A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Te Anau vs. Dunedin for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Te Anau or Dunedin?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Te Anau and Dunedin can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a stunning, pristine, and breathtaking town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food and hiking.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a vibrant, small, and hilly city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Te Anau and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Te Anau or Dunedin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dunedin. Although Te Anau and Dunedin are both popular with visitors, Dunedin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dunedin is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Te Anau is known for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Te Anau is more touristy than Dunedin and is popular for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Dunedin is popular for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula. It is also home to .

How is Te Anau different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Te Anau or Dunedin?

Dunedin is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dunedin. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

Te Anau offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The town is about the surrounding outdoor activities but you will find the Te Anau Vintage Machinery Museum and the Te Anau Trout Observatory in town.

Is the Food Better in Te Anau or Dunedin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Te Anau is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Te Anau is an experience not to be missed. The town makes a great spot to refuel after all of your hiking and outdoor adventures. There are plenty of cafes and food trucks around town where you can enjoy local dishes and a friendly atmosphere.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dunedin. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Te Anau or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Dunedin is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Dunedin has a large number of nightlife venues. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

Te Anau is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. This is a small town that's focused on outdoor activities, but it does receive a number of tourists, so you'll find a few bars around town where you can hang out.

Is Te Anau or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Dunedin is a city with good options for the beache. However, Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Dunedin. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Is Te Anau or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Te Anau is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Te Anau specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The town serves as basecamp for Fiordland National Park so there are many amazing hikes and walks in the area. Many of the hikes begin at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and range in length and the required skill level.

Many people include a hike when visiting Dunedin. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Te Anau or Dunedin?

Dunedin is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Dunedin is well-known for its shopping. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

Te Anau has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops where you can pick up any outdoor supplies and food items that you may need.

Is Te Anau or Dunedin Better for Families?

Te Anau is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Te Anau is a very family-friendly destination. The town's proximity to the Milford Sound make it a nice base for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Kayaking or exploring the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are favorite activities in the area. There's also the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and many hikes nearby.

Dunedin is a very family-friendly destination. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

Is Te Anau or Dunedin Better for Couples?

Te Anau is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Te Anau makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The stunning scenery in the area, combined with small town charm, make this is a top couple's destination and a wonderful honeymoon spot. Couples who appreciate nature and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this amazing area.

Dunedin is a nice destination for couples. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

Is Te Anau or Dunedin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Te Anau and Dunedin are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Te Anau. For such a small town, there are a decent number of hostels and budget accommodation options in the area. The town makes a good base for exploring the region's stunning scenery.

Dunedin is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

Is Te Anau or Dunedin Better for Students?

Dunedin is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Te Anau is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Dunedin. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

Te Anau is not popular with students.

Is Te Anau or Dunedin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dunedin is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Dunedin has some public transit options. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Te Anau. Public transit in the area is limited and most visitors have their own car or join one of the many tours in the area.

Is Te Anau or Dunedin a more walkable city?

Dunedin is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Dunedin is a very walkable city. Parts of the town are easy to explore on foot.

Te Anau is generally not very walkable. Exploring the area requires a vehicle and, while there are many hikes in the area, it's not easy to walk to many places. There are tours available for those that don't have a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Te Anau Worth Visiting? and Is Dunedin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Te Anau?

How long in Te Anau or Dunedin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Te Anau and Dunedin. In our opinion, Dunedin has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Dunedin than Te Anau. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dunedin than Te Anau 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 Dunedin.

One day in Te Anau or Dunedin?

Te Anau is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Dunedin, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Te Anau or Dunedin?

Te Anau might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Te Anau has to offer.

In Dunedin, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dunedin has to offer.

Five days in Te Anau or Dunedin?

Te Anau is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Dunedin is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Te Anau or Dunedin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Te Anau. Since Te Anau is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dunedin. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dunedin. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Te Anau and Dunedin, we can see that Dunedin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Te Anau or Dunedin?

Dunedin has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Te Anau. When comparing the sizes of Te Anau and Dunedin, 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.