A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Torquay vs. Taupo for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Torquay or Taupo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Torquay or Taupo, 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. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Taupo

Taupo is a stunning, otherworldly, and striking town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Torquay and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Torquay or Taupo?

Both Taupo 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 and beaches, while Taupo is more popular for its skiing and food. Taupo is more touristy than Torquay and is popular for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. Torquay is well known for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere.

How is Torquay different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Torquay or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is renowned for skiing. However, Torquay is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Taupo is among the best in the world. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Torquay is not a skiing destination.

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

Torquay is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

Taupo 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.

Taupo has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

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 Taupo Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Taupo. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Torquay or Taupo Better for Beaches?

Torquay is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Taupo is not a beach destination.

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.

Taupo is not a beach destination.

Is Torquay or Taupo Better for Hiking?

Torquay and Taupo 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.

Taupo is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Is the Shopping Better in Torquay or Taupo?

If you're looking to go shopping, Torquay and Taupo 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 Taupo to go shopping. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Torquay or Taupo Better for Families?

Taupo 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.

Taupo is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

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 Taupo Better for Couples?

Taupo is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for couples.

Taupo has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

Torquay is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Torquay or Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Taupo is extremely popular for backpackers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures 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 Taupo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Torquay and Taupo both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Torquay offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

Taupo has a few public transit options. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

Is Torquay or Taupo a more walkable city?

Torquay is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Taupo is a somewhat walkable surf town. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Torquay?

How long in Torquay or Taupo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Torquay and Taupo. In our opinion, Taupo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Taupo than Torquay. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Torquay or Taupo?

In Torquay, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this outdoorsy destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This surf town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Taupo, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. 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 Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Torquay. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Taupo, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Taupo has to offer.

Five days in Torquay or Taupo?

Torquay is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Torquay. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Taupo 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 Taupo?

You'll find food and shopping around the hip destination of Torquay. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taupo. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Taupo. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. 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 Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Torquay and Taupo, we can see that Taupo 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 Taupo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Taupo 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 Taupo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Torquay or Taupo?

Torquay has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Torquay and Taupo, 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.