A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yaeyama Islands vs. Te Anau for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Yaeyama Islands or Te Anau?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Yaeyama Islands and Te Anau. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands is a idyllic, tropical, and pristine archipelago. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a pristine, breathtaking, and stunning town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food and hiking.

Yaeyama Islands and Te Anau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yaeyama Islands or Te Anau?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yaeyama Islands. Although Yaeyama Islands and Te Anau are popular destinations, Yaeyama Islands has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yaeyama Islands is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Te Anau attracts visitors for its food, hiking, shopping, and small town charm. Yaeyama Islands is famous for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. It is also well known for Nishihama Beach. Te Anau is famous for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

How is Yaeyama Islands different from Te Anau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Yaeyama Islands and Te Anau have reasonable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Yaeyama Islands offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

While most people don't head to Te Anau specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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 Yaeyama Islands or Te Anau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Te Anau is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Yaeyama Islands has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Te Anau Better for Nightlife?

Yaeyama Islands is a archipelago with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Yaeyama Islands. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

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 Yaeyama Islands or Te Anau Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Te Anau is not a resort destination.

Yaeyama Islands is a world class resort vacation destination. There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.

Te Anau is not a resort destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Te Anau Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yaeyama Islands is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Te Anau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Yaeyama Islands is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

Te Anau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Te Anau Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands is renowned for the beache. However, Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Yaeyama Islands is considered to be a world-class beach destination. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Te Anau Better for Hiking?

Te Anau is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its hiking trails.

Te Anau is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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 visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Yaeyama Islands or Te Anau?

Te Anau is a moderate town for shopping. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Te Anau is a good destination for shopping. There are shops where you can pick up any outdoor supplies and food items that you may need.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Te Anau Better for Families?

Te Anau is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Te Anau is very family-friendly. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Yaeyama Islands is very family-friendly. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Te Anau Better for Couples?

Yaeyama Islands and Te Anau both fantastic destinations for a couple.

Yaeyama Islands is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

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.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Te Anau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Te Anau is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Yaeyama Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpacking can be challenging as transportation is limited and accommodation can be expensive.

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

Yaeyama Islands is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

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 Yaeyama Islands or Te Anau a more walkable city?

Yaeyama Islands and Te Anau both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Yaeyama Islands is generally not very walkable. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.

Te Anau is generally not a very walkable archipelago. 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 Yaeyama Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Te Anau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Te Anau or Yaeyama Islands?

How long in Yaeyama Islands or Te Anau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Yaeyama Islands and Te Anau. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yaeyama Islands than in Te Anau. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Yaeyama Islands, and 1-3 days is enough time in Te Anau.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Te Anau than Yaeyama Islands 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 Te Anau.

One day in Yaeyama Islands or Te Anau?

In Yaeyama Islands, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This archipelago offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Te Anau is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Yaeyama Islands or Te Anau?

In Yaeyama Islands, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Te Anau might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Yaeyama Islands or Te Anau?

Yaeyama Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yaeyama Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Te Anau is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Yaeyama Islands or Te Anau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yaeyama Islands. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Yaeyama Islands. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Since Te Anau is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When comparing the travel costs between Yaeyama Islands and Te Anau, we can see that Te Anau 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. Even though Yaeyama Islands is in Asia and Te Anau is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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