A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Te Anau vs. Gili Trawangan for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Te Anau or Gili Trawangan?

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 Gili Trawangan 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 breathtaking, stunning, and pristine town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Te Anau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food and hiking. See Te Anau travel costs.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a idyllic, laidback, and tropical island. The beauty of Gili Trawangan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Gili Trawangan travel costs.

Te Anau and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Te Anau or Gili Trawangan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gili Trawangan than Te Anau, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gili Trawangan is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Te Anau is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Te Anau and is known for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. Also, Gili Trawangan is famous for beautiful beachfront setting. Te Anau is well known for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

How is Te Anau different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Te Anau and Gili Trawangan.

While most people don't head to Te Anau specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Gili Trawangan offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of art and cultural museums on the island, but most people spend their time soaking up the idyllic setting.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Te Anau and Gili Trawangan.

Te Anau has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Gili Trawangan is an experience not to be missed. As the largest and one of the most touristy of the Gili Islands, you'll find a wide range of cuisines. There's everything from Mexican to Greek available. You'll also find plenty of tropical fruits and some local Indonesian cuisine as well.

Is Te Anau or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Gili Trawangan is renowned for nightlife and partying. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Gili Trawangan is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. This is the "party island" of the Gili Islands. It has a wild nightlife scene that is particularly popular with backpackers. There are tons of beach bars that have live music, DJs, and nightly parties. There are also regular boat parties. The party scene is pretty well coordinated across the bars, and one bar will stay open late each night while the others close around midnight. This keeps the partygoers concentrated in one location and keeps the energy high for everyone.

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 Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Gili Trawangan is a island with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Te Anau is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Gili Trawangan makes a nice vacation spot. The island was long known for its backpacker vibe which included poorly concentrated beach huts. More recently there's been an upswing in upmarket accommodation, particularly on the quieter western and northern sides of the island.

Te Anau is not a resort destination.

Is Te Anau or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gili Trawangan is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Te Anau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Gili Trawangan is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Snorkeling and diving are a highlight on the island, and a big draw for many visitors. The island is small, with a large concentration of tourists, so if you book a boat trip, you'll likely be surrounded by others. This doesn't mean you won't be able to enjoy colorful fish, a magical undersea world, and the occasional sea turtle.

Te Anau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Te Anau or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Gili Trawangan is renowned for the beach. However, Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Gili Trawangan is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is filled with white sand beaches, most of which have restaurants and beachside bars nearby. One of the busiest beaches is near the port, but a quieter area is nearby Surf Point. The sunset side of the island is perfect in the evening when the sun starts to dip below the horizon, but the beaches on that side aren't as great as the other side of the island.

Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Is Te Anau or Gili Trawangan Better for Hiking?

Te Anau is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Te Anau specifically for its hiking. 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.

Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Te Anau or Gili Trawangan?

Shoppers can find a variety of respectable stores in both Te Anau and Gili Trawangan.

If you're looking to go shopping, Te Anau has some nice offerings. There are shops where you can pick up any outdoor supplies and food items that you may need.

Gili Trawangan has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.

Is Te Anau or Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

Te Anau is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Te Anau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, world class national parks, and spectacular views.

With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. Crystal blue waters and white sand beaches make this an idyllic island paradise. The setting is perfect for hanging out by the water and soaking up the island vibe.

Is Te Anau or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Te Anau is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Te Anau is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Gili Trawangan is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are many kid-friendly activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and biking. There are also glass bottom boat tours and a great laidback island vibe that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Do note that this is one of the more popular islands for backpackers, so there is a big party scene.

Is Te Anau or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

Te Anau is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Te Anau has plenty to offer. 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.

Couples visit Gili Trawangan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. White sand, blue water, and a true tropical island paradise make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. It's one of the more energetic of the Gili Islands, so if you're looking for a calm retreat, there may be better options, but it still has wonderful resorts and great diving.

Is Te Anau or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gili Trawangan is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Te Anau is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Gili Trawangan is extremely popular for backpackers. It's the most popular of the Gili Islands for backpackers so you'll find tons of hostels and a great nightlife scene. The energy is high and the scenery and idyllic beaches are wonderful.

Te Anau is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

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

Gili Trawangan has some public transit options. Many tourists enjoy getting around the island by cidomo, which are horse-drawn carts. Otherwise, walking or biking are your best options.

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 Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Gili Trawangan 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.

Gili Trawangan is a very walkable island. While it's the largest of the Gili Islands, it still small enough to walk around in about two hours and it's relatively 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 Gili Trawangan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Te Anau?

How long in Te Anau or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Te Anau or Gili Trawangan. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Gili Trawangan due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Te Anau, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gili Trawangan.

Couples should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Te Anau. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Gili Trawangan that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan.

One day in Te Anau or Gili Trawangan?

Te Anau might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Gili Trawangan, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Te Anau or Gili Trawangan?

Te Anau is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Gili Trawangan, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Gili Trawangan has to offer.

Five days in Te Anau or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Te Anau. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Gili Trawangan is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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.

A week in Te Anau or Gili Trawangan?

Te Anau is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. One week 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gili Trawangan. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Gili Trawangan. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

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

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 Gili Trawangan Expensive?.