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

Should you visit Te Anau or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua 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. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a cultural, natural, and world-renowned town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Te Anau and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Te Anau or Rotorua?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotorua. Although Te Anau and Rotorua are both popular with visitors, Rotorua has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rotorua is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Te Anau is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Te Anau is popular for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Rotorua is popular for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. It is also home to Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

How is Te Anau different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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 Rotorua? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Te Anau and Rotorua.

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 Rotorua is an experience not to be missed. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

Is Te Anau or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Rotorua is a town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Rotorua. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

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 Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Te Anau is an amazing town to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Te Anau visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Te Anau or Rotorua?

Rotorua is a town with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Rotorua. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

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 Rotorua Better for Families?

Both Te Anau and Rotorua are world-class to visit with kids.

Te Anau is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Rotorua is very family-friendly. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

Is Te Anau or Rotorua Better for Couples?

Both Te Anau and Rotorua are world-class destinations for a couple's getaway.

Te Anau is a great town for couples, as it 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.

Rotorua is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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

Rotorua 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, Rotorua is extremely popular for backpackers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Rotorua Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Rotorua has some public transit options. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

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 Rotorua a more walkable city?

Rotorua is a town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Rotorua is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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 Rotorua Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Te Anau?

How long in Te Anau or Rotorua?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Te Anau and Rotorua. In our opinion, Rotorua has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Rotorua than Te Anau. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Te Anau, and 2-3 days is enough time in Rotorua.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rotorua 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 Rotorua.

One day in Te Anau or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Rotorua?

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 Rotorua, you'll find food and shopping. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rotorua has to offer.

Five days in Te Anau or Rotorua?

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.

Rotorua 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.

A week in Te Anau or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotorua. 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.

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 Rotorua, we can see that Te Anau 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 Rotorua Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Te Anau or Rotorua?

Rotorua has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Te Anau. When comparing the sizes of Te Anau and Rotorua, 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.