A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yogyakarta vs. Te Anau for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Te Anau?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a historical, colorful, and youthful city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a breathtaking, stunning, and pristine town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Te Anau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food and hiking. See Te Anau travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Te Anau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Te Anau?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Yogyakarta than Te Anau, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Yogyakarta is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Te Anau is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Yogyakarta is well known for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. Also, Yogyakarta is famous for Borobudur Temple. Te Anau is well known for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

How is Yogyakarta different from Te Anau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Yogyakarta is renowned for its museums and history. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Yogyakarta are world-renowned. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Yogyakarta and Te Anau.

Yogyakarta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Dining out in Te Anau is an experience not to be missed. 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 Yogyakarta or Te Anau Better for Nightlife?

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

Yogyakarta has a large number of nightlife venues. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

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 Yogyakarta or Te Anau Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is a very popular place for its old town. However, Te Anau does not have a historic old town.

Yogyakarta is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Te Anau does not have a historic old town.

Is Yogyakarta or Te Anau Better for Hiking?

Te Anau is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

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.

Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Te Anau?

Yogyakarta is renowned for its shopping opportunities. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Yogyakarta draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

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 Yogyakarta or Te Anau More Beautiful?

Te Anau is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Te Anau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, world class national parks, and spectacular views.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yogyakarta or Te Anau Better for Families?

Te Anau is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Yogyakarta. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

Is Yogyakarta or Te Anau Better for Couples?

Te Anau is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Yogyakarta is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Is Yogyakarta or Te Anau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta and Te Anau are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Yogyakarta. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Te Anau is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Yogyakarta or Te Anau Better for Students?

Yogyakarta is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Te Anau is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Yogyakarta. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Te Anau is not popular with students.

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

Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

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 Yogyakarta or Te Anau a more walkable city?

Yogyakarta is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Te Anau or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Te Anau?

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

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

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

One day in Yogyakarta or Te Anau?

In Yogyakarta, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This 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 Yogyakarta or Te Anau?

In Yogyakarta, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta or Te Anau?

Yogyakarta is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Yogyakarta or Te Anau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yogyakarta. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Yogyakarta. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yogyakarta and Te Anau, we can see that Te Anau is more expensive. And not only is Yogyakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Yogyakarta is in Asia and Te Anau is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Yogyakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yogyakarta 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 Te Anau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Te Anau than you might in Yogyakarta.

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

Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Te Anau?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 310 times larger than the population of Te Anau. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta 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.