A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wollongong vs. Queenstown for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Wollongong or Queenstown?

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

Should I visit Wollongong or Queenstown? 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a active, adventure-filled, and outdoorsy city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Wollongong and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wollongong or Queenstown?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Wollongong than Queenstown, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Wollongong is better known for its museums, beaches, and big city activities, while Queenstown is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Queenstown is more touristy than Wollongong and is popular for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. Wollongong is well known for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. Also, Wollongong is famous for Grand Pacific Drive.

How is Wollongong different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Wollongong or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is an unbeatable place for skiing. However, Wollongong is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Queenstown should be on your list. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Wollongong is not a skiing destination.

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

Wollongong is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Wollongong. 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.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

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

Queenstown is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Queenstown is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Wollongong makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Wollongong or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is superb in both Wollongong and Queenstown.

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.

Queenstown has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

Is Wollongong or Queenstown Better for Beaches?

Wollongong is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Wollongong for it's beautiful 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.

Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Is Wollongong or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

People visit Queenstown specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

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 Queenstown?

Queenstown is great for its shopping areas. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Queenstown. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Wollongong is a great destination for shopping. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Is Wollongong or Queenstown Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Wollongong or Queenstown.

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.

Queenstown is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

Is Wollongong or Queenstown Better for Couples?

Queenstown is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Queenstown makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

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

Is Wollongong or Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Queenstown is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Queenstown, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

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 Queenstown Better for Students?

Queenstown is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

Queenstown is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

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

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

Wollongong is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Queenstown has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Is Wollongong or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Wollongong and Queenstown are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Queenstown is very walkable. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Wollongong?

How long in Wollongong or Queenstown?

Both Wollongong and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Queenstown than in Wollongong. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wollongong, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

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

One day in Wollongong or Queenstown?

With museums and nightlife around the trendy coastal city of Wollongong, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With shopping and skiing around the nature-oriented city of Queenstown, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Queenstown?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Wollongong, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Queenstown, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Wollongong or Queenstown?

Wollongong, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Queenstown, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wollongong or Queenstown?

Wollongong is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

Queenstown is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Wollongong and Queenstown, we can see that Wollongong 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 Wollongong Expensive? and Is Queenstown Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Wollongong or Queenstown?

Wollongong has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Wollongong and Queenstown, 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.