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

Should you visit Wellington or Te Anau?

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

Should I visit Wellington or Te Anau? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Wellington

Wellington is a compact, laid-back, and funky city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Te Anau

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

Wellington and Te Anau: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Wellington or Te Anau?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Wellington than Te Anau, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Wellington is better known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Te Anau is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Wellington is well known for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. Also, Wellington is famous for Zealandia Ecosanctuary. Te Anau is well known for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

How is Wellington different from Te Anau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wellington or Te Anau?

Wellington
Te Anau

Wellington is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Wellington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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 Wellington or Te Anau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wellington
Te Anau

Both Wellington and Te Anau offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

Wellington has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Dining out in Te Anau is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Wellington or Te Anau Better for Nightlife?

Wellington
Te Anau

Wellington is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Wellington has a large number of nightlife venues. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

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 Wellington or Te Anau Better for Beaches?

Wellington
Te Anau

Wellington is a very popular place for the beache. However, Te Anau is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Wellington attract visitors from all over. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Te Anau is not a beach destination.


Is Wellington or Te Anau Better for Hiking?

Wellington
Te Anau

Te Anau is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

People visit Te Anau specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wellington. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Is the Shopping Better in Wellington or Te Anau?

Wellington
Te Anau

Wellington is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Wellington is well-known for its shopping. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

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 Wellington or Te Anau Better for Families?

Wellington
Te Anau

Te Anau is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Te Anau is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Wellington is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.


Is Wellington or Te Anau Better for Couples?

Wellington
Te Anau

Te Anau is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Te Anau makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

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

Wellington
Te Anau

Wellington and Te Anau are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Wellington. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Te Anau is a very popular city 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 Wellington or Te Anau Better for Students?

Wellington
Te Anau

Wellington is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Te Anau is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Wellington. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

Te Anau is not popular with students.


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

Wellington
Te Anau

Wellington is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Wellington has some very good public transit options. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

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 Wellington or Te Anau a more walkable city?

Wellington
Te Anau

Wellington 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.

Wellington is a very walkable city. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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 Wellington Worth Visiting? and Is Te Anau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Te Anau or Wellington?

How long in Wellington or Te Anau?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Wellington or Te Anau? Ideal Length of Stay
    Wellington 2-3 
    Te Anau 1-3

One day in Wellington or Te Anau?

In Wellington, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Te Anau might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Te Anau, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Wellington or Te Anau?

In Wellington, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Wellington has to offer.

Even though Te Anau is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Wellington or Te Anau?

Wellington 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.

Te Anau, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wellington or Te Anau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wellington. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wellington. 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.

Te Anau is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Te Anau or Wellington?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Wellington is $104, while the average daily cost in Te Anau is $99. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Wellington and Te Anau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wellington $61
    Te Anau $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wellington $122
    Te Anau $88
Compare Hotels in Wellington and Te Anau

Looking for a hotel in Wellington or Te Anau? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Wellington


Hotels in Te Anau


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Wellington Hotel Prices and Te Anau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wellington $12
    Te Anau $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Wellington

Also for Wellington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Wētā Workshop Experience with Guided Transfers: $57
  • Wellington Airport Transfer to Wellington Hotels and Vice versa: $78
  • Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington - Arrival Private Transfer: $29
  • Private Transfer from Wellington hotels to Wellington Cruise Port: $27
  • Private Transfer from Wellington Cruise Port to Wellington Hotels: $27
  • Arrival Transfer: Wellington Airport to Central Wellington City Centre Hotels: $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Te Anau

Also for Te Anau, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Kepler Water Taxi Transfer across Lake Te Anau: $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Wellington or Te Anau?

Prices for flights to both Te Anau and Wellington change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Wellington $30
    Te Anau $27
Typical Food Prices in Wellington

For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner
    $8.99

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington

For Wellington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Walking Food Tour Of Wellington: $155
  • A Taste Of Wellington Food Tour (half Day): $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wellington $16
    Te Anau $48

Tours and Activities in Wellington

For Wellington, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 30 Mins Lamborghini Supercar Passenger Experience: $137
  • 5 hour Wellington City Heights Shared tour: $93
  • A Taste of Kapiti - Kapiti Foodie Delights Tour: $296
  • From Cave to Coast Wellington Highlights Tour: $115
  • From Source to Sea Remutaka Mountain Bike Cycle Tour: $106
  • From Half-Day Foodie Tour of the Wairarapa: $96
  • From Taste Buds Tour of Petone: $166
  • Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour: $177
  • Full Day Tour of Wellington: $177
  • Full-Day Wellington Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour: $53
  • Fully customizable tours: $152
  • Guided Wellington Sightseeing Tour by Electric Bike: $80

Tours and Activities in Te Anau

For Te Anau, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Afternoon Te Anau Cruise on Historic Motor Yacht: $89
  • Champagne Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Te Anau: $89
  • Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau: $214
  • Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri: $233
  • Fiordland: Jet Boat & Nature Walk Experience from Te Anau: $107
  • From 1-Day Milford Sound Coach & Cruise: $131
  • From Milford Sound Coach Tour and Cruise: $111
  • From Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, and Walks: $147
  • From Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip: $103
  • From Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Lunch: $150
  • From Premium Doubtful Sound Coach & Cruise: $239
  • Full-Day Milford Sound Extraordinaire Tour from Te Anau: $153

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wellington $12
    Te Anau $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington

Also in Wellington, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half Day Tour: $96
  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $96
  • 5 hour Martinborough shared Chefs Wine Tour with Gourmet lunch: $143
  • Martinborough Full Day Wine Tour: $174
  • Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch: $809


When comparing the travel costs between Wellington and Te Anau, we can see that Wellington 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 Wellington Expensive? and Is Te Anau Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Wellington or Te Anau?

Wellington has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Te Anau. When comparing the sizes of Wellington and Te Anau, 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.