A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wollongong vs. Napier for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Wollongong or Napier?

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

Should I visit Wollongong or Napier? 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.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a trendy, vibrant, and student-friendly coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Napier

Napier is a character-filled, coastal, and relaxed town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Wollongong and Napier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wollongong or Napier?

You'll generally find more things to do in Wollongong than Napier. Wollongong is bigger than Napier, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Wollongong is better known for its big city activities, while Napier is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Napier is more touristy than Wollongong and is known for its many art deco buildings, its beautiful vineyards, and the area's long sandy beaches. Wollongong is well known for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. Also, Wollongong is famous for Grand Pacific Drive.

How is Wollongong different from Napier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wollongong or Napier?

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Napier and Wollongong.

Wollongong offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are several museums like the Wollongong Science Centre and Wollongong Planetarium and the railway museum Trainworks. There's also the Illawarra Museum, which is housed in the former post and telegraph office.

Many visitors head to Napier specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Considered an "Art Deco capital", there are many interesting buildings around town and it's worth taking an Art Deco Walk. The National Aquarium of New Zealand is also impressive as is the MTG Hawke's Bay, which is a museum, gallery, and theater in one. For something a little outside the box, you can visit the Napier Prison, which is New Zealand's oldest place of incarceration, dating back to 1862.

Is the Food Better in Wollongong or Napier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Wollongong and Napier can be an enjoyable experience.

Wollongong has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. In recent years a younger crowd of entrepreneurs and self-starters has moved into the city, and with them has come a growing food scene. You'll find local cafes, fine dining restaurants, and many great beachfront restaurants where you can dine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Napier makes for a great culinary experience. With its many wineries and big mix of fine dining restaurants, there is plenty for a foodie to enjoy around town. You'll find restaurants that serve up New Zealand favorites as well as those that experiment with modern and trendy recipes.

Is Wollongong or Napier Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is great in both Wollongong and Napier.

Many people head to Wollongong for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene has seen a revitalization in recent years, and in addition to the standard bars and pubs, you'll find local venues that range from quirky to lively.

Napier has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is diverse and fun. Whether you're looking for a wild party or just want to relax with a drink and some friends, there are plenty of places where you can hang out.

Is Wollongong or Napier Better for Beaches?

Napier is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Napier. It's a popular beach destination and you'll find plenty of beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and playing with the kids. You'll want to head out of town to find the best and most beautiful beaches. For hidden beaches and some of the area's best surf, head to Mahia Peninsula. To escape the tourists and hang out with the locals, go to Waipatiki Beach. And for a picnic, Westshore Beach is a favorite. Waimarama Beach is another favorite in the area as well.

Wollongong is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are urban beaches, as well as more hidden coastal areas that attract locals and visitors alike. In the heart of the city you'll find North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, both of which have picnic areas and are popular with locals.

Is Wollongong or Napier Better for Hiking?

Napier is great for hiking. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Napier for the hiking trails. Hawke's Bay is filled with wonderful walks and hikes. There are easy coastal paths as well as mult-day treks around Lake Waikaremoana. It's not hard to find somewhere to stretch your legs and explore the scenery.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wollongong. The surrounding area has many great hikes that can be done as a day trip or even a half day trip. There are waterfalls, city views, and forest walks. Some of the most popular trails include Brokers Nose and Clover Hill Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Wollongong or Napier?

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

Wollongong has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Napier is a great destination for shopping. You'll find all of the standard New Zealand retail chains as well antique and boutique shops. With its many Art Deco buildings, the city has character and personality.

Is Wollongong or Napier Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Wollongong or Napier.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Wollongong. The beaches, nearby nature, and ubiquitous bike trails make this a fun coastal city to explore with kids. There are also interactive museums such as Discovery Space and plenty of playgrounds. Kid-friendly surf lessons as well as the Nan Tien Temple make this a fun and fascinating family destination.

Napier is a very family-friendly place to visit. This coastal city has a waterpark, a waterfall walk, and plenty of beaches where the family can hang out. There's also a waterfront promenade that is filled with water features and playgrounds where the kids can run around. You can also check out Hawke's Bay Farmyard Zoo or on a rainy day head to the Faraday Museum of Technology.

Is Wollongong or Napier Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Wollongong and Napier make for a great place to visit.

Wollongong is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. The scenic natural areas, including the Grand Pacific Drive or the many bush walks, make this a wonderful couples retreat. There are water sports like surfing as well as horseback riding and even helicopter rides. In the evening, enjoy a nice meal and a sunset view.

Napier is a very popular place to visit for couples. Surrounded by vineyards and lined with beaches, this is a great place for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. Hop on a bike and explore the wineries or enjoy a beautiful hike through nature. There are also adrenaline-filled activities for thrill seekers or fine dining restaurants for the foodies.

Is Wollongong or Napier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Napier is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Napier. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of fun activities like mountain biking or white water rafting that you can enjoy.

Wollongong is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as many outdoor areas to explore, so backpackers who want to escape the traditional backpacker scene will appreciate some time here.

Is Wollongong or Napier Better for Students?

Wollongong is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Napier is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Wollongong. It's not too far from Sydney and has a smaller, more laid back coastal vibe that appeals to many students.

Napier is not popular with students.

Is Wollongong or Napier Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Public transit in Wollongong is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a free Gong shuttle bus that travels around the city center. It runs a loop from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University in both directions. There are also other bus services in town.

Public transit is generally limited in Napier. Public transit to most of the beaches is limited or nonexistent, so you really need a car if you want to get around and see everything.

Is Wollongong or Napier a more walkable city?

Wollongong is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Napier is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Wollongong is very walkable. There are walking paths in the city center so it's possible to walk to many tourist destinations.

Napier is generally not very walkable. If you stay in town you can walk to cafes and restaurants, but you really need a car if you're planning to visit beaches or explore the area in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Wollongong Worth Visiting? and Is Napier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Napier or Wollongong?

How long in Wollongong or Napier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Wollongong and Napier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Wollongong than in Napier. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wollongong, and 2-3 days is enough time in Napier.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Napier than Wollongong 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 Napier.

One day in Wollongong or Napier?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Wollongong. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the relaxed town of Napier, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wollongong or Napier?

Wollongong is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Napier, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Wollongong or Napier?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wollongong. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Napier, 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 Wollongong or Napier?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the trendy destination of Wollongong. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Napier is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Wollongong or Napier?

Wollongong has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Napier. When comparing the sizes of Wollongong and Napier, 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.