwell Better for Couples?

Tauranga
Cromwell

With fun activities for couples, both Tauranga and Cromwell make for a excellent place to visit.

Tauranga is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a romantic destination with great beaches and beautiful waterfalls. You can enjoy a picnic in the park or dine at one of the local restaurants. Kayaking is also a popular activity in the area.

Cromwell makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Cycling, walking, kayaking, and skiing all make this a romantic a charming town to visit as a couple. There are also wineries in the area with beautiful vineyards.

Is Tauranga or Cromwell Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tauranga
Cromwell

Tauranga is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Tauranga is extremely popular for backpackers. This is one of the more affordable destinations in New Zealand. There are also a number of backpacker-friendly jobs that make it a great place to base yourself.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cromwell. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.


Is Tauranga or Cromwell Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tauranga
Cromwell

Tauranga is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Cromwell is not known for its public transit.

While Tauranga offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries in the area.

Public transit is generally limited in Cromwell. Public transit around town is limited to a couple of buses.

Is Tauranga or Cromwell a more walkable city?

Tauranga
Cromwell

Tauranga and Cromwell both are good when exploring on foot.

Tauranga is a somewhat walkable town. There are many walking and cycling paths in the area, but you really need a car to explore the area in depth.

Cromwell is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Tauranga Worth Visiting? and Is Cromwell Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Tauranga?

How long in Tauranga or Cromwell?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tauranga or Cromwell to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tauranga than Cromwell because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Tauranga, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cromwell.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tauranga than Cromwell 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 Tauranga.


  • How many days in Tauranga or Cromwell? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tauranga 2-3 
    Cromwell 1-2

One day in Tauranga or Cromwell?

The beautiful town of Tauranga offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The town of Cromwell offers museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Tauranga or Cromwell?

Tauranga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tauranga, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cromwell is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cromwell, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tauranga or Cromwell?

Tauranga is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cromwell is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Tauranga or Cromwell?

Tauranga is a great place to explore. 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. This town offers something for everyone.

Cromwell is a great place to explore. 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. This town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Cromwell or Tauranga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tauranga is $104, while the average daily cost in Cromwell is $82. 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 Tauranga and Cromwell in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tauranga $75
    Cromwell $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tauranga $150
    Cromwell $78
Compare Hotels in Tauranga and Cromwell

Looking for a hotel in Tauranga or Cromwell? 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 Tauranga


Hotels in Cromwell


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: Tauranga Hotel Prices and Cromwell Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tauranga $6.84
    Cromwell $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tauranga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tauranga:

  • Roundtrip Transfer from Port of Tauranga Omanu Golf Club: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Tauranga or Cromwell?

Prices for flights to both Cromwell and Tauranga 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
    Tauranga $22
    Cromwell $27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tauranga $10
    Cromwell $16

Tours and Activities in Tauranga

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

  • 2-Hour Tauranga & Mount Maunganui City & Scenic Local Tour: $43
  • 3hr Tauranga Sun-downer History Tour COMPLIMENTARY Wine or Beer: $55
  • 4hr Shore Excursion - History and Tasting Tour FREE Kiwifruit Tasting: $58
  • 4hr Tauranga Scenic History and Tasting Tour FREE Kiwifruit Tasting: $58
  • 6hr Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland Tour - Departs Tauranga: $142
  • 7hr Waimangu Geothermal Valley & Lake Rotomahana Tour - Departs Tauranga: $133
  • Boutique tour , Mt Maunganui, NZ farm, Rotorua lakes/geothermal : $138
  • Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour in Tauranga: $106
  • From Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise: $102
  • From Half-Day Swimming with Dolphins Tour: $90
  • Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Tauranga: $109
  • Half Day Dolphin Watching Cruise: $109

Tours and Activities in Cromwell

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cromwell.

  • Queenstown: Mount Cook Premium Guided Day Tour: $149
  • Ultimate Lake Dunstan Trail Experience Bike & Boat Return: $174

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tauranga $10
    Cromwell $9.22

Sample the Local Flavors in Cromwell

Also in Cromwell, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wines and Views: Private Wine Tour of Otago from Queenstow: $1,510


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tauranga Expensive? and Is Cromwell Expensive?.