A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Torquay vs. Kaikoura for Beaches, Families, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Torquay or Kaikoura?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Torquay or Kaikoura, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Torquay

Torquay is a casual, laid back, and hip surf town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a unique, nature-oriented, and biologically diverse town. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Torquay and Kaikoura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Torquay or Kaikoura?

Both Kaikoura and Torquay have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Torquay is better known for its museums, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Kaikoura is more popular for its food. Kaikoura is more touristy than Torquay and is popular for its local Sperm Whale population, abundance of marine life, and local crayfish (lobster) recipes. Torquay is well known for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere.

How is Torquay different from Kaikoura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Torquay or Kaikoura?

Torquay is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Kaikoura is not a good town for its museums and history.

Torquay offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

While most people don't head to Kaikoura specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There aren't many museums in the area, but it's worth learning more about the region's history with a visit to Kaikoura Museum.

Is the Food Better in Torquay or Kaikoura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kaikoura is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kaikoura has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Seafood lovers will be in heaven in this town! There are many local, freshly caught favorites such as cod, mussels, and crayfish (which is actually lobster). You'll find plenty of casual eateries, including an authentic American diner.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Torquay area. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Is Torquay or Kaikoura Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Torquay and Kaikoura.

If you're looking for night time activities Torquay has a few options to choose from. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kaikoura. This is a small town so the nightlife scene is limited, but there are a few restaurants with bars around town.

Is Torquay or Kaikoura Better for Beaches?

Torquay is a world-class destination for the beache. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Torquay. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

Kaikoura is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are many black pebble beaches in the area, which are great for wildlife spotting, but not so good for swimming. Gooch's Beach is one of the most popular, and it's sandier than many of the other beaches. South Bay is another popular area to visit.

Is Torquay or Kaikoura Better for Hiking?

Torquay and Kaikoura are both places where visitors can find very good hiking trails.

Many visitors go to Torquay for the hiking trails. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

Kaikoura is a popular spot for hiking. There are many coastal walks in the area that will take you through a variety of landscapes. This is also a great way to see the many diverse types of wildlife throughout the peninsula.

Is the Shopping Better in Torquay or Kaikoura?

If you're looking to go shopping, Torquay and Kaikoura both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Torquay. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Many visitors go to Kaikoura to go shopping. There are local shops where you can pick up some interesting products that are unique to the area.

Is Torquay or Kaikoura Better for Families?

Kaikoura is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its family-friendly activities.

Kaikoura is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Kids who love animals will appreciate all of the wildlife in the area. This is one of the best places in the country to see dolphins, whales, and seals. There are world class whale watching trips as well as opportunities to swim with the dolphins and get close to the seals. There is also kayaking, a coastal train, and even sheep shearing. Minigolf is also a fun activity in the area.

Torquay is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

Is Torquay or Kaikoura Better for Couples?

Torquay and Kaikoura are both very good to visit as a couple.

Torquay is a great surf town if you're traveling as a couple. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

Kaikoura is a very popular place to visit for couples. The town is all about wildlife, so if whale watching trips, dolphin spotting, and experiencing amazing local wildlife is your thing, then this is your spot! There are also beautiful coastal sights with a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Is Torquay or Kaikoura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kaikoura is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Kaikoura. There are a decent number of hostels in the area and plenty of fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Torquay is a good surf town to visit for backpackers. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

Is Torquay or Kaikoura Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Torquay is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kaikoura is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Torquay has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

Public transit is quite limited in Kaikoura. The town is very small and there is no real public transit in the area.

Is Torquay or Kaikoura a more walkable city?

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

Torquay is a very walkable surf town. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

Kaikoura is a somewhat walkable surf town. There are many coastal walks in the area, which is a great way to soak up the beauty and see the wildlife. The town itself is small and most of the accommodation is along Beach Road, so it's relatively easy to reach places on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Torquay Worth Visiting? and Is Kaikoura Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kaikoura or Torquay?

How long in Torquay or Kaikoura?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kaikoura than Torquay 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 Kaikoura.

One day in Torquay or Kaikoura?

The surf town of Torquay 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.

In Kaikoura, you'll find shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Torquay or Kaikoura?

Torquay is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this surf 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 Torquay, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Kaikoura, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Kaikoura has to offer.

Five days in Torquay or Kaikoura?

Torquay is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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.

Kaikoura 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 Torquay or Kaikoura?

Torquay is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 surf town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kaikoura. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Kaikoura. 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 The Best Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Torquay or Kaikoura?

Torquay has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Kaikoura. When comparing the sizes of Torquay and Kaikoura, 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.