A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wollongong vs. Te Anau for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Wollongong or Te Anau?

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

Should I visit Wollongong 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.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a vibrant, student-friendly, and trendy coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a stunning, pristine, and breathtaking town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Wollongong and Te Anau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wollongong or Te Anau?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wollongong. Although Wollongong and Te Anau are both popular with visitors, Wollongong has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wollongong is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Te Anau is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Te Anau is more touristy than Wollongong and is known for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Wollongong is popular for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also home to Grand Pacific Drive.

How is Wollongong different from Te Anau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Wollongong is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Wollongong and Te Anau 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, Te Anau makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Wollongong or Te Anau Better for Nightlife?

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

Wollongong has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

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 Wollongong or Te Anau Better for Beaches?

Wollongong is a very popular place for the beache. However, Te Anau 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.

Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Is Wollongong or Te Anau Better for Hiking?

Te Anau 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 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 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 Te Anau?

Wollongong is a coastal city with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

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

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 Wollongong or Te Anau Better for Families?

Te Anau 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, 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.

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 Te Anau Better for Couples?

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

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.

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 Te Anau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Te Anau 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 Te Anau. 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.

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 Te Anau Better for Students?

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

Te Anau is not popular with students.

Is Wollongong or Te Anau 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, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Wollongong has some very good public transit options. 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 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 Wollongong or Te Anau a more walkable city?

Wollongong 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Te Anau or Wollongong?

How long in Wollongong or Te Anau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Wollongong and Te Anau. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Wollongong than in Te Anau. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wollongong, and 1-3 days is enough time in Te Anau.

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

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

One day in Wollongong or Te Anau?

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.

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 Wollongong or Te Anau?

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.

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 Wollongong or Te Anau?

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.

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 Wollongong or Te Anau?

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.

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 The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in 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 Wollongong and Te Anau, we can see that Wollongong is more expensive. And not only is Te Anau much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Te Anau would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Te Anau 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 Te Anau.

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

Which is Bigger, Wollongong or Te Anau?

Wollongong has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Te Anau. When comparing the sizes of Wollongong 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.