A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Torquay vs. Lake Tekapo for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Torquay or Lake Tekapo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Torquay or Lake Tekapo, 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 outdoorsy, trendy, and casual surf town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Torquay offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Torquay travel costs.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a small, remote, and basic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of Lake Tekapo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Torquay and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Torquay or Lake Tekapo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Torquay. Although Torquay and Lake Tekapo are both popular with visitors, Torquay has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Torquay is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Lake Tekapo is known for its impressive beauty. Torquay is popular for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere. It is also home to Bells Beach. Lake Tekapo is popular for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Torquay different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Torquay is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Torquay. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Torquay is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Torquay or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Torquay is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Torquay has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Torquay or Lake Tekapo Better for Beaches?

Torquay is terrific for the beach. However, Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Torquay offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Is Torquay or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Torquay and Lake Tekapo are both places where visitors can find great 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.

Lake Tekapo is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Is the Shopping Better in Torquay or Lake Tekapo?

Torquay is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Torquay to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Torquay or Lake Tekapo More Beautiful?

Lake Tekapo is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Lake Tekapo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

Torquay offers plenty of beauty for visitors. There's a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and nice coastal walks.

Is Torquay or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lake Tekapo is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular 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 Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Torquay is a great destination for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Torquay frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Torquay or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Torquay and Lake Tekapo are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Torquay. 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.

Lake Tekapo is a good surf town to visit for backpackers. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

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

Torquay is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Torquay, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Torquay or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Torquay is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Lake Tekapo is somewhat walkable. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Torquay?

How long in Torquay or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Torquay or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Torquay than Lake Tekapo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Torquay, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lake Tekapo.

Couples should spend more time in Torquay than Lake Tekapo. 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 Torquay than Lake Tekapo 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 Torquay.

One day in Torquay or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy surf town of Torquay. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Lake Tekapo, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

A weekend in Torquay or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Torquay. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This surf town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Lake Tekapo, you'll find . 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 Lake Tekapo has to offer.

Five days in Torquay or Lake Tekapo?

The hip surf town of Torquay offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Lake Tekapo 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 Torquay or Lake Tekapo?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Torquay. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Tekapo. Many people enjoy the when visiting Lake Tekapo. 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 The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Torquay or Lake Tekapo?

Torquay has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Torquay and Lake Tekapo, 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.