A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Tauranga vs. Picton for Families, Backpackers, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Tauranga or Picton?

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

Should I visit Tauranga or Picton? 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 laid back, relaxing, and nature-filled town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Picton

Picton is a scenic, quaint, and relaxing town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Tauranga and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tauranga or Picton?

Both Picton and Tauranga have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Tauranga is very popular for its nightlife and impressive beauty, while Picton attracts visitors for its food and small town charm. Tauranga is famous for its sandy beaches and beautiful walking trails. Picton is famous for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails.

How is Tauranga different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

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

Picton is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Picton is an experience not to be missed. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Tauranga. 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.

Is Tauranga or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Tauranga is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Tauranga or Picton Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Tauranga and Picton are superb choices.

Tauranga is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Picton is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Is Tauranga or Picton Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Tauranga and Picton both have superb 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 Picton. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Tauranga or Picton?

Both Tauranga and Picton are nice 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 Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Tauranga or Picton Better for Families?

Tauranga is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Tauranga is very family-friendly. 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.

Picton is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

Is Tauranga or Picton Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Tauranga and Picton make for a superb 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.

Picton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

Is Tauranga or Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tauranga is very popular for backpackers. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Tauranga is a very popular town to visit 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.

Picton is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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

Both Tauranga and Picton offer nice public transit options.

Tauranga has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries in the area.

Picton has some public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Is Tauranga or Picton a more walkable city?

Picton is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Picton is a very walkable destination. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Picton or Tauranga?

How long in Tauranga or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tauranga or Picton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tauranga than Picton 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 Picton.

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

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

One day in Tauranga or Picton?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Tauranga. 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.

The town of Picton offers food and shopping. 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 Picton?

Tauranga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Picton 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 Picton, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tauranga or Picton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tauranga. 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.

Picton 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 Picton?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the nature-filled destination of Tauranga. 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.

Picton 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tauranga and Picton, we can see that Tauranga is more expensive. And not only is Picton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Picton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Picton 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 Picton.

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

Which is Bigger, Tauranga or Picton?

Tauranga has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Tauranga and Picton, 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.