A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brisbane vs. Taupo for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Brisbane or Taupo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Brisbane and Taupo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a relaxed, diverse, and cultural coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Brisbane travel costs.

Taupo

Taupo is a otherworldly, striking, and stunning town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Taupo travel costs.

Brisbane and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brisbane or Taupo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brisbane. Although Brisbane and Taupo are both popular with visitors, Brisbane has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Brisbane is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Taupo is known for its skiing, food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Taupo is more touristy than Brisbane and is popular for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. Brisbane is popular for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also home to the Cultural Centre.

How is Brisbane different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Brisbane or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is an amazing town to visit for skiing. However, Brisbane is not a skiing destination.

Taupo is among the world's best ski destinations. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Brisbane is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Brisbane or Taupo?

Brisbane is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Brisbane offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

Is the Food Better in Brisbane or Taupo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Taupo is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Taupo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Brisbane or Taupo Better for Nightlife?

Brisbane is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Brisbane know how to have a good time. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

If you're looking for night time activities Taupo has a few options to choose from. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Brisbane or Taupo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Taupo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Brisbane has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Taupo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brisbane or Taupo Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is a great destination for the beach. However, Taupo is not a beach destination.

Brisbane is considered a top beach destination. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Taupo is not a beach destination.

Is Brisbane or Taupo Better for Hiking?

Taupo is great for hiking. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Taupo for the hiking trails. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Brisbane has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Brisbane or Taupo?

Brisbane is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Brisbane is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Taupo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Brisbane or Taupo More Beautiful?

Taupo is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Brisbane or Taupo Better for Families?

Taupo is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

Taupo is one of the most popular family destinations. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

Brisbane is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Is Brisbane or Taupo Better for Couples?

Taupo is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Taupo has plenty to offer. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Is Brisbane or Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo is an amazing town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Taupo, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Is Brisbane or Taupo Better for Students?

Brisbane is a great destination for students. However, Taupo is not popular with students.

Brisbane is a very popular coastal city for students and younger travelers. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Taupo is not popular with students.

Is Brisbane or Taupo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Brisbane and Taupo both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Brisbane offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Taupo has a few public transit options. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

Is Brisbane or Taupo a more walkable city?

Brisbane is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Brisbane is a very walkable coastal city. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

Taupo is a somewhat walkable coastal city. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Brisbane Worth Visiting? and Is Taupo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Brisbane?

How long in Brisbane or Taupo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brisbane and Taupo. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Brisbane or Taupo?

In Brisbane, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this active destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The town of Taupo offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brisbane or Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brisbane. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Taupo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Taupo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brisbane or Taupo?

Brisbane is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Brisbane. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Taupo is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brisbane or Taupo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Brisbane. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Taupo is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

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 Brisbane and Taupo, we can see that Brisbane is more expensive. And not only is Taupo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Taupo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Taupo 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 Brisbane would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brisbane than you might in Taupo.

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

Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Taupo?

Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane and Taupo, 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.