A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wollongong vs. Rotorua for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Wollongong or Rotorua?

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

Should I visit Wollongong or Rotorua? 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 student-friendly, trendy, and vibrant coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Wollongong travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a world-renowned, diverse, and cultural town. With stunning beauty, Rotorua attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Rotorua travel costs.

Wollongong and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wollongong or Rotorua?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wollongong than Rotorua. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Wollongong is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Rotorua attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Rotorua is more touristy than Wollongong and is known for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. Wollongong is famous for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also well known for Grand Pacific Drive.

How is Wollongong different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Rotorua 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 Rotorua specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Wollongong and Rotorua 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, Rotorua makes for a great culinary experience. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

Is Wollongong or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Wollongong is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Wollongong has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Rotorua has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Wollongong or Rotorua Better for Beaches?

Wollongong is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Rotorua is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Wollongong attract visitors from all over. 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.

Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Is Wollongong or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua for the hiking trails. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

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 Rotorua?

If you're looking to go shopping, Wollongong and Rotorua both offer plenty of nice 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.

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Wollongong or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Rotorua is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Wollongong is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Rotorua attracts visitors from all around. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Wollongong is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Wollongong or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Rotorua is a very family-friendly destination. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

Wollongong is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Wollongong or Rotorua Better for Couples?

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

Rotorua makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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 Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will 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 Rotorua Better for Students?

Wollongong is a coastal city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua is not popular with students.

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

Wollongong is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Wollongong. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Rotorua, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Wollongong or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Wollongong is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Rotorua is somewhat walkable. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Wollongong?

How long in Wollongong or Rotorua?

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

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

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

One day in Wollongong or Rotorua?

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

With museums and nightlife around the natural town of Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?

In Wollongong, 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 Wollongong has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Rotorua, 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 town.

Five days in Wollongong or Rotorua?

Wollongong 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.

Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?

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

Rotorua 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Wollongong or Rotorua?

Wollongong has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Wollongong and Rotorua, 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.

When is the best time to visit Wollongong or Rotorua?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Wollongong or Rotorua in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wollongong and Rotorua. Many visitors come to Wollongong in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Wollongong is much warmer than Rotorua in the summer. The daily temperature in Wollongong averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In January, Wollongong usually receives more rain than Rotorua. Wollongong gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wollongong or Rotorua in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wollongong as well as Rotorua. Most visitors come to Wollongong for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Wollongong is a little warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wollongong in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Rotorua averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Wollongong usually gets more rain in April than Rotorua. Wollongong gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wollongong or Rotorua in the Winter?

Both Rotorua and Wollongong are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In July, Wollongong is generally much colder than Rotorua. Daily temperatures in Wollongong average around 10°C (50°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In July, Wollongong usually receives more rain than Rotorua. Wollongong gets 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wollongong or Rotorua in the Spring?

Both Rotorua and Wollongong during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rotorua for the natural beauty.

Wollongong is cooler than Rotorua in the spring. The daily temperature in Wollongong averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Wollongong usually gets more rain in October than Rotorua. Wollongong gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Wollongong