A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Byron Bay vs. Dunedin for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Byron Bay or Dunedin?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Byron Bay and Dunedin can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a mellow, vegan-friendly, and carefree town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, Byron Bay attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Byron Bay travel costs.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a cultural, vibrant, and small city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Dunedin travel costs.

Byron Bay and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Byron Bay or Dunedin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Byron Bay. Although Byron Bay and Dunedin are both popular with visitors, Byron Bay has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Byron Bay is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Dunedin is known for its museums and attractions. Byron Bay is more touristy than Dunedin and is known for its community spirit, undeveloped beaches, and world renowned festivals. It is also home to Cape Byron Lighthouse. Dunedin is popular for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula.

How is Byron Bay different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Byron Bay or Dunedin?

Dunedin is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Byron Bay is not a good town for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dunedin. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

While most people don't head to Byron Bay specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. It's a small town that's all about the laid back beach scene so you won't find many museums or iconic buildings in town. Do check out the Cape Byron Lighthouse if you get the chance.

Is the Food Better in Byron Bay or Dunedin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Byron Bay is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Byron Bay is an experience not to be missed. The restaurant scene is just starting to gain momentum. There are a growing number of trendy bistros and international flavors around town. You'll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as smoothies and brunch cafes.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dunedin. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Byron Bay or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Both Byron Bay and Dunedin are excellent when it comes to partying.

Byron Bay offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is all about relaxed luxury. There are high end cocktail bars, piano bars, live music venues, and DJ led parties. You can head to a bistro on the beach or dance the night away at one of the nightclubs.

Dunedin has a large number of nightlife venues. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

Is Byron Bay or Dunedin Better for Resorts?

Byron Bay is well known for its resorts. However, Dunedin is not a resort destination.

Byron Bay is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly villas, and contemporary apartments that offer great accommodation in a good environment.

Dunedin is not a resort destination.

Is Byron Bay or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Byron Bay is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Byron Bay. The pristine beaches are at the heart of the appeal in this town. Main Beach is, as the name implies, right in the heart of town. Many beaches are lined with forest and there are waves that are great for surfing. At its heart, this town will always be a surfer's town.

Many people head to Dunedin to enjoy the beach. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Is Byron Bay or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Both Byron Bay and Dunedin are destinations which offer good hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Byron Bay. There are many walking trails that make nature accessible. Whether you want to walk along the coastline or into the hills, there are many places to enjoy a peaceful stroll.

Dunedin offers some nice hiking trails. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Byron Bay or Dunedin?

Both Byron Bay and Dunedin are excellent shopping destinations.

Byron Bay is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In the past, this was never a shopping town, but in recent years it has attracted fashion icons and free spirits. There are many boutique shops on the main streets in town and there are still quirky stores that offer the unexpected.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Dunedin. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

Is Byron Bay or Dunedin More Beautiful?

Byron Bay is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Dunedin is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Byron Bay attracts visitors from all around. It's pristine beaches and laid back style make it a beautiful and relaxing place to visit.

Dunedin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Byron Bay or Dunedin Better for Families?

Dunedin is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Dunedin is a very kid-friendly city. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

Byron Bay is a family-friendly town. It's laid back vibe and beautiful beaches offer a great place for families to vacation. There are plenty of family-friendly accommodation options and, while there aren't the theme parks and kid-centered activities of some places, there is still plenty to enjoy in the area.

Is Byron Bay or Dunedin Better for Couples?

Byron Bay is well known for couples. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Byron Bay frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's known for its instagram-worthy settings and its popularity with influencers. Couples will appreciate the laid back vibe and chill beach scene. There are great restaurants and plenty of nice hotels and resorts to choose from.

Dunedin is a nice destination for couples. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

Is Byron Bay or Dunedin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Byron Bay and Dunedin are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Byron Bay is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's lost some of its original hippie surf town vibe, but there is still a great backpacker scene. Now it's more popular with the influencer crowd, but the party scene and beautiful beaches attract backpackers as well.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Dunedin. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

Is Byron Bay or Dunedin Better for Students?

Dunedin is a well-known place for students. However, Byron Bay is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Dunedin. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

Byron Bay is not popular with students.

Is Byron Bay or Dunedin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dunedin is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Byron Bay is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Dunedin has a few public transit options. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Byron Bay. There is a bus service that is provided by Blanch's Bus Company.

Is Byron Bay or Dunedin a more walkable city?

Dunedin is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Dunedin is a very walkable city. Parts of the town are easy to explore on foot.

Byron Bay is a somewhat walkable town. The town itself is compact and it's possible to explore on foot, but if you want to go further you'll need to have access to a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Byron Bay Worth Visiting? and Is Dunedin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Byron Bay?

How long in Byron Bay or Dunedin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Byron Bay and Dunedin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Byron Bay than in Dunedin. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Byron Bay, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dunedin.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dunedin than Byron Bay 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 Dunedin.

One day in Byron Bay or Dunedin?

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Dunedin. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dunedin has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Byron Bay or Dunedin?

In Byron Bay, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the hilly destination of Dunedin. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Byron Bay or Dunedin?

Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the hilly city of Dunedin. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Byron Bay or Dunedin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Byron Bay. In Byron Bay, you'll find shopping and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Dunedin is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Byron Bay or Dunedin?

Dunedin has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Byron Bay and Dunedin, 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.